Government cutbacks and a shortage of sailors have forced the Canadian Navy to mothball 6 of its 12 Kingston-class coastal patrol vessels. Granted that these are not the most capable of vessels but the irony is overwhelming as the Canadian Navy celebrates its 100th anniversary.
In addition, 3 of 12 Halifax-class frigates will be put on limited duties and the frigates HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Toronto, as well as the destroyer HMCS Athabaskan will have their combat systems degraded to sensors and communications only.
Since 2 additional frigates will soon be going into drydock for a major refit, the Canadian Navy will be left with only 5 fully operational frigates and 2 destroyers to patrol 3 coastlines and fullfill international obligations.
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Everyone welcome Shelldrake - our new Canadian newsjunkie :)
Update: The order has been rescinded, at least wrt the coastal defence vessels.
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