On January 10, 2025, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke set sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia, embarking on a groundbreaking mission as part of Operation PROJECTION 2025. This deployment marks a historic milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), as it is the first time an RCN vessel will circumnavigate South America and venture into the icy waters of Antarctica. The mission underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering international partnerships, advancing scientific research, and showcasing the capabilities of its naval fleet.
As of February 20, 2025, HMCS Margaret Brooke is currently docked in Punta Arenas, Chile, a key staging point before its anticipated journey into Antarctic waters. The ship arrived at the Muelle Prat in Punta Arenas on February 19, 2025, alongside other international vessels, including the Spanish Navy’s research ship BIO Hespérides and the Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship HMS Protector. This stopover follows its earlier visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, on February 11, 2025, as part of its diplomatic and logistical preparations. From Punta Arenas, the Margaret Brooke is poised to depart for Antarctica, where it will begin its scientific mission south of the Antarctic Circle.
The Margaret Brooke, a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), is continuing on her planned itinerary to make several port calls throughout South America during its four-month deployment. Working in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, the ship’s crew will engage with regional partners to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance Canada’s presence in the Western Hemisphere. These visits are designed to build and reinforce international relationships, reflecting Canada’s broader strategy of naval diplomacy and peacetime engagement with like-minded nations.
From the Caribbean to the southern tip of the continent, the Margaret Brooke will serve as a floating ambassador, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to international peace and security. The ship’s itinerary includes stops at key ports, where the crew will participate in engagements aimed at fostering cooperation and goodwill with South American nations. This circumnavigation—the first by an RCN vessel in the region—highlights the ship’s versatility and the navy’s ability to project influence far beyond Canadian waters.
A defining feature of this mission is its scientific component. Upon reaching Antarctica, HMCS Margaret Brooke will support Canadian scientific research in one of the planet’s most remote and extreme environments. The ship will host a team of government scientists, who will conduct vital studies to advance Canada’s understanding of the Antarctic region. This research is expected to include core sampling of the ocean floor, oceanography, and marine geology, contributing to global knowledge about polar ecosystems and climate dynamics.
The Margaret Brooke’s journey to Antarctica is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by an RCN vessel to the continent. Departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, the ship will carry an interdisciplinary team of researchers from various Canadian government agencies and potentially partnering institutions. For approximately two weeks south of the Antarctic Circle, the crew will assist the scientists in their work, leveraging the vessel’s advanced design to operate effectively in harsh polar conditions. This mission not only showcases Canada’s scientific ambitions but also demonstrates the RCN’s ability to support national interests in both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same year—a rare feat for any navy.
Commissioned in 2022, HMCS Margaret Brooke is the second ship in the Harry DeWolf-class, a line of vessels built to withstand extreme climates and conduct a range of missions, from patrol to scientific support. Named after Lieutenant-Commander Margaret Brooke, a decorated RCN nursing sister who displayed extraordinary courage during World War II, the ship embodies resilience and leadership. With a displacement of over 6,000 tons and a length of 103.6 meters, it is equipped to accommodate up to 87 crew members and features a flight deck capable of operating helicopters or drones.
This deployment highlights the unique capabilities of the Harry DeWolf-class, originally designed for Arctic operations but now proving its adaptability in the Antarctic maritime domain. The Margaret Brooke’s journey builds on its previous experience north of the Arctic Circle in 2024, making it the first Canadian warship to operate in both polar regions within a single year. This versatility underscores the RCN’s growing capacity to address emerging challenges in polar environments, from sovereignty protection to scientific collaboration.
Commander Teri Share, the ship’s commanding officer, described the mission as a “once-in-a-career” opportunity for the 85-member crew. “We will help advance Antarctic research, enhance Canada’s commitment to international peace and security, and foster relationships with South American nations,” she said, expressing pride in her team’s preparation and dedication. The deployment, scheduled to conclude in May 2025 with the ship’s return to Halifax, represents a significant undertaking that blends diplomacy, science, and naval prowess.