Volume 9 | Issue 6
Change of Command
VAdm Dan Charlebois delivers remarks after assuming command as the Royal Canadian Navy's 39th Commander during the Change of Command ceremony on June 16, 2026.
VAdm Topshee, General Carignan and VAdm Charlebois at change of command ceremony in Hamilton, ON. on June 16, 2026.
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) marked a significant leadership transition on June 16 as Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Dan Charlebois assumed command from Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee during a Change of Command ceremony held at His Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Star in Hamilton, Ont.
Presided over by General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, the ceremony brought together military members, civilian employees, families and distinguished guests to recognize the contributions of both leaders and the continued evolution of Canada's Navy.
After four years as Commander of the RCN, VAdm Topshee reflected on the accomplishments of the Navy team and thanked the sailors, civilians and families whose dedication and support make naval operations possible. He expressed pride in the progress made across the institution and confidence in the Navy's future under its new Commander.
Assuming command as the RCN's 39th Commander, VAdm Charlebois acknowledged the momentum built under VAdm Topshee and emphasized the importance of supporting sailors, civilians and families while sustaining operational readiness and strengthening Navy culture.
VAdm Dan Charlebois and CPO1 Harel at change of command ceremony in Hamilton, ON. on June 16, 2026.
Having most recently served as the RCN's Deputy Commander, he reaffirmed his commitment to leading with transparency, professionalism and respect while continuing to advance modernization efforts and deliver the Navy Canada needs. Recognizing that the Navy's greatest strength lies in its people, he highlighted the importance of building on the strong foundation established by those who came before him.
Held alongside HMCS Haida, the RCN's ceremonial flagship, the ceremony took place in Hamilton, Ont., in recognition of the city's longstanding connection to the Naval Reserve and its historic role as home to the Great Lakes Training Centre, where generations of Reservists from across Canada trained and developed their naval careers. The ceremony marked the close of one chapter and the beginning of another as the Navy continues to modernize, grow and meet the challenges of an evolving security environment.
Government of Canada announces TKMS as the preferred supplier for Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois shake hands in Halifax, N.S, following the announcement regarding Canada’s future submarines.
On July 6, the Government of Canada made a historic announcement at CFB Halifax as TKMS has been selected to be the preferred supplier for up to 12 new RCN submarines.
Beyond introducing a more capable platform, the future fleet represents a significant expansion of the RCN’s operational capacity. Expanding from four submarines to a potential 12 will provide the Navy with greater flexibility to safeguard Canadian sovereignty, contribute to allied operations, and maintain a persistent presence in key regions, while balancing maintenance, training, and readiness requirements.
Operations Update
Exercise RIMPAC 2026 strengthens interoperability in the Indo-Pacific
Members of HMCS Regina exchange a commemorative plaque with members of the Philippine Navy during a ship exchange visit as part of Exercise RIMPAC 2026 on June 29, 2026.
Exercise RIMPAC 2026 is taking place from June 24 to July 31 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, bringing together personnel from 31 nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, more than 200 aircraft and over 30,000 personnel.
Canada is contributing HMCS Regina, Ottawa and Corner Brook, Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix,, a CP-140 Aurora aircraft, CH-148 Cyclone helicopters and more than 800 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. HMCS Corner Brook's participation marks the first time a Canadian submarine has taken part in Exercise RIMPAC since HMCS Victoria participated in 2014. Canada is also leading the exercise's multinational air component, coordinating aircraft from participating nations during a range of maritime and air operations.
Exercise RIMPAC 2026 strengthens interoperability with allies and partners, enhances operational readiness, and supports Canada's ongoing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
HMCS Charlottetown joins Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026
HMCS Charlottetown and USS Shoup conduct a Replenishment at Sea with JS Mashu during Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026 on 26 June 2026.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are participating in Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026, a United States-led biennial exercise that took place in and around Hawaii and Guam from June 22 to July 5, 2026. As part of Operation HORIZON, HMCS Charlottetown is conducting anti-submarine warfare training alongside allies and partners to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness.
Members from 2 Wing Bagotville also participated in Airfield Damage Repair training in Guam, enhancing their ability to rapidly restore critical airfield infrastructure and support air operations in expeditionary environments. The exercise strengthened interoperability among allied and partner nations while reinforcing regional security throughout the Indo-Pacific.
HMCS St. John's concludes participation in FLEETEX 250
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
HMCS St. John's has concluded its participation in U.S. Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, completing Canada's contribution to one of the largest multinational naval exercises conducted in the Atlantic Ocean. Held from June 22 to 29 and tied to the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, the exercise brought together naval forces from 20 nations to demonstrate collective capability and strengthen cooperation at sea.
