Ghost of a flea: HMCS Toronto

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July 11, 2005

HMCS Toronto

Multi-role patrol frigate, HMCS Toronto and her friendly crew are visiting her namesake city on a tour of the Great Lakes. The HMCS Toronto website has details for people wishing to visit the ship in Toronto. Lots of fun. And nice to learn up close our democracy still has some teeth. The Canadian Navy was distributing collectible recruitment mini-CDs and the Flea is pleased to offer one to the first three commenters to this post who would like one.

Update: Taylor & Company has a more detailed post on a visit to the HMCS Toronto. I too owe a great debt to Tom Clancy.

I found Toronto's crew to be quite friendly and polite; they patiently put up with all of my stupid landlubber questions comparing the effectiveness of her sensor suites and weapon systems to those of our NATO allies. I guess they weren't that stupid, though, because just about every crewmember I talked to asked me "Were you in the Navy?" I wasn't, but thank you, Tom Clancy. And thank you, Jane's Defence Weekly.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at July 11, 2005 08:37 AM

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Comments

Nice to see the Toronto recognized on the flea, even if she is a skimmer!

No need for a recruitment cd, I've already done my bit.

Thanks,
Kevin

Posted by: drunknsubmrnr at July 11, 2005 02:16 PM

That would make a dandy rum-runner! :-) See a horsepower rating, but no top-speed?

Posted by: DirtCrashr at July 12, 2005 05:07 PM

Apparently we are looking at 30+ knots though I expect her top speed is somewhat secret. More specifications on the Halifax class are here, here and here. That last link says the class is spacious for a frigate and "includes its own beer stores".

Posted by: Ghost of a flea at July 12, 2005 05:34 PM

Pity I don't have time to head down to T.O. this week, I would have liked to have seen HMCS Toronto.
I would like one of those CDs, please.

Posted by: Dr_Funk at July 12, 2005 09:00 PM

Hey, Dr. Funk. Just email me a mailing address and it will be on the way. I especially like the techno-ish soundtrack and high production values. If I had my twenties as a do-over I think would sign up.

Posted by: Ghost of a flea at July 12, 2005 09:44 PM

One of the officers I was talking to said her top speed under turbines was roughly 27-29kts but her more typical cruising speed on diesels was 13-17kts. I am guessing it has to be a wee bit higher than that since she needs to keep pace with U.S. CVBGs which can cruise at 30kts comfortably.

Posted by: Chris Taylor at July 12, 2005 10:35 PM