On Canada Day, it is fitting to highlight the deep connection and pride that the serving members feel towards Canada and their service. These interviews offer a powerful tribute to their dedication and the diverse Canadian spirit they embody.

The common thread throughout these conversations is a profound sense of duty and pride in serving Canada, often expressed directly by the sailors themselves or by the interviewers on behalf of Canadians. Gerry and Allan, the co founders of Gale Force Wins, frequently convey messages of gratitude and pride from all Canadians to the sailors for their service. Many of the interviewees explicitly mention their connection to their hometowns across Canada, emphasizing the wide reach of the Royal Canadian Navy’s influence and the diverse backgrounds of its members.

In celebrating Canada Day, these interviews powerfully convey the dedication of the Royal Canadian Navy’s members. They highlight individuals who are not only proud of their service and the RCN’s rich history but also deeply connected to the diverse communities and vast geography of Canada. As the interviewers conclude in several segments, “the world needs more HMCS Harry Dewolf and Canada needs more [individual sailor’s name]”, a testament to the exceptional people serving our country.

It is truly commendable that Gale Force Wins has undertaken the extensive work of recording over 100 interviews with Canadians serving in the Royal Canadian Navy, creating a significant legacy for all Canadians. The effort to travel to remote locations like Chania, Greece (HMCS Montreal), Turks and Caicos (HMCS Harry Dewolf), sail onboard HMCS Toronto from St. John’s to Halifax, visit HMCS Margaret Brooke in Halifax, and interview the crew of HMCS Windsor, especially given the challenges of easing pandemic restrictions, speaks volumes about the dedication to showcasing these remarkable individuals.

For this Canada Day tribute, highlighting what it means to these serving members to be Canadian and celebrating their service is incredibly fitting. Below is a summary of each conversation, offering insights into their diverse paths, experiences, and profound connection to Canada.

Master Sailor Matt Corbett

Master Sailor Matt Corbett, a 30-year-old from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, joined the Royal Canadian Navy with two military parents. He spent four years on HMCS Athabascan, where he became a near subject matter expert in his field and forged lasting friendships. During his time on Athabascan, he participated in two “Op Cribs” (anti-drug operations in the Caribbean) and had memorable trips, including one across to England, visiting cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. He even built a large barbecue smoker during a technician course, which he found helped him learn more about welding.

A highlight of his life was his eight months with the Skyhawks in 2019, the Canadian Forces Parachute Team, where he traveled the country jumping out of planes. He describes the team as highly motivated and talented people who fostered great teamwork and camaraderie. He particularly remembers jumping the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill and performing for sick children at the Okanagan Dream Rally in Kelowna, finding joy in sharing the experience with new people. His journey exemplifies investing in oneself, and he is seen as the caliber of person Canada needs more of, representing the dedication of those serving the country.

Keith Coffen

Keith Coffen, the Chief Engineer of the Royal Canadian Navy, started his journey with HMCS Regina after graduating from RMC, where he was exposed to safety risk management following a tragic accident. He later volunteered for submarine service, becoming one of the last officers to qualify in Oberon class submarines before assisting with the reactivation of the Victoria class in the UK. His career has been predominantly submarine-related, including roles in shore support, acquisition projects, and policy development in Ottawa, and he now provides advice as the Chief Engineer of the Navy.

Reflecting on his career, Coffen emphasizes a culture of respect for one another and a culture of service as a healthy foundation for the future. He highly recommends joining the Navy, advising young engineers and others to “follow your interests” and provide service in the best way possible. Returning to his hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, he feels a swell of emotion, stating that Newfoundland will always hold a very special place in his heart. His advice for success is to “definitely follow your interests, follow your heart, have fun while you’re doing it”.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pascal Harel

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pascal Harel, the former Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg, joined the military at 19 from Quebec. He served mostly on the West Coast as a marine electrician, deploying numerous times including to the Persian Gulf, around Africa, and Asia Pacific. His recent deployment on HMCS Winnipeg was particularly challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions, which meant sailors couldn’t leave the jetty at ports, making it difficult for morale.

Pascal found that the people on board made HMCS Winnipeg the “best ship in the faith”, and he focused on creating a good relationship with the crew, walking around daily to talk to them and assess morale. He emphasized the importance of the “command team” (Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Coxswain) as a partnership. He finds technology has “changed the navy completely,” allowing sailors to FaceTime their families from the middle of the Indian Ocean, a stark contrast to receiving mail months later in his early career. His favorite memory of being in the Navy is the “ports” and the constant “wow” factor of seeing new places. His advice for others is to “follow or lead to change” and to remember that leaders work for their subordinates.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Line Laurendeau, the incoming Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg, is originally from Laval, Quebec. She joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 21 as a Naval Acoustic Science Operator, serving mostly on the West Coast and deploying frequently. Taking over as Coxswain of a Canadian frigate is her “dream job” and “priceless”. She views the ship’s command team as a crucial partnership.

Lynn believes in the significant impact of leaders on young sailors’ lives, especially during deployments. She also highlights how technology has transformed the Navy, allowing sailors to maintain vital connections with family, contrasting it with the long waits for physical mail in earlier times. For her, the draw to the West Coast was the beautiful weather and lack of snow, enabling her to tease her parents about the cold Quebec winters. Her advice to others is to “be open minded and be willing to learn because you’ve never done learning”.

Lieutenant Commander Rob Pelton

Lieutenant Commander Rob Pelton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Oriole, was born in Australia but moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, at age 10, where he saw snow for the first time. He initially wanted to join the army but his parents said no, leading him to the Navy. He joined the Naval Reserve through HMCS Chippewa in Winnipeg, which he describes as a “stone frigate” with an amazing naval museum. Pelton highlights the rich history of prairie sailors, who were fearless of the ocean.

His path in the Navy took him from basic officer training in Victoria, BC, a “life-changing” experience, to commanding HMCS Oriole. He describes Oriole as a “fantastic boat” with a unique 100-year history, serving as the Navy’s “outreach vessel” or “snowbirds for the Navy”. Pelton is proud to bring attention to this ship, aiming to sail it through Atlantic Canada and the Great Lakes to connect with Canadians. His advice is to “dream big,” as you “never know where you’ll end up”. He feels the Navy is the institution that introduced him to Victoria, BC, and Atlantic Canada, where he met his wife and started a family.

Master Sailor Ashton

Master Sailor Ashton, from Durham Bridge, New Brunswick, joined the Royal Canadian Navy to experience different cultures and communities. He describes his favorite Navy experience as a deployment to West Africa, where he visited a school, played basketball with children, and distributed school supplies. He highlights the “great experience” of seeing different cultures and communities and building “great relationships with people” within the Navy.

Sailor Aaron

Sailor Aaron, from Montreal, Quebec, finds his favorite Navy experience to be sailing on HMCS Oriole with the sails up, enjoying the views of Newfoundland. He recommends joining the Navy as a “great opportunity to travel the world and get paid at the same time,” emphasizing the learning opportunities, great experiences, and strong friendships made.

Acting Sub Lieutenant Scott Ferris

Acting Sub Lieutenant Scott Ferris, the Public Affairs Officer and a deckhand aboard HMCS Oriole, joined the Navy at 55 after a career in marketing. He describes his experience of joining the Royal Canadian Navy and standing on a 100-year-old sailing ship in St. John’s harbor as a “historical moment” that gave him “goosebumps”. He emphasizes the “huge” opportunities and the “amazing lifestyle” the Navy offers, contrasting it with having to pay to sail on race boats in his previous life. Ferris believes the future is bright for the RCN, with new ships and great leaders, and encourages others to consider a career in the Navy.

