Through Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government has committed to providing the women and men of our Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with ice-capable ships that are well suited to enforce our sovereignty in Canada’s Arctic waters.

“I am excited to serve as the sponsor and for the honour of officially naming Harry DeWolf after such an incredible Canadian. I look forward to connecting with the ship’s company and their families and to continuing to hear about their triumphs as they embark upon this new chapter in our Navy’s proud history.”

—   Madame Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, sponsor of the future HMCS Harry DeWolf

“Our government is delivering on our commitment in our defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged to provide our Royal Canadian Navy with the the capabilities it needs to serve Canadians. Today’s naming ceremony marks another successful milestone for Canadian shipbuilding. The new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships will provide our dedicated sailors with equipment that enhances their ability to safeguard our national interests and keep Canadians strong at home and engaged in the world.”

—    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term commitment to rebuild Canada’s marine industry and provide the members of our Royal Canadian Navy with the vessels it needs to do its work protecting Canadians. Today, we are celebrating the significant progress that we have made on that commitment with the naming of this first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship.” 

—    The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

“Today is an outstanding day for Nova Scotia workers and their families, the Halifax Shipyard and the Royal Canadian Navy. ‎Our government recognizes the ocean of opportunity that lies at our shores, and the importance of investing in the people, the equipment, the infrastructure and the institutions to make the most of those opportunities.”

—    The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

“Vice-Admiral DeWolf is a fitting namesake for this new class. Renowned for his bold vision, leadership and fighting spirit, he sailed HMCS Haida – now flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy – on a series of Arctic convoys during the Second World War. The Harry DeWolf-class will be an incredible capability for our Navy that builds on this legacy of excellence. Our presence in Canada’s North will be extended, and our ability to support a breadth of global operations will be enhanced. Today is an exciting day that brings us one step closer to tomorrow’s future fleet.”

—    Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy

• This is the first time in its 108-year history that the Royal Canadian Navy is naming a class after a prominent Canadian Navy figure.

• The naming ceremony is one of a number of ceremonies that will be held for the Harry DeWolf-class over the next several years. 

• Construction of the future HMCS Harry DeWolf started at Halifax Shipyard in September 2015. Sea trials will begin in 2019. 

• The first of the Harry DeWolf-class is expected to be turned over to the RCN in fall 2019. Acceptance will be followed by the commissioning ceremony – at which time it will receive its HMCS-designation.

• The remainder of the class will be named in honour of other prominent Canadians who served with the highest distinction and conspicuous gallantry in the Navy.

• The Harry DeWolf-class will be capable of armed sea-borne surveillance of Canada's waters, providing the government with situational awareness of activities and events in these regions, and cooperating with partners to assert and enforce Canadian sovereignty.

• Construction of the future HMCS Margaret Brooke and Max Bernays, is well underway at Halifax Shipyard, with construction of the future HMCS William Hall, to start in the coming months.

• The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) project will deliver five ice-capable ships, with an option for a sixth. The official RCN ship's class designation will be Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV).

Related products

• Project Factsheet

Associated links

• Project Summary
• Royal Canadian Navy
• HMCS Harry DeWolf
• Biography: Vice-Admiral Harry George DeWolf
• @RCN_MRC
• @RCN_MARLANT
• @RoyalCanadianNavy
• @Marineroyalecanadienne

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
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Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca