Nichola Goddard coast guard vessel enters water Saturday

A new Canadian Coast Guard vessel named after Capt. Nichola Goddard enters the water for the first time Saturday at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax.

Saturday marks the eighth anniversary of Goddard’s death. The Canadian soldier was killed during a firefight in Afghanistan, making her the first Canadian female soldier to die while in a combat role.

Goddard’s parents, Tim and Sally Goddard, are from Prince Edward Island and were scheduled to be on hand as the Hero class vessel went in the water.

"I'm sure it is going to be very emotional," Tim Goddard said. "We are just so honoured and delighted that Nichola is being remembered in this way. It is quite amazing that her name is going to live on in this field."

The vessel will undergo sea trials in the next few months.