Royal Canadian Navy Commissions New Arctic Patrol Ship Into Service

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has officially brought His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette into service during a formal commissioning ceremony.

This traditional naval ceremony included handing over the commissioning pennant to the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jolene Lisi, followed by raising the ship’s pennant and ensign.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette is the fifth vessel of the Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) to join the Canadian fleet.

These ships are built to help the Navy protect Canada’s sovereignty, especially in the country’s northern and offshore waters. They are also prepared to respond to future security challenges in the Arctic region.

The newly commissioned ship is designed for a wide range of missions. It can conduct surveillance operations, offer support in humanitarian emergencies, respond to natural disasters, and assist in other global operations.

The vessel can carry cargo, small vehicles, deployable boats, and is expected to support a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter in the future with its large storage capacity.

Commander Jolene Lisi, who leads the ship’s crew, expressed pride in the work that led up to this day. She called the commissioning a celebratory moment and looked forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as the ship begins its operations both in Canadian waters and internationally.

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, recognised the dedication of the sailors and the successful completion of their training and sea trials. He also stated that the ship is a valuable platform for monitoring and defending Canada’s interests across its three oceans.

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, acknowledged the importance of the vessel in enforcing Canada’s sovereignty.

He said that a strong and continuous naval presence is necessary across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coasts, and that HMCS Frédérick Rolette and its crew are essential to achieving this goal.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette is named after Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, a Canadian-born naval officer who played an important role during the War of 1812. He was known for his leadership in several land and sea battles, including his command of the ship General Hunter.

The ship’s naming ceremony took place in May 2024, and it was officially delivered to the RCN in August 2024.

The Harry DeWolf class is named after Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a celebrated Canadian naval leader during wartime. The first ship in the class, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was delivered on July 30, 2020, and commissioned into service on June 26, 2021.

These Arctic patrol vessels are built to provide a consistent armed presence in Canadian waters. They are capable of carrying out surveillance, helping in humanitarian missions, and providing disaster relief when needed.

Each ship is equipped to operate in remote and difficult environments and supports the Navy’s operations in Canada and around the world.

The final ship in the series, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is currently under construction and is expected to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy by August 2025.

Reference: canada.ca