It’s official: the CCGS Captain Molly Kool has been welcomed to the Coast Guard fleet at the Atlantic Region Headquarters in St. John’s.
The traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship’s bow officially welcomes the CCGS Captain Molly Kool as the first vessel to be brought into the Coast Guard fleet in 25 years.
It’s official with the ceremonial breaking of the bottle on the vessel’s bow. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/WxOFVqeuXQ
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019
The ship is named after Molly Kool, the first woman in North America to be certified of Master of a Cargo Steamship in the Home Trade.
This was one of the highest levels of qualification that could be achieved in the profession when Captain Kool held the title in 1939.
(Photo of Molly Kool.)
Governor General Julie Payette, Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote, and DFO Minister Jonathon Wilkinson were all on hand for the event, along with Captain Kool’s sister, Martha Miller.
“Look at all the women in the Navy!”
Martha Miller is Captain Molly Kool’s younger sister.
Here is a bit of the heart warming speech from Miller. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/OqmNuOAI75
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019
Miller delivered a heart-warming speech about her sister, starting with “just look at all the women in the Navy,” as Kool broke down barriers helping female marines break the norm.
The vessel, the first icebreaker to bear the name of a female captain, can maintain a speed of three knots through ice up to one metre thick.
Earlier Story
The director general of operations with the Canadian Coast Guard, Julie Gascon, says Captain Molly Kool is one of her heroes, and this is a special day. She says to have Captain Kool recognized in this way is a “dream come true” for her and all the female members of the Canadian Coast Guard.
