Shipbuilding
SHIP CONSTRUCTION
During the Second World War, Canadian shipbuilders were busy from coast to coast but since that time there have been fewer warships built in Canada. In the later 1960’s, contracts were let to Marine Industries, Sorel/Tracy, Québec (Lead shipyard) and Davie Shipbuilding in Lauzon. Québec (Follow yard). Each yard was to supply two ships of the DDH 280 Class. The author had the pleasure of serving as the Engineer Overseer in the Lead Yard in the office of the Principal Naval Overseer, Sorel - later known as 202 Canadian Forces Technical Services Detachment, Sorel - the name-change resulting from a reorganization in National Defence Headquarters (unification). In addition, Don was to become the Engineering Officer when HURON commissioned 1972-12-16.
Steel was laid for IROQUOIS in the MIL Sorel yard in 1968. The building of the two DDH 280’s in Sorel is shown in a series of photos taken during the construction period and the last one was taken during HURON’s Workups in 1973:
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Laying down the first steel for IROQUOIS:
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IROQUOIS partially under construction:
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IROQUOIS and HURON under advancing construction:
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A photo showing HURON’s starboard screw:
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IROQUOIS alongside fitting out:
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HURON at full power during Workups off St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia:
