Minister Oliver Welcomes the CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. to the Coast Guard Fleet

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 20, 2014) - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially welcomed the new Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Corporal Teather C.V. into service at a ceremony in Toronto, Ontario today.

Corporal Robert Gordon Teather C.V. was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police diving team in Surrey, British Columbia. Corporal Teather rescued two fishers trapped in the hull of their capsized boat. This heroic rescue occurred in the early morning hours of September 26, 1981. For his actions, Corporal Teather was awarded the Cross of Valour (C.V.). Corporal Teather passed away on November 14, 2004 of natural causes at the age of 57.

CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. is the third of nine Hero Class vessels to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. It will be used to support the Compliance and Enforcement program in the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.

Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered several new vessels to the Canadian 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 employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• By naming these after Canadian heroes, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
• The CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia by Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• The CCGS is 43m long, has a maximum speed of 25 knots and is served by 14 CCG officers, crew and program staff. At cruising speed of 14 knots, it has a maximum range of 2000 nautical miles and can spend up to two weeks at sea without re-provisioning.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to welcome the CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. to our fleet. We have invested more in the Canadian Coast Guard than any other government in Canadian history, and we are pleased that our investment also serves to honor Canadian heroes such as Corporal Teather. This new vessel will help the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard and the RCMP in their crucial role of ensuring the safety and security of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, effectively deterring criminal activities and reinforcing our sovereignty."

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance

"It is an honour to our fallen member to be recognized through the naming of this vessel. His memory and service carry on through this dedication. Corporal Teather served Canadians and notably rescued two fishermen trapped in the hull of their capsized boat. This tribute highlights eloquently his outstanding courage and commitment to keeping our communities safe. "

Mike Cabana, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing

Associated Links

• Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/vessel-procurement/mid-shore-patrol-vessel
• RCMP Marine Security: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/brdr-strtgs/brdr-lw-nfrcmnt/mrn-scrty-nfrcmnt-tms-eng.aspx

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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