The Royal Canadian Navy’s ship, HMCS Margaret Brooke, has left Halifax for a historic mission as part of Operation PROJECTION 2025. This is the first time a Canadian warship will sail around South America and visit Antarctica.

The Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) will spend four months on this deployment, with the ship stopping at ports across South America to strengthen relationships with other countries.

In Antarctica, the ship will support Canadian scientific research by carrying a team of scientists from government agencies.

The ship, crewed by 85 sailors, will welcome a team of Canadian government scientists in Punta Arenas, Chile, before heading south of the Antarctica Circle in early March. The scientists will study the ocean floor, ocean currents, and marine geology during their two-week stay on the ship.

Commander Teri Share, the ship’s commanding officer, said the mission is a “once-in-a-career” opportunity for the crew. She added that the trip will advance research and strengthen Canada’s international ties.

She said the crew would bring Canada’s presence to Central and South America while supporting important research in Antarctica. Rear Admiral naval forces, described the mission as a historic moment for Canada.

HMSC Margaret Brooke is an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel built to handle extreme weather. It was commissioned in 2022. The ship’s design and experienced crew make it suitable for operations in Antarctica’s harsh weather conditions.

Commodore Jacob French, the commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, said this mission is special because the ship will operate in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions within the same year.

The 85-member crew will work with Global Affairs Canada to strengthen ties with South American countries. The ship will visit research bases and multiple South American ports.

The deployment is scheduled to end in May when the ship returns to Halifax after completing its historic journey.