HMCS Huron 281

The following article was received through the website from an Engineer on board HMCS HURON. He writes.....I am assisting with the HURON paying off ceremony and would like to send off this piece I compiled to go into her Info book upon Paying off. I hope some of you are still young enough to remember her days of glory.

(Webmaster Note - I have attempted to contact the author to ask permission to use his name, however, have been unsuccessful. I would certainly like to give him credit for the article, and will continue to try and contact him. However, if the author happens to read this, please e-mail me through the website)

HMCS HURON was, according to the media, christened and commissioned on 16 December 1972 in the dockyards of Halifax. However, the Officers and Crew will tell you different. She was actually commissioned two days prior on the 14th due to a forecasted weather front moving in on Nova Scotia at the time. To alleviate the inclement weather, ceremonies were moved to the left to ensure the day was as respectful as may possbily be for that time of year.

During Her trials period She exceeded all manufactures specifications and was indeed a "Sister of the Space Age". The third of Her class for the East Coast Fleet, found Her spending countless days in Her early years sailing the Eastern Seaboard and throughout numerous NATO exercises to Europe while resting occasionally in Her homeport of Halifax.

In the summer of 1977, along with an American Task force, She slipped Her lines for the Atlantic crossing to Portsmouth England. It was not an easy crossing as exercise after exercise was the description of the day. Nevertheless, that was the easy part!

HMCS HURON was graced as the Canadian representative to England for the Silver Jubilee Review in Portsmouth England. Once disengaged from the Task Force She entered the waters of "Sir Francis Drake" and "Lord Nelson". It was a sight only shadowed by "D-Day" itself; according to those who witnessed the event. With over fifty major warships from as many countries already in place, and more arriving daily, HMCS HURON took up Her spot at Spithead for anchorage.

Now the ships company were to be tested. After a sleepless and busy crossing, HMCS HURON needed some much-needed care. She was awoken early daily and slept well past secure as the crew armed with buckets, paint, mops and gallons and gallons of brass polish were put through their duties. Clean, clean and more clean as well as rehearsal practices, last minute preparations and even more cleaning.

Just as the routinely events were in place, She was ordered to take up Her position for Reviewing Order. Now with more and more ships arriving daily and the myriad of small craft carrying Admirals, Captains and sailors to and from their ships, combined with the numerous pleasure craft from the city out to have a closer look at this awesome spectacle, She meticulously wound Her way in and out of the Armada.

Once in place, She now continued Her preparation. With more cleaning, painting, rehearsal after rehearsal, cleaning and painting.

She was ready.

Even her anchor cables running from the hawse-pipe were painted a sparling white in the preparation routine. Nothing was missed. She was proud, and it showed not only in Her but also in the crew who serves Her.

Finally, the day arrived. Aircraft Carriers, Cruisers, Destroyers and Submarines were formed in legions. Three, seven-mile long columns of over 130 ships from half the world's navies awaited the arrival of Her Majesty.

Then a movement was visible in the mouth of the harbour some three miles distant. Every eye strained to see the distinctive blue hull and three towering masts. Then there she was...the Royal Yacht Britannia. Sliding gracefully to her anchorage only four hundred short yards from HURON. The warships surged to life as an estimated 30,000 sailors of all nationalities range out the "Cheers" over the green waters of Spithead.

It was a spectacle that made every heart aboard proud that were not just HURON, but at this review, we were Canada!

There was just one ceremony left as the crew awaited in anticipation as the Queen ordered "From Her Majesty the Queen, to all the ships in the review: SPLICE THE MAINBRACE!"

The tots were issued and the traditional toast seemed more than ever appropriate..."The Queen - God Bless Her".

On the 21 day of July 1978, on the way to Tromso Norway, Huron joined the "League of the Numbed" as she crossed 66o 33' N and 07o 22' E. With a countdown from 10, Sub-Lieutenant Brian Macmillan informed the ships company of the 'exact' time She crossed the Arctic Circle. With King Neptune and His Court, along with the ships mascot 'Commodore Huronimo' (which was somehow mysteriously acquired from the Mic-Mac Mall, courtesy of Lt. Burns MacDonald) appeared on the flight deck, they began to pass judgement on all those souls whom dared to trespass in His domain.

After the traditional ceremonies of 'taste, smell and bathe' in the sea, the youngest Officer, Sub-Lieutenant C. Dunn and the youngest man, Able-Seaman J. P. Delange were justly punished and given the honour of painting the bullring Blue.

HMCS HURON again continued with numerous patrols and exercises for the next 9 years in and out of Her homeport of Halifax. Then, mirroring roles with sister ship HMCS GATINEAU, as she sailed from Esquimalt to her new home in Halifax....HMCS HURON departed Halifax and sailed West, arrived in Esquimalt on July 27, 1987. Joining the Second Canadian Destroyer Squandron where She was the first Tribal class to be based out of British Columbia. She was assigned the duty of Flagship, for her 5 year West Coast attachment. Making several major deployments, including visits to the communist ports of Tsing Tao, China in 1988, then Vladivlastok, Russia in l990. HURON was also part of Canada's contribution to the RIMPAC and WESTPLOY exercises during these 5-year period.