Boatswain Tony Byrne

Boatswain Tony Byrne, the Buffer of HMCS Oriole and a native of Torbay, Newfoundland, describes the “magnitude moment” of sailing into St. John’s harbor on the 100-year-old vessel during its 100th anniversary. He recalls seeing his father and aunts on the jetty, a deeply emotional and prideful experience. He highlights the “pride and the patriotism of being Canadian in the Royal Canadian Navy”. Tony also shared a heartwarming story of collecting Mary Brown’s chicken for the crew from Torbay during the deployment, emphasizing the personal connections forged. His advice is to “always reach for the stars,” as the “sky is the limit” with so many people to meet and life experiences to have.

Rear Admiral Mark Norman (Retired)

Rear Admiral Mark Norman, born in Ottawa and calling Kingston, Ontario, his home, spent most of his adult life on the East Coast with the Navy. He found it humbling to take over the Navy in 2013, viewing himself as a “temporary custodian” of the institution. A severe illness while in command of HMCS St. John’s gave him perspective, reinforcing that everything in life is temporary.

Norman emphasizes the strong support and “warm embrace” he received from the ship’s company of HMCS St. John’s during his illness, describing it as “inspiring”. He advocates for compassion in military leadership, a significant shift from a more rigid past. Norman also highlights the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life to find enjoyment. The interviewer notes Norman’s positive outlook, strong foundation from his parents, and the grounding influence of his “good Newfoundland wife”.

Master Sailor Stephanie MacAndrew

Master Sailor Stephanie MacAndrew, the Naval Reserve Fleet Master Sailor, is based out of Hamilton, Ontario. She joined the Navy in 2010 while in teachers college, driven by a lifelong desire to be part of Canada’s military and “give back” to the country. She was excited by the challenges and found the Naval Reserve allowed her to pursue both her passion for teaching and military service.

Stephanie describes her job as a Naval Communicator, which has evolved greatly with technology, involving coding and IT. She uses her naval experiences in her classroom, teaching students about coding, problem-solving, geography, and Canada’s role in the world. She highlights the “tangible history” of HMCS Haida, Hamilton’s naval reserve flagship, a warship with extraordinary history, which she found especially meaningful after visiting Juno Beach in France for the 70th anniversary of D-Day and speaking with veterans. Her advice is to “keep looking for opportunities,” as the Navy offers “so many” beyond just sailing, including security teams, diplomatic missions, and training initiatives like assisting the first women to enter the Navy in Fiji. She finds it an “exciting time” in the Navy, striving towards “equity and equality”.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Michele Tessier (Retired)

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Michele Tessier, an accomplished military commander, was highlighted as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women and an Officer of the Order of Military Merit. A profound experience during a deployment to Accra, Ghana, was visiting the dungeons and the “door of no return” at Osu Castle, where enslaved African people were taken. This experience was “humbling” and taught her “how horrible people can be to each other and how much work we still have left to do in this world”.

Michele emphasizes that as a leader, you must accept that people will turn to you, and it’s crucial to lead with compassion, which she believes the military has evolved to embrace more fully. Her philosophy is to “be happy now” and focus on the positive, a lesson reinforced by the global pandemic. She is praised for inspiring and motivating young men and women and continuing to contribute in her post-military career.

Petty Officer 1st Class Donnie McDonald

Petty Officer 1st Class Donnie McDonald, a Naval Electronic Sensor Operator, is originally from Sydney, Cape Breton, and grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He has had extensive travel experiences, including a NATO mission and Operation Artemis in the Middle East, which involved circumnavigating Africa. He was the Coxswain on HMCS Glace Bay and Kingston Class ships, participating in Operation Projection in West Africa, where they engaged in community relations, visited orphanages, and met local leaders and university students.

Donnie emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation in his complex role, which involves fire control, weapon systems, and missiles. He advises those considering a Navy career to align it with their civilian life goals and educational background. He finds his work of “spreading the Canadian message” wonderful.

Master Sailor Ian

Master Sailor Ian, from Prince Edward Island, is an Aerospace Engineering Systems Operator on board HMCS Toronto. His job involves various skill sets, including acoustics, radar, and machine gunning, and he is a “jack of all trades, master of none” in his role. Ian highly recommends the Air Force as a career due to opportunities for personal development and travel, having been “all over across Canada from coast to coast, even up north in the high arctic for survival training”. He emphasizes that if you “want to see Canada, if you want to see the world, if you want to test yourself and work with like you know the newest sort of generations of technology… it’s a great way to do it”.

Patrick (from HMCS Toronto)

Patrick, a Marine Technician (MT) on HMCS Toronto, has been in the military for 30 years at the age of 35. He advises those considering the military that it’s an “adventure” where you can “see the world,” gain “amazing skills,” and have “amazing experiences”. He stresses the importance of always maintaining a positive attitude and to “never pass up an open door” for opportunities in the military.

Tom (from HMCS Toronto)

Tom, a pilot in a Cyclone helicopter on HMCS Toronto, explains that his job is “super complex” and requires learning every day. He advises those considering his path to “just be honest with yourself” about what you want, acknowledging that it’s a “hard road” with challenges but also “a lot of benefits” and that “all these dreams are achievable”. He also reflects on the unique heritage of naval aviators within the Air Force, due to the Navy’s historic control of its own air wing.

Petty Officer First Class Megan Ivany

Petty Officer First Class Megan Ivany, a Steward on HMCS Toronto, has been in the Navy for two years and plans to make it her whole life. Originally from Kentville in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, she was influenced by her military parents (both Air Force clerks) to join. She aspires to become a flight steward. Megan’s favorite aspect of Navy life is the camaraderie and meeting “all different types of people”. Despite only two years in, she advises others to “just jump into it and just go with it” for the experiences, creativity, and opportunity to “see the world”.

Sailor Second Class Malachi Malibri

Sailor Second Class Malachi Malibri, a Naval Communicator on HMCS Toronto, joined the reserves over six years ago from Windsor, Ontario, before switching to the regular force. He sought something “different” and “out of the ordinary” compared to his friends’ summer jobs, drawn by the opportunities and the Navy’s ability to fit his schedule. Malachi describes his job as vital for communication, handling radios and message distribution, and managing computer systems.

He emphasizes that the crew on HMCS Toronto is “more than a team, it’s more like a family,” where they “eat together, sleep together, work together”. He finds the family and team feeling of the Navy unparalleled by any other job. Malachi expresses immense excitement for his career, anticipating many more years of “amazing crew, amazing experiences, amazing opportunities” and learning something new every day.

Natasha (from HMCS Toronto Logistics)

Natasha, a Logistics officer on HMCS Toronto, handles the “logistics front” and is responsible for holding things together, coordinating supplies, and ensuring everything functions for the 240-person crew. She emphasizes that her passion for her job and the team is strong. Her advice for those considering the military is that “you have to be looking for challenge and challenging yourself constantly”. She states that the military is an “amazing adventure” that “keep bringing me new adventure,” consistently taking her out of her comfort zone.

Petty Officer First Class Paul Wayne

Petty Officer First Class Paul Wayne, the Chief Cook on HMCS Toronto, previously worked as a TIG welder in Alberta before seeking a more sustainable career. He credits his uncle, an RCMP officer, and his father, who was killed in action in 1945, as influences, leading him to join the Navy to “serve”. Paul emphasizes the “morale” aspect of food on board a ship, explaining that his team of eight produces nearly 850 meals a day for the 240-person crew.

He describes his team as “phenomenal” and values their ability to “have fun” while producing good food. Paul’s advice to those considering the Navy is to “follow your dreams” because it will “take you to places that you’ll never seen”. He reflects on his past factory job, stating “I know I made the right decision” by joining the Navy because of the strong sense of “big family” on ships.

