Vanguard Magazine

Her Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Winnipeg and Ottawa returned recently to Canada after a five-month deployment in the Asia-Pacific on POSEIDON CUTLASS 17. POSEIDON CUTLASS 17 provided an opportunity HMCS Winnipeg and Ottawa return from Asia-Pacific for over 430 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to engage in numerous exercises with regional partner navies, like the Royal Austra- lian Navy, the Chilean Navy, the French Navy, the Indian Navy, and the United States Navy, to name 10 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 www.vanguardcanada.com s sIt REP Canadian Navy HMCS Winnipeg FFH338 a few. These exercises were done at sea but the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) also took part in key events and engagements in 14 different ports across 10 countries during its deployment. This type of deployment helps to provide op- tions for the Government of Canada, in the event, a Canadian response is needed in the region; as was the case last year, when the HMCS Vancou- ver provided relief after the earthquake in New Zealand. Participation in exercises of this nature deliv- ers valuable training and improved interoperabil- ity while advancing the readiness of personnel. "Through their impressive and professional efforts, they have reinforced Canada's commit- ment to our regional friends and partners as we strengthen our mutual understanding and interoperability to ensure our collective success in the future," said Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Com- mander of the RCN. The deployment showcases Canada's com- mitment to the Asia-Pacific region as outlined in Canada's new defence policy, Strong Secure Engaged. $12.6 million contract awarded to dispose of the HMCS Preserver and CFAV Quest The disposal of these vessels comes as no sur- prise and was expected for some time. They will both be replaced by ships being built through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). But until those ships become available, the modernized Halifax-class frigates, the Kingston-class Mari- time Coastal Defence Vessels and Victoria-class submarines will provide the means for the RCN to Acting Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Jim Carr, announced today the award of a contract to Marine Recycling Corporation for $12.6 million to dispose of two Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) ships. HMCS Preserver and CFAV Quest, which were both put out of service last year are expected to be completely dismantled by the summer of 2019 at the contractor's facility in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The contract includes towing of ships to Nova Scotia, the demilitarization of equipment, the remediation of hazardous waste and recycling of any remain- ing materials, according to a news release. As an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessel, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Preserver completed its service to the RCN after 46 years of duty in 2016. The Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel (CFAV) Quest, an Oceanographic/Acoustic Research Ship, which was built in Vancouver in 1969 for the RCN was decommissioned last year. "The Government of Canada is committed to disposing of these historic ships in an environ- mentally responsible manner," said the Honour- able Jim Carr, Acting Minister of Public Services and Procurement. "These contracts will utilize the skills and knowledge of a Canadian company, while creating good jobs in communities in Nova Scotia and Ontario." continue to deliver on its core mission. "After decades of service to Canada, the former HMCS Preserver and CFAV Quest have reached the end of their operational lives," the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence said in a statement. "I would like to thank all members and veterans who have served aboard these two remarkable ships." CARIBBEAN SEA (Sept 11, 2013) HMCS Preserver during a replenishment at sea evolution as part of the annual UNITAS maritime exercise while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker/released)

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