Sailor 1st Class Noah Turcotte chases his dreams to El Salvador

While walking aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa during Operation HORIZON 24-03, you might notice Sailor 1st Class Noah Turcotte. Rocking his shoulder-length curly hair, tied back in a bun or braids, he’s hard at work as a Marine Technician.

After years of service and chasing his dream of deploying on a major operation, Operation Horizon marks his first major deployment, and he’s soaking in every moment of the experience.

For over a decade, Turcotte has worn the uniform. Beginning his journey in the Cadet program, he rose through the ranks to become the Chief Petty Officer 1st Class of the Brilliant Cadet Corps in North Bay. In 2018, he joined the Regular Force as a Marine Technician.

During Basic Training, Turcotte met a fellow recruit from El Salvador, whose stories would inspire a shift in his life’s direction.

The recruit shared his deep connection to his homeland and later took Turcotte to El Salvador, introducing him to the country, and meeting people who would be significant influences on him, such as a local coffee producer, even though he didn’t know it at the time.

For the next four years, Turcotte focused on his military goals. Once his four-year contract ended, Turcotte recognized the opportunity for personal growth and following a dream that started to grow in him since his visit to El Salvador several years back.

With close friends in the Reserves, he realized the flexibility it offered. He requested a component transfer from the Regular Force to the Reserves, and joined HMCS York in Toronto, setting off down a new path.

“As a reservist with qualifications on frigates, I can work part-time or full-time. Thanks to my Regular Force experience, I’m now eligible for deployments like Op HORIZON.”

Taking control of his career, he now manages his development and seeks out opportunities on his own terms. His training allows him to work on Halifax-class frigates and volunteer for other platforms, not something all reservists are necessarily qualified for, increasing his versatility and employability.

“With the Reserves, I can serve my country, deploy overseas, and then take breaks to focus on my other projects. It’s the perfect setup for me.”

And when Turcotte talks about his projects, one of the most significant is the dream that was sparked during Basic Training: to own a farm in a tropical country.

“I took the leap and, in 2022, I bought 10 acres and started building relationships with my neighbors. They help care for the land while I’m away, and I’m growing corn, beans, and squash. My ultimate goal, as a coffee lover, is to produce coffee beans and eventually grow orchards of oranges, limes, and lemons.”

For Turcotte, El Salvador has become a second home. On his land, he’s using his Marine Technician skills to great effect. He applied his woodworking knowledge to build a small cottage, he bought a pickup truck that he’s able to repair himself, and he installed a pump to ensure access to clean water.

“My goal for next year is to finish my cottage, expand my farm, and get some chickens. Eventually, I’d like to add goats, cows, and even a horse.”

When he’s not working on his farm, he seeks out full-time contracts with the Reserves. As one of the few reservist Marine Technicians qualified on Halifax-class frigates, he hopes to deploy again soon. He also wants to work toward his Engineering Watch Ticket and, possibly, his Senior Watch Keeper qualification.

“I have the best of both worlds. Joining the regular force right after high school gave me valuable skills that now allow me the flexibility to pursue my passions. I still get to serve my country and chase my dreams. For reservists, it sometimes takes many years to reach these qualifications, but I did it in just four, and now I manage my own career.”

For Turcotte, a life in uniform is just one of the many ways he’s creating the life he wants. Chasing his dreams in the military, and beyond.