* VOLUME VH, Number 16
ADAK SUN
CANADIAN SHIPS VISIT ADAK-The three Canadian warships that visited here Thursday
and Friday are attached tc the Pacific Command of the Royal Canadian Navy. Their
homeport is Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada. HMCS ASSINIBOINE (234), HMCS
MARGAREE (230), and HMCS OTTAWA (229) are members of the 2nd Canadian Escort Squad
ron,: The name of each ship is derived from famous and historical rivers of Canada.
HMCS ASSINIBOINE is Senior Ship of the 7 ship squadron of destroyer-escorts of the
"St Laurent" class.
The complement of each ship is 20 officers and 204 men. These ships are unique in
that they have been designed specifically to deal with the modern submarine under
a variety of weather conditions. Their twin propellers are powered by geared steam
turbines. They have a speed of more than 25 knots and a high degree of maneuver -
ability is provided by twin rudders. Their rounded lines which were noticed by many
Adakians counter ice formation and facilitate in countering the effects of atomic
fallout. Previous methods of ship-handling during action have been revolutionized
hay modern electronic aids. Complex radar and -direction-finding equipment pierces
through fog and darkness. During action the captain "fights" the ship from the op
erations room. The wheelhouse is on the lower deck, three decks below the bridge,
for reduced vulnerability during action. Equipped with modern Anti-submarine weap
ons the ship has many devices and apparatus which could spell doom for enemy, sub
marines .
Life aboard the ships is pleasant although the men work and train a considerably
longer day than most they sleep in bunks with foam rubber mattresses, pillows and
individual reading lamps* Each living space has-a recreational area for off-duty
hours*
There is provision for cafoteria-style messing from a centrally located electric
ally equipped galley* The galley contains a bakery; sections for handling pastry,
meat and vegetables; a dairy with ice-cream and milk machinery; a dishwashing mach«
ine and garbage disposal unit.
The main dining hall, which can double as a cinema in the evenings, has fireproof
tables, cushioned chairs and a piano* Lighting if fluorescent* The Chief and Petty
Officers have a separate dining space nearby*
Many fine comments were heard on the conduct and appearance of both the ships and
men of the ASSINIBOINE, MARGAREE and OTTAWA. Perhaps we shall see them again*
USN