Our Navy Today - Volume 7 Issue 6

Volume 7 | Issue 8
Operations update
HMCS Regina Completes Joint Littoral Targeting Exerise 2024

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HMCS Regina fires a Harpoon Block II missile during Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise (JoLTEX 24), in California.
On October 23, HMCS Regina fired two Harpoon Block II missiles during Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise (JoLTEX 24) at the U.S. Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range in California.
The first Harpoon missile fired by Regina did not function as expected and impacted the ocean before reaching the target.
Regina’s crew were well-prepared for this possibility. Live-fire exercises are conducted to test a warship’s ability to quickly adapt and overcome changing circumstances.
Regina’s combat team was able to rapidly launch a follow-on missile. This second missile successfully reached its target and completed the mission.
The missile launches demonstrated the capabilities of our Halifax-class frigates and the RCN’s ability to support joint and multinational operations.
JoLTEX 24 is a key step in refining the RCN’s ability to engage in high-intensity naval operations, contributing to future missions with Canada’s allies.
HMCS Margaret Brooke completes Operation NANOOK 2024

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The crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke return to their home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 9.
After an eight-week journey covering 7,650 kilometers as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, HMCS Margaret Brooke returned to its home port Halifax, Nova Scotia in early October. This operation, a key Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission in the North, involved joint exercises with Arctic nations and allies.
The ship’s crew also contributed to Canadian Hydrographic Research by conducting tide surveys in the Arctic while visiting Hopedale in Nunatsiavut, the ancestral land of the Labrador Inuit, and northern region affiliated with Margaret Brooke. Ship affiliation is a time-honoured naval tradition that strengthens ties between members of the community and the crew. The crew also participated in events for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Welcome home, HMCS Margaret Brooke! Bravo Zulu!
HMC Ships Shawinigan and Glace Bay return home after four-month deployment on Operation REASSURANCE

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A furry friend greets a sailor upon their return from Operation REASSURANCE in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
On October 29, HMC Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan returned to Halifax after a four-month deployment in the Baltic Sea with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) during Op REASSURANCE.
Throughout their deployment, the ships participated in joint NATO exercises, working alongside allied naval forces from Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Portugal. Their operations focused on maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, and promoting NATO’s shared security objectives.
On August 29 HMCS Shawinigan began monitoring a Russian submarine and a Russian surface vessel through the Baltic and North Seas before handing over responsibility to the Royal Navy on September 1.
This deployment underscores Canada’s commitment to international peace and security, while building stronger diplomatic ties with NATO allies.
HMCS Ottawa deploys on Op HORIZON and Op NEON

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Earlier in October, HMCS Ottawa conducted a four-point mooring in Patricia Bay, B.C. For this evolution, the deck department is required to practice the artful skill of buoy jumping.
On October 16, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa departed from Esquimalt, B.C., for the Indo-Pacific region as part of Ops HORIZON and NEON.
Op HORIZON is Canada’s forward-presence mission aimed at promoting peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. Operation NEON puts that effort into practice by enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
During this deployment, Ottawa will collaborate with international allies in military exercises, showcasing the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) operational capabilities and strengthening Canada’s commitment to global security.
The Halifax-class frigate, with a crew of 240, also has an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, call sign Griffin . Together, they will carry out critical missions in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations.
HMCS Montréal returns home after six-month deployment to Indo-Pacific

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HMCS Montréal returns home after six-month deployment on Operation HORIZON.
On October 22, HMCS Montréal returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a successful six-month deployment on Op HORIZON. As the first of three RCN ships deployed to the Indo-Pacific, Montréal operated across a variety of challenging environments, from the North Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific region.
During the deployment, Montréal participated in numerous exercises and operations, strengthening diplomatic ties, and enhancing interoperability with nine allied navies.
The ship’s crew demonstrated exceptional professionalism and adaptability, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to peace and security in the region.
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, praised the crew for their dedication, highlighting the importance of Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific for promoting stability.
Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) Returns from Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise

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Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 in South Korea.
Members of the RCN’s Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) have returned to Victoria, B.C., after participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24) in South Korea.
Held from October 14 to 25, off the coast of Busan, the exercise brought together 19 nations, including Australia, the Philippines and the United States.
FDU(P) divers operated aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong, focusing on Mine Countermeasures. The drills required our divers to detect and neutralize underwater mines, enhancing safe navigation and interoperability among allies.
This exercise supports Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy by collaborating with partners. FDU(P) enhances their readiness while contributing to peace and stability in the region.
Top Stories
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario visits Harry DeWolf and Marine Career Expo concludes

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The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (centre left), paid a special visit to HMCS Harry DeWolf during the ship’s stop in Toronto.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, paid a special visit to HMCS Harry DeWolf during the ship’s stop in Toronto. The visit offered an opportunity for Her Honour to engage with the crew and learn about the operations of the RCN’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship.
Spanning multiple locations across Atlantic Canada, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Marine Careers Expo concluded on November 2. The expo offered the public a chance to tour ships, meet crew members, and explore career opportunities with the Navy and marine industry partners.
Thank you to everyone who came out and participated this year!
Up Next
RCN Mentorship session: Defence Advisory Groups: How they can assist you
RCN sailors – Regular and Reserve Force – at all ranks and civilian employees at all levels are invited to the next session of the RCN’s Mentorship Program.
- Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
- Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m. EST
- Location: MS Teams Link
The program is also open to all CAF Forces personnel and all Department of National Defence civilian employees.
Everyone is encouraged to actively participate, share their insights and ask questions. For more information, visit the Mentorship Program’s intranet page.
Recognizing support from employers

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Leslie Martin, founder of the not-for-profit Holy Heart Theatre in St. John’s was recently recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Issac Johnson-Hartley is a Naval Reservist who recently asked the CAF to thank his employer. He recently qualified as a Logistics Officer alongside the demands of his full-time civilian job.
“I couldn’t have pulled it off without the support of the accommodations I received from Leslie Martin,” he said of his boss and founder of the not-for-profit Holy Heart Theatre in St John’s, NL.
Do you have an awesome reserve-friendly employer or educator? Why not nominate them for special recognition from the CAF? Learn more: I Need to Ask My Boss for Military Leave! - Canada.ca
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