Volume 9 | Issue 4
Operations Update
HMCS Charlottetown participates in Exercise BALIKATAN
Caption
Members of the Philippine Navy onboard HMCS Charlottetown during a personnel exchange in support of Exercise BALIKATAN 2026 while sailing for Operation HORIZON 2026 on 25 April 2026. Photo by: MS Alexandre Heagle Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician.
HMCS Charlottetown participated in Exercise BALIKATAN in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8, 2026, as part of Operations HORIZON and NEON.
The Halifax-class frigate, with an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, is operating alongside United States and Armed Forces of the Philippines units in a series of multinational training scenarios. Activities include maritime strike operations, coastal defence, and joint coordination to solidify interoperability among partner forces.
Canada’s participation also includes personnel from across the Canadian Armed Forces, contributing to areas such as cyber operations, medical support, logistics, and security.
Exercise BALIKATAN, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, is one of the region’s largest multinational exercises and reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to security, stability, and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Top Stories
HMCS Charlottetown conducts multilateral operations in the South China Sea
Caption
A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-148 Cyclone helicopter assigned to Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339) prepares to land on the flight deck of U.S. Navy Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a multilateral exercise with the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Armed Forces in the South China Sea, April 18, 2026.
HMCS Charlottetown participated in a joint operation in the South China Sea from April 12 to 18 alongside ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy.
The Halifax-class frigate, supported by an embarked RCAF helicopter, operated with HMAS Toowoomba and USS Ashland during a combined transit through the region. Activities included tactical manoeuvres, helicopter cross-deck operations, and personnel exchanges.
These operations demonstrated interoperability and reinforced cooperation among partner navies, supporting a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Colleen Beattie: Canada’s first woman submariner
Caption
Colleen Beattie stands next to a submarine periscope system.
In January 2002, Colleen Beattie became the first Canadian woman to qualify as a submariner in the RCN. After beginning her career in the Primary Reserve with 32 Service Battalion, she later transferred to the Navy as a naval combat information operator, serving in the surface fleet before completing submarine qualification.
She went on to serve aboard HMCS Windsor and HMCS Corner Brook, retiring in 2010 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Today, she continues to serve the submarine community as a civilian instructor at Naval Fleet School Atlantic, helping to shape the next generation of submariners.
Exercise CLEARWATER strengthens joint operations in Prince Rupert
Caption
A Royal Canadian Navy sailor and a CAF member operate surveillance equipment during Exercise CLEARWATER in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, April 2026.
The RCN, through Joint Task Force Pacific, is conducting Exercise CLEARWATER in Prince Rupert, B.C., alongside the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to enhance coordination across land, sea and air.
From April 11 to 18, 2026, the exercise focused on surveillance and presence operations in a joint, interagency environment. Activities include maritime patrols, aerial surveillance by the RCAF and land-based observation by the Canadian Rangers in remote coastal areas.
Exercise CLEARWATER highlights Canada’s commitment to protecting its West Coast and reinforces the ability of the RCN, CAF and CCG to operate together in a complex maritime environment. As a key Canadian port with projected growth, Prince Rupert provides a strategic setting to reinforce partnerships, improve coordination and enhance readiness to respond to potential threats.
Canada hosts Global Combat Ship User Group in Halifax
Caption
Representatives from partner navies pose for a photo during the 16th Global Combat Ship User Group in Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 2026.
The RCN hosted the 16th Global Combat Ship (GCS) User Group in Halifax from April 20 to 24, 2026. Organized by the River-class destroyer Program Management Office, the meeting brought together partner navies preparing to operate Type 26 warships.
Representatives from the RCN, Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy and, for the first time, the Royal Norwegian Navy met to exchange updates, discuss technical and operational challenges, and share lessons learned. Each navy provided updates on fleet development. Canada is looking to build 15 River‑class destroyers while allies such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Norway are also in the process of expanding their fleets with similar platforms.
The forum supports collaboration among allied navies and contributes to improved delivery, sustainment and long-term capability development as well as increasing collective readiness at home and abroad.
Up Next
RCN advances occupation transition planning
The RCN is progressing through implementation planning for the Occupation Transition to future occupations. Efforts are focused on coordinating key elements across multiple Lines of Effort (LOEs), supported by working groups, with early alignment underway in occupations such as naval warfare officer to ensure changes are introduced deliberately while maintaining readiness and operational tempo.
As part of broader workforce modernization, the RCN began recruiting directly into the Marine Systems Mechanical Technician (MSMT) and Marine Systems Electrical Technician (MSET) occupations on April 10, 2026. This introduces earlier specialization, updated training, and clearer qualification pathways aligned with future fleet requirements.
