Last of the support ships retires: ‘They allowed our navy to act big’
HALIFAX — The Royal Canadian Navy’s last steam-powered warship — HMCS Preserver — was officially retired Friday during an elaborate, rain-drenched ceremony along the Halifax waterfront, marking the end of a storied, 46-year career at the front lines of history.
The big support ship’s motto was, “Heart of the Fleet.”
Commissioned in July 1970, the venerable tanker was a floating grocery store, gas station, repair shop, hospital and helicopter hangar.
Rear Admiral John Newton said Preserver and its now-retired sister, Protecteur, helped Canada punch above its weight on the world stage.