Ministers MacKay and Ashfield Unveil the First Canadian Coast Guard 'Hero' Class Vessel: The CCGS Pvt. Robertson V.C.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2011) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

In a solemn event at the Halifax Shipyard, Minister Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans unveiled the first of nine 'Hero' Class Mid-shore patrol vessels currently being built for the Canadian Coast Guard. The Coast Guard 'Hero' class vessels are named after Canadian heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice for Canada.

"The Canadian Coast Guard is a symbol of true and dutiful service," said Minister Ashfield. "The new 'Hero' Class patrol vessels represent a modest tribute to the heroes they honour and our government's support for the brave Coast Guard personnel that risk their lives along Canada's treacherous coastline - the longest in the world."

A total of nine new 'Hero' Class Mid-shore patrol vessels are being built by Irving Shipbuilding Incorporated for service across Canada. The first vessel of the class is named for Victoria Cross recipient Private James Peter Robertson. The CCGS Private Robertson V.C. will serve in the Great Lakes area. Relatives of Private Robertson accompanied the Ministers for the unveiling.

"I'm proud to be a part of a government that respects the services and sacrifices of those who serve their county, such as Private James Peter Robertson," said Minister MacKay. "During Veteran's Week and in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, it is our responsibility to honour his service to our country and remember his ultimate sacrifice with dignity and respect. Lest we forget."

Private Robertson was born in Albion Mines (now Stellarton), Nova Scotia and enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1915. He was killed in action on November 6, 1917 and is buried at Passchendaele in Belgium.

The 'Hero' Class Mid-shore patrol vessels can be named for decorated fallen soldiers, veterans and police officers, as well as employees of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Canadian Coast Guard who have died in the course of duty. By naming these vessels after fallen Canadian heroes, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture, geography, and sovereignty.

The 'Hero' Class Mid-shore patrol vessels will be used by Canadian Coast Guard officers to ensure the safety and security of mariners as well as support fisheries conservation and protection.

For broadcast:

In a solemn event at Irving Shipyard, Minister Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans unveiled the first of nine 'Hero' Class Mid-shore patrol vessels currently being built for the Canadian Coast Guard. The Coast Guard 'Hero' Class vessels are named after Canadian heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice for Canada. The first vessel in the class to enter service will be the CCGS Private Robertson V.C. Members of Robertson family accompanied the minister on the tour.

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20111109-Photo1_Fisheries_800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20111109-Photo2_Fisheries_800.jpg