Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 5

RCN ships set sail on Operation LATITUDE 

This month, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Regina, Max Bernays, and MV Asterix left Esquimalt to begin a naval deployment to Canada’s Northern Pacific and Arctic regions as part of Operation LATITUDE.

Through the summer and fall, the Canadian Armed Forces will send ships, equipment, and personnel to the Arctic to help protect Canada’s sovereignty and support the defence of North America. These missions show Canada’s ability to watch over its northern waters and respond to potential threats.

After its work in the Arctic, HMCS Max Bernays will continue on to the Indo-Pacific region for Operation HORIZON. This mission brings together Canadian ships, aircraft, and personnel to work with international partners to promote peace, security, and respect for international law.

HMCS William Hall deploys for Operation NANOOK

On August 18, HMCS William Hall departed Halifax for a two-month deployment to the Arctic as part of Operation NANOOK.

In addition to working with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian partners and other governmental departments, the RCN will be working with allies and partners from nations including Denmark, France, and Germany, to strengthen interoperability and reinforce Canada’s presence in the North.

As part of its Northern Affiliation with the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, William Hall will sail through the Northwest Passage and visit Rankin Inlet to engage with Inuit partners. This affiliation reflects the RCN’s commitment to building lasting connections through shared understanding, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Indigenous peoples have long played a vital role in Arctic security and sovereignty and remain trusted partners in ensuring Canada’s safety in the North.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Edmonton and Yellowknife join SNMCMG1

HMC Ships Edmonton and Yellowknife, deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, joined Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group 1 (SNMCMG1) in Belfast, NI on July 25, 2025.

Since joining the task group, the ships practiced multi-ship seamanship evolutions and emergency response, as well as forming one of NATO’s four high-readiness standing naval forces with flagship Latvian Navy Ship (LVNS) Virsaitis, and German Minehunter FGS Dillingen.

These activities enhance interoperability, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness among NATO Allies at sea.

SNMCMG1 ships began Exercise SANDY COAST 2025 on August 18 near the coast of the Netherlands where they trained until August 28, 2025, with additional Allied navies, including a Royal Danish Navy mine countermeasure team embarked in HMCS Edmonton.

Led by the Royal Netherlands Navy on an annual basis, the exercise focused on coastal security and mine countermeasure activities with the goal of improving interoperability among participating nations – refining cooperation, tactics and procedures in mine warfare.

Canadian Patrol Submarine Project advances to next step

The Government of Canada has announced a major milestone in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), identifying Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (Germany) and Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (Republic of Korea) as the two qualified suppliers to advance in the procurement process.

The CPSP will deliver a new class of submarines to the RCN, designed for Arctic operations with extended range, endurance, and advanced stealth capabilities. These next-generation submarines will enhance Canada’s ability to safeguard sovereignty in all three oceans, strengthen defence partnerships, and contribute to global security.

With delivery of the first submarine expected no later than 2035, the project also promises long-term benefits for Canada’s marine and defence industries, creating high-quality jobs and economic opportunities across the country.

RCN adding new drones to strengthen maritime security

The RCN is getting new Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to boost its surveillance and targeting abilities at sea. The Government of Canada has awarded two contracts to MDA Systems of Richmond, B.C., worth over $100 million for the equipment and up to $336 million for long-term support over 20 years. Each system will include two drones and will be used aboard Halifax-class ships.

This marks the first time the RCN is fully adopting drones as part of its operations. The new systems will help the Navy monitor potential threats both at home and overseas, providing near real-time visuals to support missions. The drones will work alongside existing tools like the CH-148 Cyclone helicopters until they’re fully in use.

Initial operational capability is expected in 2027, with full capability by 2032. This investment supports Canada’s defence policy and will also boost the Canadian economy—potentially adding $18 million to the GDP each year and supporting 145 jobs annually.

First Winner Announced in Naval Innovation Challenge — Vote for the Next!

Congratulations to PO2 Simon Dakin (HMCS Ottawa), winner of the 2025 RelVel Update Naval Innovation Challenge, for his idea to bring trade badge insignias back to the Naval Environment Combat Uniform (NECU)—helping sailors showcase their hard-earned occupations with pride.

Now it’s your turn to help choose the next winner! The People’s Choice Award will be decided by RCN members through the MyRCN App or RCN Intranet site. Voting is open: https://apps.forces.mil.ca/rvu/PeoplesChoice.

Finalists include:

• From Sea to Ice – Arctic/Antarctic service insignia (MS Brendan Cleary, NFS(A))
• Streamlining the Watch – A mobile duty selection app (PO1 Ryan Kingston, HMCS Venture)
• Reclaiming What’s Owed – Stat holiday reimbursement (PO2 Aquiles Milaya, HMCS Toronto)
• FleetSync – Smarter fleet scheduling (PO1 Ryan Kingston, HMCS Venture)

We received 63 innovative ideas this year—thank you to all who submitted. Stay tuned and vote for your 2025 People’s Choice Winner!

Final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel named and delivered

On August 9, the RCN officially named its sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) in honour of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, a Canadian Second World War hero and the last Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross, in August 1945.

The naming ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Navy, strengthening its future capabilities and expanding its presence on all three coasts. Ship naming is a time-honoured naval tradition, reflecting centuries of maritime history and heritage. On August 21, the ship was officially delivered and accepted into the fleet, marking its formal entry into service. HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is a versatile, modern platform designed for operations in Canada’s challenging northern and coastal regions, enhancing sovereignty, security, and outreach at home and abroad.

MARPAC welcomes new commander

On August 5 at Duntze Head, Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell assumed command of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) from RAdm Christopher Robinson during a formal Change of Command Ceremony.

RAdm Robinson, who led MARPAC and Joint Task Force Pacific since 2022, guided the organization through critical domestic and international operations—including COVID-19 response, wildfire relief efforts, and key deployments abroad. His tenure also saw the commissioning of HMCS Max Bernays and the integration of HMCS Protecteur into the Pacific Fleet.

Now heading to Ottawa as Deputy Vice Chief of Defence Staff, RAdm Robinson thanked personnel for their service and commitment.

RAdm Patchell returns to Canada after three years as Vice-Commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet. With a career spanning from Ordinary Seaman to Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto, he now looks ahead to developing future sailors: “We have a real opportunity to instill professionalism and inspire the next generation of RCN warfighters.”