Operations & Deployment

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Master Sailor Connor Nijsse, USAR  CFB Esquimalt’s USAR team completed a 10-day rope rescue and confined space course toward NFPA 1006 certification. Training across multiple real-world locations built adaptability, problem-solving, and technical rescue skills. The course strengthens MARPAC’s emergency response readiness in complex and high-risk environments. - Performing rescues from high atop the mast of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Calgary, members of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team put their skills to the test.  Over 10 days, eight members of the team completed an intensive Rope Rescue and Confined Space course, working toward National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 certification. The training, delivered in partnership with civilian agency Ronin Rescue, marked a focused opportunity to sharpen a critical capability within the team’s broader disaster response skillset.  Supported daily by two civilian instructors and military personnel gaining on-the-job experience alongside them, the training saw participants progressing through multiple certification levels while also building competency in confined space operations. Training took place across six different locations, including Fleet Maintenance Facility’s (FMF) dry dock and HMCS Calgary, exposing participants to a range of real-world scenarios.  “A key element to our rescue training is providing participants with multiple different locations, scenarios, and instructor experiences,” said Master Sailor (MS) Connor Nijsse, Logistics Chief at the CFB Esquimalt Medium USAR Team. “Often, rescue training is conducted in familiar places, which can lead to complacency. This course gave members the chance to learn from seven different instructors and work in unfamiliar environments.”  Cold, wet conditions added another layer of difficulty to these unfamiliar environments, particularly during high-angle evolutions on ship structures.  “It can be quite cold in the rain up the ship’s mast,” noted MS Nijsse. “But that’s part of the reality — we need to be ready to operate under any conditions.”  Beyond...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper, with files from the Government of Canada Two Republic of Korea Navy vessels will visit CFB Esquimalt from May 23 to June 2 following a 14,000-kilometre trans-Pacific voyage. Joint activities, including personnel exchanges and exercises, will strengthen interoperability with the RCN. The visit supports broader maritime cooperation and force generation, including future participation in the multinational RIMPAC exercise. - A Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) port visit to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt is planned for later this spring, highlighting Canada’s continued focus on enhancing maritime interoperability and collaboration with allied navies. The visit, scheduled from May 23 to June 2, will see two ROKN vessels arrive in Esquimalt: ROKS Daejeon (FFG-823), a Daegu-class frigate, and ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (SS-083), a KSS-III class submarine. Both ROKN vessels are currently sailing on a 14,000-kilometre trans-Pacific voyage from Jinhae, South Korea, to Canada’s West Coast. During the port visit, sailors from both navies will take part in a series of professional engagements, strengthening the growing maritime partnership between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and ROKN. These interactions will build mutual understanding and enhance interoperability between both parties while also reinforcing their joint shared commitment to regional stability. [caption id="attachment_335136" align="aligncenter" width="975"] ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho at sea making its first trans-Pacific voyage to Canadian shores. Photo supplied.[/caption] A key component of the engagement will be a personnel exchange conducted through the RCN’s REGULUS program, which provides members of the RCN with opportunities to operate alongside allied and partner navies, exposing them to different tactics, techniques, and operational environments in the process. As such, two Canadian sailors will sail with members of the ROKN aboard ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho for the final leg of its journey from Hawaii to CFB Esquimalt. Near the conclusion of the ROKN port...

MCpl Joline Couture, 4CRPG MCpl Joline Couture reflects on the 10-day CRBMI Course and its transformative impact on candidates. Participants learn navigation, drill, first aid, and military fundamentals. The course builds resilience, leadership, and lifelong bonds, turning strangers into Rangers. - It has been three years since I was a candidate on the Canadian Ranger Basic Military Indoctrination (CRBMI) Course. The jitters of stepping into something new and well out of my comfort zone come rushing back as I watch a new group of candidates arrive through the front gates, unsure what to do next. Their eyes are wide, footing uncertain. Unbeknownst to them, they are about to meet people who will soon feel like family. These candidates will come together for the next 10 days with one common goal: to learn the basics of what it is to be a Canadian Ranger. [caption id="attachment_334444" align="alignright" width="450"] A photo of Canadian Ranger Basic Military Indoctrination (CRBMI) candidates practicing drill. Photo: Canadian Ranger Seargent (Sgt) Chris Buker.[/caption] The candidates bring a diverse range of past experiences and perspectives to the CRBMI. Some own businesses; others have requested vacation time; a few stay-at-home parents have left their families for the first time; others are retired and feel the pull to give back to their communities; a few are just stepping out into the world. They arrive in civilian clothing, but they are dressed in the red Canadian Ranger uniform just hours later. Orders are not familiar to them yet, but the coordination of the drill for the next 10 days begins immediately. The 0600 hours wake-up comes far too early as they adjust to the sounds around them: the uncomfortableness of unfamiliar beds; constant sounds in the night from adjacent bunkmates; the hum of the EXIT sign above the door. The morning...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Capt Surbhi Matta, Combat Training Centre Exercise ROUGISH BUOY 2026 brought CAF combat divers back to Vancouver Island for the third consecutive year, training at Albert Head and Whirl Bay’s Underwater Demolition Range. First held in 1979, ROUGISH BUOY remains Canada’s only dedicated collective combat diver exercise, focused on operational readiness, recertification, and advanced underwater skills. This year’s 47th iteration included multinational participation from the United Kingdom, Latvia, Germany, and the Netherlands. - An uncommon sight greeted the Vancouver Island shoreline near Albert Head and Whirl Bay Underwater Demolition Range this January: that of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) combat divers, suited, and sub‑ merged as they practised demanding underwater skills in the Pacific Ocean. Meet Exercise (Ex) ROUGISH BUOY 2026, Canada’s only dedicated collective training exercise that annually unites Canadian and international combat div‑ ers for diving practice, skill development, international cooperation, and dive recertification. The history of Ex ROUGISH BUOY stretches back decades in Canadian history, with its first iteration held in 1979. The exercise was initially created to ensure that combat dive teams could annually maintain oper‑ ational readiness and proficiency for tasks that might be required while deployed, including underwater demoli‑ tion, reconnaissance, and obstacle clearance. Over the years, the exercise has rotated locations and grown to include participating nations. This shift began to foster cooperative learning and technical exchange in addition to holding Canadian combat divers to high operational standards. This year’s installment saw divers return to Vancouver Island for the third consecutive year and the exercise’s 47th iteration. Once at Whirl Bay, the training was challenging. Divers worked through underwater demolition scenar‑ ios, placing charges to clear obstructions prior to deton‑ ation. The exercise also covered underwater navigation; insertion and extraction techniques; and water to land transitions from swimming...

