HMCS Miramichi (hull number MCB 150) was a Bay-class minesweeper built for the Royal Canadian Navy, notable for its dual service with both Canadian and French navies. Constructed by Saint John Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Co. in Saint John, New Brunswick, the ship was laid down on June 13, 1952, and launched on May 4, 1954. She was commissioned into the Canadian Navy on July 30, 1954, but was only in Canadian service for a brief period before being transferred to France under the NATO Mutual Aid Agreement on October 9, 1954. The vessel then entered French service on November 13, 1954, where she was renamed La Lorientaise. The Bay-class minesweepers, including Miramichi, were designed to replace aging Second World War-era minesweepers. They 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 up to 412 long tons (419 tonnes) at deep load, the ships had a complement of 38 officers and ratings. Power was provided by two GM 12-cylinder diesel engines driving two shafts, producing 2,400 brake horsepower, which enabled a maximum speed of 16 knots. Their range was approximately 3,290 nautical miles at 12 knots. Armed with a single 40 mm Bofors gun, they were equipped with minesweeping gear suitable for their primary role. Miramichi's service was brief in Canada, as she was paid off in October 1954 and transferred soon after. In French service, she initially continued as a minesweeper before being converted in 1973 to a patrol vessel, during which she was fitted with air conditioning for operations in the Pacific. La Lorientaise served until 1984, after which she was stricken in 1986 and subsequently dismantled at Papeete, Tahiti. Her operational history highlights her role in post-WWII minesweeping and patrol missions, contributing to maritime safety and naval operations during her active years.

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