*This news release is posted on behalf of Maritime Forces Atlantic, Department of National Defence*
July 22, 2016 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador – National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Goose Bay arrived in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today to conduct a namesake city visit from July 22-25.
As part of this visit, the ship’s company will work with the local SPCA, participate in a softball game, and host a reception onboard the ship.
Quotes
“There is nothing more rewarding for a ship’s company than the interactions that arise during a ship’s namesake city visit. The people never fail to communicate their marvel at the technology of our ships and the competencies of the sailors who represent their community. The effect is even more dramatic in small communities like Happy Valley – Goose Bay, where warship visits are infrequent. For our part, we are charged with positivity knowing that we are ambassadors for that community and the cultures of the region, values that we telegraph in operations and visits wherever we voyage.”
Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic
“Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Goose Bay is very pleased to be able to conduct a namesake city visit to Happy Valley – Goose Bay, our first visit since 2012. Goose Bay has been very busy conducting assigned missions on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy since our last visit. The officers and crew very much look forward to connecting with the people of the town in which they feel a deep sense of belonging and commitment.”
Lieutenant-Commander Robert Tucker, Commanding Officer HMCS Goose Bay
Quick Facts
• HMCS Goose Bay last visited Happy Valley-Goose Bay in 2012.
• HMCS Goose Bay is a Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel (MCDV), a multi-role minor war vessel with a primary mission of coastal surveillance and patrol including general naval operations and exercises, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource protection and fisheries patrols
• HMCS Goose Bay’s recent operations include participating in Operation NANOOK, an annual joint exercise in the Canadian Artic and Operation CARIBBE in 2012 and 2015, working together with US and allied partners to fight against illegal trafficking and organized crime in the Caribbean. The ship has also participated in Exercises JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15, NATO’s largest exercise since 2002, off the coasts of Portugal and Spain and a Great Lakes goodwill tour making several port visits.
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Contacts
Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs
Department of National Defence
Phone: 902-427-3766
Email: +marlantpublicaffairs@forces.gc.ca.
After Hours: 902-452-5280 or hfx.dutypao@forces.gc.ca
For more information on the Royal Canadian Navy please visit www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca or follow us @RCN_MRC @RCN_MARLANT