The Honourable Gail Shea, acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, today presented the second of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Hero class vessels, the CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C.
The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C. is the second of the Coast Guard’s new Hero class of mid-shore patrol vessels being built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Kaeble was officially delivered to Coast Guard by Irving this November.
The new vessel is named after the late Corporal Joseph Kaeble, V.C. who was born in St. Moise, Quebec in 1893. He enlisted in 1916 and was a member of the famed Royal 22nd Regiment.
Corporal Kaeble died of wounds near Arras, France on June 9, 1918, after he single-handedly repelled a strong enemy attack on Canadian lines. Kaeble was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, the first French-Canadian to receive this distinguished military decoration.
“’Lest we forget’ is the covenant that Canada has made with those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Minister Shea . “This vessel is that covenant kept.”
“After firing on an advancing enemy with no concern for his own safety, ” Corporal Kaeble shouted, “Keep it up, boys; do not let them get through! We must stop them . He fell unconscious shortly thereafter,” said Minister MacKay. “Our government honours the service and sacrifice of all those who fought to defend our nation. I’m pleased the CCGS Caporal Kaeble helps Canadians remember all those who died in Canada’s name.”
The Hero class vessels are named for decorated fallen soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard who have died in the course of duty. By naming these after fallen Canadian heroes the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
The mid-shore patrol vessels are 47 metres in length with a displacement of 257 tonnes and a top speed of 25 knots. The CCGS Caporal Kaeble V.C will be based in Central and Arctic Region.
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dfo-mpo, November 14, 2012