HMCS SHAWINIGAN (2nd) (704)
HMCS SHAWINIGAN (2nd)
The History of HMCS SHAWINIGAN (2nd)
HMCS Shawinigan (MM 704) is the second Canadian naval vessel to bear the name, following the World War II-era Flower-class corvette. This Kingston-class coastal defence vessel was laid down on April 26, 1996, by Halifax Shipyards Ltd. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and launched on November 15, 1996. She was officially commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy on June 14, 1997, at Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Designed for multiple roles including minesweeping, coastal patrol, and reserve training, the ship is equipped to carry modular payloads tailored to specific missions.
Assigned to Maritime Forces Atlantic and homeported at CFB Halifax, Shawinigan has been crewed primarily by naval reservists. In the 2000s, she undertook diverse operations: in 2003, she conducted fisheries patrols off Newfoundland; in 2004, she supported diving exercises with HMCS Windsor and participated in Acadia's 400th anniversary celebrations; in 2005, she became the first Kingston-class vessel to operate in the Canadian North; and in 2006, she escorted sailing vessels during the "Route Halifax Saint-Pierre" race. Throughout the 2000s and into later years, Shawinigan continued to serve in exercises like Operation Nanook, counter-narcotics missions under Operation Caribbe, and international deployments, showcasing her versatility and the Navy's commitment to maritime security.
HMCS SHAWINIGAN (2nd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 704
- Type: Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel
- Class: Kingston
- Displacement: 970 tonnes
- Length: 55.31 m / 181.5 ft
- Width: 11.3 m / 37 ft
- Draught: 3.4 m / 11 ft
- Speed: 15 kts
- Compliment: 31-36 Officers and Crew
- Arms: 1 - 40mm Bofors, 2 - 12.7 mm M.G.
- Builder: Halifax Shipyards Ltd., Halifax, NS
- Keel Laid: 26-Apr-96
- Date Launched: 15-Nov-96
- Date Commissioned: 14-Jun-97
- Paid off: