NAC News – Edition 637 HMCS Chippawa
Your weekly national and international naval news for the week of October 3, 2025
Edition 637 HMCS Chippawa Quote: “Unable to hide, the future of conventional air and sea-surface platforms is grim. When fighting competent opponents, those few, valuable, and conspicuous legacy platforms are likely to be destroyed. Modern warfare is not boxing, it is hide-and-seek. We should redesign our forces accordingly.” CIMSEC, A Navy for War in the Age of Intelligent Missiles, Craig Koerner, 29 September 2025 (Editor – article in USA & America section)
Rod Hughes: Editor NAC News rhughes@shaw.ca (Comments welcome to help improve this service.) The content of this bulletin includes articles from entities not subject to the Official Languages Act. Consequently, these articles may be provided by the institution in only one official language, including the links, and we do not have the copyright to modify or translate them. Links to keep in touch with the NAC and RCN can be found at the bottom of this email. Contact naccoordinator@navalassoc.ca if you wish someone to be added to the NAC News email distribution. (Influencer, or good candidates to become a NAC member – note, the first year’s NAC/Branch membership dues are waived)
NOTICES
15 October 2025 (8:00 – 2:15 Halifax time) Chief Heads of Navy – Alliances and Partnerships in Shifting Geopolitical Landscapes, to be held at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Loyola Academic Complex 290. The Canadian Maritime Security Network is pleased to partner with the RCN to welcome the Chief of Heads of Navy of Germany, New Zealand, Norway, and Pakistan to Saint Mary’s University for a public event. VAdm Angus Topshee will provide a Keynote followed by two panels of the Chiefs of Heads of Navy. This event will focus on the challenges posed by rapidly shifting geopolitics and the growing importance of strengthening global partnerships. For more information email: rdean@stfx.ca
NEW 16 October 2025 CDAI: National Marine Workforce Development Conference (9:00-17:00 local) at the George Brown Waterfront Campus in Toronto, ON. The Conference will be followed by a reception aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke which will be docked at Sugar Beach. The National Marine Workforce Development Conference is designed to address the critical workforce shortage in Canada’s marine sector. Through a dynamic format that includes plenary sessions, interactive breakout discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will have the chance to actively engage with leaders from government, industry, and education.
21–22 October 2025 ABCMI’s Business Opportunities Conference & Trade Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre, this flagship event brings together leading companies from across Canada in the marine and defence sectors. See the website for our draft Programme and list of Exhibitors. Tickets are selling quickly; exhibit spaces are sold out.
4 November 2025 7.30 – 18.30 Ottawa time Deep Blue Forum 6th Annual Conference. Theme: The Future of the Submarine Enterprise – People Harnessing Technology, in a System of Systems. The National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa Today is the last day that the Super Early Bird Registration is Open! Contact The ticket discount code for NAC members is DB25_NAC Keynote Speaker, Paula Folkes – Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement.
25 November 2025 CMSN: Northern Maritime Security – Threats In, To, and Through the Arctic and North Atlantic. Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa. Conference program coming soon
24 February 2026 ShipTech Forum 2026, The National Arts Centre, Ottawa. 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1 (Editor – NAC helps sponsor this event) Super Early Bird Registration is Open!
