Vanguard Magazine

Nancy Lochhead, Vice President of Production, commented, "AOPS 4, the future HMCS William Hall will have been built to completion (start to finish) a full three months faster than AOPS 3, HMCS Max Bernays. Given that production of HMCS William Hall was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is truly a remarkable achievement, and one which speaks to the world class shipbuilding capability we are establishing here in Atlantic Canada." Since the inaugural deployment of the first vessel in the class, HMCS Harry DeWolf, in 2021, these ships have been engaged in numerous missions, spanning Canada's Arctic re- gions, the Southeastern Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and providing assistance during the Hurricane Fiona response in Newfoundland. While post-acceptance work, sea trials, and fi- nal ship preparations are being finalized, HMCS William Hall will remain stationed at His Majesty's Canadian Dockyard Halifax before its official commissioning into the RCN fleet. "We are producing shipbuilders locally through our appren- ticeship program, the largest in Atlantic Canada. These people will have the opportunity to work their entire careers here at the Halifax Shipyard thanks to the NSS. The fact we have seen such growth in our efficiency, even with so many new ship- builders, is really something to be proud of," added Mr. Lesko. In line with Canada's defense policy, known as "Strong, Secure, Engaged," the Government of Canada continues its commitment to deliver state-of-the-art, functional, and efficient vessels required by the RCN for its operations. Simultaneously, this endeavor contributes to the resurgence of Canada's marine industry by generating hundreds of new jobs, all as part of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy. Born in 1827 in Horton, Nova Scotia, William Hall, the offspring of former American slaves, made history by becoming the first Black individual, as well as the first Nova Scotian and one of the earliest Canadians, to be bestowed with the esteemed Victoria Cross, the British Empire's highest commendation for acts of val- or. His noteworthy achievement in the Royal Navy earned him this prestigious recognition. During an era dominated by wooden vessels, Hall's formative years were marked by aspirations shared by many young boys, dreams of navigating the globe aboard sailing ships. Before embarking on his naval career in 1852, Hall spent several years laboring in shipyards at Hantsport following a period of employment aboard merchant vessels. Some Key Characteristics of the future HMCS William Hall: • Length: 103.6 metres • Beam: 19.0 metres • Speed (open water): 17 knots • Complement: 65 crew + 20 embarked forces • Endurance: 120 days • Range: 6,800 nautical miles at 14 knots • Integrated diesel-electric power and propulsion • Bow thruster for maneuvering and berthing without tug as- sistance • Retractable active fin stabilizers for roll reduction • Ability to operate and hangar a CH-148 Cyclone or small utility helicopter Boots on the ground. This is Vanguard_7x4_625_Generic copy.pdf 1 2023-05-01 10:27 AM S SIT REP 12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 www.vanguardcanada.com

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