The public had a rare opportunity to tour Her Royal Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Moncton during its brief stop in Hamilton July 23-25, and group of NC Technology students did not miss the boat.
On July 24, a group of 21 students and nine faculty members from the College’s School of Technology took a field trip to Hamilton to tour the active Royal Canadian Navy vessel, which is currently on a one-month deployment in the Great Lakes. The excursion was organized by School of Technology faculty member Stefane Filion, and Sgt. William Durant of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“It’s very important that our students have opportunities to make connections between their education and real-life applications,” said Filion. “They had a chance to see their learning come to life on an active Navy ship.”
The HMCS Moncton is a Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessel – a multi-role, minor war vessel which is primarily used for coastal surveillance and patrol. Its activities include general naval operations as well as support for search and rescue, law enforcement, resource protection and fisheries patrols.
Mechanical Engineering Technology student Preet Arora steers the ship as it heads back towards Hamilton Harbour.
Students had a chance to tour all areas of the ship, steer the ship while moving, and more. The experience offered students a view of real life applications of various technologies and processes that they have been exposed to during their studies.
“It was a great opportunity for our students to see the technology that exists behind the scenes on a Navy ship and meet the people who keep the technology running smoothly,” said Fred Deys, associate dean, School of Technology.
Electrical Engineering Technology student Hailey Cowan has been a member of the HMCS Moncton crew during its Great Lakes tour this summer.
Faculty and students on the tour were surprised to encounter NC second-year Electrical Engineering Technology student Hailey Cowan on board, as a summer member of the HMCS Moncton crew during its Great Lakes tour. Cowan is a member of the Navy Reserve with the rank of ordinary seaman, with HMCS Star, based in Hamilton.
Several students expressed how they valued the experience.
“I thought the tour was informative and a fun hands-on experience in what possibilities are available after graduation,” said second-year Electrical Engineering Technology student Kelti Wallace.
“The fact that all of what they were saying was familiar to me made me feel like my program is taking me in the right direction,” said Electronics Engineering Technology student, Sean Born
Students Kris Raffery and Mike Boot are pictured with lead seaman Autumn Soucie.
– Info and photos submitted by School of Technology professor Frank DeChellis
Watch CHCH coverage here: www.chch.com/sylvie/
