HMCS Carleton

HMCS Carleton is a unit of the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve based in Ottawa, Ontario with approximately 230 sailors who are part time, full time and work with the Chief of Maritime Staff.

History

In 1923, the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) was established. This Reserve Force was organized into companies and half companies located in fourteen cities across Canada. In 1935, the name of the Ottawa Half-Company was changed to the "Ottawa Division of the RCNVR".

Just prior to Canada's declaration of War on Germany, the government called the Reserve into active service. For the duration of hostilities, the Ottawa Division concentrated on the recruitment and basic training of seamen. By the end of the war some 4,620 officers and men had enlisted through the Ottawa Reserve Division. In November 1941, the Ottawa Division was commissioned as HMCS Carleton.

On 17 December 1943 HMCS Carleton moved to its current facilities at Canadian Forces Reserve Barrack Dow's Lake, when the new "stone frigate" was inaugurated in the presence of Major General The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Athlone, Governor General of Canada. In 1944, a new type of naval presence was added to Carleton when the barracks blocks were occupied by the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRENS). New training facilities were then added to Carleton in the late 1940s and early 50's.

Since its establishment, members of Carleton have played an active role in the National Capital Region. In recognition of its contribution to the community, Carleton was presented with the Key to the City of Ottawa in 1976. Carleton has evolved from its modest beginnings as the Ottawa Half-Company to a well run unit of enthusiastic and dedicated reservists. Carleton owes much to the spirit of resolve which first inspired the efforts of her pioneer reservists and today her Ship's Company continues to serve this country as both citizens and sailors.

Operations

HMCS Carleton operates continuously to provide employment and training for its sailors. The facility includes 3 principle buildings which house the unit's administration, logistical, training, and operational functions along with 2 smaller buildings and a large vehicle compound which provide areas for boat storage and operation as well as additional logistic areas.

On March 19, 2008 several main supports for the roof of the drill hall failed resulting in its closure, accelerating plans to replace the 65 year-old facilities at CFRB Dow's Lake. The drill hall is scheduled to be demolished, and temporary storage, office and parade facilities erected on the site. HMCS Carleton, and its lodger units, will continue to operate normally during the demolition and reconstruction period, which is scheduled to take 3 or 4 years. [ [http://www.ctvottawa.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080319/OTT_Drill_Hall_080319?hub=OttawaHome CTV Ottawa | CTV News, Shows and Sports - Canadian Television ] ] [ [http://www.ctvottawa.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080501/OTT_Drill_Hall_080501/20080501/?hub=OttawaHome CTV Ottawa | CTV News, Shows and Sports - Canadian Television ] ] Until these events forced the closure of the drill hall, HMCS Carleton had the largest indoor parade facilities in the city of Ottawa. After the reconstruction HMCS Carleton will operate out of a modern, purpose built facility which will be ideally suited to its future operations.

Although most of the sailors who are part of Carleton work on a part time basis through the training year (September to May), there is a staff of ten full time members (five Class B Reservists & five Regular Force) who ensure the efficient operation and administration of the unit.

HMCS Carleton has administration nights every Tuesday, and training nights on Thursdays from mid-September through to early May. HMCS Carleton also has weekend training through out the year in order to augment training.

The official hours are:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0800hrs – 1500hrs

Tuesday and Thursday 1900hrs – 2200hrs

Commanding officer

The commanding officer is Commander D. Bancroft.

Lodger Units

* 30th Field Regiment (RCA)
* Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Falkland
* 2317 30th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps
* Navy League Cadet Corps Vice Admiral Kingsmill

ee also

*Stone frigate

References

External links

* [http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/navres/units/navres_units-ships_e.asp?category=95 HMCS Carleton]

Contact information

Physical location

HMCS Carleton
79 Prince of Wales Drive
Ottawa, ON

Mailing address

HMCS Carleton
CFRB Dow's Lake
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]