Canadian Coast Guard Vessel CCGS Pierre Radisson Returns from its Arctic Missions

QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Oct. 25, 2011) -

Editor's note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today welcomed the return from the Arctic of the icebreaker CCGS Pierre Radisson and its 40-member crew.

"We are proud to welcome back another of Canada's arctic vessels, CCGS Pierre Radisson," said Minister Ashfield. "CCGS Pierre Radisson's area of operations included Churchill, Manitoba, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Frobisher Bay and the Hudson Strait, demonstrating a strong presence in these economically strategic areas of Canada's Arctic".

The CCGS Pierre Radisson left Quebec City on July 28, 2011. Its 13 weeks in the Arctic enabled its crew to pursue a number of missions, including search and rescue, icebreaking, assistance to commercial shipping and maintenance of navigational aids and navigable waters. As well, the vessel served as a platform for marine science research.

Over the next few weeks, the Canadian Coast Guard will put the Radisson through its annual servicing schedule to prepare it for the upcoming winter icebreaking season on the St. Lawrence River and Gulf.

Since 2005, the Government of Canada has committed to renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This includes the procurement of small vessels and small craft, repairs and Vessel Life Extensions as part of the Economic Action Plan, and construction of nine Hero Class Patrol Vessels, three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, one Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, one Air Cushioned Vehicle and a new Polar Icebreaker - CCGS John G. Diefenbaker.

The Polar Icebreaker and the Offshore Science vessels will be constructed as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, led by Public Works and Government Services Canada.

For more information on the CCGS Pierre Radisson, or on the Canadian Coast Guard's mission and Canada's Northern Strategy, go to these Web sites: http://www.marinfo.gc.ca, www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca and http://www.northernstrategy.gc.ca/index-eng.asp.

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