Our Navy Today - Volume 7 Issue 9

Volume 7 | Issue 9

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Operations update

HMCS Charlottetown home in time for the holidays 

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HMCS Charlottetown greets our allies FGS Hamburg and ITS Rizzo during a recent Passing Exercise. 

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown is scheduled to return to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia just before the holidays, having completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE. 

During the deployment, HMCS Charlottetown was the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). While in theatre, the ship operated alongside nine other nations, providing leadership to the multinational force. 

As Canada’s largest military commitment abroad, Op REASSURANCE is an important part of NATO’s collective defence posture, ensuring a strong, cohesive presence in deterring actors seeking to destabilize the rules-based international order. 

Welcome home Charlottetown!


HMCS Vancouver returns from six-month deployment under Ops HORIZON and NEON 

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The homecoming saw nearly 240 sailors and aircrew greeted by friends and family who excitedly welcomed their return!

On December 5, HMCS Vancouver, returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia after a six-month deployment under Operation HORIZON and NEON.  

The crew participated in six multinational exercises, including Exercise KAEDEX with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and the global RIMPAC exercise. In a historic milestone, Vancouver became the first Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ship to rearm its Vertical Launch System outside Canadian or American territory, doing so in Broome, Australia. 

The ship actively supported international law by navigating through critical regions such as the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas. This deployment underscores Canada’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 

Bravo Zulu to the crew on their successful deployment! 


HMCS Brunswicker hosts Joint Exercise on domestic response in Shediac, N.B.  

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CAF members along with members from the New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization, participated in domestic response exercises in Shediac, New Brunswick. 

From November 1 to 3, 2024, over 120 participants from the Naval and Army Reserves, along with members from the New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization (NBEMO), gathered in Shediac, N.B., for a domestic response exercise.  

The three-day exercise tested the ability of participating members to work seamlessly in addressing simulated scenarios and fostered vital interagency cooperation.  

Members of the public were invited to observe the event, providing a unique opportunity to see the Canadian Armed Forces in action and to understand how these efforts contribute directly to the safety and security of their communities.  

Top Stories 

Launch and Naming Ceremony of HMCS Protecteur

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HMCS Protecteur at the Seaspan Shipyard in Vancouver, B.C.  

On December 13, a launch and naming ceremony was hosted by Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, B.C., for the new Joint Support Ship (JSS), HMCS Protecteur. With a length of 173.7 metres, HMCS Protecteur is the longest naval vessel ever built in Canada. 

In true naval tradition, the ship’s sponsor, Teri McKinnon, broke a wine bottle across the ship’s bow and declared “I name you Protecteur. Bless this ship and all who sail in it.” Protecteur and HMCS Preserver will be replacing the former Protecteur-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels, providing critical at-sea replenishment.  

These multi-purpose warships will be capable of seamlessly integrating with any Canadian or allied naval task group. They will significantly extend the range and endurance of these groups through the provision of fuel, ammunition, aviation support, food, spare parts, exercise and gym facilities, and medical and dental care. 


Aegis Combat System Integration Centre unveiled  

On November 21st, Rear-Admiral Daniel Charlebois, Director General Future Ship Capability, unveiled the RCN’s Aegis Combat (ACS) System Integration Centre located within the United States Navy’s Combat Systems Engineering Development Site (CSEDS).  

This facility is where the River-class destroyers’ ACS software will be developed and tested before it is delivered to the Land Based Testing Facility in Halifax.  

The activation of this facility at CSEDS is an important milestone for the RCN toward the goal of delivering the River-class destroyer to Canada. 


HMCS Robert Hampton Gray launched 

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HMCS Robert Hampton Gray in the water for the first time on December 9. 

HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is one step closer to being commissioned into the RCN with its launch into the Bedford Basin on December 9th. 

The sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class vessel transitioned from the Halifax Shipyard to a submersible barge before being launched. 

The six Harry DeWolf-class vessels are able to operate in the Arctic between June and October, providing a greater and longer presence in the North, asserting Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.  


Naval Reserve coming to Yukon

On December 2nd, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Ranj Pillai, the Yukon Premier, signed a letter of intent for the RCN to establish a Naval Reserve presence in Canada’s north.

The move is part of a larger plan for the Naval Reserve to focus on recruiting and training personnel to strengthen the RCN’s operational readiness.

The presence of the Naval Reserve in Whitehorse will contribute to the local community by promoting leadership and practical maritime skills.

This commitment to establish a greater presence in the North marks a significant step in expanding the Navy and increasing security in the region, enabling forces to respond and deploy rapidly when called upon.

First underwater warfare upgrade installed on HMCS Ville de Québec

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An illustration of the towed in-line passive and active sonar array.

The RCN is making significant strides in modernization to strengthen its combat and underwater warfare capabilities. Key initiatives include upgrading Halifax-class frigates with advanced Mk54 lightweight torpedoes, improving survivability against subsurface threats.  

The first Underwater Warfare Sensor System (UWSS) has been successfully installed on HMCS Ville de Québec, delivering state-of-the-art sonar and acoustic processing, with Initial Operational Capability expected by April 2025. 

The Victoria-class submarines are also undergoing upgrades, including new periscopes and acoustic signature mitigation projects, ensuring their relevance until a new submarine class is acquired. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), announced in 2024, is in the industry engagement phase, with recommendations for a future fleet expected in 2025. 

Through these efforts, the RCN is poised to maintain tactical and strategic superiority, ensuring readiness for modern maritime challenges and reinforcing Canada’s global naval presence. 


RCN commemorates Remembrance Day 

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RCN Members participate in Remembrance Day ceremony. 

The RCN marked Remembrance Day with ceremonies across the country, honouring the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve.  

From coast to coast, sailors stood alongside their communities to lay wreaths, march in parades, and observe moments of silence, reflecting the enduring bond between the military and Canadians. 

Remembrance Day holds special significance for all members of the Navy, rooted in Canada’s proud maritime heritage.  

Their participation in local ceremonies highlights a deep commitment to fostering community ties and preserving the memory of service and sacrifice.  


HMCS Discovery helps kick off Grey Cup week in Vancouver

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HMCS Discovery in the water for the first time on December 9. 

Crowds gathered over the Sunday to watch a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant helicopter deliver the iconic trophy to Coal Harbour, where CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosia was in attendance. 

Accompanied by the Wing Commander of 19 Wing Comox, Colonel Chris Shepka, the Grey Cup was then transported by Naval Reservists from HMCS Discovery to the Vancouver Convention Centre, marking the official ‘kickoff’ of Grey Cup week! 

Naval Reservists were active throughout the week in support of the Grey Cup, participating in various activities at the venue and leading RCN attractions and outreach events. 

Happy Holidays from your RCN Command Team!

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season! Whether you're spending it with loved ones or enjoying some well-deserved time off for yourself, may this season bring you moments of happiness, relaxation, and meaning. 

We are deeply proud of the resilience and dedication of our sailors, as well as the unwavering support of our extended Navy family. It’s an honour to serve alongside each of you in this remarkable Canadian institution. Thank you for everything you do—our success depends on your hard work and commitment.  

Happy Holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! 

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