Two New Canadian Coast Guard Vessels Dedicated
Since 2009, the Government of Canada has provided the the Canadian Coast Guard with a number of high-performance vessels. These include two vessels dedicated in Quebec during the summer of 2014: the CCGS Leim and the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C.
CCGS Leim
The CCGS Leim, a near-shore fishery research vessel, was officially dedicated on August 26, 2014, in Rimouski. The vessel was named in honour of the late Alexander Henry Leim, a Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientist who dedicated his life's work to fishery research.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Monique Vézina, sponsor of the Leim, members of the Leim family, and Monsignor Pierre-André Fournier, Archbishop of Rimouski.
The CCGS Leim measures 22 meters and can reach a speed of 10 knots. It can deploy a variety of equipment, such as different kinds of trawls, scallop dredges, remote-operated vehicles and plankton nets. With its leading-edge technology, this vessel is used to conduct fishery and oceanographic research missions in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C.
The mid-shore patrol vessel CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. was dedicated in Québec on September 22, 2014. Mainly used as part of a joint program with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the patrol vessel enhances safety and security along the St. Lawrence River, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.
The vessel was named in honour of Corporal Joseph-Thomas Kaeble, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment and the first French Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross (V.C.), the highest decoration for British and Commonwealth forces.
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, performed the dedication on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Honourable Paule Gauthier, sponsor of the CCGS Kaeble, official representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal 22nd Regiment, and members of the Kaeble family.
The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. has a capacity of up to 14 crew members, including five RCMP officers. Her autonomy at sea is 14 days on a course of 2000 nautical miles. While on missions, the CCG is responsible for vessel operations and the RCMP is responsible for all enforcement activities.
Pierre Lemieux
Canadian Coast Guard
Captain Simon Giasson, Commanding Officer of the CCGS Leim,with the vessel's sponsor, Monique Vézina
From left: Superintendent Denis Blanchard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Gilbert Cashman, sponsor's spouse; Padre Alain Marsan, Royal 22nd Regiment; Mario Pelletier, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard; Captain Yves Gervais, Commanding Officer of the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C.; the Honourable Paule Gauthier, the vessel's sponsor; the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec; Ginette Neveu-Kaeble and Micheline Kaeble-Hébert, nieces of Corporal Thomas Kaeble; and Major-General Alain Forand, Royal 22nd Regiment.
