Two Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships will visit communities along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes this summer as part of the annual Great Lakes Deployment.
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Moncton and Oriole are this year’s RCN ambassadors for the annual deployment which connects Canadians to their Navy.
HMCS Oriole will visit the following cities:
- Toronto, ON (June 17-25)
- Hamilton, ON (June 29-July 4)
- Port Dalhousie, ON (July 6-9)
- Oakville, ON (July 13-16)
- Port Stanley, ON (July 20-23)
- Windsor, ON (July 27-30)
- Port Colborne, ON (August 3-6)
- Oshawa, ON (August 10-13)
- Kingston, ON (August 17-27)
- Trois-Rivières, QC (August 31-September 3)
- Québec City, QC (September 7-10)
- Sept- Îles, QC (September 14-17)
- Gaspé, QC (September 21-22)
HMCS Moncton will also visit the following cities:
- Oshawa, ON (July 16-17)
- Toronto, ON (July 18-22)
- Hamilton, ON (July 23-25)
- Prescott, ON (July 27-28)
- Montréal, QC (July 29-August 1)
- Trois-Rivières, QC (August 2-3)
- Québec City, QC (August 3-5)
- Rimouski, QC (August 6-7)
Quotes
“Great Lakes Deployment 2018 is an excellent opportunity for thousands of Canadians throughout eastern Canada, Quebec, and Ontario to visit their Navy. I think that Canadians will be impressed with our ships but more importantly, pleased and proud of our incredible sailors who serve Canada at sea. Welcome aboard, and don’t be shy to ask our sailors about how they are making a difference globally, in support of Canada and our interests.”
- Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
“Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Oriole and Moncton will be great ambassadors on behalf of the Royal Canadian Navy this summer as they visit Canadian port cities throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Their visit also provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Cadet Organizations and the rich history of service they have provided and continue to provide in our communities.”
- Rear Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic
Quick Facts
- Through activities such as guided ship tours and demonstrations, the Great Lakes deployment aims to inform Canadians about their Navy and its various roles, which include: protecting Canada by exercising sovereignty in our nation’s waters; preventing conflict by deploying around the world to strengthen partnerships; and safeguarding international maritime peace and security.
- Crewed by both Regular and Reserve Force sailors, HMCS Moncton is a Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessel – a multi-role, minor war vessel with a primary mission of coastal surveillance and patrol. Activities include general naval operations, and support for search and rescue, law enforcement, resource protection and fisheries patrols.
- HMCS Oriole is a sailing ketch used for sail training and public outreach events. It is the RCN’s longest-serving commissioned vessel. Oriole was launched in 1921, commissioned in 1952, and was transferred from the RCN’s West Coast Fleet to its Atlantic fleet the Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic Fleet in 2018.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
