Monthly Archives: January 2013

Barge Aground on Scatarie Island

CBC News is reporting that the barge that the Bennington Group planned to use to scrap the MV Miner has broken free of the ship and is aground on Scatarie Island. Since Bennington  reportedly gave up and left months ago, one wonders why they left thier barge behind, when they knew winter storms were coming.

this barge is likely insured, so bennington groups insurance company will be resposnsible for its salvage.

HMCS Athabaskan Off Glace Bay

Thanks to Gus for pointing me to ThreemilesFinal.com (A great Site if you like Aircrft BTW) which has this shot takken off Table Head near the Marconi Heritage Site.

Quote “It was there that I saw the tow line go slack and watch the Tugs jockey it into a stable position. The icy winds kept the Destroyer bobbing around nicely in the seas due to it being much lighter without its armament and electronics suite onboard. It must have been quite the chore for the Tugs to keep her steady.”

Thanks to Erik Fullerton of Three Miles Final Photography for the use of the images.

HMCS Toronto to Deploy to Arabian Sea

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto will deploy early this year until the fall of 2013 with a crew rotation during the deployment contributing to the multinational coalition fleet conducting maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea region. HMCS Toronto has been undergoing extensive training in preparation for this deployment as part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) and will replace HMCS Regina which has been in the region since August. HMCS Regina deployed to the Arabian Sea region with CTF- 150 in order to conduct maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and in the Indian Ocean.

“These deployments continue our strong tradition of making meaningful contributions to international security, and maintain our long-standing relationship of cooperation and interoperability with our allies,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “I thank the captain and the crew of HMCS Regina for their service, as well as their families, who endured their absence over the holidays.”

Canada’s contribution to CTF-150 is known as Operation Artemis. During this deployment, HMCS Toronto’s task will be to detect, deter and protect against terrorist activity by patrolling and conducting maritime security operations in her area of responsibility. Her presence in the Arabian Sea also gives Canada the flexibility and capability to respond quickly to emerging crises in the region.

“HMCS Toronto will carry-on the excellent work that has already been done by the Canadian Armed Forces’ during earlier contributions to CTF 150’s maritime security mission in South West Asia. The deployment of HMCS Toronto will allow us to continue working alongside our allies and partners to help contribute to international security in the region,” said General Tom Lawson, the Chief of the Defence Staff. “I am extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who have served on our various missions in the region over the last decade.”

Canada is one of 26 nations that contribute naval assets to CTF-150 as part of international efforts to ensure security in the maritime environment of the Middle East.

“The deployment of HMCS Toronto demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ capability to support our allies and gives Canada an opportunity to operate within a responsive international force,” said Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare, Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command. “This deployment also allows us to execute any number of missions across a broad spectrum of operations, including humanitarian assistance, counter-terrorism, regional military engagement, regional capacity building and international diplomacy.”

HMCS Toronto is a Halifax-based Canadian patrol frigate with a crew of approximately 225 personnel, and includes a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment, as well as a shipboard unmanned aerial vehicle detachment. The frigate is commanded by Commander David Patchell.

Bluenose to be Hauled out Again

After being launched this past September with much fan fare, I learned this past weekend that the bluenose will need to be hauled out of the water again before she can go anywhere.

If you look closely at this shot from the Lauching, you will notice the rudder is missing. I was told the entire stering gear is left to be installed. Looking at the picture, it also appears as though the propeller shafts have also not been installed.

Despite the outward apperances, it looks as though there is still much work to do, even before trials can commence. Given this, Why didn’t the province wait untill spring to launch her, when there would have been time to announce a date, and generate intrest, and allow time for people to make travel arangements.

Athabaskan Update ready to resume Tow

Photo. Don Merritt used with Permision

 The Calgary Herald is reporting:

 Temporary repairs have been made to the damaged hull of a navy warship in the hopes of resuming its trip to Halifax in the coming days, the military said Monday. Lt.-Cmdr. Bruno Tremblay, a spokesman for the navy in Halifax, said an engineering team completed minor, temporary repairs on the 40-year-old vessel Saturday to ensure its hull is watertight.

 “I am confident that the ship can safely return here to her home port in Halifax,” Tremblay said. “As planned, the tow will likely occur this week.” Tremblay said a plan is now being finalized with a different towing company, Irving-owned Atlantic Towing Ltd., to return HMCS Athabaskan to Halifax for further assessment. He said the navy hopes the towing process, which could take several days, will begin this week if the weather co-operates.

Update: Don Merritt Photos of the Patch Job:

Affinity for Marine Atlantic Ferries

I have noticed a strong intrest in Marine Atlantic’s ferries past and present, amoung a wide swath of the population – not just shipping fenatics. Certainly any post I make is always highly read. It seems that they are an important part of the culture in Atlantic Canada, and not just Newfoundland – who has an obvious dependance on them..

Do people care as much about the NFL Caribou/Wood Island ferry? Do people miss the ferries, and perfer them over the bridge as seems to be the case with the love for Caribou and the Joseph and Clara Smallwood visa vie Highlanders and Blue Putties?

View all of our Marine Atlantic Posts and General Ferry Posts
There is also a Facebook discussion group about Marine Atlantic @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/205732132788620/

Loading Patron

The Following Photos were sent to me by Anthony, Who works as a longshoreman. Patron will be loaded with 5800 Tonnes of 3 grades of grain.

(Above)Looking along the Side
(Bellow) Looking into the Hold. Note the Man Standing down there.

(below) Starting to load.

(below) 1500 tons in

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