15 May 2026 HMCS Sackville – Re-commissioning. Details to follow!
THIS WEEK’S SIGNIFICANT ARTICLES
Canada announces Defence Investment Agency to manage purchase, delivery of military equipment and Defence procurement vs. defence production: What’s best for Canada? and Carney Launches New Defence Investment Agency (Editor – CDAI 42:00 min podcast) Same Old or Something New? Canadian Defence Procurement in the Carney Era
CANADA
Great Lakes tour brings HMCS Margaret Brooke to Sault Ste. Marie (Editor – CTV 2:17 min video) and Royal Canadian Navy WARSHIP on the Great Lakes! (Editor – eye candy in this 2:41 min video)
Royal Canadian Navy Pays Off Kingston-class warships and La Marine royale canadienne procède au désarmement de ses navires de guerre de la classe Kingston and news article ‘Paying off’ ceremony marks end of line for Kingston-class navy vessels and Send-off held for three Kingston-class vessels on Vancouver Island (Editor – a complimentary media 2:21 min video)
Canada looking for new fleet of submarines (Editor – 7:24 min CTV news interview)
As China explores the Arctic, Canada’s military is preparing for confrontation and How Canada’s military is defending the Arctic (Editor – CBC 10:11 min video)
Irving Shipbuilding awards L3Harris VSS work on Canada’s River-class destroyers
CAE joins Lockheed Martin for RCN destroyer programme
Canada’s Heavy Polar Icebreaker Program Advances as Seaspan and Genoa Expand Partnership
HMCS Ville de Québec pioneers Massive Blood Transfusion training & Le NCSM Ville de Québec est à l’avant-plan de l’instruction en transfusion de sang de masse
New Security Response Vessels for CFB Halifax
Ottawa tries — again — to strip military of power to investigate sexual offences
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES: Boot’s on the Ground in Gaza? (Editor – something for awareness in a 5:41 min video)
Canada green-lights company’s plan to salvage stranded Arctic ship
Port Alberni eyed for West Coast ship dismantling, recycling hub
Vancouver Port Smashes Trade Records Amid Global Trade Shifts
The Nautical Institute: The Navigator October 2025 Issue GNSS Disruption
CDR: Special Edition August 2025 (Editor – packed with naval articles)
Veterans Ombudsman: Care at Home – Resource Guide
NAC Naval Affairs: Bibliographies – Canada’s Naval Requirements (Editor – NAC Naval Affairs Papers, Briefing Notes, Niobe Papers, and much more. Please share with anyone you think may benefit from the knowledge, after all, that’s what our naval affairs programme is all about – enlightening Canadians)
USA & AMERICA
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Sept. 29, 2025
‘Sounding even more weird by the hour’: Hegseth’s military general gathering raises alarm bells (Editor – MSNBC 7:53 min video) and Trump and Hegseth declare end to ‘woke’ culture in U.S. military and if you must BREAKING NEWS: Hegseth Unveils To Generals & Admirals Massive Military Overhaul To Root Out Wokeness (Editor – 48:42 min full video)
Pentagon Issues New Guidance on Physical Fitness, Grooming Standards Following Quantico Speech
‘None of us have ever asked for special treatment’ – female veterans respond to Hegseth
U.S. Navy to Receive 19 New Warships in 2026 Budget (Editor – 8:59 min video)
US awards Lockheed $647M to build new Trident II D5 submarine-launched nuclear missiles
Bollinger Awarded Contract for First Navy Landing Ship Medium
U.S. Navy Considering $3.5B Multiple Award Contract for 2,800 Small Boats and Craft
Navy’s future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. is christened during ceremony in Maine
US Coast Guard orders new heavy water boats
Austal and US Navy Revise Contract in Program Building First Steel Ships
Japan’s Destroyer Chokai En Route to San Diego for Tomahawk Training
USNI: 09.30.25 Beyond Shipyards to Unmanned Systems in the Future Fleet (Editor – 1:16:00 hr video)
USNI: Madison Grand Strategy “First Wednesday” Sea Power Discussion with the Honorable John Lehman (Editor – 1:30:42 hr video)
US Navy’s NEW F-35 Lightning II Carrier SHOCKED The World! (Editor – 12:07 min video)
CIMSEC: Anchor Acquisition and Force Development on Targeting China’s C4ISR (Editor – despite today’s “Quote”…all in not lost!)
CIMSEC: Start Building Small Warships
CIMSEC: A Navy for War in the Age of Intelligent Missiles in the same vein Expand the Navy’s Over-the Horizon Targeting Solutions
CIMSEC: Navigate the Future Through Maritime Wisdom
UN approves larger force to combat Haiti gang violence
INDO-PACIFIC
Report: After Review, AUKUS Submarine Sales Will Go Forward
Manila Recovers Chinese Underwater Drone Operating in Philippine Waters
China starts building Type 004 nuclear aircraft carrier to rival U.S. Navy’s Ford-class with China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet has RCS smaller than a human palm: official media
China’s drone-carrying amphibious assault ship the Sichuan expected to start sea trials
Carrier USS George Washington Resumes Patrol After Break
Russian Pacific Fleet ships depart for deployment in distant waters
U.S. Guided-missile Sub Makes Rare Appearance in the Philippines
Indian Navy Completes First-Ever Submarine Intervention & Rescue Drill In South China Sea
PLA Navy ships arrive in Hong Kong for open ship events
China Expands Global Trade Network with Launch of First ‘Arctic Express’ Container Service and Governor inks deal with Chinese shipper, touts Murmansk as ‘Icy Silk Road’ hub
CSIS: China Still Dominates Ship Orders Despite U.S. Port Fee Push
Kochi-Based Startup EyeROV Secures Rs 47 Crore Order from Indian Navy for Advanced UWROVs
Subic Bay Regains its Importance as a Forward Base and Pentagon Awards Contract to Upgrade Philippine Naval Base Near South China Sea
EUROPE
Black Sea:
WATCH: New full close-up footage of Ukraine’s naval drone attack on the port of Tuapse is released (Editor – comes down to the ability to hit what you’re aiming at!)
