On the 80th anniversary of his death in action, the Royal Canadian Navy officially named the sixth Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship— the Robert Hampton Gray— at the Halifax Shipyard.
A decorated Canadian naval aviator and the last Canadian to be killed in action during the Second World War, Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray V.C., D.S.C of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve received the Victoria Cross for leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan on 9th August, 1945.
In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships, Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success. Although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray constantly showed a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership.
There was a lot of excitement at the naming ceremony, and I know this new ship will benefit the Royal Canadian Navy and our defence capabilities.
Huge thanks to the incredibly skilled shipbuilders here in Nova Scotia—and to the workers, companies, and industries across our region—whose expertise and contributions, from components to final assembly, made this vessel a reality.
