HMCS MONTREAL (2nd) (336)
HMCS MONTREAL (2nd)
The History of HMCS MONTREAL (2nd)
The currently operating HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), was commissioned on July 21, 1994, at Montreal, Quebec, as the seventh ship in its class and the second to bear the name, designated as a French Language Unit. Built by Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd. under the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, it was designed as a multi-role warship capable of anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air operations. Based at CFB Halifax with Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), the frigate has a displacement of 4,800 tons, a length of 440 feet, and can reach speeds of 30 knots with a range of 9,500 nautical miles, powered by two LM2500 gas turbines and a SEMT Pielstick diesel engine. Its armament includes a 57mm Bofors deck gun, Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and a Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, with support for a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter equipped with advanced sonar and a 'Bear Trap' hauldown system for operations in rough seas.
HMCS Montreal's operational history began in January 1995, when it deployed to the Adriatic Sea to enforce a United Nations blockade of the former Yugoslavia as part of NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic, serving twice as the force's flagship before returning to Canada in July. In 1997, an experimental addition of 12,500 anechoic tiles to reduce noise was tested but proved unsuccessful. The frigate visited St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1998 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy and represented Canada at the Millennium International Fleet Review in New York City in 2000, later escorting Tall Ships to Halifax. That same year, it played a key role in Operation Megaphone, boarding the merchant ship GTS Katie to resolve a dispute over unpaid fees, a mission that drew controversy but was defended as necessary by Canadian authorities. In 2002, the ship deployed for Operation Apollo, supporting the U.S.-led campaign in Afghanistan, remaining in the Arabian Sea until April 2003 due to a delay caused by a helicopter crash on its replacement vessel.
In 2004, HMCS Montreal made history as the first major Canadian warship to visit the Arctic since 1982, crossing the Arctic Circle during fisheries and sovereignty patrols. The following year, it joined a NATO rapid reaction force in Europe, though the deployment was marred by the loss of a crewmember overboard in February. From 2010 to 2016, the frigate underwent a mid-life refit under the Halifax Class Modernization program at Halifax Shipyard, upgrading its radar, electronic warfare, communications, and combat systems. In 2015, it participated in NATO exercises Joint Warrior and At Sea Demonstration off Scotland, hosting Prince Charles during a port visit in Faslane. In 2016, it trialed reduced crew size operations, and in 2017, its crew aided flood relief efforts in Quebec's Mauricie region while also joining Operation Nanook in northern Canada.
More recently, HMCS Montreal has been active in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting Canada's strategic focus on the region. In 2022, it deployed with HMCS Halifax for Operation Reassurance in the Baltic Sea, supporting NATO amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, returning in July. In 2023, it embarked on a six-month Operation Projection mission, transiting the Suez Canal, supporting civilian evacuations in Sudan via Operation Savanne, and conducting exercises like Talisman Sabre with allies in Australia, Japan, and the United States, including a Taiwan Strait transit. In 2024, under Operation Horizon, the frigate circumnavigated the globe, covering 40,000 nautical miles, participating in eight exercises with nine navies, and making a notable port call in Incheon, South Korea, to support UN sanctions monitoring against North Korea via Operation Neon. Returning to Halifax on October 22, 2024, HMCS Montreal continues to demonstrate Canada's commitment to global security, with plans to serve into the 2030s until replaced by the River-class destroyers.
HMCS MONTREAL (2nd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 336
- Type: Canadian Patrol Frigate
- Class: Halifax
- Displacement: 5, 235 tonnes
- Length: 135.5 m / 444.5 ft
- Width: 16.4 m / 54 ft
- Draught: 6.15 m / 20 ft
- Speed: 29+ kts
- Compliment: 180 + 45 Transients Officers and Crew
- Arms: 8 Harpoon, 16 VL Sea Sparrow, 1 - 57 mm Bofors Mk. 2 DP, 1 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 4 - Mk. 32 12.75" TT, 6 - 12.7 mm M.G, 1 Helicopter.
- Builder: Saint John Shipbuilding, Saint John, NB
- Keel Laid: 08-Feb-91
- Date Launched: 28-Feb-92
- Date Commissioned: 21-Jul-94
- Paid off:
More Images
HMCS MONTREAL with HMCS WINDSOR (SSK) in the foreground.