[4] In the early 2000s, the Canadian Forces Maritime Command (MARCOM) began searching for a replacement for its aging 1950s-era wooden-hulled YAG 300 training tenders.

[6] Designed to accommodate a 12.7 mm M2 machine gun, the foredeck was strengthened and extra fire protection was added, requiring a new firemain supply to the new ammunition storage lockers.

Below the bridge is a sixteen-seat training room with reconfigurable seating, desks and a multimedia centre, which also serves as a mess and medical area.

[2] The Orca class were the first vessels of its size to be built to the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) High-Speed Naval Craft (HSNC) A1 classification[7] and are constructed using CSA G40.21 50W/350WT high-strength structural steel.

[9] During the early stages of the Second World War, the Canadian Government acquired fourteen large yachts from the United States and all were given animal names upon commissioning in the RCN.

[3][13] During Operation Podium, the Canadian Forces support of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, three Orcas were temporarily fitted with 12.7 mm machine guns for port security duties.