Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 5

RCN makes history with first armed uncrewed strike

During Exercise Trident Fury 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) marked a major milestone by successfully arming and deploying an uncrewed maritime system—known as the Hammerhead—with explosives for the first time. Launched from His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver and remotely controlled via satellite, the Hammerhead engaged and struck another Hammerhead target vessel, showcasing the RCN’s growing capabilities in uncrewed maritime operations.

This successful demonstration highlights the innovative work of the Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU), which leads the RCN’s efforts in developing cutting-edge technologies in areas such as uncrewed systems, force protection, and maritime interdiction. Conducted in close collaboration with the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) and HMCS Vancouver, the trial reflects a team-driven approach to accelerating new technologies.

This milestone reaffirms the RCN’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the evolving demands of modern naval warfare.

Three RCN ships deploy to Europe for Operation REASSURANCE

Three RCN ships have departed Halifax to support NATO operations in European waters as part of Operation REASSURANCE—Canada’s largest overseas military mission.

On July 7, HMC Ships Edmonton and Yellowknife set sail to join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1). These Kingston-class ships will help locate and dispose of historic sea mines, contributing to safe navigation and the protection of undersea infrastructure. Equipped with REMUS 100 underwater vehicles and clearance diving teams, they play a vital role in NATO’s specialized mine countermeasures efforts.

On July 13, HMCS St. John’s set sail to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). This Halifax-class frigate brings advanced anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface capabilities to multinational patrols and exercises.

These deployments reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to NATO’s collective defence, and the professionalism, readiness, and global reach of the Royal Canadian Navy.

CAF participates in major deployment to Australia for multinational exercise

Approximately 600 personnel Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), including HMCS Ville de Québec, are participating in Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 25 (Ex TS25), Australia’s largest military exercise, from July 13 to August 4, 2025. This is Canada’s largest single deployment to the Indo-Pacific region since the launch of Operation HORIZON.

Hosted by Australia and involving more than 40,000 personnel from 19 nations, Ex TS25 features complex multinational training across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. Canada’s contribution included HMCS Ville de Québec, Royal Canadian Air Force assets, Canadian Special Operations Forces, cyber and space teams, and personnel from across the CAF.

While deployed, HMCS Ville de Québec completed a successful live-fire and forward rearmament of Block II Harpoon Missiles—a joint effort between the CAF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF)—in the port of Darwin. The operation highlighted the growing military interoperability between Canada and Australia.

This deployment reinforces Canada’s commitment to regional security and its ability to operate seamlessly alongside allies in complex, integrated missions.

HMCS William Hall returns from Operation CARIBBE

After 55 days at sea, HMCS William Hall has returned to Halifax following a successful deployment on Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

While deployed, the crew worked alongside the United States Coast Guard to interdict and seize over 1,500 kilograms of cocaine, making a significant impact in disrupting drug trafficking in international waters.

This mission highlights the strength of Canada–U.S. cooperation, the professionalism of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors, and the effectiveness of international maritime partnerships in promoting security at sea.

Welcome home, HMCS William Hall!

RCN to pay off Kingston-class ships in 2025

The RCN will pay off its Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs) in fall 2025, marking the end of an era for a class of ships that have served Canada for nearly three decades.

Commissioned in the mid-1990s, the Kingston-class vessels brought unique capabilities to the RCN; designed with Mine Countermeasure operations in mind, a modular payload system provided the ability to swap out mission-tailored packages to conduct minesweeping, bottom-object inspection, and route survey missions.

The Kingston class will be remembered fondly by many, but especially by our reservist sailors who formed the near-entirety of vessels’ crew until the mid-2010s. The platform provided a new home for naval reservists, who up until their decommission, principally crewed the RCN’s Porte-class vessels. The Kingston class was particularly lauded for the spacious layout of its quarters and small complement, which made for a tight-knit crew.

Over the last three decades, the multi-role vessels have deployed across the globe on operations such as Op CARIBBE, PROJECTION, and REASSURANCE. They also played vital roles domestically, conducting patrols, search and rescue, supporting other government departments, and providing a platform to train Reserve and Regular Force sailors alike.

In 2025, eight HMC Ships: Shawinigan, Summerside, Goose Bay, Glace Bay, Kingston, Saskatoon, Whitehorse, and Brandon—will be formally paid off during ceremonies in Halifax and Esquimalt. The remaining ships will be gradually paid off until 2028.

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN, recognized the ships' legacy: “These vessels provided impactful and flexible capability, trained generations of sailors, and made significant contributions at home and abroad.”

As the RCN prepares for the transition to a modern fleet through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Kingston class stands as a proud chapter in Canada’s naval history.

Canadian Fleet Pacific Welcomes New Commander

On July 2, Canadian Fleet Pacific marked a significant milestone with a Change of Command ceremony.

Commodore David Mazur concluded his tenure after three years of exceptional leadership—sharpening operational readiness, championing sailors, and deepening cooperation with allies. Recently promoted to Rear-Admiral, he will continue serving Canada as Vice Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia.

Captain (Navy) Sam Patchell was welcomed as the new Commander by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee. From operations off Libya to deployments in the Indo-Pacific, his career reflects a steadfast commitment to mission success and the well-being of our sailors. His experience and steady leadership will guide the Fleet into its next chapter.

Big turnout for Vancouver Fleet Week

From July 1st to 6th, Vancouver Fleet Week brought thousands of visitors to the waterfront to meet RCN sailors, tour ships, and experience the thrill of a ride in a Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). The RHIB rides were a clear favourite—hundreds of Canadians took part, many asking to go again the moment they stepped off.

The people of North Vancouver truly showed up, asking thoughtful questions, engaging with our crews, and showing strong support throughout the week.

Thank you to everyone who came out, whether you lined up for a tour, hopped in a RHIB, or simply stopped by to learn more about your Navy. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without your support.

This isn’t goodbye—it’s “see you next year!”

Battle Honour LIBYA, 2011 presented to HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Charlottetown

On June 20 and July 2, the Royal Canadian Navy proudly presented the Battle Honour LIBYA, 2011 to HMCS Charlottetown and HMCS Vancouver, respectively, in recognition of their exemplary service during Operation MOBILE.

Battle honours are a rare and prestigious distinction awarded to military units for exceptional valour and dedication in combat operations. During Operation MOBILE, both ships played key roles in enforcing the United Nations arms embargo off the coast of Libya.

HMCS Vancouver escorted and defended vulnerable vessels, supported replenishment ships, and patrolled the embargo zone.

HMCS Charlottetown’s deployment marked a historic moment—it was the first time a Canadian warship came under hostile fire since the Korean War.

These honours reflect the bravery, skill, and professionalism of the crews of Vancouver and Charlottetown, and Canada’s enduring commitment to global peace and international security.

Naval Reserve welcomes new Commander in Québec City

On July 19, 2025, Commodore (Cmdre) Beth Vallis assumed command of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve from Cmdre Patrick Montgomery during a formal change of command ceremony held at the Port of Québec.

Cmdre Vallis brings a wealth of naval and civilian experience to her new role. She previously served as Chief of Staff to Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic—the first Reservist to do so—and has held numerous command and staff positions, including Commanding Officer of HMCS Scotian and Commander Naval Reserve Atlantic Region.

Cmdre Montgomery, who enrolled in the Naval Reserve in 1986, concluded a distinguished career that included commanding HMCS Edmonton and HMCS Saskatoon. In retirement, he plans to continue his academic work and teaching career in Victoria, B.C.

The ceremony marked a significant leadership transition for the Naval Reserve as it continues to grow and evolve.