HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)

For other ships with the same name, see HMCS Charlottetown.
HMCS Charlottetown at Cleveland in 2008
History
Canada
Name: Charlottetown
Namesake: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Builder: Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., Saint John
Laid down: 18 December 1993
Launched: 1 October 1994
Commissioned: 9 September 1995
Refit: HCM/FELEX April 2013-April 2014
Homeport: CFB Halifax
Motto: "All Challenges Squarely Met"
Honours and
awards:		 Atlantic, 1942; Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1942,1944,[1]Arabian Sea [2]
Status: in active service
Badge: A representation of Queen's Square in Charlottetown with the Coronation crown of Queen Charlotte in the centre and 4 other squares surrounding in black and white.
General characteristics
Class and type: Halifax-class frigate
Displacement:
  • 3,995 tonnes (light)
  • 4,795 tonnes (operational)
  • 5,032 tonnes (deep load)
Length: 134.2 m (440 ft)
Beam: 16.5 m (54 ft)
Draught: 7.1 m (23 ft)
Propulsion:
Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: 9,500 nautical miles (17,600 km; 10,900 mi)
Complement: 225 (including air detachment)
Armament:
Aircraft carried: 1 × CH-124 Sea King

HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995. Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation HMCS Charlottetown. Charlottetown, assigned to Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and homeported at CFB Halifax, serves on missions protecting Canada's sovereignty in the Atlantic Ocean and enforcing Canadian laws in its territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone. Charlottetown has also participated in several NATO missions, patrolling the Atlantic Ocean as part of Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) and its successor Standing NATO Response Force Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). Charlottetown has also been deployed on missions throughout the Atlantic and to the Indian Ocean, specifically the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea on anti-terrorism operations.

Description and design

The Halifax-class frigate design, emerging from the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, was ordered by the Canadian Forces in 1977 as a replacement for the aging St. Laurent, Restigouche, Mackenzie, and Annapolis classes of destroyer escorts, which were all tasked with anti-submarine warfare.[3] Charlottetown was ordered in December 1987 as part of the second batch of frigates.[4][5] To reflect the changing long term strategy of the Navy during the 1980s and 1990s, the Halifax-class frigates was designed as a general purpose warship with particular focus on anti-submarine capabilities.[3]

As built, the Halifax-class vessels displaced 4,750 long tons (4,830 t) and were 134.65 metres (441 ft 9 in) long overall and 124.49 metres (408 ft 5 in) between perpendiculars with a beam of 16.36 metres (53 ft 8 in) and a draught of 4.98 metres (16 ft 4 in).[4][6] That made them slightly larger than the Iroquois-class destroyers.[4] The vessels are propelled by two shafts with Escher Wyss controllable pitch propellers driven by a CODOG system of two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, generating 47,500 shaft horsepower (35,400 kW) and one SEMT Pielstick 20 PA6 V 280 diesel engine, generating 8,800 shaft horsepower (6,600 kW).[6]

This gives the frigates a maximum speed of 29 knots (54 km/h; 33 mph) and a range of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) while using their diesel engines.[4][6] Using their gas turbines, the ships have a range of 3,930 nautical miles (7,280 km; 4,520 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph). The Halifax class have a complement of 198 naval personnel of which 17 are officers and 17 aircrew of which 8 are officers.[6]

Armament and aircraft

As built the Halifax-class vessels deployed the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which acted in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "bear trap" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to sea state 6. The Halifax class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the Mark 46 torpedo, launched from twin Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.[6]

As built, the anti-shipping role is supported by the RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1C surface-to-surface missile, mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar.[4][6] For anti-aircraft self-defence the ships are armed with the Sea Sparrow vertical launch surface-to-air missile in two Mk 48 Mod 0 eight-cell launchers placed to port and starboard of the funnel. The vessels carry 16 missiles.[6] A Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mark 15 Mod 21 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is mounted on top of the helicopter hangar for "last-ditch" defence against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow.[6]

