NAC News – Edition 667 HMCS Inch Arran
Your weekly national and international naval news for the week of May 1, 2026
Edition 667 HMCS Inch Arran (River/Prestonian Class Frigate) Quote: “The principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable,” Dominguez told the Security Council. In one of the sharpest legal rebukes yet to emerging transit restrictions in the waterway, he said there is “no legal basis” for any country to impose payments, tolls, or discriminatory conditions on passage through an international strait, a clear challenge to reports of “permission-to-transit” arrangements and ad hoc fees demanded by Iran from some ships using coordinated routes through Hormuz. Any departure from long-established transit rights, he warned, would set a dangerous precedent for global shipping. Just as significant was his explicit call for states, when conditions allow, to assist in clearing hazards to navigation “including mines,” one of the clearest acknowledgements yet from the IMO that mine risks remain central to restoring normal commerce.” IMO Chief Warns ‘No Safe Transit’ in Hormuz, Rejects Tolls at U.N. Security Council Mike Schuler, 27 April 2026
Editor NAC News: Rod Hughes (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.
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NOTICES
12 -14 May 2026 Mari-Tech 2026 ABCMI Co-hosting with CIMaRE & SNAME Venue: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street’ Victoria, BC
13 – 15 May 2026 NIBC 2026 Conference – Maritime Arctic Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour hotel, Victoria BC. (Editor – NAC-VI helps financially sponsor this event)
15 May 2026 11:00 am at Sackville Landing. The CNMT has indicated that to mark the 85th anniversary of the launch of HMCS Sackville (English) & (Française) that she will be ceremonially commissioning into the RCN)
27 – 28 May 2026 CANSEC – Canada’s leading defence, security & emerging technology event. EY Centre, Ottawa, ON
25 – 27 June 2026 RCN Historical Conference – CFB Esquimalt, venue possibly HMCS Venture. Details TBP.
13 – 16 July 2026, Monday-Tuesday, Maritime & Arctic Security & Safety Conference (MASS) St. John’s Convention Centre, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
THIS WEEK’S SIGNIFICANT ARTICLE
Global Combat Ship partnership welcomes fourth member and The Global Combat Ship Programme: Norway Added As Newest Member (Editor – useful summary in a 9:45 min video)
CANADA
Canadian Armed Forces: A Wishlist for the Future RCN (Editor – Esprit de Corps 5:45 min video)
Mise à l’eau du NGCC Donjek, premier des deux navires de patrouille extracôtiers et de l’Arctique de la Garde côtière canadienne & Canadian Coast Guard Launches its first of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, CCGS Donjek and Irving Shipbuilding launches Canadian Coast Guard’s AOPS CCGS Donjek and Proud! Canada Launches a Powerful New Ship for Arctic and Offshore Patrol – CCGS Donjek (Editor – 3:02 min video)
Canada selected to headquarter new multinational defence bank, sources say avec Le Canada se réjouit des progrès réalisés vers l’établissement de la Banque de la défense, de la sécurité et de la résilience & Canada welcomes progress towards the establishment of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and hosting its headquarters and Why NATO is Choosing a Canadian System Over the U.S. | Your Morning (Editor – CTV 7:15 min video)
Hanwha Defence Canada: A Strategic Industrial Partner for Canda’s Submarine Program & Beyond
South Korea’s Hanwha sweetens the pot at deadline for submarine bids with
- South Korea sweetens submarine bid, will manufacture armoured vehicles in Canada if chosen
- Hanwha’s Montreal Partnerships Advance Canada’s Submarine Capability at Home
- Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) and Hanwha Corporation announce landmark Canada-South Korea joint venture to establish a new Canadian entity that will produce military and industrial vehicles
- Advancing Sovereign Capability Through Clean Energy: Canada–Korea Partnership Targets Defence and Arctic Needs (Editor – includes KSS-III section)
BREAKING: Canada Just Greenlit a $5 BILLION Warship Fleet — And Trump Didn’t See It Coming (Editor – 12:22 min video)
Former military college Royal Roads will help train officers again aussi Les Forces armées canadiennes et l’Université Royal Roads concluent une entente pour offrir un nouveau parcours d’éducation postsecondaire & Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Roads University agree to new post-secondary education pathway
CDAI: One Year In: Has Carney Strengthened Canada’s Defence? (Editor – 33:24 min podcast)
From Keel to Capability Seaspan’s Blueprint for Canadian Shipbuilding
Leaked report shows basic training pass rate fell after military recruitment changes
Veterans Ombud Nishika Jardine on defending veterans
AI Reconstruction of The Halifax Disaster: Canada’s Deadliest Explosion (Editor – a well done 21:20 min video)
Kinew now banks on Port of Churchill alone to change Manitoba’s financial tides
FPSO FEED award to BW Offshore turning the key on Canada’s $12-billion oil project
NAC Naval Affairs: Bibliography RCN Ship Histories (Editor – NAC Naval Affairs Papers, Briefing Notes, Niobe Papers, and much more. Please share with people you think may benefit from the knowledge, after all, that’s what your naval affairs programme is all about; enlightening Canadians about maritime affairs and the need for the RCN.