Sub Lieutenant Brianna Miller

Sub Lieutenant Brianna Miller, a Naval Warfare Officer on HMCS Toronto, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and spent 10 years in St. John’s, Newfoundland, before attending Royal Military College in Kingston. She describes her NWO training in Victoria, BC, as a “pretty big mountain” but praises the good teachers who guided them through it. Her role involves running the ship’s program, navigation, and ensuring safety.

Brianna is excited about the future and the opportunity to “see the world,” which was a primary reason she joined the Navy. She is particularly interested in the Arctic patrol vessels that have recently come out. She advises others to “just go for it” if they’re considering the military, as it has been the “best experience of my life”.

Lieutenant Navy Bridget Woodman

Lieutenant Navy Bridget Woodman, a Naval Warfare Officer on HMCS Toronto, is from Belfast, Prince Edward Island, and grew up sailing and racing sailboats. She joined the military through a reserve unit, where Alan Dale (interviewer) was her first CO. She has sailed extensively on smaller warships (MCDVs), traveling to West Africa, the Arctic, and the Caribbean for drug intervention.

Bridget emphasizes that her dad was in the military, providing inspiration, and her sister is also deployed. She believes the military offers “so many different things” if you’re “looking for adventure” or “to try something new and meet new people,” whether for a short term in the reserve or a long-term career. She is excited about future deployments, especially in the Arctic, to “see our Canadian North,” which she describes as “very special”.

Matthew McMullen

Matthew McMullen, a Bosun from Kingsville, Ontario (Canada’s most southern town), joined the Navy five years ago after studying police foundations. He describes the Bosun’s diverse duties, including maintaining small arms, conducting man overboard rescues, driving boats, and ship husbandry (cleaning and rust removal). He admits recruiters didn’t mention the rust removal but highlighted the “boats and the guns,” which attracted him.

Matthew recommends the Navy as a “great option” to “see the world,” having visited many countries he never thought he would. He acknowledges the difficulties of being at sea but finds it “all worthwhile”. His favorite port experience was Madeira, Portugal, a volcanic island that was “the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen”.

Naval Combat Information Operator Eric Hambly

Naval Combat Information Operator Eric Hambly, from Mississauga, Ontario, joined the Navy eight years ago as a reservist, seeking a part-time job, but eventually transitioned to full-time service. He enjoys being at sea and traveling the world. Eric’s job involves gathering, analyzing, and distributing tactical information, managing radar tracks, and serving as the “central hub of all the information within the room”.

Eric describes being on HMCS Harry Dewolf, a new class of ship, as a first-time experience, noting it “bulldozes right through the ice”. He has traveled extensively, including West Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. He encourages people interested in the Navy to “ask questions” to sailors. Despite the initial intimidation of basic training (likening it to a “barbed wire fence”), he calls it the “best summer I’ve ever had” due to good leaders and the enjoyment of putting in effort. He emphasizes the teamwork and leadership inherent in the Navy.

Sailor South Hampton

Sailor South Hampton, a Sonar Operator from Toronto, Ontario, joined the Navy to “see the world and try to do it economically”. His job involves finding and detecting submarines. He particularly enjoys Southern European ports and Tunisia, with Suda Bay in Greece being a favorite due to its consistent nice weather and island setting.

South acknowledges his family was initially “bummed out” by the long distances but are now “more welcoming” as he shares pictures and shows them “how I represent Canada abroad”. He recommends the Navy as an “adventure” that frees you from a typical “nine to five” office job and allows you to “see the world”.

Tony (from HMCS Toronto Engineering)

Tony, a Marine Systems Engineer (MSE) from Pickering, Ontario, joined the Navy inspired by his Sea Cadet experience. As a junior leader, he notes the “great group of people” in his department who are “definitely hard workers”. Tony highlights the benefits of the Navy, including “great trades, great benefits, great pay”. His favorite places to visit include Greece and Estonia, having traveled “all over the Baltic” and “all over the Med”.

Jason Darrow

Jason Darrow, a desk officer with National Defense Parliamentary Affairs, describes his “fascinating and exciting” first experience of being lowered by harness from a Cyclone helicopter onto HMCS Toronto’s flight deck. He found the adrenaline “kicking in” and calls it a “great opportunity”. Jason’s first impressions of the sailors were their “great and friendly” demeanor, “dedication,” and “pride in their work,” which he finds “admirable”. He believes the experience will enhance his professional understanding and is “invaluable” for informing his work.

Megan Week

Megan Week, the Deputy Director at the Parliamentary Affairs team in the policy group at National Defense, was initially “most nervous” about riding in the Cyclone helicopter but found the experience “incredible” and “a lifetime”. She particularly enjoyed seeing the ship and waves from above and even had the “guts to stick my feet out”. Megan found speaking with the crew “really interesting” and “informative” for her work, leading to a deeper appreciation for their professionalism and care. She was most impressed by the “teamwork in action,” especially during a “double raz” (replenishment at sea) which required everyone to work together.

Master Sailor Jim Squires

Master Sailor Jim Squires, an Engineering Officer on HMCS Toronto, has a physics and math degree from St. Mary’s and was a medic. He views his job as managing a “two billion dollar platform” with 40 people, ensuring the “plant and the people” are in working order. Jim emphasizes that the sailors are “hard workers” from all across Canada, demonstrating “teamwork” and “working miracles”.

Jim’s advice on leadership is to “earn” respect daily, be truthful and honest, and “don’t do them [subordinates] anything that you haven’t done or willing to do with them”. He stresses the importance of leading “from the front” or “by the side” so that “your brother and your sister know that they’re not left”.

Master Sailor Patrick Fugier

Master Sailor Patrick Fugier, the Galley Buffer on HMCS Toronto, has been in the military for eight years and cooking for 25. He learned to cook through various experiences, including working in restaurants and hotels. Patrick emphasizes the Navy’s benefits, including “great training,” “skill that if you don’t want to do it here you can do it anywhere else,” and the opportunity to “travel and see the world”. He is also noted for being a multitasking individual who produces great food for the crew.

Commander Preston McIntosh

Commander Preston McIntosh, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto, assumed command in April. Growing up in Toronto, his interest in the Navy was influenced by his father, who was in the U.S. Navy, and the opportunity for paid education at Royal Military College. He describes his enjoyment of the military college experience as “challenging but good”.

McIntosh aims to foster an atmosphere of “team and family” within the ship, focusing on communication and supporting each other. He stresses that while ships are important, “a ship doesn’t go anywhere without its crew,” making them the most valuable part of the mission. He takes pride in the Navy’s ability to “punch much more above their weight” globally, responding to calls for international aid and addressing emerging naval threats.

Lieutenant Commander Natalia Portstroff

Lieutenant Commander Natalia Portstroff, the Operations Officer aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke, was born in Poland and moved to Canada at age 10 with no English, seeking to learn Canadian ways. She grew up in a “very regimented household,” which prepared her for military life. She describes the HMCS Margaret Brooke as a “brand new,” “fancy new” Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship that all Canadians should be proud of, a result of government, academia, and industry collaboration.

Natalia emphasizes the importance of “surrounding yourself with the right people” to get through challenging times, as positive people can make any work great. She is excited about the ship’s future operations, especially in the Arctic, and looks forward to taking the crew on their inaugural sail. Her advice is to “go out and do it” and not be afraid to make mistakes, but to learn from them.

Commander Nicole Berwichow

Commander Nicole Berwichow, Commanding Officer of HMCS Margaret Brooke, moved around a lot as a kid but considers Red Deer, Alberta, home. She was influenced to join the Navy through Sea Cadets (from age 13 to 19) and later as a Sea Cadet Officer, which taught her “self-discipline, time management, responsibility, self-confidence”. She also decided to join the regular force after the forestry industry tanked, seeking stable employment.