As built, the main gun on the forecastle is a 57 mm (2.2 in)/70 calibre Mark 2 gun from Bofors.[lower-alpha 1] The gun is capable of firing 2.4-kilogram (5.3 lb) shells at a rate of 220 rounds per minute at a range of more than 17 kilometres (11 mi).[6] The vessels also carry eight 12.7 mm (0.50 in) machine guns.[5]

Countermeasures and sensors

As built, the decoy system comprises Two BAE Systems Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire chaff to 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) and infrared rockets to 169 metres (185 yd) in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.[6]

Two Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon AN/SPS-49(V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar. The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.[6]

Modernization

The Halifax class underwent a modernization program, known as the Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) program, in order to update the frigates' capabilities in combatting modern smaller, faster and more mobile threats. This involved upgrading the command and control, radar, communications, electronic warfare and armament systems. Further improvements, such as modifying the vessel to accommodate the new Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter and satellite links will be done separately from the main Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) program.[7]

The FELEX program comprised upgrading the combat systems integration to CMS330. The SPS-49 2D long range air search radar was replaced by the Thales Nederland SMART-S Mk 2 E/F-band 3D surveillance radar, and the two STIR 1.8 fire control radars wre replaced by a pair of Saab Ceros 200 re-control radars. A Telephonics IFF Mode 5/S interrogator was installed and the Elisra NS9003A-V2HC ESM system replaced the SLQ-501 CANEWS. An IBM multi-link (Link 11, Link 16 and Link 22 enabled) datalink processing system was installed along with two Raytheon Anschütz Pathfinder Mk II navigation radars. Furthermore, Rheinmetall's Multi-Ammunition Soft kill System (MASS), known as MASS DUERAS was introduced to replace the Plessey Shield decoy system. The existing 57 mm Mk 2 guns were upgraded to the Mk 3 standard and the Harpoon missiles were improved to Block II levels, the Phalanx was upgraded to Block 1B and the obsolete Sea Sparrow system was replaced by the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.[8]

Service history

Charlottetown's keel was laid down on 18 December 1993 by Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd. at Saint John, New Brunswick. The vessel was launched on 1 October 1994 and commissioned into the Canadian Forces on 9 September 1995 at Charlottetown, carrying the hull classification symbol FFH 339.[9]

In 1996, the frigate sailed to join NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) and performed a series of naval exercises with Eastern European nations. In 1997, after becoming the first Canadian warship to pass beneath the Confederation Bridge, the vessel participated in US naval exercises. In 1998, Charlottetown performed another stint with STANAVFORLANT beginning in February, replacing sister ship Toronto.[9]

In January 2001, Charlottetown sailed to the Persian Gulf to join the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Battle Group, enforcing sanctions against Iraq.[9] Following Canada's entry into the War in Afghanistan, Charlottetown was part of the initial naval task force sent to the Arabian Sea. Composed of Iroquois, Charlottetown and Preserver, the task force sailed from Halifax on 17 October 2001 arrived in theatre on 20 November.[10][11] Charlottetown was incorporated into a US amphibious ready group escorting United States Marine Corps troop transports near Pakistan.[10] Charlottetown returned to Halifax on 27 April 2002.[11]

In 2008 the frigate made significant narcotics interceptions. A dhow was caught loaded with four tonnes of hashish, close to Pakistani waters. The impounded vessel and crew were handed over to the Pakistan Coast Guard.[12]

Mediterranean deployments

Main article: 2011 Libyan civil war

On 2 March 2011, Charlottetown left its home port of Halifax to join the NATO-led air-sea Operation Unified Protector during the 2011 Libyan civil war. Charlottetown worked in conjunction with an American carrier battle group led by the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. The stated mission was to help restore peace, evacuate Canadian citizens in Libya and provide humanitarian relief.[13] On 18 March the Canadian government expanded the mission by announcing that HMCS Charlottetown, in addition to six CF-18 fighter aircraft and two CC-177 transport aircraft, would constitute Canada's contribution to the enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, aimed to protect Libya's civilian population (Operation Mobile).[14]

By 21 March, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported[15] that Charlottetown was patrolling the waters off north Libya. On 12 May, the frigate engaged several small boats involved in an attack on the port city of Misrata.[16] Later that month on 30 May, the frigate came under fire from a dozen BM-21 rockets while patrolling off the Libyan coast, but no damage or injuries were reported.[17]In July 2011, HMCS Vancouver relieved Charlottetown, which returned to Halifax.