Lt(Navy) Michael Cormie, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) is currently training two concurrent classes of RQS1 Clearance Divers, with a record of 19 students currently enrolled. The 13-month course prepares divers for complex, real-world operations through intensive training in diving systems, fleet support skills, and more. Despite infrastructure challenges and ongoing reconstitution, the School of Diving is adapting to rebuild capacity and deliver highly trained clearance divers. - Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Paul Paquette has his work cut out for him. He is the course instructor for one of two classes of RQS1 Clearance Divers being run concurrently at the School of Diving at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) this year. A record-high number of 19 students started their training in October 2025, aiming to graduate the high-intensity, thirteenmonth course in late October 2026. PO2 Paquette will help them get there. Shortly after the courses began, students were on parade for the graduation of 2025’s class of divers. “The training is very much a marathon,” said Paquette. “So I hope being on parade helped them visualize what they are working towards when they graduate next year.” Over the duration of the course, the students will learn to dive with various types of diving equipment including the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus, Surface Supplied Diving, and the two types of rebreather. In addition to the diving itself, students will learn other vital skills including rigging, driving various vehicles and boats, and operating recompression chambers. They will also cover introductory skills in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown. Students will also be introduced to methods of searching for, identifying, destroying, and/ or recovering naval mines that have been rendered safe. They will also learn how to provide engineering support to the...

Bordie Lawrence, CAC Training Centre Conduct After Capture (CAC) training equips CAF members with the skills needed to survive captivity, resist exploitation, and deny adversaries critical intelligence. Rooted in real-world case studies and modern conflict realities, CAC training has evolved to meet today’s complex and unpredictable battlespace. CAC Instructors (CACIs) play a vital role in delivering this training, strengthening international partnerships, and preparing peers for the most extreme operational scenarios. - Following the events of Sept 11, 2001, and the commencement of the Global War on Terror, it became clear that Canada’s Tier 1 Unit, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2), needed new specialized training for personnel deploying overseas. This training would ensure survivability in captivity, deny the enemy valuable military intelligence, and minimize the exploitation of isolated personnel.   As such, JTF 2 members began Resistance to Interrogation (R2I) training to meet this critical need, with support from the British military. By 2005, the first Canadian R2I Instructor Course had been conducted, staffed by British R2I instructors, to fully qualify a pool of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to hold the R2I qualification.   This enabled Canada to begin delivering R2I training independently. The first Canadian-run R2I course was held in 2006, staffed entirely by Canadian instructors. The title of instructor was then officially renamed Conduct After Capture Instructor (CACI). In 2008, the Conduct After Capture Training Centre (CAC TC) was formally established in Kingston, ON, under the Canadian Defence Academy. The program continued to evolve, and in 2019, a comprehensive review led to changes designed to adapt training to the modern global climate, taking into account events such as the annexation of Crimea and the increasingly complex battlespace. The updated program went live in 2021 and continues to adapt to today’s challenges, including the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Canada’s ongoing commitments to NATO missions.  Canadian CAC training has always been informed by real-world events and case studies of personnel being held in captivity....

