May 24, 2015 - Sidney, British Columbia
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially welcomed the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Captain Goddard M.S.M.into service at a ceremony in Sidney, British Columbia today. She was joined by members of the Goddard family.
CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. is named after Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard, M.S.M., who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) for her exemplary service in Afghanistan from January 2006 until her death in combat on May 17, 2006. Captain Goddard was born to Canadian and British parents in Papua New Guinea, and lived in various locations, including Black Lake and Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. is the last of nine hero class vessels to join the Coast Guard fleet. The vessel will be used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Conservation and Protection Officers to manage and protect fisheries, and to support search and rescue activities on the West Coast.
Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered new helicopters and several new vessels to the Coast Guard including mid-shore patrol vessels, a hovercraft, search and rescue lifeboats, specialty vessels, near-shore fishery research vessels, environmental barges, and small craft.
Photo caption: Sponsor Sally Goddard formally introduces CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. into service with the breaking of a champagne bottle over the bow of the ship.
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Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
NR-PR-15-15E
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