Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 3

HMCS William Hall departs for Op CARIBBE 

HMCS William Hall departed from its homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 14 for Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

This deployment follows the recent success of HMCS Harry DeWolf, which supported the United States Coast Guard in intercepting 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean on March 1, 2025.

Through Operation CARIBBE, Canada continues to play a vital role in international efforts to disrupt illicit trafficking and strengthen regional security.

HMCS Montréal departs for Op REASSURANCE 

HMCS Montréal set sail on April 22 for Operation REASSURANCE and is currently participating in Exercise Formidable Shield 25 from 5 – 23 May, 2025.

This training exercise provides valuable experience in air and missile defense scenarios and takes place off the coast of the Hebrides Range in Scotland and Norway’s Andøya Space Defence Range.

Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest overseas mission, supporting NATO’s deterrence and defence efforts in Central and Eastern Europe through land, air, maritime and cyber contributions.

HMCS Harry DeWolf returns from Operation CARIBBE

After completing a 12,500 nautical mile journey in the Caribbean as part of Operation CARIBBE and making stops at four ports while working with twelve nations, the crew of HMCS Harry DeWolf returned home on March 22, from its U.S.-led counter-narcotics mission.

During the operation, the crew played a key role in supporting a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, leading to the seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea.

Bravo Zulu and welcome home!

HMCS Margaret Brooke returns from Operation PROJECTION

HMCS Margaret Brooke returned to its homeport of Halifax on May 9 after a four-month deployment on Operation PROJECTION.

While deployed, they achieved a historic milestone by crossing the Antarctic Circle. The ship and crew now join the exclusive “Order of the Red Nose,” an informal recognition given to those who venture into the remote Antarctic region—visited by less than one percent of the world’s population.

The ship’s company also achieved several firsts, including being the first RCN warship to visit Antarctica and the first all-Canadian scientific expedition to Antarctica with embarked scientists from Natural Resources Canada.

HMCS Margaret Brooke visited 9 ports and 3 Antarctic Research stations, strengthening relationships with our South American and Caribbean partners while showcasing the professionalism and global reach of the RCN.

HMCS Ville de Québec joins Operation HORIZON

HMCS Ville de Québec departed Halifax on April 7 for Operation HORIZON, Canada’s forward-presence mission in the Indo-Pacific.

Over the past month, the ship completed readiness training while enroute and is currently operating with the UK Carrier Strike Group under Operation HIGHMAST in the Mediterranean.

This deployment highlights Canada’s commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, while strengthening military cooperation with allies through joint training, multinational exercises, and regional security initiatives.

HMCS Ottawa returns from Operations HORIZON and NEON 

On March 24, HMCS Ottawa returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia after a five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, where it supported Operations HORIZON and NEON.

As part of Operation HORIZON the crew participated in multinational exercises with France, the United States and South Korea. They also conducted a cooperative maritime activity with the Philippines and provided first aid training in Cambodia.

Under Operation NEON, Ottawa identified and reported five vessels suspected of violating United Nations sanctions against North Korea, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to regional security.

Ottawa’s deployment underscores Canada’s ongoing presence in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening partnerships and promoting stability.

Canadians commemorate 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic 

On May 4, Canadians and sailors from coast to coast commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic—the longest campaign of the Second World War.

The day honoured the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors, aviators, and merchant mariners who helped secure victory in Europe.

The battle cost over 4,700 Canadian lives, including 2,100 sailors, 1,700 merchant mariners, and 900 aircrew. It also came to Canada’s shores, with 23 ships sunk in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The RCN’s legacy of resilience and service lives on through today’s sailors, who continue to defend Canada’s three coasts with pride and dedication.

First cohort of Marine Systems Technicians graduate from new training

The RCN has reached a major milestone with the graduation of the first Marine Systems Technician (MST) course at Naval Fleet School Pacific. This marks the beginning of a new, specialized training model that replaces the broad Marine Technician trade with two focused roles: Marine Systems Mechanical Technician and Marine Systems Electrical Technician.

The change reflects a return to specialization, allowing sailors to build deeper expertise in their chosen field. It also streamlines training by reducing redundancy and increasing hands-on learning.

Senior naval leaders attended the ceremony, celebrating the shift as a move toward stronger operational readiness and technical excellence. The new training system also aims to attract recruits with clear career paths in either mechanical or electrical systems.

S1 Sterling Fox named Canadian Fleet Pacific’s sailor of the year

Sailor 1st Class (S1) Sterling Fox of HMCS Max Bernays has been named Canadian Fleet Pacific’s Sailor of the Year for 2024, recognizing his exceptional technical expertise, leadership, and dedication.

Since joining HMCS Max Bernays in October 2023, S1 Fox has demonstrated a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. His quick response to a critical radar malfunction in San Diego ensured the ship remained mission-ready. Beyond his technical abilities, he mentors junior technicians, passing on the support he once received.

His commitment extends beyond duty—he has voluntarily taken extra shifts so his shipmates could spend time with their families.

S1 Fox is proud to receive this honour, calling it a “tremendous accomplishment.”