This week, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays will return to Esquimalt after four-months at sea.
The vessel and its crew were deployed to the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions to maintain a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) presence in the region, and embark on a unique journey while doing so.
While deployed, the HMCS Max Bernays reached 81°12.044’ N, 155°38.512’ W, which are the coordinates for the farthest north any RCN ship has sailed.
“The aim is clear: sustain a persistent Canadian presence across the region, understand what’s moving in, on and through our waters and airspace, while focusing on defending against potential and emerging threats,” said the Commanding Officer of Max Bernays.
According to the RCN, the HMCS Shawinigan held the record for reaching the highest northern point at 80°28’ N on August 14th, 2014.
“While other ships have since operated in the Arctic, none surpassed that benchmark. Today, Max Bernays has set the bar higher.”
The ship and its crew will be arriving back in Esquimalt on December 19th, when a homecoming ceremony will be held in their honour.
This event will see sailors and aircrew arrive home to be greeted by friends and family waiting on the jetty.
