Meet Stéphane Guay, CD3 

Master Sailor (MS) Guay receiving his Canadian Decoration 3 Clasp. From Left to right: Lieutenant-Colonel L.J. Rediger, MS S. Guay, and School Chief Warrant Officer M.R. Lanctot.
Photo supplied

Lt(N) Jonathan Lacasse, 
Maritime Procurement 

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Celebrating an impressive career 43 years and counting

It’s been several years since we last met, and that’s the kind of thing that happens a lot in the lives of sailors. We forge bonds as a crew, growing closer over time. Though we may drift apart, the tides aways bring us back together.

It was with surprise that I ran into Stéphane at a ceremony where he received the precious CD3 distinction for 42 years of service. A rare moment, as only a few comrades-in-arms accumulate this many nautical miles and experience within our organization. 

I admit, I was impressed. The more my career progresses, the more I realize the effort and sacrifices that this implies. After the ceremony, I had the privilege of chatting with Stéphane at the CFS Leitrim mess; I wanted to learn more about his journey. 

Stéphane joined the Naval Reserve on June 29, 1981, at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship HMCS Montcalm in Quebec City, as a Radar Plotter. In 1984, this trade was renamed to Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP). Not feeling overly passionate about the job, he changed to that of Boatswain in 1986. At that time, he was part of the Reserves to finance his studies and experience maritime adventures each summer. This allowed him to study history, geography and teaching at the university. 

His highlights in the service were teaching recruits and instructing First Aid training. Over the years, he had the opportunity to teach and train members, instructors and even master instructors First Aid. In December 2022, Stéphane had the honour of receiving a Commendation from the Order of St. John, presented by the Surgeon General, Major-General Marc Bilodeau, for his contributions.

In 1992, Stéphane had the honour of being part of the first edition of the Compagnie Franche de la Marine, where he was responsible for security, transportation and other related tasks. “It was intense, but so rewarding to be able to participate in these events where the sailors wore historical uniforms and put on shows to meet the public,” he said. 

After being an instructor for three recruit courses, he was briefly at CFLRS St-Jean in 1994, before having the opportunity to sail in the Caribbean. He also worked on the standards for the recruit school at the CFB Borden. 

“Over the course of my career, I have been an instructor on 13 recruit platoons, including two as Platoon Commander. I have also instructed 13 PLQ and three ILQ courses. My last position in the Naval Reserve was as a Career Manager for the Basic Training List, where I managed the careers of more than 1,000 members.” 

At 43 years of service, he has left his mark on the next generations of sailors joining the Royal Canadian Navy and continues to do so.    

After 28 years in the Naval Reserve, Stéphane chose to transfer to the Regular Force. He spent two years as a Training Officer (TDO), and in 2013, he transferred to Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). In this job, he had the opportunity to deploy to Europe as part of Operation Reassurance aboard HMCS Charlottetown. 

Stéphane has been part of the Ships Company of: HMCS Nipigon, PLB Captor, HMCS Porte St-Louis, HMCS Porte St-Jean, HMCS Porte Dauphine, HMCS Porte de la Reine, HMCS Porte Quebec, HMCS Rally, HMCS Rapid, HMCS Anticosti, HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Preserver, and finally, HMCS Charlottetown.

When asked if he had any memorable anecdotes of his time at sea, Stéphane laughed and said, “There are indeed a few! I remember a summer as a bosco (buffer) on the HMCS Porte St-Louis and HMCS Porte St-Jean, where our Captain was particularly discreet, preferring to stay in his cabin at sea. But when one passed near the door of his cabin, strange noises suggested that no one is safe from seasickness!”

Stéphane’s naval skills extended beyond his trades. Throughout his time of service, he also began mounting medals and eventually started his own business, Sailor Court Mount Medals. 

“When the base tailor stopped doing it, members of my unit were looking for a place to mount their medals,” he said. “I started with a simple assembly of four medals. After a few attempts, I finally managed to achieve what I wanted. Since then, I’ve learned a lot by demounting and mounting. For more than 20 years now, I have had the privilege of doing this for Regular Force members, the Reserve Force, cadets and even veterans and the RCMP.”

I was already impressed by the CD3, but following our conversation, I have an even deeper appreciation for the commitment, courage, and resilience Stéphane has demonstrated throughout the years. BRAVO Stéphane, and congratulations to you and your family on this exceptional career!