Does the Royal Canadian Navy have a permanent presence on the Great Lakes?

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) does not maintain a permanent presence on the Great Lakes, but it does conduct operations in the region through the Canadian Coast Guard and naval reserves. The primary involvement of the RCN in this area is associated with training exercises, maritime security, and cooperation with other agencies.

The Great Lakes are primarily patrolled and managed by the Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies. While RCN ships and submarines are based in Esquimalt, British Columbia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, the RCN does occasionally deploy to the Great Lakes.

For instance, during the Canada 150 celebrations, HMCS Toronto, stationed in Halifax, sailed down the St. Lawrence River, allowing the crew to celebrate the event in their hometown of Toronto. This highlights the flexible nature of the RCN's operations in the region.

The RCN's Permanent Presence on the Great Lakes

In the recent past, there was a belief that the RCN had a permanent presence on the Great Lakes with four Naval Reserve Divisions. However, this information has been clarified. Two of the four rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) are indeed stationed on the shores of Lake Ontario and one on Lake Superior.

Here is a breakdown of the Naval Reserve Divisions (NRD) located on the Great Lakes:

HMCS Hunter (Windsor, ON): Based in the Detroit River, this naval reserve division serves as a link between the RCN and local communities. HMCS Star (Hamilton, ON): Located on Lake Ontario, it is crucial for coordination and training. HMCS York (Toronto, ON): A key NRD on Lake Ontario, it supports various missions and maintains a strong connection with the community. HMCS Cataraqui (Kingston, ON): Also on Lake Ontario, this division plays a crucial role in maritime defense. HMCS Griffon (Thunder Bay, ON): Situated on Lake Superior, it ensures a strong RCN presence in this vast and critical area.

The Royal Canadian Naval Reserve (NAVRES), based in Quebec City, serves as the Primary Reserve component of the RCN. It operates twenty-four Naval Reserve Divisions (NRD) across Canada, with a particular focus on supporting the Kingston-Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels.

Mission and Support

The mission of the Naval Reserve is to generate trained individuals and teams for Canadian Forces operations, including domestic operations and security and defense missions. The NRDs play a vital role in supporting the Royal Canadian Navy by maintaining a broad national presence and connecting with Canadians.

The training and operations conducted by NRDs, such as the weekend training in Hamilton, exemplify the ongoing efforts of the RCN to engage with the community and prepare its personnel for various roles and missions.

To summarize, while the RCN does not have a permanent presence on the Great Lakes, it maintains a strong and dynamic relationship with the region through its Naval Reserve Units. These units not only serve as a valuable resource for the RCN but also play a significant role in fostering community connections and ensuring maritime security in the Great Lakes area.

Keywords: Royal Canadian Navy, Great Lakes, Naval Reserves