A/SLt Kim Wachockier 
MARPAC Public Affairs

  • Three Orca-class vessels (Cougar 61, Raven 56, Grizzly 60) took part in Exercise Gold Rush 2025.
  • Training included towing drills, tidal narrows navigation, search and rescue exercises, and more.
  • Memorable moments included a humpback whale encounter, partnerships with the U.S. Coast Guard, and stops in Ketchikan and Glacier Bay.

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Three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Orcaclass vessels (Cougar 61, Raven 56, and Grizzly 60) recently spent the past weeks engaged in Exercise Goldrush 2025 (EXGR2025), a coastal training exercise conducted amidst the scenic and challenging waterways of B.C. and Alaska.

The exercise united junior officers, sailors, Naval Reservists, Royal Military College (RMC) students, and Naval Experience Program participants for a dynamic, hands-on experience. Effectively operating together, EXGR2025 participants navigated narrow channels, conducted complex mariner deck evolutions, and honed real-world maritime skills to boost operability.

In addition to providing opportunities for participants to engage in towing drills, tidal narrows navigation, person-overboard and search and rescue exercises, Goldrush 2025 also supported the new Naval Warfare Officer Professional Qualification (NWOPQ). As a result, Junior Bridge Watchkeepers can log up to 150 hours towards the 600-hour qualification requirement, in addition to the practical experience gained in challenging waterways.

EXGR2025 was a voyage of many memorable encounters. In Ketchikan, Alaska, crews were welcomed by the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard with an invitation to the allranks mess, The Crow’s Nest. Glacier Bay saw each Canadian vessel joined by two U.S. National Park Rangers who shared their knowledge of the region’s history, ecology, and wildlife alongside RCN crews. Finally, a humpback whale stole the spotlight in the waters of the Pacific Northwest when it lingered alongside Cougar 61 for nearly two hours. The crew stopped both engines and followed marine wildlife safety protocols as the whale surfaced repeatedly, even rubbing itself along the hull. The vessels also anchored in remote, picturesque locations such as Anyox, B.C., Ocean Falls, B.C., and Baranof Hot Springs, Alaska, offering sailors a rare chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Pacific Northwest.

A professional and personal milestone for many, the exercise provided RMC’s Naval Cadets with their first practical sea time; Naval Reservists with opportunities to enhance operational readiness; and junior officers with scenarios to sharpen leadership and navigation.

Importantly, EXGR2025 has underscored the RCN’s commitment to training, modernization, and partnership-building. Following a final August port visit in Juneau, Alaska the three vessels will travel south to Canada, returning with newfound skills, experiences, and connections.