HMCS Max Bernays Arrives in its new homeport Esquimalt, British Columbia
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernaysarrived in its new homeport in Esquimalt, British Columbia.
As the first Harry DeWolf-class vessel to permanently join Canada’s Pacific Fleet, this is a pivotal milestone in the expansion of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol fleet.
The introduction of HMCS Max Bernaysto Maritime Forces Pacific enhances the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to enforce sovereignty in Canada’s western waters, and better meet future defence challenges in the North. These multifunctional ships will be at the core of an enhanced Arctic presence and will strategically complement the capabilities of our current and future warships through surveillance operations.
“Welcoming a new ship is a significant and historical moment. I am extremely proud of the ship’s crew and their Commanding Officer, not only for their dedication during months of preparation but also their recent efforts to bring their ship all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. This class of ship has already demonstrated significant capabilities and will allow the Navy to expand its presence and capabilities in waters off the west coast and around the globe.”
Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific
“Our arrival in Esquimalt was made possible thanks to the diligent effort and hard work done by the crew of HMCS Max Bernays. The combined east and west coast ship’s company has been working side by side for many months preparing for this coastal transfer, while also building the ship knowledge of all sailors to a new class of ship. Today’s significance is not lost on our sailors – HMCS Max Bernays has finally joined Canada’s Pacific fleet. For those serving onboard this amazing ship, this is an incredibly exciting day.”
Commander Collin Forsberg, Commanding Officer of HMCS Max Bernays
ADDITIONAL INFO
- HMCS Max Bernays, built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, was successfully launched into the water on October 23, 2021, and the ship’s delivery occurred on September 2, 2022.
- It is the first ship of the Harry DeWolf-class attached to Canada’s Pacific Fleet. The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will eventually become the second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel to make the transfer between coasts.
- In early May, HMCS Max Bernays will be formally commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy at an official ceremony in North Vancouver.
- HMCS Max Bernays is named in honour of Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays, a Canadian naval hero who served as the Coxswain of HMCS Assiniboine during the Second World War’s Battle of the Atlantic.
- All currently serving members of the Harry DeWolf-class are well equipped to provide armed presence that can provide surveillance operations, contribute to humanitarian assistance, emergency response and disaster relief, in operations both domestically and abroad.
