HMCS PROTECTEUR 509

 

Auxiliary Oil Replenishment Ship

 


 

 

SOUTIEN AVEC COURAGE

 

SUPPORT WITH COURAGE

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 - 27 Feb 2014

Courtesy of  / © Jonathan Wade Kehler, Studio479 - 2014

 

Battle honours and awards:  Arabian Sea

 

 

Laid down: 17 Oct 1967

Launched: 07 Nov 1968

Commissioned: 30 Aug 1969

Paid off: 14 May 2015

Fate: Broken up 2016

 

PROTECTEUR was commissioned in Saint John on 30 Aug 1969. She departed Saint John 10 Oct 1969 and arrived in Halifax for the first time on Sunday, 12 Oct 1969 at 1700. RAS trails were conducted in St Margaret's Bay 24 - 28 Dec 1969. PROTECTEUR departed Halifax on 06 Dec 1969 for a port visit in Boston 10-15 Dec 1969, returning to NAD Halifax on 16 Dec 1969. 1970 started off with a return to Saint John Drydock - returning to Halifax on 10 Jan 1970. PROTECTEUR took part in CARIBOPS '70 with a port visit to Roosevelt Roads, PR, 31 Mar - 06 Apr, returning to Halifax on 11 Apr 1970.  On 27 Jul 1970, along with HMCS Skeena and HMCS Annapolis, she departed Halifax to celebrate Manitoba's Centennial with visits to Fort Churchill, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Wakeham Bay, Coral Harbour and Frobisher Bay with a Crossing the Arctic Circle ceremony (18 Aug). On 08 Jan 1973, HMCS PROTECTEUR and HMCS Margaree departed Halifax for a five month deployment with the Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL), returning to Halifax on 06 May 1973. On 17 Jul 1976, HMCS PROTECTEUR, along with HMCS SKEENA and HMCS FRASER arrived at Montreal in support of the 1976 Olympics.  In June, 1982, HMCS PROTECTEUR rescued the crew of MV Essi Silje and eventually took the vessel in tow before turning her over to salvage tugs.  Her crew was awarded a portion of the salvage proceeds for the vessel. Along with ATHABASKAN and TERRA NOVA she departed Halifax on 24 Aug 1990 for Operation Friction, Canada's contribution to operations against Iraq following that country's invasion of Kuwait. In preparation, her bow 3"50 was re-installed, as were two CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) mounts and other upgrades. Upon her return in the fall of 1991 PROTECTEUR made visits to ports in Newfoundland, and a year later journeyed south to offer aid to victims in Florida of Hurricane Andrew. She sailed from Halifax on 15 Oct 1992 to begin a two-year refit at SRU(P), Esquimalt, returning to service in Aug 1995. On 09 Jul 1993 she was transferred to the west coast fleet. On 16 Sep 1999 she departed Esquimalt to join the multinational forces responding to the crisis in East Timor. After serving as the force logistics coordinator for five months, she returned home on 02 Mar 2000. A major refit was undertaken in 2001 and on 22 May 2002 PROTECTEUR departed Esquimalt to replace Preserver in Operation Apollo in the Arabian Sea. By the time she returned to Esquimalt in Nov 2002, PROTECTEUR had sailed more than 50,000 nautical miles and delivered over 150,000 barrels of fuel. Over the next decade, she was a fixture of Maritime Forces Pacific in national and international exercises such as Trident Fury and RIMPAC, and on several occasions served as the allied MIDPAC oiler.

 

On 27 Feb 2014 PROTECTEUR suffered from a fire in her engine room at approximately 2240 hrs while returning to Esquimalt.  She was approximately 340 nautical miles from Pearl Harbour.  After an intense 11 hour battle, PROTECTEUR's crew succeeded in putting out the fire and saving the ship. Twenty personnel who sustained minor injuries were treated on board.  PROTECTEUR sustained considerable damage to the engine room and was without propulsion after the fire.  USS MICHAEL MURPHY and USS CHOSIN arrived on scene to provide assistance, removed civilians who were on board, and took her in tow until arrival of the seagoing tug USNS SIOUX. PROTECTEUR arrived in Pearl Harbor, under tow by USNS SIOUX, on 06 Mar 2014. On 31 May 2014, PROTECTEUR returned, under tow, to Esquimalt, BC. It was determined that she would not be repaired. She was paid off on 14 May 2015 at Esquimalt, BC.

