HMCS Oriole (KC 480)

The HMCS "Oriole" (KC 480) is the Sail Training Vessel of the Canadian Navy based at CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, British Columbia. She is a 31 metre sailing ketch, currently the oldest commissioned vessel in the Canadian Navy, and also the longest serving commissioned ship.

History

The "Oriole" was originally laid down as the "Oriole IV", the successor in a line of vessels named Oriole that were in service as the flagships for the Royal Canadian Yacht Club of Toronto, Ontario. During World War II, she was chartered by the Royal Canadian Navy as a training vessel. In 1949 she was again chartered by the Navy as a new recruit training vessel, and subsequently moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1951. She was officially commissioned "HMCS Oriole" June 19, 1952 and two years later the navy moved her to CFB Esquimalt to become a training vessel to the Naval Officer Training Centre.

Current Status

The "Oriole" provides sail training to junior officers and noncommissioned officers as part of their introduction to life at sea. She also provides a venue for teamwork exercises and adventure training available to all of the Canadian Forces. She participates in many events, races and public relation day sails in support of local charities.

ee also

* List of ships of the Canadian Navy

References

* [http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/oriole/home/index_e.asp Canadian Navy HMCS Oriole Homepage]
* [http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/archive/20060619/index.shtml Lookout Newspaper]