Nicole is excited about commanding HMCS Margaret Brooke, the newest Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel, which will operate in Canada’s Arctic, “representing Canada and showing our sovereignty”. She describes the Arctic as “majestic” and a place “not everyone goes”. She is immensely proud of her crew, who have put “a lot of time and effort” into preparing the ship. Her advice to others is to “go out and do it” and not be afraid to make mistakes, but to learn from them.

Rear Admiral Bryan Santarpia

Rear Admiral Bryan Santarpia, who has been in the Navy for about 35 years and was a Sea Cadet, states that this career is all he ever wanted to do. He notes the “exciting time” in the marine and defense sector, particularly in Atlantic Canada, with a palpable “energy level”. He was thrilled to see seven Canadian ships in St. John’s, appreciating the positive reception from locals.

Santarpia describes the “great” feeling of new ships arriving at the waterfront, but emphasizes it’s “much better to see them going to sea” and doing “something useful and interesting and exciting for sailors”. He highlights HMCS Harry Dewolf’s successful circumnavigation of North America, including a Northwest Passage transit, proving the Navy’s ability to operate in Canada’s most remote parts. He stresses the National Shipbuilding Strategy as “brilliant” for building industrial capacity and creating “all sorts of other opportunities for canadians”. Santarpia views industry partners as still “serving” Canada, just in “different ways”.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Thompson

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Thompson, the Coxswain of HMCS Windsor (a diesel-electric submarine), is an electrician who joined the military from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He calls joining the military a “better choice” than his previous concrete job. As Coxswain, he handles administrative issues and focuses on keeping the crew in a “positive mood” and ensuring open communication in the isolated environment of a submarine.

Jason was part of the transition from Oberon class submarines to the Victoria class, spending almost two years in England to bring HMCS Windsor back to Canada. He explains that submarines prefer to be below the surface where it’s “just like walking around at home,” contrasting it with surface ships that experience seasickness. He describes being an electrician on a diesel-electric submarine as “very satisfying” because it’s the “heart of the submarine,” keeping it below the waves. He states he is “happy” with his decision to join the Navy.

Master Sailor Marcus McCarthy

Master Sailor Marcus McCarthy, a Sonar Technician on HMCS Windsor, is from St. Jacques, a small town on the south coast of Newfoundland. Growing up, he experienced slower technological access but enjoyed playing ball hockey and going to school. He was influenced to join the Navy by his brother and by a desire to escape long hours at salmon farms, seeking paid travel and a different lifestyle.

Marcus, whose father was a fisherman, is no stranger to “nasty weather” at sea. As a Naval Electronic Sensor Operator, his job involves identifying emitters from other ships, a complex role he never envisioned but finds “pretty good”. He encourages others to join the military, calling it a “beautiful career”.

Lieutenant Navy Jay

Lieutenant Navy Jay, the Executive Officer of HMCS Windsor, came from Walford, Ontario, and joined the Navy later in life, seeking a “blue-collar” rather than “white-collar” job. He was inspired by ex-submariners on HMCS Athabascan to join the submarine service, which they thought would be a “good adventure” for him.

Jay advises listeners to “just take chances and and follow your gut in your heart,” as that’s what he’s done and it has “kept me safe”. He feels that “a lot of Canadians need to know that we’ve got a navy” and that it’s a “great navy with great platforms”. He highly recommends the Royal Canadian Navy for anyone “looking for an adventure and an opportunity in your life”.

Commander Drew Matheson

Commander Drew Matheson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Windsor, is originally from Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He was involved in the Sea Cadet organization from a young age, where he learned to sail and was exposed to Navy ships, piquing his interest. He completed a challenging “perish course” in Norway, training with “world-class submariners”.

Drew describes commanding a Canadian submarine as a “great job” and a unique privilege to operate such a platform. He emphasizes the “super tight” camaraderie on board submarines, explaining that without internet access, people “get to know everybody really well” and are forced to get “really close”. He finds it “absolutely fantastic” to work with some of the best sailors he’s ever known.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Steeves (Retired)

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Steeves, the former Command Chief Petty Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy, believes in leadership with “common sense” and a sense of humor, not taking oneself too seriously. He emphasizes the importance of Chiefs and Petty Officers in providing perspective and help to young officers. He reflects on the emotional toll of losing sailors in service, acknowledging the raw grief experienced by families and colleagues.

Steeves advocates for a leadership style that allows for emotion, stating that leaders should “be nice to people,” “treat people like you want to be treated,” and “listen to them”. He recognizes that the Navy, like Canada, is a “beautiful mosaic of cultures and genders”. He encourages future recruits to “steady the course, keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to love it,” and to “have fun”. He believes the Navy is “a heck of a lot better” and more inclusive than many other organizations, encouraging people to “give it a try”.

Alex Laurin

Alex Laurin, a 20-year-old Marine Technician (MarTech) on board HMCS Montreal, is from North Gower, outside Ottawa. This is his first time at sea, which he “loves,” finding it “pretty awesome” despite initial nervousness. He explains his job as ensuring the ship can “float, move, and fight” by maintaining all systems, acting as the “on-call mechanic”.

Alex joined the Navy straight out of high school, valuing the different perspective gained from being with both young and older, family-oriented individuals. He is proud of himself and happy with his path, expressing his love for the crew, sailing, and his job. He feels his family is proud of him too.

Andrew Henderson

Andrew Henderson, a Bosun and main boat Coxswain on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Edmonton, Alberta. He confirms the saying that “prairie sailors are some of the best,” influenced by his uncle who served in World War II. He finds the Harry Dewolf “amazing” with “quality of life beyond belief”.

Andrew was part of the ship’s circumnavigation of North America, sailing through the Arctic, down to the Bering Strait, and through the Panama Canal. His favorite part of being in the Navy is “all the traveling,” including “fast boats” and “fast chases”. He states that he and the crew are “always thinking of back home” and are proud that their families are the reason they serve.

Andrew Rennox

Andrew Rennox, a Naval Communicator on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Mississauga, just outside Toronto. He played rugby, swam, and was a lifeguard, but the Army wasn’t for him, so he “figured… the Navy, why not?”. He had never seen the coastline before joining. As a “plank owner” on the new HMCS Harry Dewolf, he’s been instrumental in working through glitches with the new, complex communication suite.

Andrew’s favorite part of the Navy is the “camaraderie you get with the crew,” explaining that “when you spend so much time with other people you get to they become family and it’s a it’s a good strong bond”. He expresses happiness to be doing his job and serving.

Lieutenant Benjamin Adams

Lieutenant Benjamin Adams, a Bridge Watchkeeper and Public Affairs Officer on HMCS Montreal, is from Saint John, New Brunswick. He has been involved in the Navy League Cadets and Sea Cadets since age nine, where he learned about the forces and made good friends. Ben’s main job is “driving the ship up on the bridge,” a complex task he fully qualified for in December and “loved” so far.

Ben effectively managed the complicated logistics of bringing the interviewers on board in Suda Bay, demonstrating his ability to “get things done”. He is very proud of his military journey and has a bright future, aiming to become a warfare director. He sends greetings to his family, including his mom, dad, two brothers, grandmother, and aunt.

Master Sailor Billy Brydon

Master Sailor Billy Brydon, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, grew up in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and Kington, Ontario. His family has a strong military background, with both parents and a brother serving. His father, a former infantryman and steward, was a “humongous influence” and inspired him with his “amazing” stories.

Billy’s favorite part of being in the Navy is “seeing all these great places,” such as Crete, Greece, where he noted the beautiful weather, enjoying missing the Canadian winter. This is his first deployment, and he describes leaving Halifax as “bittersweet” but also “extremely excited”. He looks forward to visiting his brother in Japan after the deployment.