 

On 24 Feb 2016, PROTECTEUR left Esquimalt under tow by the salvage tug CORBIN FOSS, bound for Liverpool, Nova Scotia to be broken up. After transiting the canal zone 21 - 23 Mar 2016, the CORBIN FOXX Foss turned the tow over to the ocean tug ATLANTIC LARCH Larch for the trip from Panama to Nova Scotia. In the early morning hours of 22 Apr 2016, the former HMCS PROTECTEUR arrived alongside at the yard of R.J. MacIsaac Construction to be broken up.

 


 

Photos and Documents          Ship's company photos          The Ship's Bells          Commissioning book

 

Honours and Departmental Awards Announcement  

 


 

The Rescue and Salvage of MV Essi Silje

 

The Salvage of MV Essi Silje and Lloyd's Arbitration Hearing

 


 

Commanding Officers

 

Capt Peter Robert Hinton - 30 Aug 1969 - 13 Jul 1971

Capt Joseph Jacques Paul Cote - 13 Jul 1971 - 24 Jul 1972

Capt Daniel Nicholas Mainguy - 24 Jul 1972 - 31 May 1974

Capt Allen Holland Brookbank - 31 May 1974 - 12 Feb 1976

Capt James Crilly Wood - 12 Feb 1976 - 28 Jul 1977

Capt Lawrence Alexander Dzioba - 29 Jul 1977 - 04 Aug 1980

Capt R.G. Guy - 04 Aug 1980 - 02 Nov 1982

Capt R.C. Waller - 02 Nov 1982 - 01 Jul 1984

Capt B. Johnson - 01 Jul 1984 - 27 Jun 1986

Capt Harold Lindsay Davies - 27 Jun 1986 - 26 Apr 1988

Capt James Kirby Steele - 26 Apr 1988 - 10 Jul 1990

Capt D.J. McClean - 10 Jul 1990 - 09 Jan 1991

Capt C.D.E. Cronk - 09 Jan 1991 - 07 Apr 1991

Capt D.J. McClean - 07 Apr 1991 - 20 Nov 1992

Capt R.S. Edwards - 20 Nov 1992 - 26 Feb 1993

LCdr N. Leak - 05 Feb 1993 - 19 Jul 1993

Cdr W.G. Buckeridge - 19 Jul 1993 - 31 Aug 1994

Cdr Gerry H. Gadd - 31 Aug 1994 - 10 Jul 1995

Capt K.C.E. Beardmore - 10 Jul 1995 - 03 Jul 1997

Capt D.G. McNeil - 03 Jul 1997 - 07 Jan 1998

Cdr R.P. Harrison - 07 Jan 1998 - 27 Aug 1999

Cdr R.A. Maxe - 27 Aug 1999 - 15 Aug 2001

Cdr M.R. Bellows - 15 Aug 2001 - 17 Jun 2004

Cdr G.R. Peskett - 17 Jun 2004 - 12 Aug 2005

Cdr K.B. Larkins - 12 Aug 2005 - 07 Jul 2006

Cdr S.N. Cantelon - 07 Jul 2006 - 19 Sep 2008

Cdr I.D.H. Wood - 19 Sep 2008 - 01 May 2009

Cdr F.M. Knippel - 01 May 2009 - 17 May 2009

Cdr W.S. Bates - 17 May 2009 - 15 Jun 2010

Cdr J.N. Tremblay - 15 Jun 2010 - 06 Jan 2012

Cdr T.W. Bonnar - 06 Jan 2012 - 12 Dec 2013

Cdr J.A. Elbourne - 12 Dec 2013 - 20 Feb 2015

LCdr W.B. Brown - 20 Feb 2015 - 14 May 2015

 


 

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

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Former Crew Members

 

CC = Commissioning Crew

 

Acker, Bill - 1990-1991

 

Albert, LS NWT - 1990-1991

 

Andrew, Matt - 1990-1991

 

Astles, Andrew, LS - 2014

 

Aubry, André, PO2 - 2014

 

Baker, MS NWT - 1990-1991

 

Baumann -

 

Benteau, Phonse - 1990-1991

 

Billard, Dean - 1990-1991

 

Bishop, Gene - 1990-1991

 

Bonnar, Todd, XO - 2010-2012

 

Campbell, "Soupy", LSSG

 

Carlton, Mel - 1990-1991

 

Chutskoff, Brian, Medical Officer/Flight Surgeon STANAVFORLANT 1973

 

Clark, RAY, MS NET(C) - 1990-1991

 

Conrad, Mike, PO2 NET(C) - 1990-1991

 

Coutu, Serge, PO1, CSE Coord - 1991-1992

 

Day, Jamie - 1990-1991

 

Denyes, Ray - 1990-1991

 

Duhan, Michael, CSC Tech, RCN / C.A.F.

 

Elbourne, Duncan - 1990-1993

 

Fewer, Terry, PO2 NET(T) -1990-1991

 

Foote, Tim - 1990-1991

 

Fraser, Marlow - 1990-1991

 

Gatenby, PO2 NWT - 1990-1991

 

Gibbons, Michael, Capt. - 2014

 

Gillam, Donny - 1990-1991

 

Gohlish, Heinz E., Lt (N)

Haines, Dave, PO2 NWT - 1990-1991

 

Horning, Terry, PO2 NET(T) - 1990-1991

 

Kelly, Ian PO1 - 2014

 

Korolyk, Curtis, LS - 2014

 

Laberge, LS NWT - 1990-1991

 

Lameront, Paul (Bambam) - 1990-1991

 

Lamoureux, Andre, Cpl (Land), Sup Tech - 1995-1998

 

Lawson, PO1, POTEL

 

Legge, Shawn - 1990-1991

 

Leroux, John - 1990-1991

 

Locke, Calvin, P2ER-P1ER - Jul 1985-Nov 1990, Jul 1994-Dec 1995 

 

Lunn, Eric - 1969 (Commissioning Crew)

 

Manning, Gary - 1990-1991

 

Marshall, MS NWT - 1990-1991

 

McDonald, Innes - 1990-1991

 

McDougall, David, LCdr, CSE Officer - 1990-1991

 

McInnis, Dave - 1990-1991

 

McKoen, Douglas - 1970-1972

 

McNeil, MS NWT - 1990-1991

 

Meloche, Andrew - 1985-1987

 

Menard, AB NWT - 1990-1991

 

Miniou, Scott, RP/NESOP

 

Moquin, Richard - 1990-1991

 

Mullens, Greg, PO1, Yeoman

 

Munger, ABNWT - 1990-1991

 

Murray, Jeffrey, LCdr - 2014

 

Newbury, George, C.A.F. (Navy)

 

Olsvik, Richard Wayne, Bos'n - 1969-1971

 

Park, Doug - 1990-1991

Paulei, Mike, PO2 NWT - 1990-1991

 

Payne, Rick - 1990-1991

 

Peach, Ron - 1990-1991

 

Penner, Michael, CPO2, CERA - 2014

 

Plourde, Dave, Stoker

 

Raymond, Russ, PO2 NWT - 1990-1991

 

Reaume, Wayne, 27146-H

 

Reay, Shayne - 09 Feb 1998 - 15 Sep 1998 / 15 Dec 1998 - 14 Aug 2000 / 01 Dec 2001 - 05 Jan 2005 / 31 Jul 2006 - 01 Dec 2008 / 15 Mar 2010 - 05 Dec 2011

 

Retfalvi, Don - 1990-1991

 

Rogers, Reg - 1998 - 2000, 2002 - 2004, 2006 - 2009

 

Sawicki, Henry, MS NET(T) - 1990-1991

 

Schust, Karl, MSSG

 

Sharpe, Tom, PO2 NWT - 1990-1991

 

Shave, Derrick - 1990-1991

 

Silver, OSNWT - 1990-1991

 

Stirland, Hugh, Nav Comm - 2005

 

Storie, Peter, PO1 - 2014

 

Strylar, "Flash", MS NET(A) - 1990-1991

 

Tardif, Stéphane - Aug 1989 - Jan 1990

 

Thomas, Tim, BWK - 2012-2015

 

Trembley, Al - 1990-1991

 

Turnbull, William - 1969 (Commissioning Crew)

 

Valley, Dave, ER - 1973 - 1974, 1976-1989

 

Ward, Mary - 1990-1991

 

Weir, Garry, MS.RM-P2RM

 

Wilkinson, Ian, LS NET(T) - 1990-1991

 

Woods, Tanya, OSRM-ABRM - 1990-1991

 


 

Photos and Documents

 

The first tot issued on board HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 in Scruffy's Lounge

Courtesy of Gevan Dale

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 - undated

Certificate given to MS Allan R. Nash who was part of the crew of HMCS PROTECTEUR during her NATO deployment 08 Jan - 26 May 1973

Crossing the Line Certificate - Arctic Circle - presented to LS.HT Ed Paquette while serving in HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 during Ex NORPLOY 1973

 

Courtesy of Ed Paquette

The photo below are from NORPLOY 73 -  one of the boldest voyages north by any ship of the RCN excluding HMCS Labrador, and not bad achievement for a single hull replenishment ship with little ice capability to speak of. The photos were taken by John Newtwon. John was 15 years of age at the time and was on board PROTECTEUR as a Sea Cadet.

 

All photos in this collection are

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Crossing the Line Certificate - Arctic Circle for John Newton

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

Crossing the Line ceremony - NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Crossing the Line ceremony - NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Crossing the Line ceremony - NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 - NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Pond Inlet

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

An iceberg a short distance from PROTECTEUR

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

A salute after refurbishing the gravesite and remembering the fallen at Dundas Harbour, two of the finest of the RCMP

 

Cst Victor Maisonneuve died June 1926 and Cst William Stephens died Aug 1927

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Graves of two RCMP officers on Devon's Island, Dundas Harbour

"The crew who went ashore erected two grave markers on 18 Aug 73. The navy still goes back there to this day because of the safe anchorage and interesting trading post and RCMP station remnants."

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Beechey Island, Northwest Passage. Three graves of Franklin's men plus two more from later expeditions

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Wodden headstone for John Torrington

One of the 3 graves of the first fatalities of Sir John Franklin's doomed mission to the Northwest Passage, at Beechey Island

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Children's party on board HMCS PROTECTEUR during NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Canadian icebreaker NB McLean escorting PROTECTEUR through the pack ice out of Mackinson Inlet, Ellesmere Island during NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

Canadian icebreaker NB McLean escorting PROTECTEUR through the pack ice out of Mackinson Inlet, Ellesmere Island during NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

HMCS PROTECTEUR pushing its way slowly through pack ice near Ellesmere Island during NORPLOY 73

Courtesy of John Newton, Rear-Admiral, RCN

© 1973 John Newton

End of RAdm John Newton's collection

Damage to HMCS PROTECTEUR after her collision with HMCS Preserver

This photo was taken on 2 Feb 1976 after PROTECTEUR had a disagreement with Preserver near St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. She hit Preserver port side aft near the crane which we were told was one of the strongest spots on the ship.

Courtesy of Glen Fewer

MV Essi Silje after the fire was put out by the crew of HMCS PROTECTEUR, June 1982

 

Courtesy of Richard Joseph Fellows

Harold Fancy getting promoted to Petty Officer 2nd class by Capt(N) Hal Davies on HMCS PROTECTEUR in the late 1980s

 

 

HMCS PROTECTEUR departs Halifax for OP Friction

Courtesy of Calvin Locke

Members of HMCS PROTECTEUR's Engineering Dept. during the Gulf War

From the collection of Peter Vanderpluijm

Courtesy of Peter Vanderpluijm Jr.

PO1 Peter Vanderpluijm

HMCS PROTECTEUR

Courtesy of Peter Vanderpluijm Jr.

Ancient Order of the Suez card issued to PO1 P.M. Vanderpluijm when HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 transited the Suez Canal en route to the Persian Gulf

From the collection of Peter Vanderpluijm

Courtesy of Peter Vanderpluihm Jr.

 

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 RAS with USS Wisconsin BB64 during the 1st Persian Gulf War

From the photo collection of Peter Vanderpluijm

Courtesy of Peter Vanderpluijm Jr.

