I’ve just completed a three-week embed with the Royal Canadian Navy’s historic expedition to Antarctica, witnessing firsthand what naval officials are calling a watershed moment for Canada’s maritime capabilities and Arctic sovereignty ambitions.
HMCS Margaret Brooke returned to Halifax last week, concluding the navy’s first operational deployment to Antarctica in more than 70 years. The journey marked a significant expansion of Canada’s naval presence into southern polar waters, mirroring the strategy already established in our Arctic north.
“This expedition represents more than just reaching Antarctica—it demonstrates Canada’s commitment to being a global maritime nation capable of operating in the most challenging environments on the planet,” said Commander Nicole Robichaud as we stood on the bridge while navigating through the Drake Passage, notorious for its treacherous conditions.
The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship completed a 10,000-nautical-mile journey that tested both vessel and crew. Having spent days observing operations, I can report the mission accomplished several key objectives beyond the symbolic achievement of reaching Antarctica.
Engineering officers confirmed the ship’s ice-breaking capabilities performed beyond expectations, validating the vessel class design in conditions similar to, but distinct from, Canada’s northern waters. The data collected will inform naval operations in both polar environments.
For Petty Officer James Whitaker, who has served for 17 years, this mission carried special significance. “My grandfather told stories of Canadian naval operations in Antarctica during the 1950s. To be part of bringing that capability back after so many decades means everything to those of us who understand our maritime heritage,” he told me during one middle watch.
The expedition included scientific research components, with onboard researchers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada collecting water samples to study microplastic distribution and oceanic temperature variations. This data will complement polar research already being conducted in Canadian Arctic waters, creating a comprehensive dataset that spans both poles.
Defence analyst Margaret Kummar from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute points to broader strategic implications. “With climate change altering ice conditions in both polar regions, navies worldwide are reassessing their capabilities. Canada’s experience in the north gives us potential leverage in international discussions about Antarctica’s future,” she explained in a phone interview following the ship’s return.
The timing of this mission aligns with growing concerns about increased resource exploration and territorial positioning in Antarctica despite the Antarctic Treaty System’s regulations. Canada’s Department of National Defence has emphasized the expedition’s commitment to international cooperation and environmental protection protocols.
According to Statistics Canada, government investment in Arctic and maritime capabilities has increased by approximately 28% since 2016, with the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship program representing $4.3 billion of that commitment.
For ordinary Canadians, the mission demonstrates tangible returns on these investments. The ship’s ability to operate in extreme environments means enhanced search and rescue capabilities, environmental monitoring, and sovereignty protection in our own northern waters, explained Lieutenant Commander Paul Benson.
“Everything we learn here translates directly to how we operate at home,” Benson said while reviewing ice pattern data. “The similarities between the polar environments are significant enough that experience in one substantially improves operations in the other.”
During the expedition, crew members conducted cooperative exercises with Chilean naval forces and visited research stations operated by multiple nations, strengthening diplomatic relationships crucial to Canada’s position on polar governance issues.
The ship also tested new communications systems designed to maintain reliable connectivity in high-latitude environments where traditional satellite coverage becomes problematic. Telecommunications specialist Abigail Chen described how the systems performed 23% better than in previous cold-weather trials.
For the 87 crew members aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke, the journey presented unique personal challenges. Many had extensive Arctic experience but found Antarctica’s different daylight patterns and ice formations required adaptations to their operational routines.
“I’ve served three Arctic deployments, but Antarctica demanded we rethink some of our approaches,” said Leading Seaman Thomas Nadjiwon. “The ice behaves