Ukraine’s Drone Subs May Open Up a New Front in the Black Sea
The Tide is Turning – Russia Rattled as Refineries Razed so if this is all half correct, The TRUTH of Russia’s War When the Cameras Are Off (Editor – 16:21 min video)
Romanians ready for Black Sea mission after training with Royal Navy
LXDs: The Most Versatile Vessels in Peacetime and in the Defense Maritime Scenario
Baltic:
NATO Moves Frigate to Copenhagen to Counter Mysterious Drone Threat
Diver Linked to Nord Stream Explosions Detained in Poland
Germany receives first P-8 sub-hunting plane amid Baltic Sea tensions
Suspicious Drones Spotted Over Thyssenkrupp Sub-Building Shipyard in Kiel
Finnish Court to Deliver Verdict in Baltic Sea Cable Breach Trial Against Tanker Crew
General:
French troops board oil tanker linked to Russian ‘shadow fleet’
UK responds to Canadian warning on submarine vulnerability
German Navy: More F127 frigates and an upcoming decision on the F126
Two women die during failed Channel crossing attempt and they keep coming UK Sees Biggest-Ever Migrant Arrival As Boats Get Bigger
RH Marine and Naval Group formalize partnership in Dutch submarine replacement program
Dutch Navy commissions Damen-built combat support ship HNLMS Den Helder
Russia launches new Tarantul-class corvette Strelok to strengthen coastal defense (Editor – built on the Volga River, so not sure where it will home port)
The Royal Navy’s new plan for literal gunboat diplomacy is a good idea (Editor – literal vs littoral J While the Continental Defence Corvette look like this?)
Significant step made to arming Royal Navy attack helicopters with ship-busting missiles
In pictures: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attends 120th birthday of RFA as guest of honour
SubSea Craft MARS USV at DSEI UK 2025 (Editor – 3:37 min video)
MBDA Inks Production Contract for TESEO MK2/E Anti-ship Missile
INS Trikand makes port call at Taranto to strengthen India-Italy Defence Ties
Russian Oil Flows Show Buyers Shunning Trump’s Push to End Trade
Finland’s Aker Arctic Unveils Next-Generation Medium-Class Icebreaker as Global Demand Heats Up
Gaza Flotilla Sails Again; Italy’s Tajani Warns Of Danger
MIDDLE EAST
Red Sea/Gulf of Aden:
Dutch Cargo Ship ‘Minervagracth’ Attacked in Gulf of Aden, Vessel Adrift and On Fire then Dutch Cargo Ship Adrift and Ablaze After Attack in Gulf of Aden, EU Maritime Mission Says a summary Houthis Attack Dutch Ship in the Red Sea
Netherlands Calls on EU to Sanction Yemen’s Houthis After Ship Attack
General:
Israeli naval ships intercept Gaza-bound flotilla
Russian Navy Struggles to Maintain a Mediterranean Presence and Russian submarine Novorossiysk surfaces near Gibraltar after fuel leak sparks explosion risk
UN resumes sanctions on Iran after failed last-minute nuclear talks
Unproven Littoral Combat Ships are replacing retired MCM ships in Bahrain
GLOBAL INTERESTS
China’s 15th Arctic Expedition Marks Milestone with First Manned Dive Beneath Polar Ice
Global Maritime Forum Warns Industry Risks Leadership Crisis Without Diversity Reform
NATO warships boost ties with Tunisia
SCUTTLEBUTT
The Coriolis Effect Explained (Editor – 7:27 min video)
Raising the Kursk: Nuclear Submarine Recovery Under Arctic Ice (Editor – 44:49 min video)
Bravery in Steel – The Flower Class Corvette (Editor – great pics in a 9:59 min video)
The 19th Century Salt Cod Fisheries (Editor – 11:21 min video)
THIS WEEK IN RCN/MARITIME HISTORY
4 October 1944 HMCS Chebogue (River Class frigate) was torpedoed by U -1227 800 miles west of the British Isles. Seven sailors are killed. The ship was towed 1,400 kilometres to Wales.
