Fisheries Patrol

In the first deployment of 2007 HMCS HALIFAX sailed on a Fisheries Patrol.  Leaving Halifax on January 22^nd and returning on February 14^th the majority of the trip was spent on the Grand Banks and the Flemish Cap.

Winter in the North Atlantic is never pleasant and it wasn’t any different this year.  Rough seas and cold weather were standard fare for the duration of the trip.  Including the biggest storm the ship has experienced in the last two years.  On January 30^th waves averaged a height of 8 meters and some were over 10 meters.  For those that weren’t seasick this provided for some amazing views from the bridge as the ship plowed into the heavy seas.

The deployment included a weekend visit to Canada’s oldest city, St. John’s, Newfoundland.  The ship’s company took part in several events commemorating Canadian convoys that crossed the Atlantic during the Second World War.  There was also some much needed rest and relaxation.  Local band Middle Tickle performed in the ship’s hangar during a party and the ship’s company had a good opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this old town before heading back home.

On the way back to Halifax the rough weather did not let up.  In fact because the water of the shore of Nova Scotia is colder than it is in the Grand Banks the ship was faced with a problem.  That problem was icing.  Cold water combined with cold temperatures caused sea spray to freeze on the ships upper decks.  Because of continued rough seas the spray was significant and a large amount of ice accumulated on the ship.

HMCS FREDERICTON replaced HALIFAX on patrol in the Grand Banks.  In fact the two ships met up before continuing on their respective ways.  FREDERICTON required a part that HALIFAX had and a light line transfer was performed.  This evolution provided for more amazing views as the ships company got to see how a ship like theirs looked in the rough weather.  It was breath taking.

Pictures from the trip can be found at the following link:

http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/halifax/gallery/ship_gallery_e.asp?category=345