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The Royal Canadian Navy’s sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, was launched today, December 9, 2024, at Halifax Shipyard.

The launch of the final Harry DeWolf-class AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy marks a significant milestone for Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.

Over two months ahead of schedule, the 103-metre vessel transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on December 6 and launched in the Bedford Basin today.

The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, constructed by over 2,400 shipbuilders, is now pier side at Halifax Shipyard where work continues in preparation for sea trials and handover to the Royal Canadian Navy in August 2025.

Halifax Shipyard continues to build two AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard, the future CCG Ships Donjek and Sermilik, with work progressing as planned.

After starting construction on the River-class destroyer production test module in June 2024, Halifax Shipyard will begin full rate production of the River-class destroyers in April 2025.

A generation of shipbuilders will deliver six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, and 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy as part of the NSS.

QUOTES

“With the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel launched, we are increasing the Royal Canadian Navy’s presence and reach in the Arctic – asserting our sovereignty in the region. These are modern and technologically advanced ships that are enhancing our ability to conduct surveillance and deter maritime threats in the North. As work continues on the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, I look forward to the delivery of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray to the Royal Canadian Navy next year.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“Today’s launch of the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy represents a major achievement for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and a key milestone in the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). This ship, designed and built by Canadian workers, is an example of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our naval capabilities. The NSS continues to create good paying jobs, stimulate innovation and ensure the long-term sustainability of our maritime industries. As we launch this vessel, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting members of the Royal Canadian Navy and safeguarding Canada’s waters for generations to come.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

“The launch of the sixth and final Arctic Offshore Parol Vessel is an important milestone as it marks the culmination of the construction of the Harry DeWolf-class, a tremendous new capability for the RCN that is already demonstrating its value in our Arctic.”

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy

“The launch of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is another milestone achieved on our mission to deliver ships for Canada. The teamwork and dedication of our workforce continues to produce results that demonstrate the incredible progress being made here in Halifax.”

Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

The Harry DeWolf-class vessels are named to honour prominent Royal Canadian Navy heroes who served their country with the highest distinction.

Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Hampton Gray is a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War. Lt Gray joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1940 and served as a pilot in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. He embarked in HMS Formidable with 1841 Squadron, joining the war in the Pacific as part of Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa, Japan, in April 1945.

On August 9, 1945, he led two flights of Corsair aircraft to attack naval vessels in Onagawa Bay, Japan. He opened the attack run flying straight into concentrated anti-aircraft fire and was hit almost immediately.

With his aircraft on fire and one bomb lost, he continued the attack and released his remaining bomb on the escort vessel HIJMS Amakusa, causing the ship to capsize and sink. His aircraft then crashed into the sea and his body was never recovered. Lt Gray was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for courage and determination.