While nearly 2,000 kilometres of land lies between Regina and the Pacific Ocean, there is still a strong and proud connection between the city and the sea.
Since 1995, Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina has been deployed to the far corners of the world to assist with counterterrorism and maritime security operations.
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“She has done a myriad of work all around the world,” Cmdr. Collin Matthews said.
The 12 Halifax-class frigates in Canada’s navy are all named after Canadian cities — from Charlottetown to Vancouver and of course, Regina.
In an effort to connect the ship’s company with the community it’s named for, the Royal Canadian Navy facilitates annual namesake visits.
“It was just an excellent chance for a lot of our sailors who don’t have a personal relationship with the city to get a sense for what it’s like to be here,” Matthews said.
But the connection between the city and the ship goes deeper than just a name. Onboard HMCS Regina, sailors walk “flats”– or passageways — with names like Dewdney Avenue and Scarth Street.
Power-generating compartments are tagged with SaskPower decals and a mural of downtown Regina adorns one of the ship’s bulkheads.
The vessel is also smattered with plenty of green and white. According to sailors, Saskatchewan Roughriders emblems can be found all over the ship.
Saskatchewan native, navy Lt. Tracy Tkachuk, has spent around seven years on HMCS Regina and has educated his fellow sailors about its namesake city and the prairies.
“We’re representing the people of Saskatchewan in my opinion and the city of Regina. I want to make sure they’re well aware of what they’re representing,” Tkachuk said.
In 2003, Tkatchuk named HMCS Regina’s mascot “Gunner”, the cousin of Riders’ mascot, Gainer.
In 2014, the crew was surprised with a massive Riders battle ensign, donated by students at École St. Andrew that was carried throughout the ship’s latest deployment.
“When we’re at sea it helps us to stay connected to Canada, and gives us a better sense of purpose,” Lt.-Cmdr. Drew Graham said.
Since returning from her latest deployment in 2014, HMCS Regina completed a full-scale modernization process, upgraded with tools to “meet 21st century threats”.
The crew of HMCS Regina were in the city from Sept. 22 -27, meeting with civic leaders, residents and military veterans. The sailors were also in attendance for the Roughriders’ 20-18 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sept. 24.