Natalie Lanteigne

Natalie Lanteigne, a nurse by profession, is a Material Management Technician (MMT) from Fredericton, New Brunswick. She joined the Navy for “excitement” and “opportunities,” having already had a career as an LPN. She finds it great to make friends in the Navy, noting the close contact with friends she made when she first joined in 2001.

Breanne Munro

Breanne Munro, a Material Management Technician (MMT) from Halifax, Nova Scotia, rejoined the military for the pension after having two children. She previously joined as a cook and enjoys her current role, where she orders food and other supplies. Breanne also notes the strong friendships on board, describing the crew as “like a family”.

Bethany Jackson

Bethany Jackson, a Material Management Technician (MMT) from Sydney, Cape Breton, has a father who was Army infantry, making her the first in her immediate family to join the Navy. She handles local purchases for the ship, including COVID masks and sanitizer. She highlights the strong bonds among sailors, with friends from different postings still messaging each other. Her preferred advice for prospective recruits is to “join the air force” after flying in a helicopter, but acknowledges the travel benefits of the Navy.

Lieutenant Cathy Song

Lieutenant Cathy Song, a Combat Systems Trainee on HMCS Montreal, grew up in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. She joined the military through the Regular Officer Training Program to fund her computer electrical engineering degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She finds the Navy experience offers learning opportunities from more experienced sailors and believes leadership should go both ways, allowing for mutual learning.

Cathy finds it “pretty exciting” to look at the future of the Navy with new ships being built, hoping to serve on one or work on a related project. She is now based in Halifax with her mom.

Master Sailor Cheryl Gouthro

Master Sailor Cheryl Gouthro, a Marine Technician (Electrician) on HMCS Montreal, was born and raised in Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She grew up as a “coal miner’s daughter,” an upbringing that instilled values of hard work and community support. She joined the Navy at 25, influenced by her brother who was in the Air Force, seeking travel and the ability to stay in Halifax. She admits to thinking, “what am I doing?” when she walked into the recruiting center, but swore in shortly after.

Cheryl’s favorite part of the Navy is the “engineering side of it,” “the travel,” and most importantly, “the people and the camaraderie”. She draws an analogy between the Navy and coal mining, noting that both environments foster strong friendships and mutual care. She considers the crew her “family”. She sends her greetings to her spouse, fur babies, parents, siblings, and their families back home, expressing her love and missing them.

Sailor First Class Damian Paton

Sailor First Class Damian Paton, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, is from Selkirk, Ontario, near Lake Erie. His strong military background includes both great-grandfathers serving in WWII and grandfathers as police officers. He has enjoyed sailing his entire life, influenced by his grandfather who lived on a sailboat in the Bahamas.

Damian’s job involves driving the ship, acting as a lookout, and firing the .50 caliber machine guns. He advises those considering the Navy to “think about it” seriously, focusing on the good times and hanging out with friends on the ship, as “the friends on ship are gonna make life a whole lot easier”. He expresses that seeing the world and getting paid for something he loves makes it “fantastic”.

Sailor First Class Darcy Flynn

Sailor First Class Darcy Flynn, a Naval Communicator on HMCS Montreal, is from Caledon Village, Ontario. He initially applied to the Army but, due to eyesight, chose the Navy, drawn to the communication roles. Despite a background in fine arts and art history, and being a musician, he finds his Navy role appealing, involving radio communications, cryptography, satellite connections, and even legacy methods like flashing light and Morse code.

Darcy’s favorite part of the Navy is “the travel,” acknowledging the long and exhausting days at sea, but emphasizing the unique experience of exploring foreign ports “on foot,” getting to know local people, and the strong “constant communication” required in the modern Navy. He enjoys making people smile with unexpected rap covers. He sends greetings to his parents, Jackie and Paul, his sisters, and his nieces and nephews.

Master Sailor Dave Smith

Master Sailor Dave Smith, a Helicopter Crash Rescue Firefighter on HMCS Montreal, is from Arnold’s Cove Station, Newfoundland. He was influenced by a retired Bosun to join the Navy, initially as a reserve summer job, which eventually led to him joining the regular force as a Hull Technician. His job involves ensuring helicopter safety during landings and takeoffs, and maintaining damage control equipment.

Dave’s favorite part of the Navy is “going around to different places and traveling around the world and sending pictures back to my family”. He has two young boys, Own and Theodore, in Belle Island, and acknowledges the challenge of being away from them but notes their mother is supported by family. He sends greetings to his parents, grandparents, wife, and in-laws, covering “most of the people in Arnold’s Cove Station”.

Sailor First Class Dillon O’Leary

Sailor First Class Dillon O’Leary, from Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia, is a Marine Systems Engineering department member on HMCS Montreal. He was motivated by his interest in mechanics, having studied as a diesel mechanic, and sought a change to work on “bigger things” like the impressive gas turbines and diesel propulsion engine on the frigate.

Dillon is “happy” with his decision to join the Navy, enjoying the “go go go” pace that keeps his mind busy. He finds working on such powerful engines in the middle of the Mediterranean to be a “dream come true” and a special experience he won’t forget. He encourages everyone back home to stay safe and enjoy their lives.

Lieutenant Douglas Farrington

Lieutenant Douglas Farrington, Assistant Marine Systems Engineering Officer on HMCS Montreal, is from Red Deer, Alberta. His background includes a father who was a commercial diver, exposing him to boats and underwater experiences from a young age. He attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, finding it “tough at times” but ultimately a valuable experience, especially for meeting “incredible people”.

Douglas assists the engineering officer with administration and training, and hopes to become an engineering officer himself. He highlights the “incredible amount of knowledge and expertise” within his team. His favorite parts of the Navy are “traveling, meeting new people, exciting challenges,” and opportunities for “professional development,” making a “real impact on the world”. He sends greetings to his spouse, Kira, and his family across Alberta and BC.

Sailor First Class Edward Cleveland

Sailor First Class Edward Cleveland, from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is on HMCS Montreal. Growing up in a small town, his grandfather, who “works hard plays hard,” was a major influence, and moving to Ottawa was a “big eye-opener” that motivated him to see the world. He joined the Navy in 2011, having his wireless engineering education paid for by the military through the NCM SET program.

Eddie’s favorite aspect of the Navy is the “camaraderie,” where every ship’s crew becomes “family,” forging “bonds that will last you a lifetime”. He openly admits that the first two days of feeling seasick are tough, but the feeling of doing his trained job, working with departments, and traveling the world makes it “always worth it”. He sends love to his mom, dad, Sabrina, and the girls.

Master Sailor Emile Milton

Master Sailor Emile Milton, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, is from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and has been in the Navy for two years. This is his first deployment, which he’s “loving,” describing it as a “little bittersweet” leaving his family but also “excited”. His big influences were his grandfather (who raised two girls alone) and his father (ex-RCR Army), who was “happy” but “upset” he joined the Navy.

Emile’s job involves small arms, demolitions, anchoring, driving small boats, and serving as a lookout. His favorite part of the Navy is the “camaraderie,” emphasizing the crew as a “second family” who support each other through hard days. He sends love to his wife, Megan, and his two children, Maya and Aiden, reminding them not to “wear your mum out too much”.

Lieutenant Navy Gabrielle Rochon Beaudoin

Lieutenant Navy Gabrielle Rochon Beaudoin, a Marine Systems Engineer on HMCS Montreal, is from central Quebec and joined the CAF in 2011. The Navy paid for her university tuition, and she had two kids before starting her training. Her father’s brief Navy service and her participation in cadets from age 14 influenced her, with cadets providing “opportunities” she couldn’t afford otherwise, like piloting and music.

Gabrielle highlights “the adventure” as a favorite part of the Navy, and the ability to “make a difference for your country and contributing to your country”. She acknowledges that the ship is like a “mini town,” and her job is to ensure all its systems (engines, pumps, power, even bathrooms) are working. She relies on her “very supportive spouse” who is home with their two young boys, Antwan and Elliott, allowing her to pursue her career aspirations. She sends a greeting to her sister and mom.

