HMCS Nanaimo celebrates 25 years

HMCS Nanaimo celebrates 25 years. The Kingston-class vessel went into service in 1997.

Nanaimo News Staff 

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A navy ship bearing the name of the Harbour City is celebrating 25 years since it was commissioned.

HMCS Nanaimo, designed for coastal patrols, mine sweeping, law enforcement and pollution surveillance, and response, celebrated its silver jubilee May 10.

“This maritime coastal defence vessel (MCDV) has accomplished much in a quarter century of service,” noted the Royal Canadian Navy in a social media post.

The first vessel of its class based on the west coast was commissioned in 1997 and its first crew was comprised mainly of reservists. Over the past 25 years, the ship has supported the Royal Canadian Mounted Police  (RCMP), Canada Border Services Agency, and Canadian Coast Guard, and has been involved in search-and-rescue operations and environmental disaster response. The ship is also used for training and survey missions.

HMCS Nanaimo was one of 12 Kingston-class MCDVs constructed as part of a 1992 contract with Halifax Shipyards Ltd. in Nova Scotia. Nanaimo left leaving Halifax in November 1996 and arrived at Esquimalt a month later.

HMCS Nanaimo is dry-docked for maintenance at Point Hope Shipyards in Victoria Harbour until the spring.