June 30, 2018 Hamilton, ON
Members of the public are invited onboard the Oriole as she travels across the country so they can experience a piece of Canadian history, says Leading Seaman Amyotte during a stop over in Hamilton.
HMCS Oriole is the oldest ship in the fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Launched in 1921, the ship has been instrumental in training men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Amyotte explained that a lot of training is done on the Oriole. Cadets use the ship for training. “They are trained in navigation, trained in sailing, they jump overboard, and swim in the Great Lakes,” he noted.
“It is very important to see the oldest ship in the fleet. And see how the ship has helped many men and women get trained and serve their country.”
HMCS Oriole travels across the country to give the public an opportunity to learn about the humble beginning of the Royal Canadian Navy. The ship was commissioned in 1952.
Oriole completed 33,000 km roundtrip voyage in 2017 to participate in Canada 150 celebrations on Canada’s East Coast.
The public can also see how it is like to live on a small ship. It only holds 21 people.
The public will be able to see how ships like Oriole used old technology in sailing.
Leading Seaman Amyotte has a passion for serving in the Navy. He plans to make the Navy a long-term career.
Kevin Gibson, Petty Officer 2nd Class, is in charge of the sails and upper deck maintenance of the ship.
“I have been here for two years, and it is one of the best built in the entire Navy,” said Kevin Gibson.
He is delighted to have an opportunity to sail on a tall ship as the Oriole both in and outside Canada.
Halifax, NS is the homeport of Oriole.
According to the Royal Canadian Navy, two ships will visit communities along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes this summer as part of the annual Great Lakes Deployment.
Canadian ships (HMCS) Moncton and Oriole are this year’s ambassadors for the annual event, which connects Canadians to their Navy.
Correction – Halifax, NS is the Home Port Of Oriole.
