Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced the acceptance of the CCGS S. Dudka, a new Canadian Coast Guard specialty vessel which will be used primarily to support the conservation and protection of fisheries resources.
“Our Government is proud to accept the CCGS S. Dudka into the Coast Guard fleet” said Minister Ashfield. “This specialty vessel, named after a decorated war veteran and fishery officer, will be used to protect fisheries and their habitat to ensure the economic prosperity and the long-term sustainability of our fisheries.”
"Naming Coast Guard vessels after Canadian heroes like Stanley Dudka serves to remind us of the service and sacrifices of men and women who helped shape our great nation," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "I know Stanley Dudka would be proud of this honour and that Atlantic Canadian shipbuilding excellence continues through this Nova Scotian constructed vessel."
The CCGS S. Dudka will take on its duties for inshore fishery enforcement from Alberton, PEI, where it will be home-ported. A formal naming and dedication ceremony will follow once the vessel arrives in Prince Edward Island later this year.
The vessel was constructed at the ABCO Industries Limited boatyard in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. ABCO was awarded the $2.9 million contract to build the 14-metre vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard.
The vessel is named after the late Stanley Dudka of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, a decorated hero of the Second World War and a distinguished fishery officer with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Fisheries officers enforce the Fisheries Act by conducting patrols on land, sea, and in the air.
During the Second World War, Mr. Dudka was captured by the enemy and after two unsuccessful attempts, was able to escape and rejoin his unit where he continued to take part in the Army’s campaign. Mr. Dudka was awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service for his actions under fire.
Mr. Dudka joined the Department as a fishery officer in 1958 and retired in 1988. He was honoured twice by the Department for his service: in 1967 he received the Centennial Medal for Meritorious Service and in 1974 the Public Service Merit Award. Mr. Dudka passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.
“Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security," concluded Minister Ashfield.
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