Our Stories
With nearly 30 years of experience working in Combat Systems, Martin Anderson knows what it takes to work on a team dedicated to protecting Canada’s sovereignty. Now a veteran, Martin is building ships for the country he proudly served for over two decades, helping provide naval combat capability to Canada.
Originally from Newfoundland, Martin has always been proud of where he comes from and the respect his hometown holds for the Canadian Armed Forces.
After enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) at 18 years old, followed by a subsequent 22 years of service working in Combat Systems, Martin had a choice to make between settling down with his family or continuing his service when he was offered a promotion and transfer to Ottawa. Martin chose to plant roots in Nova Scotia with his family.
“At that time my four kids were young, and I realized it would be a huge disruption to their lives to have to move. So, I decided to start my own company locally called ‘Anderson Alarms’, which stayed in business for 29 years until I decided to cease operations in September 2024.”
Retiring from the RCN in 2006 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class, Martin was working as a Senior Technician at CFB Halifax, testing new combat systems software on the Halifax-class frigates.
Following retirement, Martin felt he had more to give in the Combat Systems space. “Back in 2018 an opportunity for a Combat Systems Engineer Quality Control Inspector came up at Irving Shipbuilding (ISI). I was ready for a change from security, and within three weeks, I was working in Ship Repair. It was the perfect timing and perfect role.”
Seven years later, now Team Lead, Quality Control, Martin understands his opportunity to make an impact and contribute to a greater goal at ISI.
“Building and repairing ships gives me a personal sense of pride. We are all part of a safety culture at ISI, and I can help bring it one step further. Every decision we make and every inspection we perform must maintain the mindset that we are protecting our service members. This is not just a job; we are obligated to protect ourselves and everyone that steps foot aboard these ships.”
Martin is one of the 2,400 shipbuilders building ships for Canada, but he has a unique connection to the ship currently going through refit work in the Graving Dock at Halifax Shipyard.
“I sailed on all classes of ships available during my time in the RCN, but HMCS Halifax was the last ship I sailed on and is the ship I am helping repair now. It’s a surreal, full-circle moment for me.”