The waters off Halifax have been the scene for one of the most complex security drills ever staged in Canada this past week. About 3,000 people - most of them members of the Canadian and U.S. military - have been involved in a massive exercise to test the limits of maritime security and cross-border co-operation.

Easily the highlight for residents to check out is the warship USS Wasp that the United States sent to take part.

The 250-metre amphibious assault ship carries about 1,000 crew, an assortment of helicopters, Harrier jets and landing craft and is the 10th edition of the vessel in it’s history.

I went down to the waterfront on Friday to take some pictures and was amazed at just how large it was in person. I grew up in Sarnia, Ont and am very used to seeing 1000 footer ocean liners all the time but they have nothing on the Wasp. It seems it is as wide as any ship I have ever seen.

I wanted to share some interesting facts that I dug up on this boat.

  • Wasp is 844 feet long with a beam of 106 feet, also accommodates the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft, and amphibious vehicles.
  • Wasp has medical and dental facilities capable of providing intensive medical assistance to 600 casualties, whether combat incurred or brought aboard ship during humanitarian missions.
  • Onboard recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art Library Multi-Media Resource Center with Internet access, a weight room, arcade machines and satellite television capabilities.
  • USS Wasp’s two steam propulsion plants—the largest currently in operation in the U.S. Navy—generate a total of 400 tons of steam per hour. The propulsion system develops 70,000 shaft horsepower (52 MW), powering the ship to speeds in excess of 22 knots (25.3 mph or 41 km/h).
  • Wasp weighed more than 27,000 tons when moved onto the Ingalls floating dry-dock on July 30, 1987 for launch on August 4, 1987, becoming the largest man-made object rolled across land.

If you want to see more interior shots of the Wasp feel free to go here since I was unable to go inside obviously. I know Kevin is jealous I got to see this war ship in person and maybe when they visit Halifax this summer there will be some other boats in the harbour just as interesting.

My only question is do you think they play battleship in their fancy game room?

Here is a quick video clip, don’t mind the wind.

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