HMCS Charlottetown departs on Operations HORIZON and NEON

On February 1, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown set sail for a six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in support of Operations HORIZON and NEON.

HMCS Charlottetown will work alongside Canada’s allies and partners through multinational exercises and cooperative engagements, strengthening regional security and stability while advancing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Both operations demonstrate Canada’s defence commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and enhance Canada’s role as a trusted international partner.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette conducting cold weather trials

HMCS Frédérick Rolette departed Halifax on January 26 to conduct cold weather trials. The trials test how the ship and its systems perform in extreme winter conditions, including very low air temperatures and near‑freezing sea water.

Crews and engineers verify that key systems such as heating and ventilation, propulsion, power, sensors, doors and hatches, cranes and davits, de-icing, and tank heating work reliably in the cold. Sailors also operate in medium first-year ice when conditions allow them to gain practical experience. The activity helps sharpen crew skills and build confidence for safe operations in northern waters.

HMCS Yellowknife departs for Operation CARIBBE

On January 21, HMCS Yellowknife departed for a seven-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE in the Caribbean Sea. Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to multinational efforts to counter narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

HMCS Yellowknife will work alongside the United States Coast Guard to the movement of illicit trafficking vessels. This operation remains a separate operation from other US operations in the region.

Operation CARIBBE strengthens international partnerships with nations in the western hemisphere and helps prevent illicit narcotics from entering North American communities.

Bon voyage, HMCS Yellowknife!

Naval Reservists participate in Small Boat Exercise in Victoria

Naval reservists from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Malahat conducted a small boat exercise on January 24 across the waters of Victoria, Esquimalt, and Royal Roads.

Conducted under nighttime conditions, the exercise focused on navigation, boat handling, command and control, and overall situational awareness, while maintaining safety and communications.

Night operations provided sailors with the opportunity to operate in low-visibility environments, helping to build confidence and capability relevant to real-world maritime tasks.

Land-Based Test Facility construction begins

To help bring the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new River-class destroyers into service, the Department of National Defence (DND) is building a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) on DND property at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia.

Construction of the LBTF began in November 2025. The design progressed in parallel with the River-class design, as the facility required detailed ship specifications to support combat systems integration.

This project contributes to Canada’s commitment to meeting NATO defence spending targets, strengthening the RCN’s ability to work with Allies.

Construction of the LBTF is expected to be completed in early 2028.

Changes of Command

Three Change of Command ceremonies were held last month: 

• HMCS Edmonton: (LCdr) Jason Pike handed command to LCdr Michael Ronaldson.
• HMCS William Hall: Commander (Cdr) Scott Kelemen handed command to Cdr Jeremy Ruggles.
• HMCS John’s: Cdr Jeffrey Anderson handed command to Cdr Kyle Aubrey.

Commodore Jacob French, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, presided over all three ceremonies.

Ship crews witnessed the ceremonial transfer of authority, a tradition that honours continuity of command and ensures each ship and crew remain operationally ready.

CRCN hosts townhall in Halifax

On January 21, 2026, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee hosted townhalls in Halifax, Nova Scotia, engaging with RCN personnel to discuss both current operations and future priorities.

The sessions allowed members to ask questions, share perspectives, and gain insight into the Navy’s strategic direction. Events like this reinforce communication, collaboration, and alignment across the force, highlighting the importance of connecting leadership with sailors and officers on key issues affecting operations and readiness.

The second series of townhalls took place in Esquimalt, B.C., on February 3, 2026.