The Provincial Marine of Amherstburg Re-enactment Unit welcomed the His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf with a cannon blast Tuesday morning at Dieppe Park.
“I’ve been in this group now for the past four years, and doing historical re-enacting has been a lot of fun but to actually get to come and see such a glorious thing like this is quite an honor,” stated Terry MacEachern, a member of the unit.
Named after a naval hero, the HMCS Harry DeWolf is an arctic offshore patrol vessel, now docked alongside Riverside Drive at Ouellette Avenue for the subsequent few days.
“What that means is that we are effectively a Swiss Army knife for the government of Canada,” stated Commander John Nicholson, referring to the which means of “arctic offshore patrol vessel.”
The ship doesn’t enter fight however has many features. The Harry DeWolf was a part of a search and rescue that saved the lives of eight folks within the northwest passage close to the arctic this summer time.
Following its go to to Windsor, the vessel will likely be heading down south.
“We’re heading back to get ready for our next mission in the Caribbean, looking for illicit drugs.” Nicholson stated.
Three folks with connections to Windsor will likely be a part of that mission.
Belle River’s James Van Vessem stated a coast guard vessel that docked up in the identical spot because the Harry DeWolf impressed his life path years in the past.
“I was really intrigued by the technical equipment that was spinning on the mast, which was the radar system that got me interested in remote sensing and geographical information systems at the university,” stated Van Vessem, who’s pleased to be residence and share the boat with guests.
“The Navy has new platforms too, that welcome the next generation. I feel very honored to be a part of that, to be specialized in this, to then be able to introduce them about the way of life that is provided here.”
Lisa Jansen travelled from Sudbury to take political science on the College of Windsor within the late 1990’s and went straight to the recruiting centre to turn out to be a reservist.
She has relished the chance to see the world.
“I’ve been all over the Mediterranean, I’ve been to Europe, I’ve been to Central and South America and, of course, I’ve been through the Great Lakes into the Arctic and so I think it’s an incredible experience,” she stated.
A prepare dinner onboard the Harry DeWolf, Blake Blanchard stated life on a ship could be a grind, however the missions and adventures are rewarding, particularly this one, which brings the 23-year-old residence.
“Here I am looking at the Detroit skyline outside of my ship like I used to all the time, just down the riverfront,” stated Blanchard.
“Super exciting. I got to see my whole family coming in, so it’s awesome to just be home again.”
A marine expo has been held in seven different Canadian cities throughout this tour, permitting potential recruits a firsthand glimpse into life on the water.
“We’re interested in trying to find more recruits to do this noble service that we do in the Royal Navy,” stated Nicholson, who identified the supply of the Naval Expertise Program.
“You get to see what the Navy’s like and if it’s something you’re interested in, you sign the dotted line, you move on from there with a full knowledge of what you’re getting into. It’s been such a successful program for us that we have an uptake of around 87 per cent of people who enter the program.”
Excursions of the HMCS Harry DeWolf can be found Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., freed from cost.
Guests will be capable of find out how the ship operates, see the flight deck and bridge, and get a glimpse into the residing lodging.
“Canada has a Navy and we’re proud of it,” Nicholson stated.
“We think there is a pride that’s there but it’s not every day a ship like this comes all the way to Windsor. This is a great opportunity for us to have that dialogue that is so important.”
