HMCS Ville De Québec returns home from Operation HORIZON

After seven months at sea, HMCS Ville de Québec and its crew have returned home to Halifax following a global deployment that took them from the North Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific.

Operating alongside allies and partners through a series of multinational missions; including Operations REASSURANCE, AMARNA, and HORIZON, the ship contributed to Canada’s commitment to peace, security, and stability around the world.

During this historic deployment, Ville de Québec became the first Royal Canadian Navy warship to fully integrate into a United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group. The crew demonstrated exceptional professionalism and adaptability as they supported international operations and strengthened Canada’s defence relationships across multiple regions.

Welcome home, Ville de Québec!

HMCS Nanaimo arrives in Halifax

HMCS Nanaimo has officially reached its new home port! After setting sail from Esquimalt in early October and transiting the Panama Canal, the ship arrived in Halifax on November 26.

Nanaimo will join the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel fleet on the East Coast, boosting our capability and support to operations in the region.

HMCS Edmonton and HMCS Yellowknife return from NATO mine countermeasures deployment

HMCS Edmonton and HMCS Yellowknife returned to Halifax on October 26, 2025, following a successful four-month deployment with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) in European waters.

From July to October, both ships worked alongside NATO allies to enhance maritime security and mine countermeasure capabilities. Their crews, supported by clearance divers, autonomous underwater vehicle operators, and a ten-person Royal Danish Navy team embarked aboard HMCS Edmonton, demonstrated the adaptability and professionalism that define the RCN and the interoperability between deployed CAF assets and our Allies.

This deployment marked the fourth time Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels have operated with NATO’s mine countermeasures groups under Operation REASSURANCE, highlighting Canada’s continued commitment to NATO and the strength of our partnerships abroad.

RCN pays tribute on Remembrance Day 

Across Canada, sailors from the RCN stepped forward to honour those who served and those who never returned home.

Members joined local ceremonies, placed wreaths on behalf of their units, and paused alongside Canadians for the traditional moment of silence.

For many sailors, the day was a chance to reflect on the Navy’s long history of service and the enduring values that guide today’s fleet.

By taking part in commemorations from coast to coast, the Navy reaffirmed its dedication to remembrance and its connection to the communities that support our people every day.

FDU(P) repurposes YDT SOOKE for NWO training

Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) recently repurposed Yard Diving Tender (YDT) SOOKE to train new Naval Warfare Officers (NWOs), giving them hands-on experience in navigation, seamanship, and bridge watchkeeping hours.

From September 22 to October 3, this creative mission blended cutting-edge capability with mentorship and collaboration, including work with our Coast Guard partners.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to consolidate our skills and develop as bridge watchkeepers,” said SLt Conal Evans.

The initiative helped strengthen the fleet while providing NWOs with new, practical opportunities to build confidence at sea.

Read more: Clearance Divers, Supporting the Fleet in Innovative Ways - Canada.ca

RCN welcomes new Clearance Divers

After 13 months of rigorous training above and beneath the waves, 12 new Clearance Divers have earned their Dolphin Pins and are now mission-ready. Graduating on October 10 at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), these sailors join the ranks of the RCN’s deep-sea mine countermeasure specialists.

Among them is Sailor Third Class Thomas Fournier, who joined through the Naval Experience Program and described the course as “the best year of my life.”

Clearance Divers operate advanced diving systems, conduct underwater repairs, and neutralize explosive ordnance at home and abroad. The trade is open to both non-commissioned members and officers from any occupation.

Read more: Hard Work and Heavy Seas: RCN Welcomes New Clearance Divers - Canada.ca

D MIL C 2 Coastal Visits – Your Career, Your Conversation

The D MIL C 2 and DNP 3 teams are heading to Esquimalt (24 Nov – 19 Dec 2025) and Halifax (12 – 30 Jan 2026) to deliver occupation and career manager briefings and conduct one-on-one career interviews.

These sessions are a valuable opportunity to learn more about your occupation, discuss your career goals, and connect directly with your Career Manager. Members are encouraged to come prepared, engage in meaningful discussions, and make the most of this chance to shape their professional development.

Divisional Chains are also encouraged to attend the briefings to support their personnel and gain insight into the process.

Check the full schedule to find your occupation’s session date and time. For questions, contact your Coastal Adviser or LCdr Chelsea Henderson at Chelsea.henderson@forces.gc.ca.