International Fleet Review Atlantic

Credit:  Jacek Szymanski, Navy Public Affairs Halifax, Nova Scotia Sea King Helicopter flying over Her Majesty's Canadian Ship St. John's during International Fleet Review rehearsal. International Fleet Review (IFR) Week will take place in Halifax from June 28th to July 2nd to commemorate the Canadian Navy's 100th year of service.

On Tuesday, 29 June 2010 the Canadian Navy along with ships from Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States took part in an International Fleet Review in Halifax, Nova Scotia to celebrate the Canadian Naval Centennial. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, embarked in HMCS ST. JOHN’S, reviewed the fleet that was anchored in the Bedford Basin and Halifax Harbour. Accompanying Her Majesty were His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Minster Stephen Harper and Mrs. Laureen Harper, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter and his wife Kelly Wilson, Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau (Vice Chief of Defence Staff) and his wife Libby, Vice-Admiral P. Dean McFadden (Commander Maritime Command) and his wife Eva, and Rear-Admiral Paul Maddison (Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic) and his wife Fay.  Also present were senior officials from Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Canadian Private Secretary, and Canadian Heritage officials who were all present in support of the Royal Tour of Canada 2010.

Halifax Harbour was alive with almost 30 Canadian and allied ships from eight nations, sailors, service men and women, and thousands of spectators. Grey skies and low lying fog covered most of Halifax Harbour, but the spectacle won out.  The Review commenced with HMCS ST. JOHN’S departing from the Bedford Institute of Oceanography and sailing through the lines of anchored ships.  On approaching the first ship in the review, HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN, Her Majesty received a 21 Gun Salute and the other ships lined the guard rails and “cheered ship” as a mark of respect to The Queen as she sailed by in ST. JOHN’S.  Continuing through the Narrows into Halifax Harbour, HMCS ST. JOHN’S sailed past the larger ships such as HMS ARK ROYAL, and USS WASP and ended with a 21 Gun Salute by HMCS ATHABASKAN. HMCS ST. JOHN’S then proceeded alongside near Sackville Landing on the Halifax Waterfront where The Queen and the Royal Party disembarked to unveil commemorative plaques for both HMCS SACKVILLE (Canadian Naval Memorial Trust) and the International Fleet Review. Apart of the plaque unveiling a Sovereign Sword was presented to The Queen as a gesture of thanks for here participation in the Review. This sword will remain in Canada and will be carried by the Color Guard Officer whenever The Queen’s Color is paraded. 

For more information, please visit the following web link: http://halifaxifr.ca/en/home/tabid/61/default.aspx