HMCS Max Bernays returns home after historic Arctic and Indo-Pacific deployment

His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, on December 19 after completing a four-month deployment that took the ship from the High Arctic to the Indo-Pacific. The Harry DeWolf-class vessel made history during Operation LATITUDE, reaching the northernmost point ever attained by an RCN ship while working alongside U.S. forces to strengthen continental defence and maritime awareness in the Western Arctic.

Max Bernays then sailed into the North Pacific to support Canada’s ongoing commitment to regional stability. Under Operations Horizon and Neon, Max Bernays worked with allies and partners—including South Korea, Japan, the United States, and Australia—to help deter sanctions evasion and uphold the rules-based international order.

During the deployment, the crew also participated in multinational exercises Sama Sama 25 and Annualex 25, further enhancing interoperability and reinforcing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

From pushing the limits of northern operations to contributing to global security, Max Bernays showcased the adaptability, professionalism, and capability of Canada’s modern AOPV fleet as it returns home to family and friends for the holidays.

HMCS St. John’s returns from Operation REASSURANCE

After a successful five-month deployment in the waters of Eastern and Central Europe supporting NATO assurance and deterrence measures, HMCS St. John’s will return home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on December 20.

During its deployment, St. John’s served with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean and later with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 in the North Atlantic and High North.

Working alongside allied navies, the ship and its embarked Air Detachment contributed to patrols, exercises, and readiness activities that strengthened NATO cohesion and reinforced Canada’s commitment to collective defence. The deployment demonstrated the professionalism, flexibility, and capability of the ship’s company on operations abroad.

As HMCS St. John’s returns home for the holidays, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recognizes the dedication of the crew and the families and friends whose support makes every mission possible.

Coastal visits set for new year

DND and Navy personnel teams are heading to 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.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets members of HMCS York

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, met with Canadian Armed Forces reservists during his November 5 visit to Toronto, including sailors from HMCS York. During the visit, Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Smith, and Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer Second Class Andrew Payton, briefed him on the unit’s work in recruiting, training, and preparing sailors for operations in Canada and abroad. Prince Harry also took time to speak with members about their service experiences and the role the Naval Reserve plays in supporting the Royal Canadian Navy.

Hosted by True Patriot Love, the visit underscored the ongoing commitment of Canadian reservists and the importance of their contributions to the CAF.

Honouring the Trail of the Caribou

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rhyan Doucette, serving with HMCS St. John’s during Operation REASSURANCE, has completed his long-term goal of visiting every memorial on the Trail of the Caribou. The trail recognizes the service and sacrifices of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. While in Gallipoli, Türkiye, he placed a ship patch at the Hill 10 memorial to represent St. John’s and acknowledge the ship’s connection to its namesake community.

The visit highlights the continuing relationship between the Royal Canadian Navy and communities across Canada, as well as the role of deployed sailors in honouring Canada’s military history.

Congratulations to MS Brendan Cleary, innovation award winner

The RelVel Update Innovation competition provided a platform for sailors to share impactful ideas within the Royal Canadian Navy, giving members a voice in shaping the future of our culture and identity.

After advancing through the RelVel Update’s multi-stage selection process, finalists were presented to the fleet for a People’s Choice vote.

The People’s Choice Award was won by MS Brendan Cleary, whose proposal to formally recognize Sea Service in Polar Regions strongly resonated with sailors, earning forty percent of the vote.

As the winner, MS Cleary will work with DNR 3, the office responsible for badges, and the Naval Dress Committee, to formalize a new badge design. He will then represent the Royal Canadian Navy at the West 2026 Naval Trade Show in San Diego.

Any feedback on the badge design concept can be sent to Commander Dean Lang.

2,300 days at sea

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) André Normand reached a rare milestone this year, marking his 2,300th day at sea while deployed aboard HMCS St. John’s on Operation REASSURANCE.

The story resonated widely across the Navy community, becoming the most-read Royal Canadian Navy feature of 2025, and highlighting the pride Canadians feel in the people who serve at sea.

Sailing beneath the surface: NEP participants experience life as submariners

Participants in the Naval Experience Program (NEP) were given a rare opportunity in 2025 to experience life aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Submarine Corner Brook during an overnight sail. While at sea, participants observed daily routines and submarine operations firsthand, gaining insight into one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most specialized environments.

The experience highlighted the unique demands and strategic importance of the Canadian Submarine Force, while offering early exposure to a career path that plays a critical role in Canada’s maritime defence and future naval capability.

RCN tests first Armed Uncrewed Vessel

The Royal Canadian Navy achieved a major milestone in 2025 by conducting its first-ever live-fire trial using an armed uncrewed surface vessel during the MAKO experiment, part of Exercise TRIDENT FURY. The successful test demonstrated the Navy’s ability to safely integrate remote and autonomous systems into a strike role using existing equipment and innovative problem-solving.

Completed in just six weeks, the trial highlighted the RCN’s growing capacity to rapidly test, adapt, and advance emerging technologies, strengthening future operational capability and shaping how uncrewed systems may be integrated into the fleet.

You can read more top stories from this year featuring our amazing sailors, their captivating stories, and tremendous accomplishments:

• A Family Who Sails Together, Stays Together – Petty Officers, 1st Class Huber
• NEP Offers Challenge and Opportunity for S3 Gabriel Tremblay
• Under Pressure Under Water: Submarine Cook Sergeant Matthew Wade
• Sailor 1st Class Noah Turcotte chases his dreams to El Salvador
• Hard Work and Heavy Seas: RCN Welcomes New Clearance Divers