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Three former Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors who served together as teens during the Korean War reunited unexpectedly in their 90s at the Veterans' Lodge, a Broadmead Care home. The men shared memories of life aboard His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Athabaskan II, from demanding boiler room work to long months at sea. Their reunion offered a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and the lasting bonds formed at sea. - For Roy Mackay, Gil Russell, and Don Russell, life in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as teens meant hard work and discipline. Almost eight decades later, life would give them an unexpected gift — a sudden reunion of shipmates now in their nineties. Now 92, 95, and 94 respectively, (Gil and Don are unrelated, and Don passed away shortly before being interviewed) the three reunited at Victoria’s Broadmead Care Society for the first time in decades. The last time they saw each other was when they were only 16, 18, and 19, serving aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Athabaskan during the Korean War, a vessel often nicknamed ‘Athabaskan II’ or ‘Athabee’. A Tribal-class destroyer, Athabaskan II deployed on three wartime tours starting in 1950 with duties ranging from antisubmarine patrols to troop transport, evacuations, and bombardments. The vessel was in service to Canada from 1948 to 1966. Gil, Roy, and Don all deployed together during its third wartime tour, working as stokers in the boiler room. “I was glad to get out of the army and into the navy, you know,” said Roy. “The navy actually helped me find a job during my return to civilian life, and that was really important to me.” Roy shared details of his work once aboard Athabaskan II for his first deployment with the RCN. “It was freezing down...

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. - 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...

LCdr Michelle Scott, MARPAC The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) hosted a town hall for sailors in late 2025, allowing them to ask questions regarding the future of the navy and any potential concerns. Questions asked by sailors during the town halls centred around the themes of housing, security, and force generation. Responses from RCN leadership can be read below. - In November, Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Jonathon Sorensen, and Formation Master Sailor (MS) Haley LeClair held a series of command town halls for the Formation. While not every question and answer is captured here, these questions highlight the predominant themes of housing, security, and force generation. HOUSING Q: How is the Navy addressing housing challenges for our sailors, soldiers and aviators, especially as we work to grow the force and accommodate those on the Basic Training List? A: We recognize that housing remains one of the most pressing challenges. At present, inventory of housing on Base is insufficient, and we are committed to addressing this gap through multiple approaches. New infrastructure projects are underway, including the soon-to-start construction of multiplexes, the purchase of a condominium building at 244 Island Highway, and we are exploring additional options to meet the needs of our members. We are also working closely with local communities to ensure there is adequate housing in the surrounding area. With over 1,800 personnel on the Basic Training List, accessible and affordable lodging for these members is a priority. In the interim, services like the MFRC housing coordinator help connect members with rental opportunities. Q: What is being done to improve infrastructure and maintain morale and retention while major projects like the Nelles Block replacement and the new mess facility are still years away? A: We know that infrastructure limitations and delays affect...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailor Matt Blades survived over two hours in frigid Pacific waters after falling overboard from a RHIB near Vancouver Island, prompting an international, multi-agency rescue effort. The successful recovery highlighted the science, training, and coordination behind modern search and rescue operations, including drift modelling and functional time. S1 Blades met with rescuers and RCN leadership just five days later, with the meet leaving a lasting emotional impact on all involved. - One moment Sailor 1st Class (S1) Matt Blades was at the helm of a RHIB. The next, he was fighting for his life in the Pacific. “My whole thought process was that they’re either going to find me, or there’s nothing else I could have done,” said S1 Blades. What followed was a rescue effort that left S1 Blades, his rescuers, and the local community with a deeper appreciation for training, teamwork, and the fragility of life at sea. S1 Blades and his wife S1 Margaret Blades also met some of his rescuers, Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of MARPAC, and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Jonathon Sorensen, to thank the team and share more about his experience — just five days after his near-death experience. The incident occurred east of Bentinck Island, where S1 Blades was operating a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) as part of his sentry duties with a fellow sailor. “The waters were getting pretty choppy, so I actually tuned the radio [on the RHIB] to channel 16 in case someone fell overboard,” said S1 Blades about the moments leading up to the incident. “Obviously, this was unknowing that it would eventually be me,” he laughed. S1 Blades fell overboard at approximately 2:40 p.m. into rough waters amid stormy conditions. “I was coming up over a...

MCpl Jason Shafto From July 28 to Aug 8, Junior Canadian Rangers from all five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups took part in NLETS 2025, a 12-day leadership and skills program hosted by 4CRPG. JCRs completed early team-building exercises, leadership workshops, collaborative sessions with Sea Cadet leaders, and advanced outdoor activities. The program strengthened confidence, leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills for youth across Canada. - From July 28 to Aug 8, Junior Canadian Rangers ( JCRs) from all five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups participated in the 2025 National Leader Enhanced Training Session (NLETS), an annual training event hosted by 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG). NLETS is a 12-day program designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and practical abilities in JCRs. To kick off NLETS 2025, approximately 40 JCRs (accompanied by Canadian Rangers, Junior Canadian Ranger Instructors ( JCRIs), and Canadian Ranger leadership) travelled to HMCS Quadra Cadet Training Centre in Comox, British Columbia (B.C.). Here, 4CRPG’s Honorary LieutenantColonel (HLCol) Adele Donaldson delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. JCRs were then assigned to their respective sections, and training commenced. The training began with foundational team-building exercises and leadership workshops that emphasized mentorship and safety. JCRs also collaborated with leaders from the Sea Cadet program to share ideas and explore leadership concepts and theory. After two days of team building and Sea Cadet collaboration, the JCRs travelled to the Strathcona Park Lodge, west of Campbell River, B.C., to apply their skills in advanced expeditions including hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing. Once arrived, lodge staff trained JCRs for their chosen outdoor activities. Following a day of instruction, the JCRs, guided by SPL staff and supported by Canadian Rangers and JCRIs, embarked on four-day adventures. Upon returning, a ceremony was held to recognize significant team contributors for their efforts. The group then travelled from...

