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The HMCS Annapolis Propeller

by Christopher J. Cole 2016

HMCS Annapolis

Screw propeller from HMCS Annapolis at CFB Esquimalt. (Photo from the Christopher Cole collection. )

I saw this propeller on display near the Base Museum at CFB Esquimalt. Given the value of it as scrap I was surprised that it was on display. It was landed from HMCS Annapolis before she was sunk as an artificial reef. It was probably not intended as a memorial or monument but it certainly functions as one. The sinking is the start of a new long term mission for the ship as an artificial reef which will in time become a new habitat for rock fish species and other marine animals some of which have been seriously depleted due to over fishing and destruction of habitat over the past few decades.

h HMCS Annapolis

Plaque at screw of HMCS Annapolis. (Photo from the Christopher Cole collection. )

HMCS Annapolis was the last of the West Coast based steam powered Helicopter Destroyers (DDH). Of note were such innovations as the incorporation of an operations room from which the Captain engaged the ship and the provision of chemical, biological & radiation/nuclear (CBRN) protection. With the advances in fighting capabilities and the crew comfort that were integrated into the Class, these ships were commonly referred to as the "Cadillac of Destroyers" by the sailors who sailed them.

HMCS Annapolis

HMCS Annapolis (DND Photo. )

After being paid off in 1998, she was berthed at the Fleet Diving Unit jetty in Esquimalt, BC for eight years before being purposely sunk as an artificial reef (see the article).


To quote from this article please cite:

Cole, Christopher J. (2016) The HMCS Annapolis Propeller. Nauticapedia.ca 2016. http://nauticapedia.ca/Gallery/Monument_Annapolis_Propellor.php

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