Volume 9 | Issue 5
Vice-Admiral Topshee to be the next
Vice Chief of the Defence Staff
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VAdm Topshee walks across the brow to visit the crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii in the United States of America on July 2, 2024.
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VAdm Topshee addresses the crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke during a town hall while the ship transits Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, during Operation PROJECTION 25-01 on March 11, 2025.
Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee has been appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Staff following his tenure as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), during a period marked by modernization, evolving global security challenges and sustained operational commitments at home and abroad.
As the 38th Commander of the RCN, VAdm Topshee led the Navy through a period of transition while continuing to advance operations in the Indo-Pacific, Arctic and Euro-Atlantic regions. Under his leadership, the RCN maintained its contributions to NATO operations and international maritime security while supporting Canada’s broader defence objectives in an increasingly complex global environment. Efforts to sustain and modernize the fleet also progressed during his tenure. This included continued work to bring Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (Harry DeWolf-Class) into service, advance the Joint Support Ship (Protecteur-Class) and River-class destroyer program, and extend the operational life of the Halifax-class frigates. The RCN also continued exploring future capabilities, including a renewed submarine fleet and the Continental Defence Corvette.
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VAdm Topshee addresses attendees during the launch of construction for the Canadian Surface Combatant fleet at Irving Shipyard in Halifax, N.S., on June 28, 2024.
Throughout his command, VAdm Topshee became widely respected for his strong focus on sailors, leadership and operational readiness. He consistently emphasized that people are the Navy’s greatest strength, championing initiatives focused on recruitment, retention, mentorship and culture change across the institution. His tenure saw continued efforts to improve training and recruitment through initiatives such as the Naval Experience Program, while also reinforcing accountability, professionalism and support for sailors and their families.
Frequently speaking to the importance of adaptability, resilience and preparing the Navy for the future, his leadership reflected a commitment to building a modern, inclusive and globally engaged Navy capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly dynamic maritime environment.
As he assumes his new responsibilities as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, VAdm Topshee leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Royal Canadian Navy, one shaped by a deep commitment to sailors, operational excellence and the future of the institution. Through a period of significant change and evolving demands, his leadership helped strengthen and position the Navy to continue serving Canada at home and around the world.
VAdm Topshee reflects on his time as Commander of the RCN
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VAdm Topshee reflects on his four years as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy during an interview in his office on May 29, 2026.
If Canadians could spend a couple of days at sea, they would see that it’s a 24/7 operation. The sea is a meritocracy, it doesn’t care who you are, only whether you’re competent. It’s an extraordinary experience, and I wish more Canadians could see firsthand what sailors do to protect their interests.
VAdm Topshee took time to answer questions from two members of the C NAVY staff about his time as CRCN, including his proudest moments and what he would have done differently.
Watch the complete interview on YouTube and read the article online.
Change of Command ceremony marks new chapter for the RCN
With the historic HMCS Haida in the background, the change of command ceremony will be held at HMCS Star in Hamilton, ON, on June 16, during which VAdm Dan Charlebois will assume command of the RCN from VAdm Angus Topshee. VAdm Charlebois brings more than 30 years of operational and leadership experience to the role, having served in a range of command and staff appointments throughout the RCN and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Prior to assuming command, he served as Deputy Commander of the RCN and previously led future fleet capability efforts supporting the delivery and integration of the Navy’s next generation of platforms.
Operations Update
HMCS Charlottetown visits Vietnam during Indo-Pacific deployment
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VAdm Topshee greets members of the Vietnam People’s Navy during a welcoming ceremony for HMCS Charlottetown at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, Vietnam, on May 15, 2026.
HMCS Charlottetown arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, Vietnam, on May 15 for a four-day goodwill visit as part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s ongoing Indo-Pacific deployment.
Representatives from Canadian and Vietnamese agencies, including VAdm Topshee, attended the welcoming ceremony alongside officials from the Vietnam People’s Navy and regional leadership organizations. During the visit from May 15 to 18, sailors aboard Charlottetown participated in professional exchanges, cultural activities and discussions focused on maritime security, international law and regional cooperation.
The visit reinforced Canada’s commitment to strengthening partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region and supporting a free, open and rules-based international order through sustained naval presence and cooperation.
Exercise Open Spirit 2026 strengthens Baltic Sea security
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Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) discuss their mission plan during Op OPEN SPIRIT 2026, in the Bay of Riga, Latvia, on May 7, 2026. Photo by Lt(N) Rudee Gaudet
Exercise Open Spirit 2026 brought together Allied and partner navies in the Baltic Sea from May 1 to 13 to conduct multinational mine countermeasure operations off the coast of Latvia and within Lithuanian waters. During the exercise, NATO warships and underwater teams, including members of Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic), located and identified historic wartime mines and unexploded ordnance left behind from the First and Second World Wars, including the first mine discovery of the operation by French warship FS Andromede near Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The exercise involved ships, diving teams and autonomous underwater vehicle teams working together to safely dispose of hazardous explosives remaining on the seabed.
