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Today marked the official delivery of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) built at Halifax Shipyard for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

During a ceremony at Halifax Shipyard, Dirk Lesko, Irving Shipbuilding President; Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Commander; and Commander Brian Henwood, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray Commanding Officer, signed the ship’s documents.

Following the ceremony, the ship departed Irving Shipbuilding’s pier to move to HMC Dockyard.

Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray was a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War. Gray joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1940 and served as a pilot in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. Gray was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for courage and determination in carrying out daring air strikes on the Japanese destroyer HIJMS Amakusa. Gray was the only member of the RCN to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War.

Halifax Shipyard has delivered one AOPS per year to the RCN, concluding with the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray. A further two AOPS variants are under construction for the Canadian Coast Guard. In April, Irving Shipbuilding began construction on the first River-class destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser. The River-class will be comprised of 15 destroyer ships built in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Quotes

“The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray stands as a powerful tribute to a Canadian hero and a testament to the skill and commitment of our exceptional workforce. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. continues to demonstrate the success of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and this vessel is a proud reflection of that progress and sovereign capability.”

Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

“With today’s delivery of HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, a ship proudly bearing the name of a Canadian Second World War hero, our government has successfully delivered the first class of ships built for the Royal Canadian Navy through the National Shipbuilding Strategy. I was pleased to visit Irving Shipbuilding and see HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, where I witnessed firsthand the exceptional work of our Canadian shipbuilders, skilled workers whose expertise are delivering world-class vessels for our Navy. The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships have significantly enhanced Canada’s ability to protect our sovereignty and participate in critical operations alongside our allies, particularly in the Arctic. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure, technology, and equipment that our Navy needs, ensuring a stronger, more secure future for all Canadians.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement

“Delivering the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship to the Royal Canadian Navy marks a proud and exciting milestone under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of the skilled workers in our world-class shipbuilding industry, who have constructed a class of modern, versatile vessels that are equipping our Navy to protect our country in a wide range of operations.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

Characteristics of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray

• Length: 103.6 metres
• Beam: 19.0 metres
• Speed (open water): 17 knots
• Complement: 65 crew + 20 embarked forces
• Endurance: 120 days
• Range: 6,800 nautical miles at 14 knots
• Integrated diesel-electric power and propulsion
• Bow thruster for maneuvering and berthing without tug assistance
• Retractable active fin stabilizers for roll reduction
• Ability to operate and hangar a CH-148 Cyclone or small utility helicopter