Charlottetown departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 8 January 2012 to join the NATO-led mission Operation Active Endeavor. The mission was an anti-terrorism deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. At the time of departure Commander Wade Carter said to the media that there were no plans for Charlottetown to intervene in the conflict in Syria.[18] The frigate was sent to relieve HMCS Vancouver.[19]

Maritime security operations

Charlottetown transited the Suez Canal on 23 April 2012 to join Combined Task Force 150, conducting counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea.[20] She returned to Halifax on 11 September 2012. During her service in the Arabian Sea a Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, which had been deployed from the ship, was lost due to engine failure.[21] The navy later denied that it had been found by Iran, who had captured a ScanEagle drone around the same time.[21]

On 27 June 2016 Charlottetown sailed from Halifax to join NATO's Operation Reassurance in the Mediterranean Sea.[22] While deployed overseas, twenty members of the crew contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease.[23][24] In October, Charlottetown took part in the multinational naval exercise Joint Warrior off the coast of Scotland.[25]

Command team

Commanding officer: Cdr Andrew Hingston

Executive Officer: LCdr Patchell

Coxswain: CPO1 Anthony Bishop

Lineage - Charlottetown

First of Name HMCS Charlottetown (K244) Corvette, Revised Flower class Commissioned 13 December 1941 Sunk by enemy action 11 September 1942[1]

Second of Name HMCS Charlottetown (K244) Frigate, River class Commissioned 28 April 1944 Paid off 25 March 1947[1]

Third of Name This is the current ship with the name Charlottetown

References

Notes

  1. ↑ The 70 calibre denotes the length of the gun. This means that the length of the gun barrel is 70 times the bore diameter.

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 "Official Lineages, Volume 2: Ships". National Defence and the Canadian Forces. 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  2. ↑ "South-West Asia Theatre Honours". Prime Minister of Canada. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 Milner, p. 284
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Macpherson and Barrie, p. 291
  5. 1 2 Gardiner and Chumbley, p. 47
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Saunders, p. 90
  7. ↑ "Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension". National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  8. ↑ Scott, Richard (26 May 2016). "Halifax class upgrade on finals [CANSEC2016D2]". janes.com. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 Macpherson and Barrie, p. 292
  10. 1 2 Tracy, p. 265
  11. 1 2 "The Canadian Forces' Contribution to the International Campaign Against Terrorism". National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. 4 November 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  12. ↑ Warships International Fleet Review, May 2008 p. 25
  13. ↑ "Canadian warship prepares for week-long voyage for Libyan coast". CBC. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  14. ↑ "Harper heads to Paris meeting on Libya". CBC. 18 March 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  15. ↑ "HMCS Charlottetown patrols off Libya". CBC News. 21 March 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  16. ↑ "NATO ships thwart attack on Misrata harbour". North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  17. ↑ "Libyan rockets fired at HMCS Charlottetown". CBC News. 2 June 2011.
  18. ↑ "HMCS Charlottetown sails for Mediterranean". CBC News. 8 January 2012.
  19. ↑ "HMCS Charlottetown sails for Mediterranean". CBC News. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  20. ↑ "Minister MacKay Announces HMCS Charlottetown Deploying to Arabian Sea Region". 22 April 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  21. 1 2 "Canadian navy loses drone in hostile waters: report". CBC News. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  22. ↑ "Hundreds on hand to say goodbye to HMCS Charlottetown". The Guardian. 28 June 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  23. ↑ Russell, Andrew (10 August 2016). "20 Canadian sailors on HMCS Charlottetown contract hand, foot and mouth disease". Global News. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  24. ↑ Campion-Smith, Bruce (10 August 2016). "Canadian warship hit by outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease". Toronto Star. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  25. ↑ Pugliese, David (8 October 2016). "HMCS Charlottetown to conduct training off coast of Scotland". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 14 October 2016.

Sources

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