USA & AMERICAS
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: April, 27 2026
‘Alpha’ troops and more ships: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao outlines vision for service
U.S. Forces Kill 5 in Strikes on Suspected Narco Boats
How the Iran War Is Draining the U.S. of Critical Weapons (Editor – 2:45 min video)
Ike back at sea following major overhaul, where is the US Navy sending its next carrier?
Navy Awards $282.9M FF(X) Frigate Contract to HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding
U.S. Navy Commissions New Nuclear Powered Attack Submarine as Fleet Shortage Worsens with Is America’s submarine production speeding up? Not according to US Navy data
First Columbia-class Sub Tracking to 2028 Delivery, General Dynamics Says
US Navy’s last Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer starts sea trials
Navy releases list of ships it plans to inactivate this year
US Navy to extend service life of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp by 5 years
U.S. Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for Modified P-8A Poseidon Patrol Aircraft
U.S. Mojave Drone First in Class to Operate from Aircraft Carrier Enabling Sea Based Strike
Amphibs Bougainville, Fallujah Deliveries Are Pushed Another Year
Navy Pushes MQ-25A Stingray IOC Back to 2029 while Production Aircraft Takes First Flight making progress US Navy’s unmanned MQ-25A Stingray notches first successful test flight
Amphib USS San Antonio Returns from Southern Command After More Than 8-month Deployment
New 38-Meter MUSV for US Military to Feature AI-Driven Autonomy
The Submarine the Navy Pretends Doesn’t Exist — USS Jimmy Carter’s Secret Mission (Editor – 20:03 min video)
INDO-PACIFIC
Pacific Ocean and adjoining seas:
China’s Naval Drills Show Growing Focus on Capturing Taiwan
China’s Push Beyond the First Island Chain and China’s Carriers Increasingly Venture Beyond the First Island Chain with Expanding frontiers: how China’s outward push could cause friction
Russian, Chinese Warships Sail Through Japan’s Southwest Region to East China Sea
Russia’s Pacific Fleet ships return to Vladivostok after visiting ports in six countries
Could thousands of US ‘hellscape’ drone boats mess with PLA plans for Taiwan?
Chinese navy hospital ship treats over 26,000 in longest overseas medical mission
AUKUS cracks are showing: UK inquiry
Massive frigate buy from Japan jolts Australian warship program
South Korea Launches ROKS Jeju Frigate With Advanced Air Defense and Strike Capabilities
China Hints Its 4th Aircraft Carrier Will Be Nuclear-Powered with Chinese Defense Ministry responds to speculation about 1st nuclear-powered aircraft carrier sparked by a PLA Navy promo video
Ship that Debuted with the Nigerian Navy will be Key for Future U.S., Australian Naval Forces
China is remaking the South China Sea with a return to island-building
First 10,000 Unit Car Carrier Delivered by China to Hyundai Glovis
Indian Ocean and adjoining seas:
Pakistan commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China
India’s third aircraft carrier stalled as government stays silent on ins Vishal plans
India Conducts First NASM-SR Anti-Ship Missile Salvo from Helicopter Expanding Naval Strike Reach (Editor – hail the mighty Sea King)
EUROPE
Black and Caspian Seas:
ISW: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 26, 2026 resulting in Fire at Russian Black Sea port finally put out days after Ukraine drone attack with Black Rain, Toxic Air and Bird Deaths: Russian Black Sea Town Reels From Refinery Strike
Russian port of Tuapse attacked by Ukrainian drones for 4th time
Aggression against Iran negatively affecting Caspian Sea — Lavrov
Ukrainian Drone Boats Hit Two Russian Patrol Vessels at Kerch Strait with SSU scores big in Crimea: three enemy ships, radar station and logistics targets struck
Ukraine’s drone commander has Russian oil, troops and morale in his sights with Ukraine and the Future of War
Dutch Alkmaar-class vessel to boost Ukraine’s mine countermeasures
Kim Jong Un praises troops who ‘self-blasted’ to avoid capture by Ukraine (Editor – their Klingons)
Baltic Sea:
Ukraine just hit a major Russian refinery for the 3rd time in the past 2 weeks
Mediterranean Sea and its 15 marginal seas:
Israeli forces raid Global Sumud Flotilla boats in international waters
General:
Iran conflict shows NATO unprepared for confrontation with Russia — newspaper
EU’s 20th sanctions batch tightens grip on Russia’s oil, gas, LNG and shadow fleet spheres with 632 vessels blacklisted hence Shadow fleet gets a naval bodyguard as Russia tests UK resolve in the Channel (Editor – wonder what both sides Rules of Engagement are?)
10 European Allies Agree on Joint Naval Force to Deter Russia in Northern Waters
First Sea Lord expands on hybrid navy vision in landmark Fisher lecture
Trump furious as EU dumps US jets for Saab— €150B plan excludes U.S., $2T F-35 program on the brink (Editor – wide-ranging with Cdn connection is a 12:10 min video)
Exploring the impact of UK ‘ceding’ Type 26 frigates to Norway
UK warship builder warns it may run out of British work
Does the Royal Navy have more admirals than ships?
Warships begin missile drills in Barents Sea
Newest ocean minesweeper Polyarny commissioned into Russian Navy while FACTBOX: Russia lays down another minesweeping ship, Project 12700 in focus
German Navy Christens Final Braunschweig Corvette
Five European TSOs launch joint initiative on North Sea subsea cable infrastructure
Royal Caribbean Orders Two More Icon-Class Megaships From Meyer Turku
Shadow tanker that broke Cuba fuel blockade loads Arctic crude in Murmansk
MIDDLE EAST
BREAKING NEWS: General Dan Caine Holds Explosive Military Briefing on Iran War in Washington | AC1Z (Editor – useful clarifying details in a 12:45 min video) more details 7 minutes in on a ship with history Why This Cargo Ship Refused to Stop — And What Was Found Onboard (Editor – 19:29 min video)
US Military Commanders to Brief Trump On Military Options Against Iran, US Official Says
India Reveals Unreported Incident of Iran Firing Warning Shots at Tanker
US Says Navy Intercepted Iran-Linked Vessel in Arabian Sea
Pentagon Chief Hegseth Says US Blockade on Iran ‘Going Global’
Why the US Just Sent a THIRD Supercarrier to the Middle East (Editor – 11:12 min video)
Military Lessons of the Iran War (so far) – Blockades, Bunkers & Ballistic Missiles (Editor – Perun 57:30 min video)
United Arab Emirates to quit oil cartel Opec with Faisal Islam: Why the UAE’s exit from Opec is a big deal (Editor – yet more unintended consequences of the war?)
Middle East Shipping ‘Paralyzed’ by Dueling U.S., Iranian Blockades, Analysts Say
Chubb Says U.S. Hormuz Insurance Backstop Stalled as Military Convoys Fail to Materialize
Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
Hegseth Signals Mines Remain Key Obstacle to Full Hormuz Reopening
Report: Pirates Hijacked Small Product Tanker off Somalia then Pirates seize another vessel off Somali coast as threat level increased
Empty Tankers Are Extending Iran’s Ability to Wait Out the U.S. Blockade
Iran War Leaves Seafarers Stranded In The Gulf with 20,000 seafarers stranded in Persian Gulf as Strait of Hormuz stays shut despite ceasefire
GLOBAL INTERESTS
IMO Passes Major Reform of Ship Registration Process
IMO’s MEPC 84 Opens as Key Test for Delayed Shipping Climate Pact and FMC Chair Joins U.S. Opposition to IMO Carbon Plan With Warning
SCUTTLEBUTT
Never-Built US Aircraft Carriers We Nearly Got (Editor – USN aircraft carrier history 21:53 min video)
The Ship That’s Officially Designated a War Memorial (Editor – Wonder how many Canadians served in them? a 1:12 min video)
They Autopsied The Enemy’s Plane And Built Its Killer (Editor – 1:51 min video)
Why Type 12 Frigate Was Copied by 7 Countries — The Best Anti-Sub Ship of the 1950s (Editor – 36:15 min video)
How a 6-Foot British Chain Sank 4 U-Boats in One Week—And Germany Thought It Was Black Magic (Editor – 15:58 min video)
The Mariner’s Mirror: Spies in the Shipyard: Espionage and the Rise of Spain’s 18th-Century Navy (Editor – 35:00 min podcast)
THIS WEEK IN RCN/MARITIME HISTORY
2 April 1887 In an attempt to control seal hunting off the Alaskan coast, the United States in 1881 claimed authority over all the Bering Sea waters. Britain refused to recognize this claim. The U.S. government then ordered the seizure of all vessels found sealing in the Bering Sea and they seized the first Canadian sealing ship on the 2 April and others on the 9th, 12th, and 17th.
3 April 3, 1935 Lt(N) J. P. Connolly appointed Commanding Officer, charged to raise a RCNVR unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
3 April 1996 Members of the Canadian Forces ordered to spend the entire day searching for documents that may aid the Somalia inquiry.
3 April 2007 Royal Assent given to the Veterans’ Bill of Rights; PM Harper says Ottawa will establish an ombudsman for veterans, so the government can respond quickly and fairly to any concerns of veterans.
4 April 1949 Canada signs the Washington Treaty with Belgium, the U.K., Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the U.S.; and becomes a founding member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization; NATO members pledge to defend each other in event of Soviet attack. NATO is Canada’s first peacetime military alliance.
5 April 1958 Ripple Rock blown up with 1.2 tons of Nitramex, one of the world’s largest non-nuclear explosions to date, removed a shipping hazard just below the surface of Seymour Narrows near Campbell River that had sunk or damaged 119 vessels and caused the death of over 100 people. Captain George Vancouver called the narrows “one of the vilest stretches of water in the world.” Campbell River, BC
7 April 1941 The Canadian registered SS Portadoc (Paterson Steamships Ltd., Fort William, Ontario), was a coal-fired Great Lakes freighter. The attack was about 225 nautical miles west of the destination Freetown. The submerged U-boat, at a range of only 270 meters, fired a single torpedo which slammed into the engine room. Even though the torpedo failed to detonate, the resulting flooding caused the ship’s bow to quickly rise vertically. The ship would not sink because of the buoyant cargo. U-124 surfaced and shelled her with 5 rounds incendiary and 16 rounds explosive from the deck gun, followed by several shots close range with the anti-aircraft 2 cm MG C/30 gun. The master and 19 crew members had abandoned ship in two lifeboats, and the U-boat provided them with water, after being questioned. The survivors made landfall six days later at Benty, French Guinea and were interned by the Vichy French authorities. One of the crew later died in captivity.
7 April 1991 HMC Ships Athabaskan, Terra Nova, and Protecteur arrive home from Gulf War; ships left in early August; Huron leaves for the Gulf to help enforce the embargo against Iraq.
7 April 1995 HMCS Nipigon, HMCS Gatineau, and HMCS Onondaga supported Fisheries and Oceans and Coast Guard ships during a dispute with Spain over illegal overfishing of Greenland turbot on the Grand Banks.
8 April 1945 The cruiser HMCS Uganda (subsequently changed to Quebec) joins British Pacific Fleet in Hong Kong.
Significant RCN Dates – If you notice any omissions or errors please inform me. 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. Recently “Guardians of the North” written by NAC members Rich Gimblett & Karl Gagnon. 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) Last and far from least Gary Weir’s For Prosperity’s Sake RCN historical project site.
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