Our Navy Today - Volume 6 Issue 2

Volume 6 | Issue 2

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Operations forecast

HMC Ships Glace Bay and Moncton participate in Operation Projection

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HMCS Glace Bay sailors display Sierra Leone’s flag alongside members of Sierra Leone’s Navy.

As part of Operation Projection West Africa, sailors from His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Glace Bay and Moncton built ties with the Navy of Sierra Leone and 20 other nations during Exercise Obangame Express. The exercise focused on building the skills needed to counter piracy, terrorism, and smuggling operations in the region.

The crew also visited the Mayesadoh Foundation, a not-for-profit Children’s Home, in Madina, Ghana. During the visit sailors built friendships playing games and participating in activities with the children.


HMCS Fredericton supports NATO assurance measures

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HMCS Fredericton sails with the Portuguese Navy off the coast of Portugal.

HMCS Fredericton sailed alongside Portuguese Navy Ship Bartolomeu Dias while deployed on Operation Reassurance and on their way to joining Standing NATO Maritime Group Two. This joint exercise strengthened both navies’ interoperability, making each more capable of protecting and maintaining international security.

These contributions are a direct support to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.


HMCS Edmonton deploys for Operation Caribbe

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HMCS Edmonton departs Esquimalt, B.C.

On February 13, HMCS Edmonton departed to conduct Operation Caribbe in the Eastern Pacific, supporting U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations.

Friends and family were present to send sailors off on a deployment that marks Canada’s 17th year of contributing to the operation. Along with Canada’s partner nations, HMCS Edmonton will help disrupt drug trafficking and organized crime in South and Central America by tracking vessels of interest in the region.

Top stories

House of Commons kicks off Naval Reserve Centennial celebrations

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Acting Sub-Lieutenant Véronique Codjo, right, from HMCS Donnacona speaks with the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence.

Canada’s House of Commons formally recognized the Naval Reserve Centennial – 100 years of service to Canada at Parliament, launching the Naval Reserve’s Centennial celebrations.

“On the 31st of January, 1923, the Government of Canada authorized the organization of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR), paving the way to today’s reserve,” said Bryan May, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence. “Through these 100 years, the Naval Reserve has played a critical role in Canada’s safety and security as a vital element of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).”

Centennial events will continue throughout the year, with 12 Naval Reserve Divisions celebrating their own centennials with local celebrations.


Walter McGiffen Love: The Legacy of one of our first volunteers

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Engine Room Artificer Third Class Walter Love

Walter McGiffen Love was among the first of many volunteers to enroll in the RCNVR and swell the ranks of the Canadian Navy to near 100,000 strong by the end of the Second World War. Volunteers like Walter Love were essential to the RCN’s wartime service and we celebrate their contributions and legacy.


Joint Support Ship sets lengthy record

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The future HMCS Protecteur is being constructed by Seaspan in Vancouver.

After a recent block move, the Joint Support Ship’s hull is now at its full length. At 173.7 metres, the future HMCS Protecteur is the longest naval vessel ever to be built in Canada.


Director General Naval Force Development focused on what the RCN needs next 

Having updated the Future Maritime Operational Environment, the Directorate of Naval Strategy will submit the RCN’s Capability-Based Planning Strategy for Commander RCN approval and begin the consultation process.

Directorate of Naval Requirements continues to identify operational requirements and drive procurement projects, moving several from the Identification phase to Options Analysis in 2023, including:

  • Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Enhanced Flight Facility;
  • Underwater Environmental Assessment;
  • Offshore Patrol Vessel;
  • Re-deployable Fixed Array SONAR;
  • Containerized Offboard Reelable Array;
  • Integrated Torpedo Defence;
  • Naval Inshore Support Vessel; and
  • several Victoria Class Modernization projects.

Other Major Projects moving into Definition and Implementation phases, including:

  • Naval Large Tug;
  • Multi-Role Boat;
  • Point Defence Missile System Upgrade;
  • Naval Remote Weapon System;
  • Light Weight Torpedo;
  • Heavy Weight Torpedo;
  • Under Water Sensor Upgrade; and
  • Naval Communications Modernization.

Approximately $18 million of Minor Projects will enhance the capabilities and quality of life for our sailors this year.

Directorate of Naval Training and Infrastructure Requirements is supporting the modernization of the Future Naval Training System. Several Minor Projects will further enhance the RCN’s training capabilities. On the infrastructure side they will be working to renew RCN infrastructure and supporting the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre is working with the other three directorates to ensure that current and future capabilities are, and will be, best employed to keep the RCN relevant in the modern operating environment.

Announcements

RCN launches detachment in Waterloo Region

For the first time in Canada’s military history, the RCN has established a detachment in Ontario’s Waterloo Region. The satellite reserve unit in Hamilton is offering a unique co-op program for high school students. They can enrol in the military, earn a salary and receive high school credits. Twenty-seven students are participating as boatswains, naval communicators, naval combat information operators and marine technicians. Student participants will be guaranteed a job during summers and contribute to critical growth to the Navy.


PaCE reminder

We are now approaching Personnel Appraisal Report (PAR) writing season, and there are some important system changes that RCN members should be aware of when using Performance and Competency Evaluation (PaCE).

System changes are outlined in the following article: PaCE Reminder: Key updates in this Fiscal’s final quarter - Canada.ca.

Administrative Instructions are available on the DWANat Director Naval Personnel 2 (DNP 2) (mil.ca) (internal link) – and provide a detailed guide for the PaCE process.

PaCE resources can be found in the following locations:


Parks Canada hosts IMPAC5 in Vancouver

The 5th International Marine Protection Areas Congress (IMPAC) was held in Vancouver from February 3 to 9. The Indigenous-led forum included global leaders and was designed to promote collaboration, share ocean conservation knowledge and pave a road to new conservation targets.

The RCN was represented by Commander RCN, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, and Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson.


The CAF Offer announced

All of the compensation, benefits, career and work life information the CAF offers have been brought together under the CAF Offer website.


Canadian Naval Review essay competition

Canadian Naval Review is holding its annual essay competition. A prize of $1,000 is awarded for the best essay which will be published in the Canadian Naval Review journal.

To learn more about the submission guidelines visit the Canadian Naval Review website.

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