OTTAWA — Defence Minister Jason Kenney visited with the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Pacific Fleet in Esquimalt, B.C., today in his first official visit with the RCN since his appointment.
During the visit, Minister Kenney met with senior RCN leaders, including Commodore Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, and was provided with a tour of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Chicoutimi, one of the RCN’s Victoria-class submarines which are now at steady state – a milestone for the RCN. This was followed by a tour of HMCS Calgary, a recently modernized frigate as part of the Halifax-class modernization/frigate life extension (HCM/FELEX) program. The visit concluded with a tour of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).
“It was truly remarkable to see first-hand the hard work and progress made by the RCN in this period of modernization and fleet renewal. The Government of Canada remains committed to providing maritime security both at home and abroad and I am very pleased to see the fruition of the Halifax-class modernization project, which will ensure our frigates remain effective. While having the best equipment available is important, even more important are the men and women of the RCN who, through their dedication and professionalism, exemplify the best qualities of our Canadian Armed Forces.”
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence
Lauren Armstrong
Office of the Minister of the Department of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