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 circa 1990-1991

Courtesy of Calvin Locke

Some of HMCS PROTECTEUR's communicators in the CCR, OP FRICTION - 24 Aug 1990 - 10 Jan 1991

 

(L-R) Mullens, Greg, PO1, YEOMAN; MacMillan, Steve, OS SG; Lawson, Keith, PO1, POTEL; Campbell, Soupy, LS, SG; Woods, Tanya, OS RM; Russel, Gord, Lt(N), CommO; MacDonald, Paul, LS RM; Schust, Karl, MS SG

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509, CSE Department, OP FRICTION - 24 Aug 1990 - 10 Jan 1991

 

(1) Paulei, Mike, PO2 NWT  (2) Coutu, Serge, PO1, CSE Coord  (3) Laberge, LS NWT  (4) Baker, MS NWT  (5) Silver, OSNWT  (6) Sawicki, Henry, MS NET(T)  (7) Munger, ABNWT

 

(8) Haines, Dave, PO2 NWT  (9) Fewer, Terry, PO2 NET(T)  (10) Gatenby, PO2 NWT  (11) Sharpe, Tom, PO2 NWT  (12) McDougall, David, LCdr, CSE Officer  (13) Raymond, Russ, PO2 NWT  (14) Albert, LS NWT  (15) McNeil, MS NWT  (16) Menard, AB NWT

 

(17)  Marshall, MS NWT  (18) Wilkinson, Ian, LS NET(T)  (19) Clark, RAY, MS NET(C)  (20) Strylar, "Flash", MS NET(A)  (21) Horning, Terry, PO2 NET(T)  (22) Conrad, Mike, PO2 NET(C)

 

Click here to view the photo without numbers

 

Courtesy of David McDougall

HMCS PROTECTEUR 509, Engineering Dept Stokers, OP FRICTION  - 24 Aug 1990 - 10 Jan 1991

 

Matt Andrew, Gene Bishop, Lamb, Ron Peach, Innes McDonald, Derrick Shave, Ray Denyes, Tim Foote, Phonse Benteau, Shawn Legge, Mel Carlton, John Leroux, Jamie Day, Richard Moquin, Paul Lameront (aka BamBam), Gary Manning, Donny Gillam, Doug Park, Dean Billard, Dave McInnis, Fiddler, Marlow Fraser, Rick Payne, Bill Acker, Marty Ward, Al Trembley and Don Retfalvi.

Courtesy of Gevan Dale

Petty Officer 2nd Class Spike Bullen decorated General John Cabot Trail for his service in the Persian Gulf. Gen. John Cabot Trail went to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War to hand out Christmas gifts.

Photographer: Dick Budge

Courtesy of Dick Budge 

HMCS PROTECTEUR Stores Dept - RIMPAC 1996

Courtesy of Chris Kenny

 

See the ship's company photo page to see the photo with names

Divisions on HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 in the Arabian Sea 11 Sep 2002

Courtesy of Gevan Dale

 

HS01

HS02

HS03

HS04

(HS1-HS04) HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 conducting a RAS with USS BUNKER HILL - TGEx 2005

 

HS05

HS06

(HS05) HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 alongside at Pier 96, San Francisco  (HS06) Hugh Stirland at the brow of PROTECTEUR on Remembrance Day 2005 in San Diego

 

Courtesy of Hugh Stirland

 

Her Majesties Canadian Ship (HMCS) PROTECTEUR's Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Team awaits the arrival of HMCS Ottawa into station in order to conduct a RAS on 02 October 2013

Image by Master Corporal Angela Abbey, HMCS PROTECTEUR ©2013 DND-MND Canada

HMCS PROTECTEUR departs for WESTPLOY 26 Aug 2013

PO2 Brian Gilchrist and his lovely wife Kaarina Nelson - Gilchrist.

Wedding on board HMCS PROTECTEUR on 10 Aug 2013

Photo by RSB Photography

Courtesy of Rommel S. Billanes

HMCS PROTECTEUR's Electrical Dept. (Part of MSE Dept). Photo taken during SOCAL 2013

© Rommel S. Billanes 2013

Courtesy of Rommel Billanes

HMCS PROTECTEUR (left) and HMCS Algonquin (right)

Damage caused after the two ships collided on 30 August 2013 during a TOWEX while en route to the International Fleet Review in Australia.

