On July 22nd, 1989 Ray and Ron Blakeney had the honour to visit the USS Blakely visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia. she was named in honour of Captain Johnston Blakely , a hero of the American War of 1812, and his great grand nephew, Vice Admiral Charles Adams Blakely. She is one of forty-six Knox Call open ocean frigates especially designed to locate and destroy enemy submarines. She is the third ship to bear the name; given previously to Torpedo float 27 and Destroyer 150. Her shield is "NUNQUAM Non Paratus" - Never Unprepared. The charge on the shield is a rampant lion, of aggressive mien and a symbol of courage and power. The lion is charged with shamrocks reflecting Johnston B1akely's lineage from County Down, Northern Ireland. Launched in August of 1969 she does patrol work conducting naval gunfire support against land based targets and escorting convoys as well as surveillance, search and rescue, evacuation and blockade.

Her combat Systems are very impressive including the torpedoes and 5- incb rapid fire guns and is equipped to handle "sea sprite" helicopters. She has a crew of 16 officers and approximately 120 enlisted men. The USS Blakely is fully equipped in all mission areas and is prepared at all times to carry out her wartirne missions. Her Commanding Officer is Commander Lt. Bruce Bradshaw.

Ron & Ray are pictured above presenting a Family Association Cup to Lt. Commander Wolfgang L. Kelly, the Operations Officer of USS BLAKELY