Last Saturday (26 June), the Canadian Navy opened the Harry DeWolf into service. She is the first newbuilding to join the Canadian fleet in almost 25 years. Together with her sisters, the first of six planned Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) will once again focus the country's attention on operations in the Arctic. For the Royal Canadian Navy, these are also the first ships since the decommissioning of the HMCS Labrador in 1958, which can be used as icebreakers. The Harry DeWolfnamed after a Canadian vice-admiral, was laid down at Halifax Shipyards in 2016. Three of the five planned sister ships are now under construction.
With a length of 103 metres, the new units displace around 6600 tonnes. The crew consists of 65 people. The ships are only armed with a 25-millimetre Mk 38 cannon on the forecastle. However, they are also equipped with 8.5 metre class speedboats. A medium-sized helicopter can also be taken on board and a small hangar is also available. One of the special features of the new AOPS is a vehicle deck. The means of transport accommodated here, such as snowmobiles, are available for movement on the ice surface.
The new ships are to be deployed in Canadian waters. There they will be available for a range of different tasks, including situational awareness, but also for joint operations with units from the army, air force and coast guard.
Greetings on the occasion of commissioning
Text: mb; Photos: Canadian Navy, Canadian Navy/Mona Ghiz
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