Our Navy Today - Volume 8 Issue 1

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our own. On January 24, Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO 2) Gregory Applin, a Weapons Engineering Technician aboard HMCS Montréal, passed away following an incident during small boat operations in the Bedford Basin.

PO 2 Applin joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 2005 and served with distinction throughout his 19-year career, sailing nearly 500 days aboard HMC Ships. His most recent deployment was to the Indo-Pacific in 2024 under Operation HORIZON.

Over the years, he served on HMCS Halifax and HMCS Toronto, contributed to numerous operations and exercises, and mentored many as an instructor at Naval Fleet School Atlantic.

He leaves behind a loving family, friends, and colleagues. To his shipmates, his dedication, professionalism, and camaraderie will not be forgotten.

This tragic loss reminds us of the risks inherent in our service. Our thoughts are with PO 2 Applin’s family, friends, and crew.

Please remember to look out for one another during this difficult time. Support resources are available through your chain of command and Base resources.

Fair winds and following seas, PO 2 Applin. You will be missed.

• CF Member Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program

The sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class vessel, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is scheduled for sea trials in the spring. Delivery and naming are planned for later in the year. HMCS Frédérick Rolette is set to be commissioned this summer.

Our Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels are advancing, with the crew of HMCS Protecteur preparing for delivery after its December 2024 launch.

Full-rate production of the first River-class destroyer will begin this spring, supported by advancements at the Land-Based Test Facility at Hartlen Point and the Combat Systems Integration Centre in Moorestown, New Jersey.

The Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) project has made significant progress towards enhancing the Halifax-class frigates’ ability to detect and counter underwater threats. HMCS Ville de Québec completed sea acceptance trials during Submarine Command Course 82, validating its new Underwater Warfare Sensor System. Operational capability is expected by April 2025, with upgrades to the other frigates ahead of schedule.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) has entered the industry engagement phase, with discussions beginning in early 2025 to shape recommendations for Canada’s future patrol submarine fleet.

Upgrades to existing infrastructure are underway, including the recapitalization of Jetty NB in Halifax, future home to HMCS Fraser and subsequent destroyers.

At CFB Esquimalt, the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project is replacing aging infrastructure, with B Jetty reaching initial operating capability and work on A Jetty beginning in 2025.

Designed to meet the unique seismic requirements of the Pacific Coast, the new jetties will accommodate larger modern vessels and support the RCN’s operational capabilities.

Maintaining readiness remains paramount. The RCN is preparing for a packed schedule of international deployments, operations and exercises in 2025. 

HMCS Harry DeWolf will support Op CARIBBE from January to April, while HMCS Margaret Brooke is currently deployed on Op PROJECTION until May. 

Starting in March, HMCS Ville de Québec will deploy for Op HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific, while HMCS William Hall will take over Operation CARIBBE in May and June.

HMCS Montréal will deploy on Operation REASSURANCE in April and participate in Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD in May. In June, HMCS St. John’s will also deploy for Operation REASSURANCE, followed by Kingston-class ships later in the summer, all supporting NATO’s deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Later this summer, Op NANOOK will launch in July with HMCS Margaret Brooke heading to the Arctic. Op NANOOK is the CAF’s flagship northern operation, held annually across Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Labrador, focusing on defending Canada and ensuring the security of its northern regions.  

Cutlass Fury and Fleet Week will kick off in June with contributions from multiple RCN ships. 

Following maintenance at Chantier Davie, M/V Astérix will continue its Force Generation mission on the East Coast through the summer, ensuring sailors maintain critical replenishment-at-sea proficiency until HMCS Protecteur is commissioned. 

These operations showcase the RCN’s commitment to global security, collaboration with allies, and operational readiness.