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HALIFAX, NS, August 9, 2025 – Today marked the official Naming Ceremony of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy. Dating back centuries, the naming of a ship is steeped in tradition and believed to bring good luck and safe travel to the vessel and crew.

The ship’s sponsor, Jane Underwood, a descendant of Robert Hampton Gray, officially named the ship during a ceremony attended by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee (Royal Canadian Navy); Lieutenant-General Jaime Speiser-Blanchet (Royal Canadian Air Force); The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement; H.E. Kanji Yamanouchi, Japanese Ambassador to Canada; as well as descendants of Robert Hampton Gray, the ship’s company, and Halifax Shipyard shipbuilders.

In naval tradition, Underwood broke a bottle of L’Acadie Vineyards’ Prestige Brut sparkling wine against the bow of the ship, declaring, “I name you Robert Hampton Gray. Bless this ship and all who sail in it.”

The six AOPS are named to honour prominent Canadian naval figures who served their country with the highest distinction.

Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray was a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War. 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. Gray was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for courage and determination in carrying out daring air strikes on the Japanese destroyer HIJMS Amakusa. Gray was the only member of the RCN to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War.

The Halifax Shipyard is building two AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard, and production is underway on the first of 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Quotes

“The naming of our sixth and final Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel is a proud milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy and our country. Honouring Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray—whose bravery, boldness, and resolve inspired generations of Canadians—reflects the perseverance and determination that has enabled the success of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.”

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy ‎

“It is an honour to participate in today’s naming ceremony for the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy. Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray is a Canadian naval hero whose legacy of bravery continues to be recognized both in Canada and internationally. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada’s government is investing in the infrastructure and equipment our Navy needs to protect our sovereignty and conduct operations alongside allies.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement

“The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is a fitting tribute to a Canadian hero and reflects the hard work and dedication of our world-class workforce. The goals of the National Shipbuilding Strategy are being realized here in Halifax, and this ship is another clear example of that.”

Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.