Exercise Open Spirit 2026 strengthened interoperability among participating navies while improving maritime safety and reducing risks to commercial shipping, fishing and the marine environment across the Baltic region.
Top Stories
HMCS Sackville ceremonially recommissioned into the RCN
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HMCS Sackville is recommissioned into the Canadian Armed Forces fleet in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 15, 2026.
HMCS Sackville, Canada’s last surviving Second World War corvette, was ceremonially recommissioned into the RCN on May 15, marking 85 years since the ship first launched.
The ceremony, held at Sackville Landing in Halifax, brought together CAF members, Canadian Naval Memorial Trust representatives, veterans and community members to recognize the ship’s historic legacy and continued role as Canada’s Naval Memorial. During the Second World War, Sackville served as part of the Flower class of corvettes that escorted merchant convoys across the North Atlantic and protected Allied supply lines from German U-boats.
The recommissioning highlighted the importance of preserving and strengthening connections to the RCN’s heritage while honouring the sailors who served during the Battle of the Atlantic.
RCN participates in Atlantic Maritime Security Coalition meetings
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Members of the Atlantic Maritime Security Coalition pose for a group photo during the final planning conference at Vista Point on Naval Station Norfolk on April 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole)
The RCN participated in Atlantic Maritime Security Coalition (AMSC) meetings in Norfolk, Va., alongside the United States Second Fleet, United States Coast Guard Atlantic Area and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Established in 2015, AMSC provides a forum for coordination across joint operations, information sharing and contingency planning throughout the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. As activity in the Arctic continues to increase, sustained collaboration among partners remains essential to supporting operational readiness and interoperability, including during operations and exercises such as Operation NANOOK.
The meetings highlighted the importance of continued cooperation among partners to strengthen maritime security, improve interoperability and support shared interests in increasingly complex operating environments.
Republic of Korea Navy conducts visit to CFB Esquimalt
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Front to back: His Majesty’s Canadian Submarine Corner Brook, Republic of Korea Submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa, and Republic of Korea Ship Daejeon, conducted a bilateral exercise June 2-4, 2026, off the coast of Vancouver Island in coordination with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photo credit: Republic of Korea Navy
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) visited Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, B.C., from May 23 to June 7 with ROKS Daejeon, a Daegu-class frigate, and ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a KSS-III class submarine.
The visit has included senior leadership engagements, formal ceremonies and bilateral exercises alongside RCN and Royal Canadian Air Force assets. Activities have included a wreath-laying ceremony at the British Columbia Legislature Cenotaph recognizing those who served during the Korean War, a welcome ceremony with RCN and ROKN leadership, and joint performances by the Naden Band and the ROKN Band.
The visit supports continued cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Korea while strengthening interoperability and regional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Naval and Defence Updates
Icebreaker Collaboration Effort partners advance Arctic cooperation
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Des représentants du Canada, de la Finlande et des États-Unis posent à bord d'un brise-glace lors de réunions organisées à Helsinki, en Finlande, les 6 et 7 mai 2026, dans le cadre du Pacte de collaboration sur les brise-glaces.
Representatives from Canada, Finland and the United States met in Helsinki, Finland, from May 6 to 7 under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), advancing cooperation on Arctic and polar icebreaker construction.
The meetings focused on strengthening trilateral industrial cooperation, expanding shipbuilding capacity, improving supply chains and advancing workforce development initiatives to support growing demand for icebreaking vessels. Delegates also visited Finnish shipbuilding and marine technology companies, including the Canadian-owned Helsinki Shipyard, where work is underway on the hull for Canada’s future polar icebreaker, Polar Max.
Partners also discussed strengthening research and development, reducing production bottlenecks and increasing opportunities for domestic suppliers and shipyards across all three countries. The discussions reinforced the importance of international collaboration in supporting Arctic security, economic growth and long-term industrial capacity.
Up Next
Navy Bike Ride returns for 2026
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Navy Bike Ride 2024 in Ottawa, On. Photo courtesy of the Navy Bike Ride.
The Navy Bike Ride returns for 2026 with in-person and virtual events taking place throughout June. Founded in 2016, the annual event raises funds in support of CAF members, Veterans and their families, while encouraging participants of all ages and abilities to stay active.
Events took place in Victoria and Shearwater, meanwhile there is an upcoming event in Ottawa on June 13. Participants looking to participate virtually can do so from June 1 to June 30.
The event continues to promote physical and mental wellness while strengthening connections across the naval community.
RCN strengthens approach to counter-drone threats
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A uncrewed aerial system operates during Royal Canadian Navy training and evaluation activities. The RCN is adapting to the growing use of uncrewed systems in modern warfare, strengthening its ability to detect, deter and respond to drone threats across the maritime environment.
Widely available and increasingly used in conflict, drones present new challenges for naval operations due to their small size, use of non-metallic materials and ability to operate in large numbers, particularly in complex environments such as harbours.
To address this, the RCN is enhancing its counter-uncrewed aerial systems approach through layered defences, evolving detection and electronic warfare capabilities, updated training, and coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada and allied partners. These efforts ensure the RCN remains ready to respond to evolving threats across the maritime environment.