HMCS ATHABASKAN (3rd) (282)
HMCS ATHABASKAN (3rd)
The History of HMCS ATHABASKAN (3rd)
HMCS Athabaskan (DDG 282) was an Iroquois-class destroyer that served the Canadian Navy since 1972.
Athabaskan was the third ship of her class which is sometimes referred to as the Tribal-class or simply as the 280-class. She is the third vessel to use the designation HMCS Athabaskan.
Athabaskan was laid down on 1 June 1969 at Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon and was launched on 27 November 1970. She was officially commissioned into the CF on 30 September 1972 and carried the hull classification symbol 282.
Over the course of the next 20 years, as part of the First Canadian Destroyer Squadron she deployed on a multitude of NATO and other allied exercises; she was the flagship for the Standing Naval Force Atlantic several times. As well, she participated in fisheries and sovereignty patrols. In 1990, she participated in Operation FRICTION as flagship for the Canadian Task Group in the Persian Gulf War.
Athabaskan completed a refit known as the Tribal Class Update and Modernization Project (TRUMP) on 4 June 1994. At this time her classification changed from Destroyer Helicopter (DDH) to Destroyer Guided Missile (DDG).
In 1995, she took part in Exercise UNITAS along with ships from South America, Spain and the United States. In 2006, she sailed for the Gulf of Mexico to deliver humanitarian aid supplies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She has served several times as flagship of the Canadian Fleet Commander and in 2007 embarked the staff commanding the Standing NATO Maritime Group One.
Athabaskan was paid off in 2017, after 45 years of service.
HMCS ATHABASKAN (3rd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 282
- Type: Destroyer
- Class: Iroquois/Tribal Update
- Displacement: 3,551 tonnes
- Length: 398 ft
- Width: 50 ft
- Draught: 14 ft
- Speed: 30 kts
- Compliment: 14 Officers and 230 Crew
- Arms: 2-3" (1 X II), 1 Limbo ASW Mortar, Sea Sparrow SAM, 2 Sea King Helos. Modified after TRUMP Update: 1 Martin Marietta Mk 41 Vertical Launch System containing 29 General Dynamics surface to air Standard SM-2MR missiles, 1 OTO Melara 76mm 3in/Super Rapid Gun, Phalanx and 6-324mm MK 32 2 triple torpedo tubes.
- Builder: Davie Shipbuilding, Lauzon Quebec
- Keel Laid: 01-Jun-69
- Date Launched: 27-Nov-70
- Date Commissioned: 30-Sep-72
- Paid off: 10-Mar-17
Remarks
After TRUMP Refit: Displacement 5100 Tonnes (Fully Loaded), Length: 127.8 m, Beam: 15.0 m, Draught: 4.7 m, Speed 29 kts, Complement - 280 men and officers.
More Images
HMCS ATHABASKAN post-TRUMP refit.
HMCS ATHABASKAN pre-TRUMP refit.