In the vast expanse of global waters, few vessels embody adaptability quite like HMCS Max Bernays. This Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), a cornerstone of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), has recently proven its mettle by seamlessly transitioning from frigid Arctic patrols to dynamic operations in the sun-drenched Indo-Pacific region. Launched as a symbol of Canada’s northern sovereignty, Max Bernays is redefining what it means to be a modern warship—one that can slice through ice floes one day and conduct multinational gunnery exercises the next.
A Ship Built for Worldwide Service
HMCS Max Bernays entered service in 2023 as part of the RCN’s fleet modernization efforts. Designed primarily for Arctic operations, the vessel boasts ice-breaking capabilities that allow it to navigate through harsh northern environments. Yet, its true ingenuity lies in its versatility: equipped with a long-range endurance, advanced communications systems, and superior sea-keeping features, Max Bernays is engineered for global deployment. As the RCN describes it, this AOPV is “a modern, globally deployable ship designed to operate wherever Canadian interests and partnerships exist.”
What began as a platform for sustaining Canada’s presence in the Arctic has evolved into a multifaceted asset for international maritime security. The ship’s ability to thrive in both polar extremes and temperate oceans aligns perfectly with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which prioritizes strengthening regional ties, promoting security, and ensuring a rules-based order in key maritime domains. In an era of geopolitical flux, Max Bernays serves not just as a patrol vessel but as a floating ambassador of Canadian resolve.
Operation LATITUDE: Conquering the High North
The story of Max Bernays’ recent exploits begins in the summer of 2025, amid the ethereal glow of the midnight sun. In August, the ship embarked on Operation LATITUDE, a mission dedicated to asserting Canada’s Arctic domain. Pushing the boundaries of naval endurance, Max Bernays reached an impressive 81 degrees North latitude on August 29—a milestone that underscored the AOPV’s prowess in icy waters.
This deployment was more than a test of steel and engines; it was a demonstration of the RCN’s commitment to the North. Operation LATITUDE involved routine patrols, environmental monitoring, and exercises that honed the crew’s skills in extreme conditions. For the sailors aboard, these missions evoked the raw beauty and strategic imperative of the Arctic: a gateway to Canada’s vast northern frontier, where climate change and international competition demand a steadfast presence.
The Pivot to Operation HORIZON: Indo-Pacific Horizons
With the Arctic campaign freshly concluded, Max Bernays didn’t pause for breath. Transitioning “across oceans” in a feat of logistical precision, the vessel sailed directly into Operation HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific—a region teeming with strategic waterways and alliances.
This operation, ongoing as of November 2025, marks the ship’s first major foray into warmer climes, proving that AOPVs are “equally at home among Arctic ice floes as it is in the deep blue waters of the Pacific.”The North Pacific, a natural extension of Canada’s Arctic interests, became the stage for Max Bernays’ Indo-Pacific debut. Here, the ship engaged in international patrols, partner outreach, and high-stakes exercises that bolstered multinational cooperation.
Key highlights include:
- Exercise SAMA SAMA 25 (October 13, 2025): Amid the azure expanses of the Philippine Sea, Max Bernays joined forces with allies for a live-fire gunnery exercise (GUNEX). Flanked by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Antonio Luna, as well as the U.S. Navy’s USS Cincinnati, the Canadian vessel fired in unison, showcasing seamless interoperability. Photos from the event depict a symphony of steel: vessels steaming in formation, their wakes merging like threads in a tapestry of alliance.
- ANNUALEX 25: This annual multinational drill further integrated Max Bernays into the regional security fabric. Focused on enhancing joint readiness, the exercise involved complex maneuvers and communications drills, reinforcing Canada’s role in a “free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
- OPERATION NEON: Contributions to United Nations sanctions enforcement.
These activities weren’t mere pageantry; they advanced tangible goals, from humanitarian readiness to countering illicit maritime threats. As one RCN officer noted, the deployment “demonstrates to Canadians and to the world that the RCN’s new generation of ships is built for the realities of today’s global maritime environment.”
The Human Element: Crew as Ambassadors
Behind Max Bernays’ steel hull beats the heart of a diverse crew hailing from across Canada. Comprising experienced professionals drawn from every corner of the nation, these sailors embody the adaptability that defines the ship’s success. From navigating treacherous ice during Operation LATITUDE to coordinating with international partners under tropical skies, their “experience, adaptability, and professionalism” shine through.
Aboard the ship, they serve as “ambassadors of Canada’s maritime expertise,” fostering goodwill through port visits and joint operations. Whether documenting the 81-degree North achievement or capturing the thunder of GUNEX rounds, photographers like Sailor 1st Class Jordan Schilstra exemplify a certain degree of naval dedication. Their stories—told in quiet moments between watches—remind us that naval power is as much about people as platforms.
A Global Reach with Lasting Impact
HMCS Max Bernays’ odyssey from Arctic sentinel to Indo-Pacific partner is a testament to the RCN’s evolving capabilities. In just months, the ship has traversed hemispheres, participated in landmark exercises, and woven Canada deeper into the global security net. This isn’t just about geography; it’s about projecting influence, building trust, and preparing for an unpredictable world.
As Operation HORIZON continues, Max Bernays stands ready for whatever horizon beckons next. In doing so, she honours her namesake’s legacy: a vessel that charts new courses, unyielding and unbound by borders. For the RCN and Canada, the message is clear—the future of maritime defence is as versatile as the oceans themselves.