Lt(Navy) Michael Cormie, FDU(Pacific) Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) hosted a two-week sea training aboard YDT Sooke to help junior Naval Warfare Officers complete bridge watch hours. The voyage offered hands-on ship-handling experience, teamwork with the Canadian Coast Guard, and exposure to naval operations. - Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) (FDU[P]) is dedicated to supporting the Canadian fleet, but from Sept 22 to Oct 3, the team took that mission to a new level. Sailing aboard Yard Dive Tender (YDT) Sooke, members of FDU(P) provided junior Naval Warfare Officers (NWOs) currently working towards completing their 600 bridge watch hours with hands-on experience with atypical fleet platforms. While on watch, the junior NWOs strengthened their bridge watchkeeping abilities, gaining confidence as professional mariners at sea. First built in 1990 to support range operations in Nanoose, Sooke was modified in the late 1990s to better support diving missions. Typically used by clearance divers, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) experts in route clearing and mine countermeasures, Sooke usually carries a crew of 12. For this sail, capacity increased to 18 with aid from FDU(P)’s engineering department and Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton members. To achieve this, a repurposed sea container, or an ‘accommodation pod,’ was installed on the deck space normally utilized for the Containerized Diving System recompression chamber. Six newly promoted SubLieutenants (SLts) joined Sooke for the two-week sail, developing navigation, seamanship, and ship-handling skills. This included a rare chance for the SLts to manually steer the vessel during both departures and drills. “This was a great event, with fantastic training quality. It allowed us to build skills and work towards our NWO 600 hours,” said SLt Conal Evans, originally from Vernon, British Columbia (B.C.). “It was an excellent opportunity to consolidate the skills I’ve learned and to develop myself as a bridge watchkeeper.” The...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Contributions by Scott Kimmett, Master/Chief Engineer King’s Harbour Master (KHM) DND team reactivates the Nanisivik Naval Fueling Facility in Nunavut after years of dormancy, with the missions spanning two trips — nine days in July and two weeks in September. The team successfully de-winterized and consolidated 500,000 litres of diesel fuel for donation to the Government of Nunavut. The mission was successful in spite of extreme weather, no connectivity, and limited documentation. The mission provided hands-on Arctic training and cost savings for future DND operations. - A small but determined team from the Department of National Defence (DND) recently travelled to one of Canada’s most remote Arctic outposts to reactivate a facility long asleep under the snow. The mission began in July, when Barge Master Scott Kimmett of the Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch (POESB) joined DND colleagues from across the nation at the Nanisivik Naval Fueling Facility for a nine-day operation, the first of its kind. The mission continued into the fall with a second, two-week trip North to the facility in late September. Their goal? To de-winterize, reactivate, and consolidate stored diesel at the site, preparing the recovered fuel for donation to the Government of Nunavut. Located on the grounds of a former lead-zinc mine, the Nanisivik naval facility is found on the northern end of Baffin Island, Nunavut, both a remote and strategically significant part of Canada. Before the team could begin operations, nearly 8,000 pounds of equipment were airlifted from Iqaluit to Arctic Bay, where it was then trucked across the tundra to the isolated site. “Upon arrival, we found the base fully winterized,” said Kimmett. “With no team members having prior experience at the site and limited procedural documentation available, much of our efforts involved tracing systems, removing blanked piping,...

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...

Captain Keun Woo Kang 4CRPG Public Affairs Officer Canadian Rangers trained with NORFORCE during Exercise SOUTHERN CROSS 2025 in Australia. Training included survival skills, wildlife safety, Indigenous cultural exchanges, and tactical comparisons. The exercise deepened Canada-Australia military ties, with the next exchange in 2026, Exercise NORTHERN LIGHTS. - From July 8-28, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) and Australia’s North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) conducted Exercise SOUTHERN CROSS 2025 (Ex SC25) in Australia. This Small Unit Exchange (SUE), which began in 2011, alternates bi-annually between the two allied units. Since its founding, the exchange has offered opportunities for participants to enhance interoperability and camaraderie while also introducing them to unique traditions and cultures. This year, NORFORCE hosted three staff members and 12 Canadian Rangers from 4CRPG. The exercise began in Darwin, Northern Territory, at NORFORCE’s Darwin Squadron Headquarters. Here, Canadian Rangers received various forms of training to prepare for the Australian wilderness and learn skills essential to NORFORCE’s operations. Rangers trained with the F89 Minimi and HK416 assault rifles and engaged in water safety training that included 100-meter uniformed swims, treading water exercises, and capsized vessel drills. Wildlife safety briefings also covered hazards such as crocodiles and jellyfish. The group then moved to Shoal Bay for survival training, which included friction fire lighting, night navigation using the Southern Cross constellation, and plant identification. Following the Darwin phase, the group flew to Broome, Western Australia, to train at Kimberley Squadron’s Forward Operating Base, Robert Knox. Canadian Rangers were divided into two smaller groups for concurrent training. One group conducted amphibious operations at Ngamakoon in King Sound and Cone Bay, while the other trained at Neem Campground and Beagle Bay. Activities included shoreline surveillance and covert observation posts via capsized vessel and Regional Patrol Vessel, as well as medicinal plant identification. Rangers...

