Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 (Halifax, NS) –Halifax Transit is pleased to invite residents to attend the official unveiling of its newest harbour ferry, named in memory of Craig Blake, on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake was the first Canadian sailor to be killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. He was part of an elite navy group that specializes in neutralizing bombs – underwater and on land – based at the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic in Halifax.

His name was chosen as part of a naming contest held in the fall 2014, which saw over 11,000 votes cast for six finalists selected from over 500 names nominated by residents for the new vessel.

An event to officially unveil the new ferry will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015

Time: 10 – 11 a.m.

Location: Nathan Green Square, adjacent to the Halifax Ferry Terminal

The unveiling ceremony will feature remarks from Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, Eddie Robar, Director of Halifax Transit, and Priscilla Blake, as well as music from the CFB Stadacona Band.

The new ferry is the second of three new vessels being added to the fleet, which will bring more continuity and efficiency to the harbour ferry service. The Christopher Stannix vessel launched in 2014 was the first new ferry to be added to the fleet in over 20 years.

It’s anticipated the new vessel will go into service within the next few weeks following the completion of required testing and sea trials.

For more information on the Halifax Transit harbour ferry service, visit www.halifax.ca/transit/ferries.php.

Source: Release