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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

HMCS Margaret Brooke returns from historic Operation PROJECTION

National Defence

News release

May 9, 2025 - Ottawa, ON - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke has successfully completed Operation (Op) PROJECTION, marking the end of a historic deployment to the South American, Antarctic, and Caribbean regions. This mission, which began on January 10, 2025, was the first visit to Antarctica by a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel, supporting the first all-Canadian scientific research expedition to the region.

During the deployment, HMCS Margaret Brooke built and enhanced international relationships, in cooperation with Global Affairs Canada, through multiple port visits and engagements with regional partners throughout South America and the Caribbean. In Antarctica, the ship supported Canadian scientists in conducting vital research, showcasing Canada's commitment to understanding this unique polar environment.

The crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout Op PROJECTION. Their efforts have strengthened Canada's forward presence and diplomacy in the Central and South Americas, contributing to international peace and security. The climate change research conducted in the Antarctic region will benefit Canadians and the world by improving understanding of climate change impacts

Quotes

"Today, I acknowledge a historic moment as His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke returns from the Antarctic region. The crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout Operation PROJECTION, and their efforts have strengthened Canada's forward presence and diplomacy in the Central and South Americas while enhancing Canada's understanding of the Antarctic region. I am immensely proud of their achievements and the significant contributions they have made to international peace and security."

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic

"The crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke has completed a 'once in a career' mission, advancing Antarctic research and enhancing Canada's commitment to international peace and security. Their hard work and dedication have established and fostered relationships with countries in the Central and South American regions. I couldn't be prouder of HMCS Margaret Brooke's crew and all the training and preparation they have done to be here. We couldn't be where we are today without every member of the team and the unwavering support of their family and friends."

Commander Teri Share, Commanding Officer HMCS Margaret Brooke

Quick facts

  • MCS Margaret Brooke's mission included support to foreign diplomacy and Antarctic marine and coastal geoscience research, with an embarked science team assisted by the crew.

  • HMCS Margaret Brooke is a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, designed for operations in polar regions and extreme climates.

  • The climate change research conducted in the Antarctic region will benefit Canadians, especially those living in Arctic environments, by improving understanding of climate change impacts.

  • The science team was composed of academics and scientists from National Resources Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

  • HMCS Margaret Brooke was away from home port for 119 days conducting training and in support of Op PROJECTION, sailed over 20,500 nautical miles, covered the geographical areas of South America, Antarctica, and the Caribbean, visited nine ports, and visited three Antarctic Research Stations.

  • Op PROJECTION is Canada's ongoing naval forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in support of the rules-based international order. During this operation, the RCN regularly conducts exercises, engagements and port visits with allies and partners.



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