Queen Reviews Ships at Navy Centennial Celebration, Unveils HMCS Sackville Plaque

With throngs of people lining the waterfront, Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh conducted the International Fleet Review today, June 29, as part of an impressive showcase on the Halifax waterfront.

The entertaining spectacle was in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

"It's wonderful to be able to share this magnificent event with the Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as with so many Nova Scotians," said Premier Darrell Dexter, who is also Minister of Military Relations. "It's also a perfect opportunity to recognize the dedication and sacrifice that the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have made, and continue to make every day, in the name of their province and country."

The review began with a 21-gun salute in the Bedford Basin. Her Majesty the Queen was onboard HMCS St. John's, which sailed up the basin, passing 11 Canadian ships and 17 foreign ships as the crews "manned the side" and gave three cheers for the Queen. The ship sailed under the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge before completing the review in Halifax Harbour. It ended at HMCS Athabaskan, the flagship of the Atlantic fleet, which fired a final 21-gun salute.

"As we take stock of our service to Queen and country, commemorating past distinguished service, we also celebrate the dedication of our sailors today and commit to remain ever vigilant to respond on behalf of Canadians," said Rear-Admiral Paul Maddison, commander, Maritime Forces. "It's especially gratifying to see so many Nova Scotians taking in this event along the waterfront. It's a chance to show them their Navy is as relevant today as it has been throughout its rich history."

To officially conclude the event, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were presented the Sovereign's Sword by Rear-Admiral Maddison, and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the Canadian Naval Centennial and the review.

After the fleet review, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had a walkabout among 300 veterans and cadets on the HMCS Sackville jetty, and unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring the historical significance of HMCS Sacville, the last remaining corvette from the Second World War.

Operated by the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, HMCS Sackville was one of more than 120 corvettes built during the Second World War to serve as the workhorses of the Atlantic, escorting convoys and attacking submarines.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were also presented with a gift by Sea Cadet Chief Petty Officer Josh Coldwell, the highest ranking cadet who has be recognized with a number of honours, and former corvette commanding officer Lieutenant Commander (Ret'd) Murray Knowles. After the event, 180 cadets lined the motorcade route off the wharf, marking a striking end to the stirring event.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh began the day with a luncheon with members of the Navy and were presented with a coin commemorating the Navy Centennial by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Later today, the Royal Couple will attend the Celebration of Nova Scotia reception, the only event hosted by the province. The event highlights 1,500 Nova Scotians who have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to their communities, their province and their country.

For information on the Canadian tour, go to royaltour.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm .