Kelley Stark, MARPAC PA

  • His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays returned home on Dec 19 after a four-month deployment spanning the Arctic and Indo-Pacific under Operations LATITUDE, HORIZON, and NEON.
  • The ship made Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) history by reaching 81° North, the furthest north ever sailed by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel, reinforcing Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

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His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays sailed into its home port on Dec 19, marking the end of a four-month deployment that spanned the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions under Operations (Op) LATITUDE, HORIZON, and NEON. The crew and their loved ones were thrilled to be reunited. Even the weather seemed happy to see them together as the sun came out on a rather rainy day just as the crew disembarked.

Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Joint Task Force Pacific ( JTFP), was on the jetty to welcome them home, stating, “It is a crew of exceptional sailors supported by absolutely amazing families,” he said. “They’re home in time for the holidays for a well-deserved break.”

The Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) made history during Op LATITUDE by reaching 81° North, the farthest north any Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel has ever sailed. This milestone demonstrates Canada’s growing ability to operate in the High Arctic, and reinforces our sovereignty in a region of increasing global importance.

“It is incredible. It is barren. It is breathtaking,” said Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Nadia Shields. “It is ice as far as the eye can see, and I would say that the Arctic is something that we definitely need to protect.”

Following its time in the Arctic, Max Bernays sailed to the Indo-Pacific, visiting ports in Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea as part of Op HORIZON. Under this operation, the ship joined multinational exercises including SAMA SAMA 2025 and ANNUALEX 2025. These activities helped Canada build strong partnerships and work more effectively with allies as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The vessel and its crew also supported Op NEON, Canada’s contribution to enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. As such, HMCS Max Bernays worked with partners such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States to stop illegal activities and support international law.

“From achieving a historic milestone in the Arctic to contributing to security and stability across the Indo-Pacific, HMCS Max Bernays has shown exceptional versatility and professionalism,” said RAdm David Patchell. “This deployment highlights our ability to operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments while advancing peace, security, and Canadian interests.”

After 129 days away and over 27,000 nautical miles, the ship’s company returned home just in time for the holidays. It was a proud moment for both the sailors and their families who supported them throughout this remarkable deployment.