Roger Litwiller with Lieutenant Commander Paul Roddick commanding officer, HMCS KINGSTON during reception.

On Friday 12 July 2013, Roger Litwiller was invited to a reception and luncheon on board HMCS KINGSTON, following the ships arrival at Kingston, Ontario.

Roger presented the crew of KINGSTON with a signed and dedicated copy of his book, “Warships of the Bay of Quinte.”

Currently KINGSTON is the only ship in the Canadian Navy to be named for this area of Eastern Ontario and represents Kingston and the surrounding area.

KINGSTON’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Paul Roddick, accepted the book on behalf of his crew and presented Roger with a HMCS KINGSTON crew ball cap.

HMCS KINGSTON arriving at her namesake city, Kingston, Ontario on 12 July 2013. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (RTL26511)

Roger arrived early to take pictures of KINGSTON’s arrival, in anticipation for when he writes about the RCN ships named for the Kingston area. The public affairs officer noticed Roger dockside and invited him to be a part of the welcoming committee. The group also consisted of the LCdr Nixon, executive officer and CPO1 Malcolm Good, Sea Cadet Coxswain, both from the sea cadet summer camp, HMCS ONTARIO located at the the Royal Military College. The guest of Honour Chief Don Miracle of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council provided the official welcome to the ship and crew.  The senior band of ONTARIO played during the arrival of the ship.

Following the luncheon, Roger was given a private tour of the ship from stem to stern by Sub-Lieutenant Ted Marr. Roger says, “Ted was an exceptional guide and host and thanks SLt Marr for his patience in answering my questions.”

Roger also states, “KINGSTON is an excellent ship with an exceptional crew, It is an honour to present the men and women of this ship with my book.  Together they are living the future history of Canada’s Navy.  Bravo Zulu to all of you!”

Welcoming committee is greeted by command team from HMCS KINGSTON on 12 July 2013.
Left to Right: CPO2 Warren, Coxswain, LCdr Paul Roddick, Commanding Officer, Chief Don Miracle, Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, LCdr Nixon, executive officer and CPO1 Malcolm Good, both HMCS ONTARIO and Roger Litwiller, naval author and historian.

HMCS KINGSTON looking very pusser, dressed overall to receive dignitaries on 12 July 2013 and the general public for tours.
Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (RTL26623)

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