Minister Shea Welcomes the CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. to the Western Region Canadian Coast Guard Fleet

SIDNEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially welcomed the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) vessel Captain Goddard M.S.M. into service at a ceremony in Sidney, British Columbia today. She was joined by members of the Goddard family.

CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. is named after Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard, M.S.M., who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) for her exemplary service in Afghanistan from January 2006 until her death in combat on May 17, 2006. Captain Goddard was born to Canadian and British parents in Papua New Guinea, and lived in various locations, including Black Lake and Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; and Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. is the last of nine hero class vessels to join the Coast Guard fleet. The vessel will be used by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Conservation and Protection Officers to manage and protect fisheries, and to support search and rescue activities on the West Coast.

Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered new helicopters and several new vessels to the Coast Guard including mid-shore patrol vessels, a hovercraft, search and rescue lifeboats, specialty vessels, near-shore fishery research vessels, environmental barges, and small craft.

Quick Facts

• The hero class vessels are named for decorated soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as DFO and CCG employees.
  
  
• Naming these vessels after Canadian heroes will serve as a reminder for future generations of the service, dedication and sacrifice individual Canadians have made, contributing to the security of our country.
  
  
• The CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipbuilding Inc., and sailed south through the Panama Canal to reach its current home in Sidney, B.C.
  
  
• CCG presence in Western Region includes 22 helicopters, and 34 vessels currently in service including:
  
  
  • 11 large vessels (over 33m)
    
    
  • 7 small vessels (up to 33m)
    
    
  • 3 Air cushioned vessels
    
    
  • 13 Search and Rescue Lifeboats
    
    

Quotes

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, and all Canadians, I'm honored to welcome CCGS Captain Goddard M.S.M. to our fleet. Dedicating this new mid-shore patrol vessel in memory of a valiant soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country is a fitting tribute given that Coast Guard vessels are iconic symbols of safety, security and sacrifice."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Associated Links

• Hero Class Vessels

• Canadian Virtual War Memorial

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