Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 7

HMCS Max Bernays sets new Arctic milestone

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays has set a new milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), sailing farther north than any ship in our history. On August 29, 2025, the ship reached latitude 81°12.044’ N.

Max Bernays departed Esquimalt on August 13 for a deployment running until December 19, beginning in the Western Arctic before continuing west to the Indo-Pacific. The northern sail was conducted under Operation LATITUDE, which focuses on increasing domain awareness in the Western Arctic and its approaches, in addition to enhancing interoperability with the U.S military in the context of continental defence.

This achievement highlights both the capability of the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels and the skill of the sailors who operate in some of the world’s harshest conditions. By pushing the limits of navigation and endurance, HMCS Max Bernays has expanded the reach of Canada’s Navy, demonstrating its readiness to defend Canada’s Arctic and support operations abroad.

Read more: HMCS Max Bernays pushes the RCN’s northern edge - Canada.ca

HMCS William Hall returns from Operation NANOOK

After 46 days at sea and more than 8,400 nautical miles sailed through Canada’s Eastern Arctic and the Northwest Passage, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship William Hall has returned home from Operation NANOOK – TUUGAALIK, asserting Canadian sovereignty and demonstrating the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) ability to detect, deter, and defend the Canadian Arctic against any potential threats.

During the deployment, the crew of 85 sailors worked alongside the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Coast Guard, and international allies to strengthen Arctic security, enhance operational readiness, and deepen relationships with northern communities through engagement and cultural exchange.

“The officers and sailors of HMCS William Hall are proud to have represented the Royal Canadian Navy in furthering our knowledge of the Arctic and contributing to the continuation of an Arctic presence,” said Commander Scott Kelemen, the ship’s Commanding Officer. “The experiences gained will assist with future operations in the North.”

Welcome home, HMCS William Hall!

Royal Canadian Navy pays off Kingston-class Warships

On September 29, the RCN announced the formal Paying-off of its Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels after nearly three decades of service. HMCS Saskatoon, Whitehorse, and Brandon were retired during a ceremony in Esquimalt, B.C., followed by a second ceremony in Halifax, N.S., on October 3 to mark the paying off of HMCS Shawinigan, Summerside, Goose Bay, Glace Bay, and Kingston.

Commissioned in 1996, the Kingston-class ships served as training platforms and supported a wide range of domestic and international operations, including sovereignty patrols, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, and deployments around the world. Over their years of service, Kingston-class vessels and their crews deployed on Operation CARIBBE in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, Operation PROJECTION in West Africa, and Operation REASSURANCE in the Baltic Sea, as well as multiple domestic operations across Canada’s three oceans—particularly in the Arctic and northern regions.

The term “paying off” originates from the British practice of paying a crew their wages once a ship completed its voyage. In the RCN, the tradition continues as a formal ceremony in which the naval jack, ensign, and commissioning pennant are hauled down, the crew departs the ship for the final time, and the vessel ceases to be referred to as His Majesty’s Canadian Ship.

HMCS Charlottetown joins Exercise UNITAS 2025

HMCS Charlottetown is representing Canada at Exercise UNITAS 2025, the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. Hosted by the U.S. Navy off North America’s Atlantic Coast, this year’s exercise brings together 26 nations, more than 8,000 personnel, 20 warships, submarines, and over 40 aircraft to strengthen interoperability and partnerships at sea.

Through UNITAS 2025, the RCN continues to deepen cooperation with allies and partners across the hemisphere, ensuring strong collaboration in maintaining maritime security and stability.

Port Inspection Divers build skills in summer OJE Program 

This summer, Port Inspection Divers (PIDs) from across Canada traded desks for dive gear in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of the Naval Reserve’s On the Job Experience (OJE) Program. The program ran from June 13 to August 7 and gave sailors the opportunity to strengthen their skills in underwater inspections, maintenance, recovery operations and diving safety protocols. Participants also tested new technology such as the Shark Marine Underwater Navigator, which helps divers detect objects on the seabed and navigate in near zero visibility.

“Every dive helps build confidence, technical skill and teamwork, all of which contribute directly to our operational readiness,” said Cdr Dave Botting, Commanding Officer, PID OJE.

The annual OJE program provides valuable, skills based summer employment while highlighting one of the Naval Reserve’s most challenging and rewarding trades.

HMCS Margaret Brooke kicks off Marine Careers Expo and Great Lakes deployment

HMCS Margaret Brooke has departed Halifax for a two-month deployment through the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. Unlike its usual Atlantic patrols, this voyage will bring the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel to communities across central Canada for the Marine Career Expo and the Great Lakes Deployment.

The deployment includes port visits in several cities where the public can tour the ship, meet its crew, and take part in naval activities. Opportunities may include guided ship tours, boat rides, and interactive displays, though space can be limited.

Event details and visitor information are available online: Visit a warship.

HMCS Frederick Rolette builds ties with Nunavik

HMCS Frédérick Rolette has officially affiliated with Nunavik, a vibrant Inuit community in Northern Quebec, as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Northern Affiliation program.

The ceremony, held on September 19, 2025, marks the start of a lasting relationship built on respect, cultural exchange, and shared stewardship of Canada’s North. Through this program, all six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships will partner with Northern communities, creating opportunities for engagement with local leaders, schools, and youth groups.

Communities are at the heart of Canada’s North, a region vital to the country’s identity, sovereignty, and future prosperity. Affiliation strengthens both operational readiness and mutual understanding, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to working alongside Northern communities.

CDS sails with HMCS Ville de Québec in the Indo-Pacific

On a recent visit to the Indo-Pacific, General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), sailed aboard HMCS Ville de Québec near the Philippines. Welcomed by the ship’s company at a Hands Fall-in, she toured the bridge, engine spaces, and operations room, observed training activities, and joined the crew for meals and fitness on the flight deck. The visit also included a damage control demonstration and a flight in the ship’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

General Carignan held a Town Hall with sailors, discussing issues such as housing, childcare, new platforms, and uniforms. She emphasized open communication and a responsive approach to addressing concerns. Several crew members were recognized with the “CDS Bravo Zulu” award for their outstanding service.

The visit highlighted the Royal Canadian Navy’s contributions through Operation HORIZON, strengthening peace, stability, and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Navy Bike Ride 2025 

More than 1,000 riders from across Canada came together for the 2025 Navy Bike Ride, raising more than $31,230 in support of military families and veterans. Held both in person and virtually, the annual ride continues to inspire Canadians of all ages to get active while contributing to important causes.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to Support Our Troops, Soldier On, and the Navalis Foundation. The Navy Bike Ride was made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor BMO and co-presenting sponsor the Royal Canadian Legion.