HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) is a Halifax-class frigate in service with the Royal Canadian Navy since 1996. As the ninth vessel of her class, she embodies a versatile, modern warship designed for anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare. The ship measures approximately 134.65 meters (441 ft 9 in) in overall length, with a beam of 16.36 meters (53 ft 8 in) and a draught of 4.98 meters (16 ft 4 in). Displacing around 4,750 long tons, Winnipeg is powered by a CODOG propulsion system comprising two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and one SEMT Pielstick diesel engine, enabling a maximum speed of 29 knots and a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 15 knots using her diesel engines. Constructed by Saint John Shipbuilding in New Brunswick, her keel was laid in March 1993, and she was launched in December 1993. After initial sea trials and transit to the West Coast, Winnipeg was commissioned at Esquimalt in June 1995. Her armament as built included a 57mm Bofors gun, twin Mark 32 torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare, Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, and Sea Sparrow missiles for air defense. She also features a helicopter deck with a "bear trap" system for the deployment of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. Throughout her service, Winnipeg has participated in numerous operations, including multinational exercises like RIMPAC, NATO missions, anti-terrorism, anti-piracy, and sanctions enforcement, notably in the Persian Gulf and off the coast of Somalia. She supported Canada's military efforts in Afghanistan and has been involved in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, as well as intercepting vessels carrying refugees and contraband. The ship underwent significant modernization under the Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) program, which upgraded her combat systems, radars, and missile systems to enhance her operational capabilities. Notable incidents include a collision in April 2013 with a fishing vessel, injuries to crew members, and a 2020 overboard crewmember tragedy. In recent deployments, Winnipeg has conducted missions in Asia, participated in RIMPAC 2022, and performed freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait. As of 2023, damage sustained to her propellers has limited her operational capability, leading to a scheduled extensive maintenance drydocking in early 2024. Her service exemplifies Canada's commitment to maritime security and sovereignty across global maritime regions.

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