Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 3

HMCS William Hall contributes to significant seizure on Op CARIBBE

While deployed on Operation CARIBBE, HMCS William Hall’s crew, along with the embarked United States Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), deployed multi-role rescue boats to intercept vessels of interest. They conducted three seizures netting 1,545 kilograms of cocaine.

The success of these interdictions underscores the enduring collaboration and interoperability between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and USCG to support international efforts to prevent the flow of illicit substances into North America.

HMCS Montréal returns from Operation REASSURANCE

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal returned on June 5 from Operation REASSURANCE, after participating in Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD 25.

During this expansive naval training event, one of the largest in European waters, Montréal successfully launched two Block 2 Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missiles in rapid succession at a subsonic aerial target.

Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD 25 was held off the coast of the Hebrides Range in Scotland and Norway’s Andøya Space Defence Range.

This multinational live-fire exercise, which took place between 5-19 May, provided valuable experience in Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) scenarios.

RCN leads two major multinational exercises

In June, the Royal Canadian Navy led two major multinational exercises, putting eight RCN ships to sea along with MV Asterix.

From June 9-18, the Canadian Atlantic Fleet and joint elements of the Canadian Armed Forces participated in Exercise CUTLASS FURY, the largest Canadian-led naval exercise off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This biannual training event brings together personnel from Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the United States to operate side-by-side, enhancing our collective defence capabilities and strengthening cooperation across air, land, and sea domains with a focus on anti-submarine warfare and air-maritime integration.

Shortly after, Exercise TRIDENT FURY ran from June 25-29 off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. More than 1,000 personnel from the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Army, and partner nations—including the United States and Mexico—took part in two weeks of intensive multinational training. The exercise focused on maritime interoperability areas such as anti-submarine warfare, uncrewed aircraft operations, gunnery, air defence, mine countermeasures, and maritime interdiction.

Exercises like these ensure our forces stay mission-ready while reinforcing the vital role of international teamwork in facing ever-evolving security challenges around the globe.

RCN Ship Recapitalization Recap

The Royal Canadian Navy and its partners gathered at Irving Shipbuilding on June 26 to celebrate recent milestones in the renewal of our fleet.

Full-rate production began in April 2025 on the first River-class destroyer (RCD), the future HMCS Fraser. This milestone means the shipyard’s design, planning, supply chain, and construction are ready to build the ship from start to finish. Delivery is expected in the early 2030s.

Meanwhile, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) project for the RCN is nearing completion. The sixth and final ship, the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is expected this summer. The Canadian Coast Guard’s AOPS project is also progressing, with the first ship launching next year.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. continues to support Halifax-class readiness, with HMCS Halifax currently in maintenance until next year.

S2 Jackson Langley earns Pacific Sailor of the Quarter honour

Bravo Zulu to Sailor 2nd Class (S2) Jackson Langley of HMCS Ottawa, selected as Maritime Forces Pacific’s first Sailor of the Quarter for 2025.

Recognized on May 12 at Canadian Fleet Pacific Headquarters, S2 Langley serves as a junior weapons engineering technician on Ottawa. He completed training ahead of schedule, was selected for the fire control sub-occupation, and took on the role of magazine yeoman, maintaining Ottawa’s pyrotechnic inventory. Known as a skilled mentor, he supports apprentice technicians during high-tempo evolutions.

Congratulations to all Q1 2025 nominees for their outstanding contributions.

Halifax Fleet Week connects Canadians with their Navy

From June 19–22, Halifax Fleet Week brought thousands to the waterfront for ship tours, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The event celebrated maritime heritage and hospitality, offering visitors a chance to connect with members of the RCN and explore naval vessels up close. We’re grateful to all those who came out to give their time and participate.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette officially commissioned in Quebec

On June 13, the RCN officially welcomed HMCS Frédérick Rolette into naval service with a traditional naval commissioning ceremony at Port de Quebec.

The event marked a key milestone for the ship’s company and included the symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to Commander Joanne Lisi.

Frédérick Rolette is the fifth Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel to be welcomed into the RCN fleet.

These vessels are critical to strengthening Canada’s ability to assert sovereignty, particularly in Arctic waters, and support the RCN’s evolving defence responsibilities at home and abroad.

HMCS Montcalm welcomes first Accelerated Enrolment recruit

HMCS Montcalm enrolled the first new member through the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) newly launched Accelerated Enrolment Program (AEP).

We are proud to welcome Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Alain Azemfack, who joined the unit on April 28 as a Boatswain.

Launched on April 1, the AEP offers a faster, more personalized route for individuals who want to join the RCN’s Regular Force. Delivered through 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada, the program provides access to full-time opportunities with attractive benefits and a streamlined enrolment process.

We look forward to seeing S3 Azemfack and other AEP participants thrive as they begin their careers in the RCN.

HMCS Calgary celebrates 30 years in Victoria

On June 15, the crew of HMCS Calgary celebrated the ship’s 30th anniversary with a Stampede-style party at Ogden Point in Victoria—cowboy hats and all.

While the ship itself couldn’t attend due to ongoing maintenance, the crew brought the spirit of Calgary to the coast, offering pancakes, live music, road hockey, bouncy castles, and tours of HMCS Vancouver.

The event honoured the thousands who have served aboard HMCS Calgary over the past three decades and drew support from local communities and naval partners, reflecting a proud legacy of service, sacrifice, and connection between Calgary and Canada’s Navy.

Forgotten film rediscovered: All the Little Ships

To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Battle of the Atlantic, the Hamilton Naval Association presents All the Little Ships—a rediscovered 1964 CBC film featuring Admiral Harry DeWolf aboard HMCS Haida.

With rare wartime footage by Bill Pugsley, it’s a powerful tribute to the sailors of the RCN.