Sailor Profile: Petty Officer 2nd Class Francis Lallemand

Navy News / June 30, 2021

“Being part of a second family” is the best thing about being a member of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) says Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Francis Lallemand.

Originally from Lac-Des-Ecorces, Que., PO2 Lallemand is of Métis and Algonquin heritage. He is a Naval Combat Information Officer (NCIOP) currently serving in Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Corner Brook.

He joined the RCN 18 years ago for its secure employment, experience and travel.

“I find my job (as an NCIOP) important because it makes it safer for us to navigate around with the submarine,” he says.

NCIOPs are responsible for the operation of all surveillance radars and associated equipment of the shipboard intelligence, surveillance and recognizance systems.

One of PO2 Lallemand’s most memorable experiences as a submariner was a seven-month deployment to Japan in 2017 as part of the crew of HMCS Chicoutimi.

“We were the first Canadian submarine there in nearly 50 years,” he says. “It was great milestone to be part of.”

Over his career he has also sailed as part of Operation Caribbe, Canada’s participation in U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean; Operation Poseidon in the Asia-Pacific region; and Rim of the Pacific exercises off the coast of Hawaii.

Along with these exciting deployments however, come the challenges of leaving family behind.

“The big milestones in my life that I missed were the birth of my first daughter while on course in Halifax and deploying to Somalia for eight months after the birth of my second child,” he says. “It was hard, but I think it made me a stronger person.”

He stays in the RCN for the camaraderie and travel opportunities, and recommends it to anyone thinking of joining.

His advice to new recruits? “Work hard and never give up on your dream.”