DND/RCN photos

HMCS PROTECTEUR's Engineering (MSE) Dept. Photo taken 24 Feb 2014, 3 days before the fire in the engine room on 27 Feb 2014

© Rommel S. Billanes 2014

Courtesy of Rommel Billanes

 


 

Fire on HMCS PROTECTEUR 27 Feb 2014

 

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 had a fire in her engine room resulting in a loss of propulsion. PROTECTEUR was about 340 nautical miles north of Pearl Harbour when the fire happened.  USS MICHAEL MURPHY, USS CHOSIN and USNS SIOUX were sent by the USN to assist PROTECTEUR and tow her back to Pearl Harbour.

 

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Photo 1 - USS Michael Murphy 112 and USS Chosin 65 were sent to assist HMCS PROTECTEUR after the fire in her engine room on 27 Feb 2014 while awaiting the arrival of an ocean tug // USN Photo

Photo 2 - Ocean Tug USNS Sioux 171 - Dispatched from Pearl Harbour to assist and tow HMCS PROTECTEUR back to Pearl Harbour // USN Photo

Photo 3 - USS Chosin 65 and USS Murphy 112 were sent to assist HMCS PROTECTEUR after the fire in her engine room on 27 Feb 2014 while awaiting the arrival of an ocean tug // USN Photo

Photo 4 - Pacific Ocean: 01 Mar 2014 - HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 being towed by USS Chosin (CG65) after a fire in the engine room of HMCS PROTECTEUR left her without propulsion. // Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Johans Chavarro, USN

Photo 5 - Pacific Ocean: 01 Mar 2014 - Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) observe the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS PROTECTEUR during a towing operation // Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Johans Chavarro, USN

Photo 6 - Pacific Ocean: 01 Mar 2014 - The Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS PROTECTEUR is towed behind the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) // Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Johans Chavarro, USN

Photo 7 - PEARL HARBOR: 06 Mar 2014-The Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171) tows the Royal Canadian Navy auxiliary oil replenishment ship HMCS PROTECTEUR (AOR 509) to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam // Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker, USN

Photo 8 - PEARL HARBOR: 06 Mar 2014 - U.S. Navy tow boats assist in the return of the Royal Canadian Navy auxiliary oil replenishment ship HMCS PROTECTEUR (AOR 509) to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam // Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiarra Fulgham, USN

Photo 9 - USNS Salvor at anchor in Simpsons Harbour. U.S. Navy photo 121114-N-TM257-136 // USNS Salvor towed HMCS PROTECTEUR, damaged from an engine room fire, back to Esquimalt from Pearl Harbour.

Photo 10 - HMCS PROTECTEUR 509 being towed by Canadian tugboats past "The Brothers" into Esquimalt Harbour, 31 May 2014, 0815 hrs. The tow had been switch to the tugs from USNS Salvor which had towed PROTECTEUR back to Esquimalt from Pearl Harbour // Courtesy of Shane Walters // © Shane Walters 2014


 

Tiger Cruise and the fire on HMCS PROTECTEUR

 

The photos below were taken by Jonathan Wade Kehler, Studio479, during the "Tiger Cruise" on HMCS PROTECTEUR.  Eighteen family members of PROTECTEUR's crew hand been invited to join the ship for the last leg of her voyage home from Pearl Harbour to Esquimalt, B.C. which should have been an introduction to day to day life on board a Canadian warship - had it not been for the engine room fire that occurred on the evening of 27 Feb 2014.

 

Credit / © Jonathan Wade Kehler, Studio479

"These photos may not be reused, reproduced or sold without permission of the copyright holder."

 

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Photo 1 - "Hands fall in at sea"  //  Awards were given out to members of the ship's company

Photo 2 - A view of the horizon from the flight deck of HMCS PROTECTEUR

Photo 3 - HMCS PROTECTEUR's Sea King helicopter in the hangar

Photo 4 - Port side jungle deck on HMCS PROTECTEUR

Photo 5 - "A great reminder of who we are."

 

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Photo 6 - A cabin on HMCS PROTECTEUR

Photo 7 - Man "Oscar" Overboard  //  A man overboard exercise is conducted on HMCS PROTECTEUR.  In the first photo, Oscar has fallen over the side.  In the 2nd photo, the Zodiac is being launched to rescue Oscar.  After his rescue, Oscar is returned to his storage area on the upper deck.