Operating alongside allied and partner ships, submarines and aircraft, HMCS St. John's participated in a range of training activities designed to enhance interoperability, communication and operational effectiveness in a high-intensity maritime environment. The exercise provided valuable opportunities for the ship's company to train with international partners while strengthening readiness for future operations.
Exercises such as FLEETEX 250 reinforce the RCN's ability to contribute to maritime security, continental defence and collective operations alongside allies and partners around the world.
Platform Updates
Keel laid for future HMCS Fraser
A commemorative coin for the future HMCS Fraser is welded to the ship's keel during the ceremonial keel laying of the first River-class destroyer at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, N.S., on June 12, 2026. Photo courtesy of Irving Shipbuilding.
The RCN marked the ceremonial keel laying of the future HMCS Fraser, the first River-class destroyer (RCD), on June 12 at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax. Traditionally recognized as the formal start of a ship's construction, the ceremony included the welding of a commemorative coin to the vessel's keel, a longstanding naval tradition.
The project will provide the RCN with its future major surface combat capability, replacing the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and Halifax-class frigates with a single class of modern combat ships. Construction of the future HMCS Fraser has been underway since April 2025, with delivery expected in the early 2030s.
HMCS Preserver reaches major construction milestone
HMCS Preserver, the second joint support ship under construction at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards.
HMCS Preserver, the Royal Canadian Navy's second Joint Support Ship, has reached a major construction milestone with the installation of its replenishment-at-sea kingposts and the completion of structural consolidation at Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards.
The milestone marks the completion of structural consolidation, with all major structural components now integrated into the vessel and represents an important step toward its planned launch later this year. Once delivered, Preserver will provide replenishment-at-sea, aviation support, cargo transport and medical support capabilities, enhancing the RCN’s ability to sustain operations at sea and support missions at home and abroad.
Defence Updates
Canada enters negotiations for GlobalEye aircraft
A model of Saab's GlobalEye aircraft, a multi-domain Airborne Early Warning & Control platform (AEW&C), is displayed at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries annual defence industry trade show CANSEC in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
The Government of Canada has entered into negotiations with Saab as the preferred supplier for the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability. Based on the Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, GlobalEye combines airborne early warning and control with long-range air, sea and land surveillance capabilities. The proposed capability will enhance the CAF's ability to detect, track and respond to threats across Canada, including the Arctic, while strengthening contributions to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and interoperability with allies and partners.
The initiative is expected to support Canadian industry through domestic production, technology transfer and partnerships with Canadian companies, while helping strengthen Canada's aerospace and defence industrial base.
HIMARS acquisition supports CAF modernization
The Government of Canada announced the acquisition of 26 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers through the United States Foreign Military Sales program. The acquisition includes munitions, spare parts, training and support services, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. Introduced under Canada's defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, the Long Range Precision Strike (Land) project will provide the CAF with an advanced long-range missile capability, including the ability to engage targets at distances of more than 300 kilometres.
The system is also designed to support future land-based anti-ship missile capabilities, strengthening Canada's ability to defend its territory, contribute to continental defence and operate alongside allies and partners.
Voice of the Fleet
Expectation and reality in the Naval Reserve
Sailors from HMCS Carleton meet in the unit’s operations room during flood-response planning and coordination activties
Lieutenant(Navy) (Lt(N)) Ross Park shares his perspective on the realities of Naval Reserve service and the misconceptions that often surround it. A Naval Warfare Officer with HMCS Carleton in Ottawa, Lt(N) Park balances his military commitments with a civilian career at the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) National Command Centre. Drawing on both experiences, he discusses how the Naval Reserve complements the Regular Force while balancing operational requirements with the realities of service alongside civilian employment.
From operational readiness and professional development to domestic operations such as Operation LENTUS, Lt(N) Park reflects on the unique role Reservists play in supporting the RCN. Read the full article to learn more about the expectations and realities of service in the Naval Reserve.
Exploring Counter‑UAS with the Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit
A Maritime Tactical Operator with ANC using the Orion H10 Counter-UAS during a learning exercise at CFB Halifax.
The RCN's Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANC) is examining how counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) can be integrated into naval operations as drone technology continues to evolve. During a recent learning exercise at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax, teams employed the Orion H10 counter-UAS system alongside commercially available drones to assess detection and mitigation capabilities in realistic operational conditions.
Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Daniel Song, a Maritime Tactical Operator with ANC, explained that the unit's role extends beyond testing whether a system works. By placing emerging technologies into operational settings, ANC evaluates how they perform in practice, identifies limitations and helps determine their suitability for fleet use.
Read the full article to learn more about the exercise and the RCN's ongoing operational experimentation.