Our Navy Today - Volume 7 Issue 6

HMC Ships Shawinigan and Charlottetown monitor Russian Navy vessels with NATO allies

From August 29 to September 18, 2024, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Shawinigan and Charlottetown took part in vigilance activities alongside NATO allies, monitoring Russian submarines and surface ships in Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.

HMCS Shawinigan tracked Russian vessels in the Baltic and North Seas, handing over duties to HMS Iron Duke on September 1. HMCS Charlottetown, as flagship of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), assumed monitoring operations from Spain’s ESPS Cristobal Colon on September 17. In addition to tracking Russian vessels during Exercise OCEAN 24, Charlottetown conducted anti-submarine warfare operations, ensuring maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Both ships are deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, with HMCS Shawinigan working with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, and HMCS Charlottetown supporting maritime security in the Mediterranean. These operations are part of Canada’s ongoing contribution to NATO efforts in the region.

HMCS Montréal honoured with the Order of Magellan

HMCS Montréal continued its six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation HORIZON. The ship, with a crew of 247 sailors, soldiers, and aviators, is accompanied by a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, call sign.

On September 2, the crew was awarded the Order of Magellan for successfully completing a circumnavigation of the globe. The crew of Montreal are set to return home later this month.

Exercise WAKING GIANT 2024 wraps up in Thunder Bay

Exercise WAKING GIANT 2024 took place on September 21 and 22, bringing about 80 Royal Canadian Naval Reservists to Thunder Bay, Ontario for two days of intensive training.

Hosted by HMCS Griffon, the exercise focused on navigational skills, disaster response, and multi-agency cooperation. Participants engaged in live-action drills simulating real-world crises such as environmental disasters and humanitarian missions.

The exercise included collaboration with 17 Field Ambulance, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Lakehead Transportation Museum, and the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority.

HMCS Yellowknife seizes over 1,400kg of cocaine

On September 5, 2024, HMCS Yellowknife, along with a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, intercepted and seized over 1,400 kg of cocaine during Operation CARIBBE.

This operation is part of Canada’s support for U.S.-led efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. HMC Ships and Edmonton returned home on September 25th.

HMCS Vancouver joins exercise KAKADU in Australia

HMCS Vancouver arrived in Darwin, Australia, earlier this month to take part in Exercise KAKADU, Australia’s largest maritime exercise, under Operation HORIZON. Three thousand personnel from 32 nations and ships from 11 countries collaborated to strengthen relationships, enhance naval warfighting capabilities, and boost international cooperation from September 9 to 20.

HMCS Harry DeWolf completes Operation NANOOK 2024

HMCS Harry DeWolf has successfully completed its deployment to Operation NANOOK 2024, wrapping up a challenging and rewarding mission in the Canadian Arctic.

Throughout the deployment, the ship's crew worked together to protect Canada's sovereignty in the North, tackling every task with dedication and teamwork. After completing their mission, the crew took a well-deserved day at anchor for rest and recovery before their return to Halifax. HMCS Margaret Brooke remains deployed on Op NANOOK until mid-October.

Welcome home Haro and Barkerville!

Last month, two brand-new Naval Large Tugs, Haro and Barkerville, made their debut at CFB Esquimalt after an 8,500-nautical-mile journey from Québec.

Haro, named after the Haro Strait in British Columbia, will be a familiar sight as it navigates waters frequently traversed by RCN vessels. Barkerville carries the name of a Second World War Ville-class tug that sank in 1945 near Bedwell Harbour, British Columbia.

These modern tugs are equipped with the latest technology and will play a key role in supporting naval operations for the RCN’s future fleet for many years to come. Their arrival marks an exciting enhancement to the Pacific Fleet’s operational capabilities.

Updating occupations for the Navy's future warship

The RCN recently released a Problem Definition Paper (PDP) identifying issues with the current Military Employment Structure of eight RCN occupations as part of a strategic modernization plan.

These issues include Maritime Information Warfare and the Aegis Weapons System onboard the River-class destroyers.

The next step in the process is the occupation analyses for the eight RCN occupations, being conducted over a period of 18 months with potentially reshaped occupations.

Marine Careers Expo and Great Lakes Deployment kicks off in St. John’s

The Great Lakes Deployment and Marine Careers Expo launched in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with an impressive turnout!

Spanning multiple locations across Atlantic Canada, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway, the expo offers the chance to tour ships, meet crew members, and explore career opportunities.

Future HMCS Frédérick Rolette delivered

The Future HMCS Frederick Rolette was delivered late August in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipbuilding, marking a major milestone for the RCN.

The fifth of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, this new addition will enhance the fleet’s capabilities both globally and in Canada’s North. Its arrival is a significant step in modernizing the Navy and strengthening its operational reach.

Lt(N) Peter Ward crosses the bar

The RCN lost a great friend, and Canada a great Canadian, with the passing of retired Lieutenant (Navy) Peter Ward on September 14 at the age of 93.

Ward was the last surviving member of the group that saved HMCS Haida, the Second World War Tribal-class destroyer known as Canada’s “fightingest ship.” Ward’s father was one of 128 sailors killed the night of April 29, 1944 when HMCS Athabaskan was sunk by an enemy torpedo boat, with sister ship Haida fighting off the attacking vessel and rescuing many of Athabaskan’s survivors.

When Haida was due to be scrapped in 1963, Ward and four friends formed a non-profit organization to save the ship, risking their houses as collateral. In addition, when His Royal Highness Prince Philip was on a visit to Canada, Ward took the opportunity to secure the Prince as Haida’s patron.

Thanks to Ward’s efforts HMCS Haida is now moored in Hamilton, Ontario as a National Historic Site, where it also serves as the ceremonial flagship of the RCN.

To pay our respects, Haida flew its ship’s flags and pennants to spell “Peter Ward 1930-2024” from September 27 to 29.