The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) welcomed His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall into naval service with a commissioning ceremony in Halifax, N.S.
“I join the Royal Canadian Navy in celebrating the commissioning of HMCS William Hall into Canada’s fleet. As we outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, protecting Canadian sovereignty is job number one for the Canadian Armed Forces – and these patrol vessels are an important capability that allows our Navy to fulfil this mission. As the security challenges facing Canada evolve rapidly, we are steadfastly committed to investing in the defence of our Arctic and North.”
The Honorable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
The commissioning of HMCS William Hall included a symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to the Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Kelemen, and the breaking (hoisted and flown) of the ship’s pennant at the same time as the ship’s ensign.
“The commissioning of a ship is a critical milestone, as it represents its official welcome into the Royal Canadian Navy and signifies that it is available for unrestricted service. I commend the tremendous dedication of the captain and crew of HMCS William Hall, who have successfully completed months of trials and training to be ready for this moment. Our fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel now stands ready to protect our Arctic waters and Canada’s maritime interests.”
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
A commissioning ceremony is a long-time naval tradition and a special event for the ship’s company, inducting the ship into the RCN fleet. After the completion of sea and port trials, the ship is ready to deploy and carry out its missions.
“Today is a very exciting day for my ship’s crew. They have spent many months preparing the ship and readying themselves for the challenges ahead. A commissioning ceremony is a symbolic moment, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for many sailors. I am extremely proud of the crew that has brought HMCS William Hall into the Royal Canadian Navy fleet.”
Commander Scott Kelemen, HMCS William Hall
Quick Facts
- HMCS William Hall is named in honour of Petty Officer William Hall, a Canadian naval hero, for his actions at the Relief of Lucknow, India on November 16, 1857, during the Indian Rebellion.
- Launched in November 2022, HMCS William Hall, was delivered to the RCN in August 2023.
- The RCN is affiliating each one of its Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels with the six Inuit regions of the Inuit Nunangat. On March 24th, 2024, HMCS William Hall was affiliated with the Kivalliq region during a ceremony held in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
- Specifically designed to patrol Canada’s northernmost regions and offshore waters, the Harry DeWolf-class bolsters RCN’s presence in the Arctic and its ability to operate globally protecting Canada’s interests at home and abroad.
- Two additional ships are being procured as part of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel fleet, with the last one expected to be delivered in 2025.
- In the recent Defence Policy Update, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada announced investments to acquire specialized maritime sensors which can rapidly deployed on the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to conduct ocean surveillance.
- Through this policy, the Government also committed to explore options for enabling our Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to embark and operate our maritime helicopters at sea. This will increase the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to assert Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic and North, conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue, and be better prepared to respond to the growing range and sophistication of maritime threats.