Spending, once again many days/months at sea here on the West Coast found Huron multi-tasked for any role. That role heightened in January of 1991 when HMCS HURON was tasked to go to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War.

As HMCS HURON departed on that cool January morning, leaving Her familiar waters and the safety of Her habours for transit to the Middle East, thousands upon thousands of Victorians crowded the waterfront of Dallas Road and the breakwater off Victoria sending HURON off to War the best way they knew how.

Waving Canadian flags of all sizes, cheering, crying, shouting and solitude were found that morning as their thoughts were with the crew as She sailed past and acknowledged the well-wishers. It was a mission, which the crew were unsure of. The butterflies from saying good-byes and a bit of jumpiness were the atmosphere onboard as She left for the Gulf.

The part Huron played in the Gulf War was unique to say the least. She started out with the intention of going to Halifax to begin a refit; the crew was then to fly to the gulf and do a crew transfer with HMCS ATHABASKAN who was already in the theatre. Circumstances changed as they normally do and HURON was hurried to Halifax and given a 3-week update and repair package, then sent to the gulf to relieve ATHABASKAN.

On route She tested Her firepower as the newly fitted Sea Sparrow was to be trailed for use, if need be, in theatre. During those six months while away, HMCS HURON prepared to combat, transited from the West to East Coast and saw their ship through a major work period. As well, she conducted a Missilex, workups, a number of high profile port visits and operated in the Persian Gulf under difficult circumstances for several weeks. Once completing her tour, she proceeded to Esquimalt via the Pacific (thus circumnavigating the globe).

The highlight of her West Coast career came with the Gulf War.

In February of 1992, saw the Coast Transfer yet again of HMCS HURON as D2 Flagship in company with HMC Ships Restigouche, Kootenay and Qu'applle sailed for the last time out of Esquimalt. Sailing via an exercise off San Diego and transiting the Panama Canal, She stopped in Norfolk Virginia for some much-needed R&R. From there, she sailed onto Halifax arriving on March 30. She spent the next month and a half de-storing and prep work for Her TRUMP Turnover. Included in the preparation of the ship was the removal of all Persian Gulf equipment, various ships equipment, systems and personnel gear. On May 19th, with a skeleton crew of 66, She commended transit to Lauzon Quebec for Her TRUMP refit. The transit crew quickly completed the de-storing and prep work and she was turned over to Mil-Davie Inc. She remained there for 30 months.

In the early year of 95, after being updated, She sailed down the St. Lawrence River to Halifax, where She finished Her sea checks and departed once again for Her homeport of Esquimalt. She arrived in Esquimalt in the summer of 95. After arrival, She has participated in Westploy 97, TGEX 2/97, Air Workups, MARCOT 97, Workups 98, TGEX 98, and RIMPAC 98.

In the fall of 1998, working with Aurora aircraft from 19 Wing's 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron, HMCS HURON provided surveillance for the RCMP. The aircrew and ship's company tracked suspected drug smuggling vessels 24 hours a day, for a period of almost two weeks. The operation resulted in the interception of more than 14 tons of hashish - the largest seizure of its kind ever made on the West Coast. The confiscated hashish had a street value of more than $128 million.

Then...in late summer of 99, on patrol off the waters of British Columbia in Nootka Sound, She conducted her final gallant duty. HURON was among a joint force involved in pulling over the fourth intercepted Chinese migrant smuggling ship. It was Her...the HURON...that actually pulled them over and boarded the vessel. Conducting on sight surveys and rendering first aid to the occupants. The ship then took the migrants and snakeheads-smugglers onboard and sailed them to Esquimalt Harbour where they were turned over to Immigration Department officials.

HMCS HURON last sailed on October 23, 2000 when She embarked about 200 mayors and councillors, who were attending a Municipal convention in Victoria for a dail sail. The fate of Her unknown at that time. All She knew was that She was to be moored under 'extended notice'. The media had their days; and speculation abounded as to Her fate!

Then on November 3rd of 2003, after three years in a dormant state, with a skeleton crew roaming Her decks and much of Her equipment long since removed, it was decided by the Minister of National Defence that the Warship will not return to active duty.

Almost five years have passed since She sailed the Oceans of the World.

She is still here!

She has not yet relinquished Her duties to the Fleet. A valuable platform for a multitude of uses. She extends Her wisdom for Naval Boarding Party training. She has assisted local municipal services such as the RCMP and Canada Customs Agents as a tool to enhance their Marine Search and Seizure techniques.

A priceless training vessel, aiding in the continuing knowledge of trade skills as an approachable learning environment for many of the fleets sailors and tradesmen who het 'hands on' experience. Aiding the Fleet with any spares She may own to assist in their operations. In addition, an opportunity to enjoy some much awaited 'Shore Time' for Her present crew.

The Paying Off Ceremony is inevitable, and will be a final goodbye to Her from all those who served. Enjoy your time here and reminisce of days gone by; but do not forget Her.

She may be going; but She will never be gone!

Ready the Brave.