HMCS Harry DeWolf - Part 2

The flight deck is large enough to accommodate many helicopters, such as, the CH-148 Cyclone, army helicopters, coast guard helicopters, and even the CH-47 Chinook.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t a helicopter onboard to inspect.

Should the order come to abandon ship, the crew would evacuate in large motorized life boats.  Each lifeboat can fit 60 people.  We were allowed to look inside.  The seats are really close together.

The officer led us into the main structure of the ship and showed us the hallway where the junior & senior officer cabins are located.  He also pointed out a sophisticated looking fire hose system, noting that the entire crew is trained on how to use it.  I personally noted another important feature on this level: a private head (toilet) room. 

We were taken to the bridge where all the important decisions are made by the captain and the bridge crew.  Speaking of the captain, Commander Gleason was present to greet us.  I saluted, introduced myself, and shook his hand.  Gleason gave a brief welcome speech and said he would see us later in the Officers’ Cabin for Q/A.  We were shown all the new electronic equipment, including the console that operates the 25mm BAE MK 38 gun.  No, we didn’t get to shoot it because the ship was anchored in the bay and the gun was pointing in the direction of the community.  The cadets also got to sit in the Captain’s Chair and were each given a free can of pop from the ship’s canteen.  The canteen was also selling various Harry DeWolf memorabilia.

25mm Gun Console.

Getting back to main 25mm gun, personally, I’m skeptical/disappointed that the civilian powers that be decided to equip the AOPSs with this weapon system.  I’ll admit it’s powerful enough to obliterate a human body and small boats.  However, I don’t think it’s powerful enough to do severe damage and/or sink a ship of equal size or larger than the Harry DeWolf.  The AOPS should be fitted with a larger caliber gun, like the 57mm cannons on the Halifax-class frigates. 

Former Arctic Bay mayor Frank May, presented a 41-kilomtere Midnight Sun Marathon road sign marker to Commander Gleason.  The commander happily accepted the gift and has his picture taken with Frank.

Signal Light.

We stepped outside the bridge and were shown a signal light, a large pair of stationary binoculars, and a glass cabinet that contained flags & pennants.

The next stop on the tour was the hangar.  The large enclosed open space is where the crew can store & safely do maintenance on helicopters.  It’s also used for storage, temporary barracks, and movie nights.  Firefighting & emergency equipment are located here.  Think of it as the Harry DeWolf’s garage.

Sick Bay

We proceeded to the front of the ship to get a peek at the enclosed cable deck.  The foredeck machinery is surrounded and protected by a large metal roof.  This prevents the ropes, chains, and sailors from freezing.  Temperatures in the Arctic can get pretty cold, even in the summer.

The Harry DeWolf comes equipped with a sick bay should anyone require medical attention.  There is an operating table and space for two rest beds.

The cadets enjoyed working out in the gym for 5 minutes.  The facility boasts treadmills, exercise bicycles, weights, a chin-up bar, and punching bag.  Arctic Bay's community hall has a fitness room but it’s been closed since the start of the pandemic.  Hopefully, it’ll reopen soon.

We took a break in the Officers’ Cabin and waited for Commander Gleason to arrive.  We watched the loading craft bring another batch of local visitors to the ship.  In fact, it had been doing that since we boarded the ship.  Tours were scheduled between 9am & 1pm and it was on a first-come-first serve basis.  Gleason arrived and held a one-on-one meeting with the cadets.  He answered questions and explained how to get involved in the RCN and potentially serve on one of the AOPS.  He also encouraged the cadets to finish their schooling and think about post-secondary education.  He added that the military does pay for education; you just have to “repay it” with several years of service.

The last room we saw was the Captain’s Cabin.  The commander of the ship gets his/her own office, quarters, and washroom.  Besides a large desk, the office also has two couches and a coffee table to entertain guests. 

We returned to the flight deck and took a group photo with Commander Gleason.  He presented us with a plaque of the Harry DeWolf’s crest and thanked us for visiting the ship.  The cadets & I thanked him and his crew for hosting us.

We were led down to the staircase we ascended to come onboard.  Once the loading craft arrived, we waited for the passengers to come onboard and give us their life jackets.  We slowly descended the staircase and stepped onto the loading craft.  The staircase was raised and the ropes were removed.  The boat moved away from the ship and began heading towards the shore. 

There were people waiting at the breakwater pier.  We disembarked first.  I thanked the loading craft crew for ferrying us between the shore and the Harry DeWolf.  Once all the cadets were ashore, I dismissed them for lunch.  I walked back to school.  Turns out many classes had gone to visit the ship.

Overall, the cadets & I had an amazing time touring the RCN’s newest ship.  I just hope the six ships will receive upgrades to their weapons & defence systems in the near future.       

                                             End of HMCS Harry DeWolf mini-series.