Birds of a Feather

Image: 

The Canadian Navy’s Pacific Fleet will mark the Canadian Navy Centennial with an International Fleet Review June 9 to 14, 2010. Ships from as many as 25 navies in the Indo-Pacific Region are expected to gather at the Royal Roads anchorage in the approaches to Esquimalt Harbour which can be viewed from Birds of a Feather B&B.

The schedule:

Wednesday and Thursday, June 9 and 10:

• Visiting Navy ships arrive at Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads anchorage area in the vicinity of Esquimalt Lagoon.
• Visiting navies hosted by the messes and wardroom in the Esquimalt dockyard.

Friday, June 11:

• Naval Parade of Nations through downtown Victoria will feature visiting sailors.
• Move all ships during the day out to their anchorage positions off Royal Roads, where the public will be treated to an evening fireworks display.

Saturday, June 12:

• Ceremonial Fleet Review - Aboard a designated Canadian ship, the Reviewing Officer will manoeuvre through columns of visiting and Canadian ships. Following the passing of honours the review will conclude with a fly-past of Canadian Forces Aircraft, a Snowbirds airshow and a SkyHawks parachute demonstration.
• In the evening 'The Navy Rocks' rock concert will be held.

Sunday, June 13:

• Local sports groups and sailors of the Canadian Pacific Fleet host the international sailors at a series of sports and recreational events including cricket, rugby, and soccer.
• Certain ships may be open for public tours.