HMCS VANCOUVER (3rd) (331)
HMCS VANCOUVER (3rd)
The History of HMCS VANCOUVER (3rd)
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) is a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), launched on July 8, 1989, and commissioned on August 23, 1993, in its namesake city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Built as part of the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, this multi-role warship was designed to replace aging destroyer escorts, equipped for anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare. Based at CFB Esquimalt on Canada's west coast, it has served as a key asset for Maritime Forces Pacific, contributing to both regional and global operations with a complement of approximately 225 personnel, a top speed of 29 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles. Its early years established its role in international exercises and goodwill visits, setting the stage for a distinguished operational history.
In 1994, HMCS Vancouver participated in Exercise RIMPAC off Hawaii, a major multinational naval exercise, followed by port visits to Japan and South Korea, strengthening Canada's Pacific alliances. The frigate conducted further training cruises in 1995, 1997, and 1998, visiting Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia, showcasing the RCN's global reach. In 2001, it deployed to the Arabian Gulf as part of Operation Apollo, Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism in Afghanistan, serving with the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Battle Group. It returned to Esquimalt in May 2002 after a significant contribution to maritime security in the region. In 2011, the frigate supported Operation Unified Protector off Libya, enforcing a NATO-led arms embargo, before transitioning to Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean, returning home in 2012.
From 2013 to 2014, HMCS Vancouver underwent a mid-life refit under the Halifax Class Modernization program, receiving advanced systems including the CMS330 combat management system, Thales SMART-S Mk 2 radar, and upgraded weaponry like the Harpoon Block II missile. In 2016, it made history as the first RCN frigate to test surface-to-surface missiles against shore targets during Exercise JoLTEX, demonstrating enhanced combat capabilities. In 2022, it participated in RIMPAC and conducted freedom-of-navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait alongside USS Higgins, while also enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea under Operations Neon and Horizon. In 2024, the frigate joined RIMPAC again and achieved a milestone with the first RCN forward rearmament of Vertical Launch System missiles in Broome, Australia, during its Indo-Pacific deployment. Returning to Esquimalt in December 2024, HMCS Vancouver continues to play a vital role in Canada's naval presence, supporting international security and interoperability with allied forces, with plans for service until its eventual replacement by the River-class destroyers in the 2030s.
HMCS VANCOUVER (3rd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 331
- Type: Canadian Patrol Frigate
- Class: Halifax
- Displacement: 5, 235 tonnes
- Length: 135.5 m / 444.5 ft
- Width: 16.4 m / 54 ft
- Draught: 6.15 m / 20 ft
- Speed: 29+ kts
- Compliment: 180 + 45 Transients Officers and Crew
- Arms: 8 Harpoon, 16 VL Sea Sparrow, 1 - 57 mm Bofors Mk. 2 DP, 1 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 4 - Mk. 32 12.75" TT, 6 - 12.7 mm M.G, 1 Helicopter.
- Builder: Saint John Shipbuilding, Saint John, NB
- Keel Laid: 19-May-88
- Date Launched: 08-Jul-89
- Date Commissioned: 23-Aug-93
- Paid off: