News
Download the Message from the Chair of the Board Aug 2011
A Certain ERA
Mr. Bob Stephens has finally published the memoir on the life and times of his father, entitled “A Certain ERA – The Life and Times of Engineer Rear-Admiral George Leslie Stephens (1889-1979)”. It is a superb read, much more than an in-family engineering story, but rather one of the most informative personal perspectives on the first half-century of the RCN in general.
Mr. Stephens has asked myself [Richard Gimblett], along with Mike Macdonald and Gord Smith to assist with the distribution. If you are interested in receiving a copy, and have not yet been approached by either of those other gents, please let me know [richard.gimblett@forces.gc.ca] so I can get a copy off in the mail to you ASAP. They are not “for sale” per se, but Bob asks that a donation be made to his Foundation to offset the costs (min of $20/copy). If you are interested, please send me your surface post address. A note with fuller details will be included with the book.
Many thanks, yours aye,
Rich Gimblett
Dr. Richard H. Gimblett, CD RCN (ret’d)
Acting Director – Navy History and Heritage / Directeur suppléant – Histoire et Patrimoine de la Marine
Royal Canadian Navy Heritage Team | Équipe du Patrimoine de la Marine royale canadienne
National Defence | Défense nationale
Ottawa, CANADA K1A 0K2
Richard.Gimblett@forces.gc.ca
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
HMCS Sackville Building
15 Trustees of the CNMT attended an event in the Irving Shipyard on Wednesday 09 November, in which a refurbished office building in the Shipyard was named the “HMCS Sackville Building.” The building is being used to administer the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) refits, in which seven East Coast frigates are being overhauled and their sensors and weapon systems updated or replaced by a multi-billion dollar mid-life refit.
This building is in a very prominent position in the Shipyard, and the Trust is very pleased by this significant honour bestowed by Irving Shipbuilding. As you know, Sackville was built in Saint John, New Brunswick seventy years ago, at the yard which was later acquired by the JK Irving Company.
The HMCS Sackville Building’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by the Defence Minister, the Honourable Peter MacKay. Others speaking at the event were the President of Irving Shipbuilding, Steve Durrell, Rear-Admiral David Gardam, Commander MARLANT, and our Chairman, Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Hugh MacNeil.
Also present were three past Chairs: Commodore (Ret’d) Charles Westropp, Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Dusty Miller, and John Jay.
After a light lunch, the Trustees attended a naming ceremony for the first of nine Hero-Class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels being built by Irving Shipyard. This 42 – metre patrol vessel is named after Private Robertson, VC, a native of Stellarton, NS and hero of the Battle of Passchendaele in World War I. A later vessel in the class will be named after Canadian Army Captain Nicola Goddard, who lost her life in action in Afghanistan several years ago.