Commander Jeff Simpson

Commander Jeff Simpson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Harry Dewolf, grew up in Port Alberni, British Columbia. His father, a former “hull tech” in the 60s, influenced his path to the Navy. Jeff speaks highly of his crew, describing them as “phenomenal” with high morale, even after long periods at sea, largely crediting the previous commanding officer.

He feels “awestruck” to be commanding HMCS Harry Dewolf, a “first of class” ship that is “breaking ice” and “new barriers” with its future operations in the North. His favorite part of the Navy is “being around the crew” and leading them, finding it “nothing more self-fulfilling”. He sends a hello to his parents, Ron and Carmen, and other family in Port Alberni, highlighting their support.

Petty Officer Gian Barzellotti

Petty Officer Gian Barzellotti, an Electrical Manager on HMCS Montreal, immigrated to Canada from Venezuela at age 12 and joined the reserves at 17. His father was also an electrician and served in the Italian Navy, influencing Gian’s career choice. He emphasizes the importance of immigration and encourages permanent residents to become Canadian citizens and join the military to “give back”.

Gian considers the Navy more than just a job; it’s a “life” and an “adventure” with incredible “camaraderie” that creates a “brotherhood sisterhood”. His job is to ensure the ship’s power generation and distribution, making sure “anything that has a wire and intellectual pretty much belongs to me”. He uses his experience as a recruiter to encourage potential recruits to learn about the over 113 jobs in the military.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Ginette Seguin

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Ginette Seguin, the Coxswain of HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Sudbury, Ontario. She credits a recruiter and a past exposure to the Gulf War for planting the seed for her to join the Navy, after bartending and attempting college four times. She previously served as a Naval Communicator, mastering signals, hailing, and maritime interdiction operations.

As Coxswain, she focuses on the “human systems,” ensuring fair and consistent decisions regarding personnel, essentially acting as “human resources 4.0”. Ginette’s favorite part of the Navy is the “adventures,” having sailed “around the world” and participated in unique activities like parasailing in Phuket, jet skiing off Kuwait, and zip lining in Australia. She sends a special shout-out to Sudbury and expresses gratitude for her family’s support.

Lieutenant Inga Anuscenko

Lieutenant Inga Anuscenko, a Naval Warfare Officer on HMCS Harry Dewolf, was born in Lithuania and moved to Canada in 2003. She joined the Navy seeking “mental and physical challenge,” influenced by a co-worker and her fisherman father, who explored the world. This is her first deployment, which has been a “roller coaster”.

Inga’s job involves ensuring the ship’s safety, navigation, and smooth execution of operations. Her favorite part of the Navy is the “challenge that it brings,” which has “expanded my horizons” and comfort zone, along with meeting new people and traveling to “nice places such as Turks and Caicos”. She encourages anyone thinking about joining the military to “go for it” as it’s an environment “you’ll never experience anywhere else”.

Sailor First Class Jacob Naguib

Sailor First Class Jacob Naguib, a Sonar Operator on HMCS Montreal, is from Edmonton, Alberta, a city he describes as “super diverse” and “hard working”. Despite being from a landlocked province, the ocean “always called” to him, leading him to join the Navy to live and sail on the coast, pushing him “out of my comfort zone”.

Jacob’s first deployment, despite initial “anxieties and … fears,” is “very exciting and it’s very proud” work, as he is trained to protect and instill Canadian values. His favorite part of the Navy is “the people,” calling it “like one big family”. He sends greetings to his mom, Marnie, and his twin sister, Emma, and older sibling, Jesse.

Lieutenant Navy Jill Marcoux

Lieutenant Navy Jill Marcoux, a Public Affairs Officer on HMCS Harry Dewolf, has been in the military for 15 years, including 10 years as an Army medic before pivoting to the Navy six years ago. She joined the military due to intense recruiting efforts for Afghanistan when she was a paramedic student. This is her first “real deployment” on a ship, which she’s “very happy and proud” of, especially being on the new Harry Dewolf class.

Jill’s favorite part about being in the military is the opportunity to work with both the Army on land and the Navy at sea. She is passionate about being “on the ground with the sailor” on a new ship to understand the Navy’s culture and innovations, allowing her to speak authoritatively as a spokesperson. She also oversees 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada, noting the dedication of reservists who apply for deployments.

Sailor First Class Joanna Hermosura

Sailor First Class Joanna Hermosura, the Junior Financial Services Administrator on HMCS Montreal, previously served on HMCS Toronto, where she was first interviewed. This is her first long deployment, which was initially “hectic” and “intense” due to sea training. Her job involves paying bills, reconciling finances, and acting as a “bank” for sailors to withdraw cash in local currency before entering port, making her a popular person.

Joanna, who was born in Saudi Arabia, lived in the Philippines, and moved to Winnipeg, views her job as very interesting, enjoying the travel and seeing other cultures. She loves “interacting with other ships” and learning about their cultures and traditions, even using Google Translate to communicate with various foreign sentries. She finds the crew to be a “great, awesome support system,” making everyone “super friendly”. Her advice is to “just try it” because the Navy offers a “great experience” to “meet new people” and “travel to new places”.

Petty Officer Joel Field

Petty Officer Joel Field, a Weapons Engineering Manager on HMCS Montreal, is from Deer Lake, Newfoundland. He joined the Navy for “free education,” “serving the country,” and “traveling the world”. He describes his basic training experience in Esquimalt, BC, right out of high school at 18, as “quite the shock” but “quite the experience”.

Joel has been in the Navy for nearly 19 years, witnessing many changes in ship systems and hoping to serve on one of the new ships. His favorite part of the Navy is “seeing the world,” having visited many places he wouldn’t have otherwise, with New York City during Fleet Week being a standout memory due to the positive treatment of the military. He sends greetings to his parents, Melva and Graham, back in Deer Lake.

Sailor First Class Josh Maynard

Sailor First Class Josh Maynard, a Marine Technician (MarTech) specializing in electrical systems on HMCS Montreal, has been in the Navy for over four years. From Calgary, Alberta, he was influenced by his U.S. Marine father to join the military. His dream has always been to come to Crete.

Josh explains his job as looking after the ship’s engineering and hotel services, including propulsion and electrical systems. He finds the Navy the “best way to kind of achieve that goal” of loving water and travel. His favorite part of the Navy is “the people,” describing them as “real genuine people” who “will have my back no matter what”. He expresses gratitude for the support of Canadians and appreciation for the reason they serve. He misses his family and friends back home.

Petty Officer Josh McMahon

Petty Officer Josh McMahon, the Electrical Maintenance Supervisor on HMCS Montreal, is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He spent six years in Victoria, BC, traveling the Western seaboard from Alaska to Chile. Influenced by his Navy dad, he joined the military for a job that also provided training in electricity.

Josh’s favorite part of the Navy is “the people,” meeting individuals from “all walks of life, all parts of Canada” and “all around the world”. He enjoys recognizing Canadian accents in foreign ports, which “brings the world into a small little bubble” and creates a “big adventure”. He emphasizes the unique opportunity to travel and get paid, an experience “you’re never going to get” in civilian life.

Sailor First Class Kate Lavergne

Sailor First Class Kate Lavergne, a Steward on HMCS Montreal, has been in the Navy for three years. From Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec, she previously worked in restaurants and joined the Navy seeking a similar but more adventurous path. Her parents were a waitress and a welder/crane operator, providing her with solid Canadian roots.

