The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) celebrated its third Northern Affiliation ceremony November 8, 2023, This event was between Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) Max Bernays and the Kitikmeot Region, in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut at Polar Knowledge, Canada’s High Arctic Research Station. Ship affiliation is a time-honored naval tradition that endures for the duration of a ship’s service life.
The RCN plays a crucial role in protecting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. Northern Affiliations not only allow for the continued safeguarding Canada’s Arctic but also the strengthening of relationships and connections with Northern communities.
The Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels are highly versatile ships that can be used on a variety of missions at home and abroad, such as coastal surveillance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, support to international partners, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief.