Why was that navy ship in Howe Sound near Squamish?

Did you see it? On Friday, several locals reported seeing a naval ship on Howe Sound near Squamish.

The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed to The Squamish Chief that on Sept. 15, the Canadian ship HMCS Winnipeg was sailing in the sound. 

Various naval trades were being trained onboard en route to Ogden Point for Defence on the Dock, a Victoria event allowing visitors to check out the ship, interact with the Canadian Armed Forces close up, and learn about the work it does.

Capt. Pedram Mohyeddin, public affairs officer for the Maritime Forces in the Pacific, said that the ship had approximately 235 members on board.

This Howe Sound sail focused on training new marine technicians to qualify them for postings throughout the fleet, Mohyeddin said.

The Winnipeg was also training their bridge watchkeepers, according to Mohyeddin.

"Conducting this training in Howe Sound allows the ship’s company to train in a variety of waterways in the presence of many different types of vessels while experiencing the breathtaking views on that part of the coast,” he said.