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HMCS PROTECTEUR is the Canadian Navy's only supply ship stationed on the Pacific Coast. Her role is to provide Canadian and Allied warships with fuel, food and supplies. Mobility and time on station are essential factors in the conduct of effective operations at sea. Supply ships substantially increase the warfare capability of Canada's Maritime Forces by enabling warships to remain at sea for longer periods without returning to port for fuel, supplies and maintenance. PROTECTEUR is a large vessel displacing nearly five times the tonnage of one frigate. This allows her to carry enough provisions to supply a task force of six destroyers for six weeks without having to return to port for resupply.