Lt (N) Seed reflects on journey from Hawai‘i and back

More than a decade after living on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu as a teenager, Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Robert "Bob” Seed returned to familiar surroundings as a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officer participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, reconnecting with the school and community that helped shape his path to military service.

“This summer, I had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the 30th iteration of RIMPAC 2026, based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,” said Lt(N) Seed. “This is particularly special for me, as I graduated from high school on the Windward side of Oʻahu in 2016.”

Lt(N) Seed’s connection to Hawaiʻi began in 2014 when his family relocated to Kailua after his father accepted an exchange posting at Pearl Harbor. He spent his final two years of high school at Le Jardin Academy (LJA), a K-12 school nestled beneath the Koʻolau mountain range.

During his time at LJA, Lt(N) Seed joined the school’s varsity cross-country team and embraced Hawaiʻi’s paddling culture as a member of the outrigger canoe team.

“This is where I learned my love for water,” said Lt(N) Seed.

“Some of the most exhilarating moments [while canoeing] were found at the end of a race, neck and neck with another boat returning to Magic Island. Everyone was exhausted but clutched in as the steersman would increase the team’s tempo, alter the boat to catch some surf, and secure our position ahead.”

The experiences and relationships formed during those years left a lasting impression.

Since earning his Naval Warfare qualification in 2021, Lt(N) Seed has served aboard Canadian warships on the West Coast, participated in Operation CARIBBE, and now works at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Venture as part of the first generation of Naval Warfare Officers serving within the Strategic Capability sub-occupation.

This summer, his career has brought him back to Hawaiʻi as part of RIMPAC 2026.

Lt(N) Seed was among the shore-based personnel serving throughout July at the Pacific Warfighting Center on the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander’s Future Operations team.

“RIMPAC is a great opportunity for any naval officer to coordinate and operate with partners across the Pacific Rim,” said Lt(N) Seed.

“Exercises such as RIMPAC are required to test and improve the strength of Canada’s interoperability with other nations across oceans, cultures, and languages.”

Between exercise commitments, Lt(N) Seed returned to his high school where he received a warm welcome from staff and educators who had played an important role in his academic and professional development.

“I was overwhelmed by the warm aloha, the lei, and even the surprise visit from my former college counsellor and history teachers," said Lt(N) Seed. "They were both pivotal to getting me into RMC and supporting me to study history,”

Walking through the LJA campus and revisiting familiar surroundings offered an opportunity to reflect on how much had changed over the past decade.

“It was really great to revel in memories while taking in the views of the ʻĀina around the campus.”

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Lt(N) Seed reflected on the journey that has taken him from Hawaiʻi to the RCN — and back again.

“The last ten years was a lot, but if I had the chance to have a chat with a younger Bob on the beach, I would tell him to stay focused on your goals on the horizon, but also to enjoy the moment you’re in and make sure you keep your ʻOhana along the journey.”

Lt(N) Seed’s return to Oʻahu serves as a reminder that while military careers may span oceans and continents, the people and places that shape us often remain a lasting source of inspiration.

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Language Guide:

Oʻahu: One of the main Hawaiian Islands, often called “the Gathering Place.”

Kailua: A coastal town on the windward side of Oʻahu, known for its beaches.

Koʻolau Range: A mountain range running along the eastern side of Oʻahu.

Magic Island: A man-made peninsula in Honolulu popular for gatherings, ocean views, and recreational activities.

Aloha: A Hawaiian word meaning love, compassion, peace, and greeting. Though used widely as a hello and goodbye, it carries a deeper sense of kindness and connection.

Lei: A traditional Hawaiian garland made from flowers, leaves, shells, or other materials.

ʻĀina: A Hawaiian word meaning land, but more deeply understood as “that which nourishes.” It reflects a cultural relationship of respect and stewardship toward the land.

ʻOhana (ohana): A word meaning “family,” but extends beyond blood relations to include close friends and community.