There are no immediate changes to members’ occupations, postings or day-to-day duties, and any future changes will be phased and communicated in advance. Members are encouraged to attend upcoming coastal engagement sessions:
- May 26 to 28 – Esquimalt
- June 1 to 3 – Halifax
- June 9 to 11 – National Capital Region
This phased approach ensures the transition is implemented deliberately while protecting readiness and positioning the RCN to develop and employ its people more effectively. Read the full article.
Commemorations
Battle of the Atlantic
On the first Sunday in May, communities across Canada honour the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest campaign of the Second World War. We recognize the tremendous efforts of Canadian sailors in securing Allied victory at sea.
Recently, the RCN has lost three outstanding sailors who served in the Battle of the Atlantic. Their contributions reflect the dedication and sacrifice of those who served.
Agnes Stewart Richardson
April 16, 1923 – March 4, 2026
Agnes Stewart Richardson, a Second World War veteran and member of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS), is being remembered for her service to the Royal Canadian Navy. She served at HMCS York in Toronto and HMCS Avalon in St. John’s, N.L., a key operational hub during the Battle of the Atlantic, where her work in administrative and logistical support contributed to sustaining naval operations at sea. One of the final surviving members of the WRCNS, her service reflects the important role played by Wrens in supporting the Royal Canadian Navy during the war.
Vice-Admiral (ret’d) Nigel David Brodeur
June 18, 1932 – March 30, 2026
Vice-Admiral (ret’d) Nigel David Brodeur, a senior Royal Canadian Navy leader and former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, passed away on March 30, 2026. Over a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he served at sea in HMCS Ontario, HMCS Magnificent, and HMCS Kootenay, and later commanded HMCS Terra Nova. He also contributed to the development of the Canadian Patrol Frigate project, helping shape a class of ships that would support Royal Canadian Navy operations for decades. Part of a multi-generational naval family, his service reflects a legacy closely tied to the evolution of Canada’s Navy.
Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Robert (Bob) Watkins
February 24, 1925 – April 1, 2026
Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Robert (Bob) Watkins, a Second World War veteran and the last known Manitoban to have served in the Battle of the Atlantic, passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 101. He served overseas aboard His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Loch Achananalt during the war, contributing to operations in the English Channel, Irish Sea, and North Atlantic. Following his wartime service, he maintained a lifelong connection to the Royal Canadian Navy, rejoining HMCS Chippawa in 1949 and supporting the Sea Cadet program, mentoring junior officers, and helping establish the Naval Museum of Manitoba. His service, spanning more than 80 years, reflects a lasting commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy and to generations of sailors who followed.
Happy 116th Birthday to our Navy!
Caption
The first recruits of the Naval Service of Canada.
Since 1910, we have grown from a small coastal fleet into a modern, globally engaged maritime force. For 116 years, our sailors have supported Canadians at home, strengthened our economy, contributed to a safer world, and represented Canada with professionalism and pride.
From the Battle of the Atlantic to today’s advanced Arctic operations and international deployments, each chapter of our history has shaped a Navy that protects, innovates, and reflects the best of Canada’s identity on the world stage.
As we mark this milestone, we honour the generations of sailors whose dedication continues to secure our future and carry our story forward.
Remembering Stalker 22
Caption
Starting from top left: Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough, a Marine Systems Engineering Officer; Sub-Lieutenant Matthew Pyke, Naval Warfare Officer; Master Corporal Matthew Cousins, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator; Captain Maxime Miron-Morin, Air Combat Systems Officer; Captain Kevin Hagen, Pilot; and Captain Brenden Ian MacDonald, Pilot.
April 29, 2020, we lost six members of the CAF when CH‑148 Cyclone Stalker 22 went down over the Ionian Sea during Operation REASSURANCE.
This day is etched into our hearts. It remains a profound loss for our Navy, the RCAF, and for all who served alongside them.
We honour:
- Master Corporal Matthew Cousins
- Captain Maxime Miron-Morin
- Sub‑Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough
- Captain Kevin Hagen
- Sub‑Lieutenant Matthew Pyke
- Captain Brenden Ian MacDonald
We hold their families, friends, and the military community in our thoughts as we remember their service, their sacrifice, and the lives they lived.
National Day of Mourning
On April 28, the RCN and Canadians from coast to coast to coast came together for the National Day of Mourning.
We honour the workers who never came home, and we hold close the families, friends, and communities forever changed by workplace tragedy ashore, at sea, and beneath the surface. On this day, let us pause, reflect, remember and recommit to safer workplaces for everyone.