HMCS ALGONQUIN

News & Events

Russian Escort

ESQUIMALT, BC- Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Algonquin returned to Esquimalt late on Remembrance Day after spending a week with the Russian Federation Navy ships Varyag and Irkut.  Algonquin departed on Sunday the 6th of November and met the Slava class Cruiser Varyag and her tanker Irkut at the entrance to the Straits of Juan de Fuca and escorted them to Vancouver for a busy alongside programme.

 

The visit was unique as it marked the first time the Russian Navy had been to Canada’s west coast in more than 35 years. While in Vancouver, the Varyag was open to the public for guided tours.   Many of our sailors visited the ship and exchanged small gifts such as badges and pins.

 

 

Many events were held throughout the week between the HMCS Algonquin and the Varyag and Irkut. A sports day took place at HMCS Discovery which included games of volleyball, soccer and of course ball hockey. While the Russian teams won against HMCS Algonquin at both volleyball and soccer, the ball hockey team triumphed with a victory over the Russians.

 

“It was a really great experience getting to play with them,” said OS Alex Point, a huge Ovechkin fan, “both teams had a lot of fun; it was a great atmosphere to play in.”

 

 

 

 

Cmdre David Craig, Commander of the Naval Reserve hosted a cocktail party onboard Algonquin on 9 November, welcoming several Russian sailors as well as many notable members of the Vancouver community.  Varyag held a similar event the following night, welcoming many dignitaries and members of the Canadian Forces aboard, displaying fantastic hospitality.

 

 

The week was special for the crew of the HMCS Algonquin as it allowed members of the crew to participate in various Remembrance Day events throughout Vancouver. Members of the ship’s company spoke at 25 schools throughout the Vancouver area.

 

Over 60 sailors from the HMCS Algonquin and the Russian Federation Navy cruiser Varyag marched in the Remembrance Day parade at Pioneer Square in Vancouver. 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall the visit was a great success for both navies and was an excellent opportunity for building new relationships between both countries

 

For more information contact:

 

SLt Zhindra Gillis, Unit Public Affairs Representative, HMCS Algonquin

Telephone: 250-363-2515

Email: zhindra.gillis@forces.gc.ca

 

Date modified:
2/18/2012