HALIFAX -- A quick look at HMCS Preserver, the Royal Canadian Navy's last operational support ship, scheduled to be officially retired from service Friday after a storied career at the frontlines of history.

  • Ship's company: about 270.
  • Displacement: 21,000 tonnes.
  • Maximum speed: 20 knots.
  • Built by: Saint John Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. Ltd.
  • Commissioned: July 30, 1970.
  • Hangar: room for three helicopters.
  • Fuel: can transfer 1,300 tonnes of fuel an hour while travelling at 12 knots.
  • Role: auxiliary oiler replenishment ship.
  • Length: 171.9 metres
  • Width 23.2 metres
  • Propulsion: steam turbines.
  • Range: 6,600 kilometres.
  • Initial cost: $30 million.