S1 Maxime Vandal On Aug 29, HMCS Max Bernays reached 81°12′ N in the Arctic, the farthest north ever sailed by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel.  The crew overcame extreme Arctic challenges, from drifting sea ice to system strain, relying on every department to succeed.  This record strengthens Canada’s Arctic presence, expands naval operational confidence, and supports continental defence priorities.  - On Aug 29, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays set a new Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) record when the vessel and its crew reached 81°12.044’ N, 155°38.512’ W – farther north than any RCN ship in history. Currently participating in Operation (Op) LATITUDE in the Western Arctic and its approaches, Max Bernays departed Esquimalt Harbour on Aug 13 for a multi-operational deployment. The vessel is set to return home on Dec 19, following later participation in both Op HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific region and NEON in support of United Nations sanctions enforcement. For over a decade, HMCS Shawinigan held the record for sailing to the highest northern point with its Aug 14, 2014 touch at 80°28’ N. While other vessels have since operated in the Arctic, none have surpassed that mark — until now. Reaching 81°12.044’ N required every department pulling in the same direction. As such, bridge teams and lookouts had to adjust to the midnight sun and the visual illusions caused by drifting sea ice. Engineers also worked non-stop to prevent water and heating systems from cracking under the pressure of Arctic conditions, while the deck department kept upper deck equipment prepared for any rescue mission and minding lines that stiffened within minutes. Specialists analyzed imagery and weather, while an embarked Ice Service Specialist from Environment Canada advised on ice composition and movement. The crew encountered and overcame challenges that only revealed themselves at the furthest...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Contributions by Gerald Pash and the Naval Association of Canada, Vancouver Island Branch HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is the sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. Named after Lt Robert Hampton Gray, the last Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross.  Simultaneous ceremonies were held in Halifax, Victoria, and Japan, on Aug 9.  Commissioning will take place in 2026 at CFB Esquimalt, when the vessel joins the Pacific Fleet.  - On Aug 21, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officially accepted His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray. The vessel is the sixth and final in a new fleet of Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). Built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Robert Hampton Gray will safeguard Canadian waters, strengthen Arctic sovereignty, and deploy abroad. Notably, the AOPV is capable of operating in first-year ice of 120-centimetre thickness, allowing the RCN unescorted access to previously inaccessible areas of the Arctic. However, Robert Hampton Gray’s acceptance carries weight far beyond steel and ceremony — its name is an act of remembrance for Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Hampton Gray, the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. On Aug 9, 1945, Lt Gray climbed into the cockpit of his Corsair fighter from the aircraft carrier His Majesty’s Ship Formidable, leading an attack on Japanese ships in Onagawa Bay. Despite flying straight into concentrated anti-aircraft fire and taking a hit, he continued with his attack by releasing a bomb on the destroyer Amakusa while flying very low to ensure a successful hit. Struck by his bomb, the vessel capsized and sank. Lt Gray’s flaming aircraft then crashed into the sea. Only 27 years old when he passed, Lt Gray’s body was never recovered. Exactly 80 years after his passing, on Aug 9, 2025, HMCS Robert Hampton...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper The Raven Program returned to CFB Esquimalt this summer, blending Indigenous cultural teachings with naval-focused Basic Military Qualification (BMQ)M training.  Highlights included a Confidence Course at Camp Albert Head, a live-fire range day in Nanaimo, and a formal graduation ceremony at HMCS Venture.  Beyond skills, Raven fostered lasting meaning, offering participants cultural enrichment and graduates with potential pathways to CAF careers.  - The Raven Program is one of five Indigenous summer programs offered annually by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A six-week summer Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course designed specifically for Indigenous participants from across Canada, Raven blends Indigenous cultural teachings with naval-focused military training. The 2025 iteration of the Raven Indigenous Summer Program included a Confidence Course. Held at Camp Albert Head, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt on July 31, the outdoor course challenged program participants to successfully scale walls, navigate rope bridges, complete net climbs, and more. Notably, Raven is not designated as a youth program — rather, it is open to Indigenous people of all ages eligible to join the CAF (16- 57). This year, Raven saw participants learning and connecting with traditional Indigenous values and teachings; learning defence skills during the BMQ course; and spending a day aboard a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel to boost military knowledge and experience life at sea. Students were also taught weapons handling, navigation, first-aid, flood containment, firefighting, and more. To Master Sailor (MS) Henry McDavid, Naval Combat Information Operator and Raven instructor, the program also provides participants with a wealth of valuable insights beyond military skills. “Everyone has that little voice in the back of their head filled with fears of ‘what if,’” said McDavid. “But you will learn on this course that your fear of failure is stopping you before you even begin, and...

