Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Victoria conducted diving operations in the local waters near Victoria, B.C.
Yesterday’s dive was witnessed by General Walt Natynczyk , Chief of the Defence Staff, and Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison , Commander, Royal Canadian Navy.
HMCS Victoria is currently at sea conducting equipment trials and crew training such that the submarine can be declared fully operational in 2012. Victoria is expected to complete a number of important milestones in the near future which are required for her to be ready for an operational employment, including the firing of torpedoes as a demonstration of weapons capability in early 2012.
The submarine fleet will achieve full operational capability in 2013; at which point Canada will have three of four submarines continuously available for operations. A high readiness submarine will be available in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. As part of the ongoing submarine operational cycle, the fourth submarine will be with industry, undergoing necessary deep maintenance.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 21, 2012; Image: Combat Camera