Corner Brook Chronicles: From land to sea — Sailor 1st Class Zack Davidson

August 5, 2025 – Royal Canadian Navy

Sailor 1st Class (S1) Zack Davidson knew from a young age that he would like to serve Canada. Now, as a sonar operator serving in the Canadian Submarine Force (CSF), he is proud to be part of the service that preserves the country’s sovereignty and maritime security.

“Helping those in need, and defending the security and rights of Canadians, is something I take great pride in,” said S1 Davidson.

Born in New Westminster, B.C., S1 Davidson has been interested in warfare, history, strategic studies, and tactics from an early age. He was inspired by his grandfathers who served in both the Second World War and the Korean War. This led him to join the cadets in 2016 and later, while he was still in High School at Semiahmoo Secondary School, the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) in Vancouver.

“Wanting to be there for other people is one of the reasons I decided to join. I wanted to be a soldier in some capacity, to serve my country, and protect people who can’t necessarily protect themselves,” explains S1 Davidson.

Already part of the Army for four years, he considered joining the Lord Strathcona’s Horse regiment as an armoured soldier in Edmonton, but he chose the Navy instead to stay close to his family. In 2019, after touring a Canadian Navy submarine, he knew he’d made the right choice.

“It was the middle of the night and PO1 Yevrag Evans was giving us a tour of HMCS Chicoutimi. Everyone wanted to leave but I was super curious and kept on asking questions that he was happy to answer. This is when I knew I wanted to be a submariner,” said S1 Davidson.

“It is a tough job and I have an immeasurable amount of respect for my colleagues beneath the sea. They are the most dedicated people I’ve met in the Canadian Armed Forces. The environment of what we do really brings out seriousness, drive, courage and dedication in people and it’s remarkable to see that in action,” said S1 Davidson.

S1 Davidson is currently on the upgraded and fully operational HMCS Corner Brook as a sonar operator as part of exercise Trident Fury. In the future, he hopes to complete his watch leader course to qualify for a promotion. He sees himself continuing to work with the submarine community for years to come.