Kate calls joining the Navy the “best decision ever” due to the “training that we get,” “the people that we become,” and “the skills we learn,” along with the opportunity to “travel the world”. This is her first deployment, which she found “exciting” but also “really, really scary” initially, though she’s now halfway through and enjoying it. Her favorite part is the travel. She appreciates the candidness of others in the Navy.

Petty Officer First Class Kendall “Sammy” Samuelsen

Petty Officer First Class Kendall “Sammy” Samuelsen, a Material Management Technician on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He joined the Navy later in life (26 years old) seeking “stability” after 14 years in warehousing and other unstable jobs. His promotion to Petty Officer First Class, though temporary in role, was a “huge honor,” attributed to the people around him and his service to them.

Sammy’s favorite part of the Navy is “to travel,” having seen half the places he wouldn’t have otherwise, including Europe and circumnavigating North America. He describes transiting the Northwest Passage as “incredible” and “absolutely phenomenal,” a rare experience. He is proud of his current role within the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) program, a place he didn’t expect to be. He thanks his family for their “continued support” that allows him to do his job.

Sailor First Class Kenneth Brennan

Sailor First Class Kenneth Brennan, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, grew up in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario. He joined the Navy at 18, influenced by his father who put him in Navy League Cadets at age nine, and later Army Cadets with his older brother. He highly recommends cadets, stating he learned “so much” and got to go to Scotland for free. He felt military service was his destiny.

As a Bosun, Kenneth considers himself a “professional sailor,” responsible for upper deck maintenance, anchor operations, driving high-speed boats, and small arms. His favorite part of the Navy is “not getting to see all these beautiful countries” as much as “driving the boats,” reveling in the “adrenaline” of high-speed maneuvers and close approaches to other ships. He sends greetings to his family and his “beautiful fiance” Emily Rose.

Sailor Second Class Laurie Gauvreau

Sailor Second Class Laurie Gauvreau, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, is from Florid, Quebec. She has been in the Navy for approximately five years as a reservist, completing various training courses and deployments, including on HMCS Toronto and her current second deployment. She was caught in the middle of her duties, cleaning the side of the ship, demonstrating her hands-on involvement.

Laurie’s duties include steering the ship, performing Bosun’s mate duties (piping), lookout, and managing maintenance and boat operations (ribs, zodiacs). Her favorite part of the Navy is “traveling the world,” highlighting visits to Italy, Spain, and Greece, emphasizing being “paid to travel the world”. She misses her family but is able to keep in contact with them.

Master Sailor Melissa Jurchuk

Master Sailor Melissa Jurchuk, a Naval Crash Rescue Firefighter on HMCS Montreal, is of Ukrainian descent and grew up in Waterloo, Ontario. She expresses relief that her family is safe in Canada but wishes she could be more involved in helping her home country. Influenced by her tradesman dad, she started as a welder and applied for the Navy as a Hull Technician to pursue underwater welding.

Melissa’s job involves monitoring equipment for safety while alongside, describing it as constant watch over complex systems. Her favorite part of the Navy is “seeing the different ports,” and she recently got a Medusa tattoo in Greece as a reminder. She highlights her close connection to Loyalist College, where she studied welding and played rugby.

Master Sailor Nathan Durette

Master Sailor Nathan Durette, a Hull Technician on HMCS Montreal, is from Campbellton, New Brunswick, and has been in the Navy for 10 years. He joined the Navy after high school, having been a Sea Cadet from age 14 and enjoying canoeing with his father. He highlights the cadet movement as providing “nice grounding” and opportunities to meet people from across the country.

Nathan’s job involves working as a Hull Technician and training to be a Flyco (flying coordinator) for helicopter landings and takeoffs, an “intense job”. He never imagined doing such things growing up in a small town. His greatest pride from his 10 years of service is “all the deployments I’ve done, the places I’ve seen,” and the support he receives from people. He is excited to get married in September to his fiancée, Alexandra, from Campbellton.

Sailor First Class Nicholas Jean

Sailor First Class Nicholas Jean, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, is from Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia. He’s the first in his family to join the Navy, though his dad and uncles were in the Army or Air Force. He started in the Naval Reserve with HMCS Scotian for three years before joining the regular force.

As a Bosun, his job includes upper deck maintenance, anchor operations, driving boats, maintaining small arms, being a rescue swimmer, and part of a naval boarding party. He enjoys the varied and complex nature of his duties, despite the long hours, stating the “whole upper deck is my office”. He sends greetings to his mom, dad, and brother.

Sailor Second Class Nick Harmer

Sailor Second Class Nick Harmer, a Bosun on HMCS Montreal, is from Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was influenced by his military family (a Navy aunt and Air Force uncle) and the Sea Cadet program (RCSCC Vindictive). He acknowledges that while Thunder Bay is beautiful, it’s hard to compare it to places like Crete, Greece, which he can now visit.

Nick’s job as a Bosun involves deck evolutions, watch duties (lookout, helmsman), Bosun’s mate duties (piping, answering phones), replenishments at sea, and anchorage operations. This is his first deployment, and he describes leaving Halifax as difficult to describe, but the crew adapted. His favorite part of the Navy has been the “ports that I’ve gotten to visit,” enjoying the architecture and cultural differences from Canada. He sends greetings to his mom, dad, and sister, McKenzie.

Petty Officer Second Class Nicole Forrester

Petty Officer Second Class Nicole Forrester, a Marine Engineering Technician on HMCS Montreal, is from Pooche Cove, Newfoundland. She joined the Navy through a program at the Marine Institute in St. John’s that allowed her to stay home for the first two years of her career. She emphasizes that through hard work and effort, you can “excel and get to wherever you want to be”.

Nicole highlights the Navy’s “inviting” nature, “great training programs,” and the sense of “pride” and “accomplishment” it provides. She stresses the importance of the ship’s crew as “like a family” and her “home away from home”. As a mother of two (a two-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son born on Canada Day), she values the military’s benefits like maternity leave and stable pay, which allow her to concentrate on her job at sea. She expresses thanks to her family and even her daycare for their support.

Master Sailor Paul Walter

Master Sailor Paul Walter, a Bosun on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is originally from Long Beach, Mississippi, and moved to Newfoundland at age 11. His father was a retired U.S. Navy Seabee (construction battalion), and his mother is from St. John’s, Newfoundland, where his parents met. He describes seeing snow for the first time as the “biggest eye-opener” when he moved to Newfoundland.

Paul previously cooked for seven years in the military after attending culinary school at the College of North Atlantic. He now prefers “drug interdiction” in his Bosun role over cooking, which is now a hobby. He finds the new Harry Dewolf vessel “absolutely wonderful” due to its better quality of life and smaller, more “close-knit” crew. He sends a shout-out to his parents, Mary and George, his brother Michael and his family in St. John’s, and his wife Allison in Halifax.

Sailor Second Class Rey-Ge Paul

Sailor Second Class Rey-Ge Paul, a Bosun on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was surprised to learn of the Navy’s presence in Winnipeg, joining through a recruiting event at his high school, influenced by a family member. He was 16 when he went to boot camp, which he says made him “grow up fast” and gain “confidence”.

Rey-Ge is currently serving full-time with the Navy after initially joining the reserves, and he feels he “drew the lucky straw” by being posted to HMCS Harry Dewolf, a brand new ship he didn’t even ask for. His job involves lookout, light handling, and training to be a Coxswain, which will include driving boats and training new Bosuns. His favorite part of the Navy is “the view,” seeing different places like San Francisco and building lasting friendships.

Lieutenant Ryan Bell

Lieutenant Ryan Bell, the Executive Officer (XO) on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Caledonia, Ontario. He joined the Naval Reserve through HMCS Star in Hamilton for university funding, influenced by his father who served 42 years in the Navy. He quickly realized he wanted to do no other job and joined the regular forces.

