ESQUIMALT, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2012) - The Commanding Officer and members of the crew of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg arrived in Winnipeg today to conduct a week-long visit to their namesake city.

"These visits allow the Royal Canadian Navy ships to foster stronger relationships with their namesake cities," said Commander Everts, the Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg. "We are very proud to represent the city of Winnipeg. It is with great enthusiasm that we visit this city to reconnect with partners and friends of the Navy, and to ensure that Canadians are aware of the meaningful contributions their Navy makes both at home and abroad."

The members of HMCS Winnipeg will also take this opportunity to give back to its namesake city. During their time in Winnipeg, the crew will conduct several activities to include presenting a cheque to the Firefighters Burn Fund, lending a hand to Habitat for Humanity, and providing a Flag Party at the Blue Bombers kick-off game.

Based in Esquimalt, British Columbia, HMCS Winnipeg was commissioned in June 1993 and is the ninth ship delivered to the RCN under the Canadian Patrol Frigate program. HMCS Winnipeg is a Canadian-designed and built ship, highly capable to perform in a variety of roles. She is the second Canadian warship to carry the name HMCS Winnipeg with great pride.

Note to editor / news director: The ship's captain, Commander Geoff Everts, and members of his crew are available for interviews throughout the week. For more information about any of the scheduled activities or to set up media opportunities with Commander Everts and his crew, please contact Lieutenant Navy Sean Bruce at Sean.Bruce@forces.gc.ca, or 250-516-6486.