Photo 8 - "Sunset after our first day at sea" 

Photo 9 - The Sea King is being prepared for launching

Photo 10 - Family members were taken on famil flights on the Sea King

 

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photo 11 - "We have lift off"

Photo 12 - HMCS PROTECTEUR - photo taken from the Sea King

Photo 13 - HMCS PROTECTEUR - photo taken from the Sea King

Photo 14 -  HMCS PROTECTEUR - photo taken from the Sea King

Photo 15 - And once again, a beautiful sunset before dinner. It was shortly after this that the fire broke out.

 

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Photo 16 - Sam Kehler (left) and RJ McBean (right)

Photo 17 - Sam Kehler (foreground)

Photo 18 - After the fire the wardroom was turned in to bunk space for the officers who gave up their cabins for the civilian guests as the after house was not habitable.

Photo 19 - The Zodiac bring supplies for USS Michael Murphy

Photo 20 - Without power for the winches, supplies are hauled onboard by hand

 

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Photo 21 - A short break before resuming work

Photo 22 - USS Michael Murphy makes an approach on the bow of HMCS PROTECTEUR in an attempt to pass a line.

Photo 23 - After a miss on the first attempt, USS Michael Murphy swings around to try again.

Photo 24 - HMCS PROTECTEUR's crew makes ready to pass the tow line.

Photo 25 - USS Chosin provided much need support and supplies to HMCS PROTECTEUR

 

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Photo 27

 

Photo 26 - With all the guests safely on USS Michael Murphy, USNS Sioux begins the long tow back to Pearl Harbour with HMCS PROTECTEUR

Photo 27 - The Canadian Tigers  //  Family members of the crew of HMCS PROTECTEUR on board USS Michael Murphy

 

All photos in the Tiger Cruise and fire on HMCS PROTECTEUR collection are Credit / © Jonathan Wade Kehler, Studio479  "These photo may not be reused, reproduced or sold without permission of the copyright holder."

 


 

Fire Damage to HMCS PROTECTEUR

 

     

 

Photo 1 - Port TA. This was the seat of the fire. You are looking at the gauge panel, the Woodward 505 governor control box, and then the box behind is the control air drier controller.

 

Photo 2 - Aft end of the port TA, with the hydraulic start pack (used to provide hydraulic force for the throttle) on the left, and the output from the alternator on the right hand side. (facing aft)

 

Photo 3 - Stbd side of the engine room. Fwd 3 deck is the deairator, then the gauge panel is for the air ejector, behind that is the 130 ton chiller (on 517, last I was aboard), with the fwd Ship Service air compressor after the gap (beside the ladder). The loop is a Sampson loop, used to allow for thermal expansion of the steam line (600 PSI/865F) to the stbd TA. Photo is taken a little fwd of the seat of the fire, on the 2 deck catwalk. Box/semi circle are the throttle casing/HP turbine casing, with the pipe going to them being the main steam line.

 

Source/Credit: Twitter feed of Tim Jensen

Photo descriptions source: Facebook page - Royal Canadian Navy Today and Yesterday, comments by James Powell

 


 

Awards Ceremony at Rideau Hall, Quebec for 9 members of the crew of HMCS PROTECTEUR

 

Governor General David Johnston presented medals to nine members of the PROTECTEUR during a special ceremony in Quebec City.

 

Photographer: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall, OSGG - 05 Oct 2016

 

Medal of Bravery

 

Petty Officer 2nd Class André Aubry was in the engine room when the explosion occurred. He emptied several extinguishers onto the flames as they spread, but was forced to retreat. His actions allowed his fellow crew members to escape the engine room.

 

Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division)

 

Cmdr. Julian Elbourne, the commanding officer, demonstrated leadership and “outstanding actions were instrumental in minimizing injuries and protecting the lives of the 300 crew, and in saving the ship from sinking.”

 

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Ian Kelly is credited for leading the effort to identify and locate missing crew during the chaos.

 

Lt.-Cmdr. Jeffrey Murray showed professionalism in the aftermath of the fire and kept the crew focused on preparing the ship for towing and allowing the ship to arrive safely in Pearl Harbor with no casualties.

