HMCS Chignecto (hull number MCB 156) was a Bay-class minesweeper built for the Royal Canadian Navy during the early 1950s. Constructed primarily of wood planking and aluminum framing, the vessel reflected the design principles of the Ton-class minesweepers, emphasizing lightweight construction suitable for minesweeping operations. The keel was laid on June 4, 1951, at Marine Industries in Sorel, Quebec, and the ship was launched on June 13, 1953. She was officially commissioned into service on December 1, 1953. The vessel measured 152 feet (46 meters) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a draught of 8 feet (2.4 meters). Displacing approximately 390 long tons (400 tonnes) at standard load and 412 long tons (419 tonnes) at deep load, Chignecto was powered by two General Motors 12-cylinder diesel engines, generating a total of 2,400 brake horsepower. This propulsion allowed her to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots and maintain a range of about 3,290 nautical miles at 12 knots, making her suitable for extended minesweeping missions. Armed with a single 40 mm Bofors gun and equipped with minesweeping gear, Chignecto was designed to detect and clear naval mines, contributing to Canada's maritime security during the Cold War. After serving briefly with the Royal Canadian Navy, she was paid off on March 31, 1954, and transferred to the French Navy the same day, where she was renamed La Bayonnaise (hull number P 654). As La Bayonnaise, the vessel continued minesweeping duties until 1973, when her minesweeping gear was removed. She was subsequently reassigned as a territorial patrol vessel in the Pacific, serving until 1976. The ship was decommissioned and broken up for scrap in Papeete, Tahiti, in 1977. Her service highlights the post-World War II evolution of minesweeping technology and multinational naval cooperation during the Cold War era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.