(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elijua Guel)
Today, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) welcomed His Majesty’s Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette into naval service with a commissioning ceremony.
A commissioning ceremony is a long-time naval tradition and a special event for the ship’s company. Today’s traditional event included a symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to the Commanding Officer, Commander Jolene Lisi, and the breaking of the ship’s pennant at the same time as the ship’s ensign.
HMCS Frédérick Rolette is the fifth Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to be welcomed into the RCN’s fleet. These vessels enhance the RCN’s ability to enforce sovereignty in Canadian waters and helps meet future defence challenges in Northern waters.
Quotes
“I want to thank the members of the Royal Canadian Navy that were involved in bringing today’s commissioning into fruition. Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels are a critical capability for our Navy’s ability to defend Canada’s waters. To assert our sovereignty, we will need a strong and sustained presence along our three coasts. The HMCS Frédérick Rolette and its crew is integral to that objective – asserting our sovereignty in Arctic and coastal waters.”
— The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Welcoming a ship into service with the Royal Canadian Navy is always a significant milestone for our sailors. Today, we celebrate the many months of trials and readiness training which the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette has steadfastly completed. We recognize the agility of this great platform which will monitor and defend Canadian sovereignty in all three of our oceans.”
— Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
“Today’s ceremony is a celebratory event for our crew. As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette is welcomed into the fleet, we look forward to each and every opportunity we will have to sail on this great ship, both at home and abroad. I am incredibly proud of the work of our sailors and thank all of those who have brought us to today.”
— Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer, HMCS Frédérick Rolette
Quick Facts
AOPVs augment Canada’s presence offshore and will be capable of conducting a wide variety of operations abroad. Specifically designed to patrol Canada’s northernmost regions and offshore waters, the Harry DeWolf class bolsters the RCN’s presence in the Arctic and its ability to operate globally protecting Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
HMCS Frédérick Rolette is named in honour of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, a Canadian-born officer and naval hero of various actions, ashore and afloat, during the War of 1812, including command of the ship General Hunter.
The naming ceremony for HCMS Frédérick Rolette took place in May 2024, and the ship was delivered in August 2024.
AOPV’s are known as the Harry DeWolf class, named in honour of Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a Canadian wartime naval hero. The first in its class, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was delivered to Canada on July 30, 2020, and was officially commissioned into RCN service on June 26, 2021.
All currently serving members of the Harry DeWolf class are well equipped to provide an armed presence that can conduct surveillance operations, contribute to humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and disaster relief.
With considerable space to transport cargo and the capacity to embark small vehicles, deployable boats, and, in the future, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, HMCS Frédérick Rolette will contribute to global peace and security in coordination with our allies and partners, at home and abroad.
The sixth and final AOPV, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is currently in production and is expected to be delivered by August 2025.
