A/SLt Emily Shea, MARPAC Public Affairs

  • HMCS Corner Brook returned to Victoria on Oct 5 after a two-month deployment on Operation LATITUDE. Its mission included joint operations with the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
  • Capt(Navy) Alex Kooiman highlighted the teamwork across the Canadian Submarine Force (CANSUBFOR)
  • The submarine now enters a short maintenance and modernization period before resuming training operations

–

On Oct 5, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Corner Brook reunited with loved ones at Ogden Point Terminal in Victoria, following a successful two-month deployment on Operation (Op) LATITUDE.

The homecoming was marked by both emotional reunions and pride in a mission accomplished. Sailor First Class (S1) Zachary Davidson was the first to disembark from the submarine, honoured with the First Kiss tradition which he shared with partner Lauren Tarr. The deployment was especially significant for Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Clark Hubbard as it was his first as a Commanding Officer (CO).

“It was a great opportunity for me as my first command. We operated with the United States (U.S.),” said LCdr Hubbard. “It was fantastic to work with them in that capacity, especially as I recently worked and sailed with our U.S. allies, which was an excellent opportunity for my development as a submariner.”

Throughout the deployment, HMCS Corner Brook participated in joint operations with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to detecting, deterring, and defending against regional threats. The mission also served as a vital training opportunity.

“We brought a lot of new sailors on board,” said LCdr Hubbard. “The vast majority got qualified, and we’re set up for success for the next couple of years because of the training we were able to do.”

Captain(Navy) Alex Kooiman, Commander of the Canadian Submarine Force (CANSUBFOR), emphasized the teamwork behind the deployment’s success. “It takes the entire team,” said Captain(Navy) Kooiman. “From Sea Training to weapons certification to port support, the entire Canadian Submarine Force got together to make this deployment a success.”

Looking ahead, Corner Brook will enter a short work period for maintenance and modernization before returning to sea to continue training future submariners.

“That’s what the program is for,” said Capt(Navy) Kooiman. “Go to sea, dive, and operate. We are training a new generation of submariners for Canada’s new submarines.”

The submarine’s homecoming also coincided with Defence on the Dock, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s initiative to connect the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the broader civilian community and discover employment opportunities in the marine sector. During the event, visitors enjoyed the experience of touring the newly returned HMCS Corner Brook in addition to His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver.