Canada: Coast Guard Takes Delivery of Fourth Hero Class Vessel

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, announced, May 3rd, the acceptance of the fourth of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Hero class vessels, the CCGS Constable Carrière. It was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipyards Inc. for the joint Coast Guard-Royal Canadian Mounted Police marine enforcement team program in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence areas.

A formal naming and dedication ceremony will follow when the vessel makes its way to its home region.

The CCGS Constable Carrière is a Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel that will enhance maritime security in areas along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Hero Class vessels are 43 metres in length with a displacement of 257 tonnes and a top speed of 25 knots.

The Hero class vessels are named for decorated soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. By naming these after Canadian heroes the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.

“Named after a true Canadian hero, our Government is proud to accept this vessel into the Canadian Coast Guard fleet,” said Minister Ashfield. “The sacrifice made by Constable J. L. François Carrière serves to remind us of the thousands of men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day in order to protect our great nation.”

Constable J. L. François Carrière was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. On November 30, 1997, Constable Carrière died while conducting an underwater search of a vessel that was believed to be smuggling illegal drugs. For his heroic action, he is listed on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Roll of Honour.

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Press Release, May 6, 2013