RCN fosters strong connections at 2024 Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week

SLt Judy Chan, 
BWK Under training, Portland, OR 

— 

The participation of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week, June 3 to 18, highlighted the building of valuable connections with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Astoria, the city of Portland, local businesses, and the Canadian Consulate. This annual celebration in Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its stunning display of naval vessels, parades, and community events, attracting visitors from across the globe.

 

Two of the RCN’s Maritime Coastal Defense Patrol Vessels (MCDV), HMCS Yellowknife and HMCS Edmonton, sailed along the Columbia River to attend the festival. This event provided a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with Canada’s naval personnel and learn about our operations. The ships were docked at a prominent location alongside Waterfront Park Trail, where festival attendees were invited on board to explore the various sections of the vessels. Guided tours were conducted by the junior officers who shared insights into the daily operations and functionalities of the ships. One of the festival attendees said, “It was incredible to see the inner workings of the ships. My children were thrilled to learn about the array of instruments and controls on board a Canadian Ship”. 

 

Local businesses like Arcteryx Portland and the Nike Factory Store, embraced the Canadian sailors, offering special promotions and organizing events to celebrate the international friendship. Restaurants, shops, and hotels in the downtown area reported a surge in patronage, attributing much of the economic boost to the festival’s naval component. Officers and crew from the RCN worked side by side with their American counterparts, sharing best practices and fostering camaraderie. 

 

Lieutenant(N) Tom Eagle, Executive Officer (XO) of Yellowknife remarked, “This is my second year coming to Portland as a Kingston-Class XO, and the welcome we get from Portlandians is incredible. The RCN has a long history of supporting the Rose Festival, which marks the first of several fleet week engagements in yearly cycle, bringing leaders from the RCN, the USCG, and Navy together. Next on the schedule is Seattle’s Sea Fair in August”. The reception hosted onboard Edmonton at such a prestigious event emphasized the importance of fostering goodwill, enhancing cultural exchange, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Canada.

 

The Portland Rose Festival, established in 1907, is one of the city’s most cherished traditions, celebrating the rich culture, history, and community spirit of Portland. This festival features a wide array of activities including parades, dragon boat races, carnival rides, and the iconic Grand Floral Parade. Fleet Week, an integral part of the festival, showcases naval and coast guard ships from around. Being regular visitors to Fleet Week, the participation of Yellowknife and Edmonton underscores the festival’s international appeal, symbolizing Portland’s deep maritime heritage, fostering a tradition of cross-border camaraderie and naval cooperation. 

 

As the Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week concluded, the impact of the RCN’s involvement forged stronger bonds with the U.S. Navy, USCG, local businesses, and the city of Portland, promising future collaborations and mutual support. The RCN looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence and partnership. Until next year, fair winds and following seas to all who navigate the waters of friendship and cooperation.