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. - 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...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper NAVRES sailors completed a challenging two-week Naval Warfare Officer training phase in the Gulf and San Juan Islands, navigating tight channels and complex waters.  This year’s sea phase was staffed entirely by reservists, providing opportunities for leadership development and real-world navigation training.  - Strategically complex waterways, tight channels, and high-traffic zones create challenging navigation — and important training conditions for members of the Canadian Naval Reserve (NAVRES). In July, the Gulf and San Juan Islands functioned as a classroom for NAVRES sailors to develop their skills during a Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) Basic Pilotage Sea Phase. Offered by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), this course gives students critical exposure to demanding pilotage challenges. It blends academic instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for the realities of naval operations at sea. Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Evan Park, OIC, was inspired by the crew’s enthusiasm and dedication to teamwork. “Every student sailor showed a real eagerness to learn, contribute, and grow together as a crew over the two-week sea phase,” he said. “I was genuinely impressed.” Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Benjamin Lenner echoed Park’s feelings. “Having the opportunity to lead, support, and develop junior leaders was a privilege. The students and support staff alike worked to ensure an excellent training environment. Great memories and friends were made.” This year’s sea phase was unique as it was staffed entirely by NAVRES personnel. Notably, it provided opportunities for the crew to work through training packages while also supporting Bridge Watchkeepers. A major highlight was the Formation Navigation exercise, which took training vessels from Bedwell Harbour through Plumper Sound, Navy Channel, and Active Pass. Normally reserved for senior Fleet Navigating Officer candidates, this scenario pushed students to apply advanced navigation skills under pressure. The sail also included an overnight nested anchorage...

Commander Tyson Bergmann, former CO HMCS Vancouver, and Brett Witthoeft, Maritime Forces Pacific There’s a lot to know before deploying to the Indo-Pacific, a dynamic maritime region central to trade, security, and Canada’s future.   RCN crews must prepare for regional complexities—from strategic tensions to unpredictable weather and operational risks at sea.  Success depends on adaptability, cultural awareness, and learning from Indo-Pacific navies experienced in operating in contested waters.  - Every year, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships from both coasts deploy to the Indo-Pacific region (IPR) in support of Canadian policy. It is important for Defence community members to understand the dynamics of this region from a Canadian perspective. The summary below is based on an article originally published for free in the Canadian Naval Review (Volume 21, No. 1 2025). The IPR is home to two-thirds of the human population who currently generate approximately 45 per cent global wealth and are on track to possess half of worldwide Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2040. The RCN’s involvement in the IPR now is an investment in our future success. The IPR is primarily a maritime theatre with many of its countries dependent on seaborne trade and either connected or separated by water. In fact, 33 per cent of all global trade sails through the South China Sea, while China, South Korea, and Japan build over 90 per cent of all new ships every year. This makes maritime power vital in the IPR, with the region home to some of the world’s largest navies and coast guards. The IPR is busy 24/7 with maritime traffic especially high near the Malacca and Taiwan Straits. Potential challenges include dhows making sudden course changes, lasers being directed at the bridge, and fishers not following best practices. As such, RCN crews need to be hypervigilant to...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper On March 21, HMCS Harry DeWolf and the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) conducted a successful narcotics interdiction as part of Operation (Op) CARIBBE. Actioned under the cover of night, 750 kilograms of cocaine (an estimated $26.9 million of illegal drugs) were seized and prevented from reaching North American communities. Op CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to a long-standing, multinational effort to intercept illicit drug shipments on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Since the operation’s 2006 founding, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have continued to deploy Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships, aircrafts, and personnel in support of this mission. Canadian participation has helped gather intelligence, track, and seize over 120 metric tons of illegal narcotics over the past 19 years. Op CARIBBE also highlights one of the RCN’s most valuable and globally respected strengths international collaboration. Commander (Cdr) Jon Nicholson, Commanding Officer of Harry DeWolf, shared, “We are working hand in hand with U.S. Coast Guard personnel who are embarked on HMCS Harry DeWolf with us. As a combined team, we are making a fantastic task force that is really making a difference.”