Ryan describes his role as second-in-command, responsible for the crew’s well-being, leading damage control, and providing advice to the Captain. He was offered the XO position on HMCS Harry Dewolf with the opportunity to “circumnavigate North America and do the first transits of the Northwest Passage by a Canadian naval vessel since 1954,” an opportunity he couldn’t say “yes fast enough” to. He describes the Northwest Passage transit as “humbling” and a “great adventure,” operating in a “beautiful, beautiful place”. His favorite part of the Navy is the constant change and challenges, with “every day a new challenge and a new adventure”. He proudly states that HMCS Harry Dewolf has “the best crew in the Navy,” setting the foundation for the ships’ employment for the next 50 years.

Master Sailor Ryan Smith

Master Sailor Ryan Smith, a Marine Technician and the ship’s barber on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland. He grew up on the ocean, fishing and spending time at the yacht club, an upbringing that prepared him for life at sea. He was influenced by his cousin, a Chief Bosun, and his long history in military organizations since age five.

Ryan was part of the Harry Dewolf’s circumnavigation of North America, which included the Northwest Passage, an “amazing trip” where he saw “northern lights to polar bears” and experienced how “a lot of Canadians don’t know what it’s like up there”. His job involves monitoring the propulsion plant, managing fuel systems for helicopters, and cutting hair for the crew. He enjoys his busy role, finding that it “makes time go by a little faster”. He thanks his family for their “continued support” and for making him proud.

Sailor First Class Steve Vallieres

Sailor First Class Steve Vallieres, a Weapon Engineering Technician on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, Quebec. He had “no connection at all” to the Navy growing up but was drawn by a desire to serve, having been a cadet, and the Navy’s program to pay for schooling. He studied electronics at college in Trois-Rivières, finding the skills learned applicable to his current role.

Steve’s job involves specializing in sonar and defensive weapons, tracking depth, and monitoring systems for efficiency and maintenance. His favorite part of the Navy is “sailing” and “discover[ing] new places,” noting the unique perspective of arriving by sea compared to flying. He reflects on his 10 years working in a factory before joining, stating, “I know I made the right decision” because of the profound difference in work and the strong sense of “big family” on ships, where colleagues become “your brother of your sister”. He highlights the Navy as a secure career for at least 25 years.

Sub Lieutenant Terrence Moy

Sub Lieutenant Terrence Moy, a Naval Warfare Officer on HMCS Harry Dewolf, grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His father, an immigrant from Singapore, served in the Singaporean national service, influencing Terrence. As a Naval Warfare Officer and Bridge Watchkeeper, he is responsible for knowing “pretty much all of the aspects of the ship,” including engineering and driving. He aims to continually advance, “not putting limits on my horizon”.

Terrence’s favorite part about being in the Navy is “being at sea” and interacting with other vessels. He is proud of his service and believes he is “bringing Canadian pride to all over the world” through his presence. He sends greetings to his family in Cape Breton (parents, three younger sisters) and his older brother in Dartmouth.

Sub Lieutenant Tomas Griffin

Sub Lieutenant Tomas Griffin, a Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP) on HMCS Harry Dewolf, grew up in Point St. Charles, Montreal, a “cosmopolitan” and “multicultural” city. He joined the Navy after recruitment officers visited his high school, drawn by the adventure, travel, and the opportunity for school funding for his family of nine children.

Tomas’s job involves gathering, analyzing, and distributing “tactical information,” such as managing radar tracks and controlling information flow, calling it the “central hub of an operation”. His favorite part of the Navy, which he articulates with profound emotion, is the “act of service,” finding the “ability to serve the Canadian people is extremely gratifying in how purposeful it feels” and calling it an “immense privilege” to directly contribute to the “well-being of Canadian citizens”. He emphasizes being “happy” and surrounded by “incredible people”.

Logistician Vincent Perez

Logistician Vincent Perez, a Material Management Technician (MMT) on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He immigrated from the Philippines in grade 10 and joined the military as a way to “give back to this wonderful country” for welcoming his family and providing opportunities. He highlights the Navy’s rich history, culture, and traditions, and the “lots of opportunities” it offers for past, present, and future.

Vincent enjoys traveling and meeting new people, finding satisfaction in helping them with claims and bookings. He started his naval career at HMCS Chippewa, a “wonderful naval reserve,” which showed him many opportunities, leading him to join the regular forces. He encourages anyone interested to “give it a little give it a try”.

Sailor First Class Caitlyn Osena

Sailor First Class Caitlyn Osena, a Financial Services Administrator on HMCS Harry Dewolf, is also from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was an Air Cadet for five years, and her grandfathers in the Philippines were in the military or police. Although she initially asked for the Air Force, she was given the Navy and has “no regrets,” loving the opportunity to “travel the world and see everything while I’m young”.

Caitlyn also started her naval career at HMCS Chippewa, which she describes as a “wonderful naval reserve” that showed her many opportunities. She encourages anyone interested in the forces to “give it a little give it a try,” emphasizing that “you’re not losing anything”. She sends greetings to her family and sisters in Winnipeg.

Based on the interviews, Canadian pride is deeply intertwined with service, identity, and the profound experiences gained through the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). It encompasses both individual fulfillment and a collective sense of purpose for the nation.

Here’s a summary of Canadian pride as expressed by the interviewees:

• Serving and Contributing to the Nation: Many sailors articulate a clear sense of duty and a desire to serve their country. They see their work as directly contributing to the security and well-being of Canadians and representing Canada on a global stage. One sailor noted that by helping an orphanage, “we represent canadians,” fostering a positive view of Canada due to their actions. The RCN is highlighted as an institution serving the country “day in day out”.
• Pride in the Royal Canadian Navy: There is an overwhelming sense of pride in being a part of the Royal Canadian Navy.
  • Sailors express immense satisfaction in their roles, from leading a ship to performing specialized tasks.
  • The RCN is seen as one of “Canada’s most important institutions”, demonstrating “solid leadership” from top to bottom.
  • New ships, like HMCS Margaret Brooke, are described as “something that all canadians should be proud of”, reflecting a successful collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
  • The Navy’s presence in ports, like St. John’s, generates visible excitement and pride among Canadians.
  • HMCS Oriole is seen as an “outreach vessel” promoting the Navy across the country, while HMCS Haida is treasured as a “piece of Canadian history”.
• Appreciation for Canada’s Diversity and Opportunities:
  • Interviewees, including immigrants, consistently highlight Canada as an “amazing country” with “so many opportunities”.
  • The Navy itself is seen as a “beautiful mosaic of cultures and genders,” striving for greater equity and equality. Immigrant sailors, in particular, express their service as a way to “give back to this wonderful country” for the opportunities provided.
  • Sailors from diverse backgrounds, including landlocked provinces, find a unique connection to the ocean and the country through their service.
  • The Arctic, for example, is described as an “exotic land within Canadian territory” with its own “mystic and beauty,” inspiring many sailors. The successful transit of the Northwest Passage by HMCS Harry DeWolf is a source of national pride, demonstrating Canada’s operational capability in its remote regions.
• Camaraderie and the “Family” Bond: A recurring theme is the strong bonds formed among sailors, often described as being like a “family”. This close-knit environment fosters mutual support and makes challenging deployments more manageable. Many cite this camaraderie as their favorite part of being in the Navy.
• Personal Growth and Adventure: For many, joining the Navy is about personal challenge, travel, and experiencing things “you’ll never seen” or would not typically do in civilian life. This journey, often starting young and from diverse hometowns across Canada, instills confidence and a broad understanding of the country and the world. The feeling of a “dream come true” is common when reflecting on their experiences.

Ultimately, Canadian pride, as evidenced by these interviews, is an active, living concept demonstrated through the dedication of its Navy members, their deep personal connections, and their appreciation for the country’s values, diversity, and global impact.