Double awards for HMCS Radisson

A member from HMCS Radisson hoists the Commordore’s Cup.

A/SLt Amélie Bergeron
UPAR HMCS Radisson
––

The Commodore’s Cup and the Sailor of the Year Trophy have been awarded to the same naval reserve division of the Royal Canadian Navy – HMCS Radisson.

The Commodore’s Cup was introduced in 2016 to recognize the Naval Reserve Division that demonstrated the best overall performance and contributed most to the fulfillment of the Naval Reserve mission within the Royal Canadian Navy.

Radisson won the 2019–2020 Commodore’s Cup for conducting extraordinary outreach in the Mauricie region of Quebec, for the support and participation in Operation Lentus 2019, for a strong promotion of physical fitness and mental health, and for the undeniable pride demonstrated by the ship’s company.

“This year’s award goes to a young and dynamic ship’s company,” said Commodore Mike Hopper, Commander Naval Reserve. “The Mauricie region can be proud of its sailors, since their excellence shines through from coast to coast to coast.”

Sailor of the Year

Sailor First Class (S1) Frédérique Poitras, Boatswain, was named Naval Reserve Sailor of the Year. This honour is awarded to the sailor who has demonstrated exceptional performance, as well as a number of outstanding personal and professional qualities.

As soon as she joined HMCS Radisson in 2016, S1 Poitras stood out as a leader. Thanks to her dedication and charisma, she has created a lasting team synergy and promotes respect and dynamism among her peers.

In summer 2019, when S1 Poitras was employed during a partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard, she responded to a search and rescue operation. Her expertise was essential to this rescue as she found an unconscious individual drifting on the St. Lawrence River. After recovering the individual, she performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 30 to 45 minutes, until the paramedics arrived.

“As soon as Sailor First Class Poitras joined our ship’s company, I knew right away she would be excellent. Some indicators don’t lie; the Sailor of the Year award now presented to her is proof of that,” said Commander K. Jutras, Commanding Officer of HMCS Radisson

In her personal life, S1 Poitras is studying to become a police officer. She completed the police technology program at the CEGEP of Trois-Rivières and is now waiting to attend the École nationale de police du Québec (Quebec police academy).

Constantly promoting an active lifestyle, she completed a triathlon for the first time this year, and with her father, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, she participated in the Army Run for the third year in a row.

––––