Yellowknife (May 13/05) - Nineteen crew members from the capital's namesake navy ship, the HMCS Yellowknife, are in town this week.

The ship's total crew of 40 will be setting sail for 10 weeks in June for navigation operations and officer training in Alaska.

Lt Cedric Kinnard and LS Luis Lemus, crew members on the HMCS Yellowknife, help the Salvation Army build a shed while they are in town.

"Even though we will be away from our families this summer, we all wanted to come on this trip," said PO Heather Smolinski.

This is Smolinski's third trip to the city. The last time was in 2003.

"This time I want to take home some caribou meat," she said. "And I want everyone to see the neat houses on Latham Island."

The 19 crew members are billeted throughout the city to cut down on expenses. It also gives them a chance to take advantage of the area's specialties.

Official sponsor and ship "Mom," Pat McMahon, made them caribou stew for their first night in town.

In addition to sightseeing, the crew is visiting schools and centres like the Side Door. They are also helping to construct a shed for the Salvation Army, the organization the crew chose to donate time to on each visit.

The last time the ship's crew was here they prepared and served meals at the Salvation Army, said Smolinski.

Throughout the year, the crew fundraise with auctions and draws. On previous visits, they have donated the money to the Salvation Army.

After hearing about the deaths of Lieut. Cyril Fyfe and firefighter Kevin Olson, the Yellowknife crew held an auction and presented the proceeds to the Yellowknife Fire Department.