5 October 2004 HMCS Chicoutimi a diesel-electric submarine during its maiden voyage under command of the RCN, a fire caused severe damage, resulting in the death of Naval Technical Officer Lt(N) Chris Saunders, and eight other crewmembers being injured. Chicoutimi would not sail again for almost 10 years.
5-13 October 1984 Canada’s first astronaut’s takes flight with Marc Garneau’s during, STS-41G, aboard the shuttle Challenger as payload specialist. Garneau was a Combat Systems Engineer (new Naval Technical Officer) then seconded from the RCN to the new Canadian Astronaut Programme to begin a short period of rigorous training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. He studied Engineering Physics at the Royal Military College of Kingston and earned his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, England, in 1973. Garneau began his career as a naval officer in 1973 and was based in Halifax, serving as an engineer and instructor. He was promoted to Captain in 1986 but ended his naval career in 1989 after 23 years’ service to become deputy director of the Canadian Astronaut Programme, where he provided technical and programme support for future Canadian missions. Elected to parliament in 2008 he served as Minister of Transport, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, retiring in 2023. This accomplished Canadian died 4 June 2025.
8 October 1880 The Governor General of Canada request that the Admiralty supply a vessel for training of the Naval Reserve. The Admiralty offers HMS Charybdis, a steam frigate. The Canadian High Commissioner reports her suitable for training, her worn boilers will not allow for a winter voyage across the Atlantic. When she finally arrives, she will require further extensive repair at Canadian Government expense.
8 October 1943 A Sunderland of RCAF Squadron 423 sank U-610 in the North Atlantic.
8 October 1944 HMCS Mulgrave (Bangor Class minesweeper) was damaged by a ground mine off Le Havre, is beached, and became a “constructive total loss”.
8 October 1992 The Governor-General, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries unveil the Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa.
8 October 2001 Minister of Defence Art Eggleton announces the details of Canada’s contribution to the campaign against terrorism. Canada’s initial commitment involved 2000 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces and included the deployment of ships, aircraft, and a small contingent of soldiers. It is the biggest mobilization of the armed forces since the Korean War.
9 October 1943 German submarine U-220 lays 66 magnetic mines 24 kilometres off St. John’s Harbour.
Significant RCN Dates – If you notice any omissions or errors please inform me, and pointing out any more modern significant dates is encouraged. The list draws primarily from the Directory of History and Heritage’s comprehensive “Significant Dates in Canadian Military History”, the now defunct “Canada Channel”, “Legion Magazine”, The Naval Service of Canada, Its Official History Vol 1-3, NAC member Roger Litwiller’s excellent web site, encyclopedic guidance from NAC member Fraser McKee, the Uboat.net site, and anywhere else I can find credible information. For the merchant ship history, a special thanks to NAC member Bill Dziadyk for his able assistance and detailed work. The RCN lost 1,965 men and 24 ships during the War, most of them in the Atlantic. A comprehensive list of the staggering merchant losses – sunk, damaged, or lost – Canadian Merchant Ship Losses of the Second World War, 1939-1945 by Rob Fisher {Revised June 2001}, and for the loss of individual personnel RCN Ship Histories, Convoy Escort Movements, Casualty Lists 1939-1947)
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE NAC
If you are receiving NAC News, consider friends joining NAC – Membership and Renewal plus NAC Naval Affairs Papers, Briefing Notes, Niobe Papers, and much more.
Should you wish to donate or leave a memorial, consider donating to the NAC, its Branches (NAC member Login required) or the NAC Endowment Fund. Donations to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education Foundation should be made through its website.
NAC reference to assist veterans and/or seniors is located at Veteran’s Corner
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE RCN
Facebook – RoyalCanadianNavy | MarineRoyaleCanadienne;
Twitter – @RoyalCanNavy | @MarineRoyaleCan;
LinkedIn – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
Instagram – RoyalCanNavy | MarineRoyaleCan;
Flickr – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
YouTube – RoyalCanadianNavy | MarineRoyaleCanadienne
Vimeo – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
|
You are receiving this email because you are associated with NAC and have been receiving NAC News. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe by emailing the publisher: naccoordinator@navalassoc.ca
Copyright © 2025 Naval Association of Canada, all rights reserved.