 

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Penner used his technical acumen to make quick decisions in a smoke-filled compartment to prevent catastrophic explosions and serious injury or death.

 

Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)

 

Leading Seaman Andrew Astles was the attack team leader and played a critical role in successfully extinguishing the fire.

 

Capt. Michael Gibbons, who provided pastoral support to the ship, maintained order and motivated the crew to fight the fire.

 

Leading Seaman Curtis Korolyk entered the intense heat and flames of the fire zone five times, volunteered for the hazardous duty of locking the propeller shaft, and acted as on-scene commander in the boiler room.

 

Petty Officer 1st Class Peter Storie was able to restore temporary electrical power to the ship, returning to the fire zone to retrieve parts.

 


 

 

CCR door from HMCS PROTECTEUR - signed by the members of the Nav Comm branch after the engine room fire - on display at the Communications School, Naden, CFB Esquimalt

 

Courtesy of Jesse Chin-Yet, Nav Comm

 


 

The long tow to the Breaker's Yard

 

Photo 1 - GV

Photo 2 - GV

Photo 3 - DL

Photo 4 - SD

Photo 5 - SC

(1) Ocean tug Corbin Foss prepares to tow the former HMCS PROTECTEUR from Esquimalt, BC to Liverpool, NS - 24 Feb 2016

(2) Ocean tug Corbin Foss begins the long tow, taking PROTECTEUR from Esquimalt, BC to the breakers yard in Liverpool, NS - 24 Feb 2016

(3) PROTECTEUR leaves Esquimalt for the last time, under tow, bound for the breakers yard in Nova Scotia - 24 Feb 2016

(4) PROTECTEUR leaves Esquimalt for the last time, under tow, bound for the breakers yard in Nova Scotia - 24 Feb 2016

(5) PROTECTEUR leaves Esquimalt for the last time, under tow, bound for the breakers yard in Nova Scotia - 24 Feb 2016

 

Photo 6 - SC

photo 7 - PO

(6) PROTECTEUR leaves Esquimalt for the last time, under tow, bound for the breakers yard in Nova Scotia - 24 Feb 2016

(7) Former HMCS PROTECTEUR, under tow by the salvage tug Corbin Foss, transiting the Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal - 21 Mar 2016

Source: Miraflores Locks webcam / Rick Sideroff (via Royal Canadian Navy Today and Yesterday facebook page)

 

Legend:  GV - © / Courtesy of Greg Volkman 2016

DL -  Courtesy of Dean Lang / © Photographer Peter Storey 2016

SD - © / Courtesy of Sandi Dryen 2016

SC - © / Courtesy of Steve Cockerill 2016

PO - © / Courtesy of Paul Ouellette 2016

 


 

Note: the Corbin Foss turned the tow over to the Atlantic Larch on the western side of the canal zone after exiting the Gatun Locks.

 

The end of the tow - PROTECTEUR arrives at Liverpool, NS

 

photo 8 - RM

photo 9 - CM

photo 10 - BB

(8) In the early morning hours of 22 Apr 2016, the former HMCS PROTECTEUR, under tow by the tug Atlantic Larch, arrived at Liverpool NS to be broken up

(9) Former HMCS PROTECTEUR alongside at the yard of R.J. MacIsaac Construction, where she will be broken up.

(10) Former HMCS PROTECTEUR alongside at the yard of R.J. MacIsaac Construction, where she will be broken up.

 

Legend:  RM - Photographer / © Dr. Ross Myers 2016

CM - © / Courtesy of Colin Machaffie 2016

BB - © / Coutresy of Bill Brisin

 


 

At the Breaker's Yard

 

  

 

The forward house of the former HMCS PROTECTEUR being demolished

 


 

  

 

(left) The former HMCS PROTECTEUR at the breaker's yard 27 Oct 2016.  The RAS stations have been removed and her forward house has been demolished.

(right) The former HMCS PROTECTEUR at the breaker's yard 06 Nov 2016. The hangar / after house is being demolished and almost

 

Photographer: © Rick Sideroff 2016

Courtesy of Rick Sideroff

 


 

 

The bitter end

 

The hulk of the former HMCS PROTECTEUR pulled ashore and being broken up

 

Photographer: Alain Delisle

Source: HMCS PROTECTEUR facebook page

 


 

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