Canadian warship ports in Phuket

CAPE PANWA: The HMCS Calgary arrived in Phuket yesterday from Oman, where its mission was to boost security against pirates, Vuti Jitratkosol, ordinary consul to Phuket for the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok, told the Gazette today.

Although the advanced warship’s crew of 230 sailors were called back to the ship yesterday, the seamen were allowed to resume their RnR (rest and recreation) break today before they depart Phuket on Sunday.

While the frigate was here, Cdr WJ Quinn replaced Cdr Kelly B Larkin as commanding officer of the ship. Cdr Kelly B Larkin had been captain of the HMCS Calgary for the past two years, Mr Vuti said.

After leaving Phuket, the ship will head for its home port in Victoria, Canada, where it is scheduled to arrive in early October. En route, the Calgary will port in Japan.

According to the Canadian Navy website, the Calgary carries extensive anti-submarine and anti-surface weapons and sensors to complement its substantial anti-air warfare defenses.

“The combination of its varied and proven weapon and sensors system, coupled with a state-of-the-art damage control and machinery control systems, makes Calgary one of the most advanced warship designs in the world,” it says.