A/Slt Christopher Hofing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel were met by more than the beauty of the West Coast while establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for Exercise TRIDENT FURY 2025 (Ex TF25). They were also greeted by the generosity and support of Secret Beach’s local British Columbia Indigenous community—the Toquaht Nation. Months before boots hit the ground, the Ex TF25 planning team, which included representatives from Base Safety, Environment & Indigenous Relations, proactively engaged 21 Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous communities regarding the upcoming multinational maritime exercise. This early engagement also helped enable a strong working relationship between the CAF and Toquaht Nation leadership, with Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt (N)) Dakota Nelson, FOB Officer-in-Charge, and Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Justin Lam, Mine Countermeasures Lead Planner, coordinating with Noah Plonka, Business Manager and elected member of the Toquaht Nation Executive Council. This collaboration helped ensure military operations were both effective and respectful of local land and culture. “Noah was incredibly accommodating,” said Lt(N) Nelson. “He offered us access to whatever land was needed, and even advanced construction projects to support our camp setup. His willingness to work with us was instrumental.” To LCdr Lam, the collaboration meant everything. “The Nation helped us train where it counts, and build the relationships needed to safeguard the Pacific approaches together,” he said. The Toquaht Nation provided the CAF with key infrastructure like potable water, portable toilets, moorage, and an on-site cookhouse. This gave members of the FOB a warm and dry place to gather, eat, and conduct briefings. The Nation also granted permission to conduct training on both Toquaht land and in Barkley Sound. Local businesses also helped meet logistical needs, with the Ucluelet Rent-It Center supplying washroom and garbage facilities, Wet Again Water delivering fresh water, and Cedar and Salt Restaurant providing catering. These contributions...

A/Slt Kim Wachockier MARPAC Public Affairs Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors from HMCS Nanaimo and members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) recently collaborated on a humanitarian training exercise. Exercise (Ex) SEA RANGER 2025 successfully took place last month with both groups sailing, training, and engaging with communities in and around Haida Gwaii. With stops in Masset, Skidegate, and Prince Rupert, the seven-day-long exercise aimed to improve the Defence team’s capacity to support remote Canadian communities in times of natural disaster. While in Masset, the Nanaimo was opened for public ship tours. A reminder of what the Navy uniform and the military means to Canadians, the afternoon saw families, teenagers, and service workers forming a steady stream of locals eager to explore the inside of a RCN vessel. 4CRPG Rangers and select Nanaimo crew members also leveraged the opportunity to practice marksmanship, weapons handling, and compass navigation in Masset. The two groups also participated in a successful training exercise at Taaw Tildaawee National Park that saw teams practising unfamiliar terrain movement, casualty evacuations, and a variety of response procedures. The exercise provided Nanaimo sailors and 4CRPG Rangers alike with the opportunity to practise adaptability in the context of real exercises shaped by the region’s geography. Following three days spent in Masset, HMCS Nanaimo departed toward Skidegate, where the vessel’s crew, 4CRPG Rangers, and Canadian Coast Guard visited a local heritage centre for a cultural presentation on traditional Haida canoe-building, history, art, and ceremony. A Skidegate community barbeque also united Ex SEA RANGER participants before the Nanaimo transported over thirty Rangers back to Prince Rupert. Importantly, Ex SEA RANGER continues to show that Canada’s northern and coastal communities are more than training grounds. Rather, they are real communities full of life, culture, and history.

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Service deep beneath the waves is anything but quiet. To Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Patricia Inglis, supporting emergency responses; maintaining morale in a confined environment; serving as a communication hub; upholding discipline; participating in briefings; and managing administrative tasks are just some of what keeps a submarine deployment fast paced. CPO2 Inglis is currently posted to HMCS Windsor as the Canadian Submarine Force’s (CSF) first female coxswain. The coxswain is especially vital on submarines where communication with the outside world fades underwater, space grows tight, and tensions run high. Though her appointment as the first female coxswain of a submarine carries historical significance, CPO2 Inglis remains focused on the responsibilities of her job. “I am incredibly proud to be the first woman to hold this position within the Canadian submarine community, and I sincerely hope to honour the legacy,” she said. “But importantly, I hope this reinforces that leadership within the CSF is about real competence, and the ability to connect with crew regardless of background.” To CPO2 Inglis, milestones like this also encourage long-term growth by demonstrating how diverse perspectives and approaches enhance team effectiveness. When it comes to the life of a submariner, what surprises people the most is lack of internet access beneath the surface. “While those serving on ships typically have access to both internal networks and the internet, the experience on a submarine is very different,” said CPO2 Inglis. “We have no access until we return to port, making even checking in with loved ones or reading the news impossible.” Raised in Nova Scotia, CPO2 Inglis didn’t always envision herself in a naval uniform. She first explored a career in tourism and hospitality; however, the sea called. After deploying aboard HMCS Winnipeg for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of...

