The arrival of the KINGSTON class in 1996 signaled the beginning of a new era for the naval reserve. Twenty-nine years later, as we witness the paying off of eight of the twelve while four are left to “soldier” on for a year or two more, we look back to those heady days.
HMCS SHAWINIGAN was commissioned 19 June 1997 and will be paid off 3 October 2025.
Two shots of MARGARET BROOKE in the Welland Canal.at Lock Seven on September 15th.
Last year HMCS MARGARET BROOKE, second of the HARRY DE WOLF class, visited the Antarctic and circumnavigated South America. During September and October of this year she will be visiting the Great Lakes.
Thunder Bay 20-21 September
Sault Ste Marie 27-28 September
Owen Sound 4-5 October
Windsor 11-12 October
Toronto 18-19 October
Montreal 24-26 October
Unfortunately, Hamilton is not on the list, although we have been visited by HARRY DE WOLF twice. Her current position is south of Prince Edward County so there should be an opportunity for locals to see her as she transits the Welland Canal.