Our Navy Today - Volume 7 Issue 4

HMCS Vancouver participating in RIMPAC 2024 and Operation Horizon

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver will depart in the coming days for Hawaii to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. Vancouver will be joined by HMCS Max Bernays, Motor Vessel Asterix and a shore-based contingent of approximately 300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.  

Our participation in RIMPAC will focus on honing military expertise in the Indo-Pacific region while fostering relationships between partners and allies.  

In this year's iteration of RIMPAC, there will be 29 nations participating with 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, over 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. 

After RIMPAC Vancouver will sail across the Pacific Ocean to conduct Operation Horizon, Canada’s forward-presence mission in the Indo-Pacific region. Vancouver will be the second Canadian frigate deployed to the region in 2024, with HMCS Ottawa expected to follow in the fall. 

HMCS Montréal enroute to Operation Horizon  

HMCS Montréal navigated through the Suez Canal last month enroute to the Indo-Pacific region for Op Horizon. During its transit, the crew of HMCS Montréal offered support to Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) during Operation Artemis.

The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) participation in Artemis and CMF upholds the rules-based international order and ensures the security of some of the world’s busiest and most critical trade routes.

HMCS Summerside sets sail for Op Caribbe

On May 6, HMCS Summerside set sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a nine-week deployment on Operation Caribbe in the Caribbean Sea. They will join the already deployed crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke before its expected return at the end of this month. 

Op Caribbe is Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operation to address illicit drug trafficking in international waters. Summerside’s participation contributes to stability and security in the region. 

HMC Ships Max Bernays and William Hall commissioned

The RCN celebrated a significant milestone last month with the commissioning of two new HMC Ships: Max Bernays and William Hall. The commissioning ceremony is a deeply rooted naval tradition and significant event for the ship’s company, making them the vessels of the fleet. 

On May 3 Max Bernays was commissioned in Vancouver becoming our third Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). It is the first ship of its class for the Pacific Fleet.  
On May 16 William Hall was officially commissioned in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As the RCN’s fourth AOPV, William Hall will strengthen our ability to uphold sovereignty in Canadian waters and to meet future defence challenges in the North.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette named

On May 26 a naming ceremony was held for the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the RCN’s fifth AOPV. Dating back centuries, the naming of a ship is steeped in tradition and believed to bring good luck and safe travel to the vessel and crew. 

The ship’s sponsor, Hélène Châtillon, a descendant of Frédérick Rolette, officially named the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine against the bow and declaring, “I name you Frédérick Rolette. Bless this ship and all who sail in it.”  

The ship is named after Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, a Canadian-born officer who served in the Provincial Marine of Upper Canada.  

When the War of 1812 broke out on July 3, Rolette acted immediately, capturing an American vessel before the crew became aware that their country had declared war. Rolette went on to be an influential soldier in several battles, being injured several times and returning to combat. 

When wounded at the battle of the River Raisin, Rolette refused to leave the field. “I have been selected to work this gun,” he said. “And it would be a lasting disgrace for me to leave it.” 

Future crew of HMCS Protecteur gains hands-on experience aboard German ship

The German Berlin-class replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main arrived in Halifax last month after sailing from Germany with crew members of the future HMCS Protecteur aboard.

Commander Landon Creasy, incoming Commanding Officer of HMCS Protecteur, described the exchange as an incredible opportunity to familiarize themselves with the operational nuances of the future Protecteur.

"It’s probably one of the best experiences I have had in my career," said Cdr Creasy.

He highlighted the importance of understanding the ship's handling and organizational structure, particularly the Engineering Department, which closely mirrors the RCN’s Marine Technician trade structure.

The experience provided valuable insights into replenishment operations and complex cargo management.

Cdr Creasy is enthusiastic about the future HMCS Protecteur, which will enhance Canada's capability to support both military and humanitarian missions globally.

Stay humble is this medic’s key to leadership

As Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pier-Vincent Michaud prepares to deploy to NATO mission Iraq, his focus on empowering his members is his key to team success. 

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