HMCS Algonquin Commanding Officer Captain M.F. Ron LLoyd

Like Canada's newer Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, ALGONQUIN is equipped with one of the world's most advanced integrated combat control systems. In peacetime, ALGONQUIN can employ its high-tech systems for a variety of important missions, from search and rescue to fisheries and sovereignty patrols. ALGONQUIN's homeport is Esquimalt, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. The name ALGONQUIN means "At the place of spearing fish and eels" . Its name was connected to a First Nations People who ranged throughout a vast territory from Georgian Bay in the West, to the St. Maurice River in the East and who made their living by hunting and fishing. The Algonquin people provided an honourable heritage for the ships which were to bear the name of their tribe.

ALGONQUIN can embark two twin engine CH 124 Sea King gas turbine medium range helicopters. These aircraft have been extensively modified to carry out their role in anti-submarine warfare, operating as an integral extension of the ship’s weaponry. The Sea King is also used to identify vessels and build awareness of the maritime environment.

The Sea King helicopter’s crew consists of two pilots, a tactical coordinator (TACCO) and an airborne electronic systems operator (AESOP). The CH 124A Sea King is equipped with variable depth sonar, radar for surface search and is instrumented for all weather missions. The CH 124B aircraft is fitted with sonobouy processing equipment and is able to passively detect and track submarines. Both aircraft are capable of carrying two MK 46 anti-submarine torpedoes.
Air operations in rough seas are possible with the aid of the Canadian designed “Beartrap” or Helicopter Hauldown Rapid Securing Device.