December 19, 2025 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, following a four-month deployment to the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions under Operations LATITUDE, HORIZON, and NEON.
The ship began its deployment with Operation LATITUDE, navigating the Northern Pacific region and Bering and Chukchi seas. HMCS Max Bernays’ participation in the operation increased the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) domain awareness in the Western Arctic and enhanced interoperability with the United States military in the context of continental defence. On August 29, 2025, HMCS Max Bernays reached a latitude of 81° North, the farthest north a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel has ever travelled. This historic milestone underscores both the capability of the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPV) and the CAF’s capacity to operate confidently in Canada’s North.
After supporting Operation LATITUDE, HMCS Max Bernays transited into the North Pacific, where it participated in Operation NEON, reinforcing Canada’s longstanding commitment to maritime security and regional stability. Operation NEON is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea. As part of this Operation, Canada works alongside allies and partners including the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, France, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Through its contributions to Operation NEON, HMCS Max Bernays helped deter sanctions evasion and illustrated Canada’s commitment to upholding international law.
During the deployment, the ship also participated in multinational engagements, including Exercise SAMA SAMA 25 and ANNUALEX 25, enhancing the CAF’s interoperability and strengthening Canada’s partnerships. This was accomplished as part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s comprehensive military approach to promote peace and stability in support of an international system based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.
From the Canadian Arctic to the Indo-Pacific region, HMCS Max Bernays demonstrated its ability to operate effectively in diverse waters, highlighting that the AOPV is a modern, adaptable, and globally deployable ship able to operate wherever Canadian interests and partnerships exist.
Quotes
“From achieving a historic milestone in the Arctic to contributing to security and stability across the Indo-Pacific, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Max Bernays has shown exceptional versatility and professionalism. Through their support to Operation NEON and participation in Operation HORIZON, they strengthened Canada’s partnerships and reinforced our commitment to the Indo-Pacific Strategy. We proudly welcome the ship’s company home to Esquimalt.”
Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific
“Reaching the highest latitude ever attained by a Royal Canadian Navy ship during Operation LATITUDE, making meaningful contributions to Operation NEON, as well as engagements throughout the Indo-Pacific while supporting Operation HORIZON, demonstrated the capability, adaptability, and dedication of our sailors. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of our families and friends back home.”
Commander Nadia Shields, Commanding Officer, HMCS Max Bernays
Quick facts
On August 29, 2025, HMCS Max Bernays reached 81°12.044’ N, 155°38.512’ W, the farthest north any RCN ship has sailed.
Operation HORIZON implements the defence elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, increasing the CAF’s forward-deployed presence, deepening cooperation with regional partners and expanding participation in multinational exercises.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy outlines a whole-of-government approach to supporting a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The Harry DeWolf-class AOPVs enhance the RCN’s capacity to operate in domestic and international waters, including the High Arctic.
HMCS Max Bernays is the third Harry DeWolf-class AOPV, and typically sails with a ship’s company of approximately 75-85 RCN personnel
I highly recommend to Mr Pugliese that he interview these two officers. One admiral (one of those “generals!) and an admiral to be. I’m sure he might be able to write a column with some Christmas spirit.
That's very far north