Canadian and Latvian Divers Jump From CH-148 Cyclone in High-Stakes Helocasting Jazmin Holdway with contributions by Andrea Modesto Lookout Newspaper Canadian combat engineer diving specialists (combat divers) from Gagetown, Valcartier, Petawawa, and Edmonton joined forces with port inspection divers from three Naval Reserve divisions and Latvian divers to train in this year’s iteration of Exercise Roguish Buoy, the Canadian Army’s only collective dive exercise held this year between Jan. 20 and Feb. 15 at CFB Albert Head in Metchosin, B.C. Helocasting is an insertion technique used when land access is not readily available and involves dispatching divers from a helicopter into the water to conduct operations such as area search and obstacle clearance, according to Master Corporal (MCpl) Mark Suffoletta, a member from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. who was involved in the exercise. He explained how crucial this training opportunity is for combat divers, preparing them for real-world scenarios in which the mobility of friendly forces is at stake. “What I like to say is we’re combat engineers underwater, so we do all the capabilities that combat engineers do, but below the surface,” he said. “When we say obstacle clearance, that’s clearing debris and anything that may impede our forces from coming in.” Captain (Capt) Willis Ripley, exercise director for Roguish Buoy 2025, highlighted the value of training in such dynamic environments. “Helocasting is just one tool in our toolbox,” he said. “It allows us to get members into the water in austere situations where traditional transport isn’t an option. This skillset could be used in scenarios like mine-clearing operations, obstacle removal, or responding to a crash in a remote area.” The exercise tested critical combat engineering capabilities by placing dive teams in a multitude of scenarios including search and recovery of sunken equipment, clearing shorelines from...

All photos: Patrol Craft Training Unit vessels performing a formation sail of all 8 training craft during an exercise in the Juan De Fuca straits off of Vancouver Island on Jan. 29. Photos: Sailor First Class Brendan McLoughlin, MARPAC Imaging services. SLt Simon Gonsalves, MARPAC Public Affairs  —  In a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) first, all eight Orca-class training vessels have successfully sailed together. On the morning of Jan. 29, the eight vessels embarked together from CFB Esquimalt’s Z-Jetty to sail across the harbour in formation. Planned and executed under the title Photographic Orca Deployment Exercise (PODEX) 2025, this was a unique moment in RCN’s recent history. Operated by the Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU), these vessels, often simply referred to as Orcas, are designed as a stepping stone to larger, more complicated warships. Able to operate effectively with a small crew complement, these specialized ships provide invaluable practical at-sea training for RCN sailors across a wide range of experiences and expertise. At any given time, it is common practice for one or more Orcas to be unavailable for use while undergoing scheduled maintenance and repairs. However, a rare opportunity arose at PCTU—for a relatively short window, all Orcas were scheduled to be ready and available to sail. Those in charge of the unit decided to take full advantage of this unique opening, planning and executing the first ever PODEX in fine detail.  When asked about the unique opportunity to showcase his unit, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Eric Lashinski, Commanding Officer of PCTU, stated that “it’s just never worked out that we’ve had all of the ships out and available at the same time…to actually get out of the trainer side and come to sea is an amazing opportunity for everybody, it’s genuinely so important.” The fortuitous alignment of ship readiness cycles also...

HMCS Discovery  —  HMCS Discovery’s first training day of 2025 was a full and successful one, made complete with a visit from Commodore Patrick Montgomery, Commander, Naval Reserve and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Campbell, Formation Chief Petty Officer, Naval Reserve. Photos provided    

HMCS Ottawa is currently taking part in multinational exercise La Perouse 25, centered around a French Carrier Strike Group. The exercise involves nine partner nations and takes place in the coasts and straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean: Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. During the exercise, commanding officers from the different ships had the opportunity to meet face-to-face onboard French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle while French sailors visited and learned more about the Royal Canadian Navy.  Photos:  Sailor 3rd Class Jacob Saunders  

Lt(N) R. Davies, Uncrewed System Officer, ANCU  —  From October to November 2024, Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU) took part in Bold Quest 24, a significant multinational event hosted by the United States Joint Staff in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This prestigious event brought together approximately 2,000 personnel from 17 different nations, fostering collaboration and enhancing capabilities among allied forces. The ANCU team had three primary missions during the exercise: to integrate into the intelligence cycle of the exercise, participate in a medical demonstration and practical field test of modern medical networking technologies, and support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. To achieve these goals, ANCU deployed a team comprised of an Intelligence officer, a medic and Uncrewed Systems operators flying the CU-175 Puma – a miniature fixed wing Uncrewed Aircraft system used both on land and at sea. One of the standout achievements of the ANCU team during Bold Quest 24 was their support for the first successful execution of the Intelligence Requirement Management and Collection Management (IRM&CM) process using solely Canadian assets through Federated Mission Network (FMN). ANCU sailors played a critical role in providing Full Motion Video (FMV) to the FMN and the Mission Partner Environment. This FMV was subsequently transmitted to the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre and Trinity in Halifax, marking a significant advancement in the speed and efficiency of intelligence collection and processing. Leading the intelligence efforts, Lieutenant(N) Jeong served as the Naval Intelligence lead for Bold Quest 24, heading a team focused on the practical use of Common Intelligence Picture tools and implementing the IRM&CM cycle. Meanwhile, ANCU’s medic, Master Corporal (MCpl) Patterson, integrated with the Royal Navy and the United States Marine Corps to evaluate the United States Air Force Research Laboratories Battlefield Digital Data Collection Kit (BATDOK), to address medical needs and gather vital...