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| HMCS Chicoutimi at its official commissioning at CFB Esquimalt Photo: Lookout Newspaper |
I apologize for the delay in new posts - it has been a busy start to the school year.
On September 3, 2015 at CFB Esquimalt, HMCS Chicoutimi was officially commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy.
It has been more than a decade since Canada purchased four Upholder Class (renamed Victoria Class) Submarines that had been mothballed by the Royal Navy. The submarines have been plagued with technical problems, and fires ever since - leading many to call the nearly $2 Billion purchase the biggest waste for a Navy which needs new surface vessels. In February of this year, all four of the Victoria Class Submarines were declared fully operational.
HMCS Chicoutimi, while operational had yet to be commissioned into the Navy. So, while it has been able to fly the white ensign at sea, it has not been allowed to fly it in any official ceremony; such as the Navy's Sun Set Ceremonies.
While Chicoutimi officially joined the fleet, HMCS Victoria has returned to dry dock; but according to the Ottawa Citizen which has quoted a Navy Official; it will only be for a short period of time. Regularly scheduled maintenance. The Navy is certain that Victoria will return to the water in the near future.
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