HMCS Chinoutimi Celebrates Achievements in the Asia-Pacific Region

By Darlene Blakeley, The Maple Leaf 

Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Chicoutimi has piled up a lot of firsts on its lengthy deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

HMCS Chicoutimi sails with ships of the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force during ANNUALEX.

It’s the first time a Victoria-class submarine has deployed from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to the region; been deployed for so long – nearly 200 days; participated in the previously bilateral ANNUALEX with the U.S. Navy (USN) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF); and made port visits to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan and Guam.

“Normally we have to take a submarine out of the water to change batteries, but this time we were able to do it safely in the water thanks to the expertise of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton.” — Captain (Navy) Chris Robinson

It’s also the first time a Victoria-class submarine has undertaken a large-scale deployed maintenance activity conducted by personnel from Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMFCB) in Japanese ports – all while Super Typhoon Lan raged around them.

“It has been a phenomenally successful deployment,” says Captain (Navy) Chris Robinson, Commander of the Canadian Submarine Force.

HMCS Chicoutimi, under the command of Commander Stephane Ouellet, left its home base in Esquimalt, B.C., in early September last year. Its simply stated mission was to “support Canada’s global engagement strategy through strategic partnerships, port visits and operational interactions.”

But it has been anything but simple. Over the course of several months, Chicoutimi conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; carried out seven interactions with the USN, JMSDF, the French Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force; operated with more than 20 surface ships and 50 aircraft; and conducted more than 180 hours of submarine-on-submarine engagements.

The success of this hectic tempo is a testament to the crew, according to Capt(N) Robinson, who says they worked hard and overcame challenges prior to deploying. In particular he mentions the unexpected swapping out of the submarine’s main battery last May.

“The battery, the lifeblood of a submarine, was functioning below performance specifications,” Capt(N) Robinson explains. “Normally we have to take a submarine out of the water to change batteries, but this time we were able to do it safely in the water thanks to the expertise of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton. It enabled us to get back to work much more quickly.”

One of the highlights of Chicoutimi’s tour has been the ability to gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing the deployment of a Victoria-class submarine to a distant, strategically important area.

“We had very complex logistic and maintenance arrangements with partner nations that we navigated throughout the deployment,” says Capt(N) Robinson. “We gained a much better understanding within the RCN of the multi-faceted logistical arrangements needed when supporting a deployed submarine.”

Successful routine maintenance was carried out in Japanese ports, with USN support. More than 30 personnel from FMFCB conducted over 1,800 hours of maintenance in eight days. Additionally, there was a month-long maintenance period in Guam, the first deployed submarine short-work period ever conducted by MARPAC and FMFCB. During this time significant repairs were made to fridge and hydraulic plants, diesel engines and motor generators.

Capt(N) Robinson is quick to praise both FMFCB and a deployed joint logistic coordination cell from Esquimalt.

“They provided stellar support in moving both parts and people,” he says. “They also overcame significant challenges in moving military gear in and out of Japan. This has enabled us to learn valuable lessons for future deployed submarine work periods.”

Capt(N) Robinson says one of the most rewarding aspects of the deployment has been building relationships with both the USN and the JMSDF.

“These strategic partnerships are built on trust and experience working together in major ways,” he says.

Chicoutimi developed increased interoperability with the USN’s Seventh Fleet and forged strong bonds with the JMSDF. For the first time a Canadian submarine participated in ANNUALEX, normally a bilateral exercise between the USN and JMSDF. It is carried out every year in the Southern Sea of Japan to practise and evaluate the coordination, procedures and interoperability elements required to effectively respond to the defence of Japan or to a regional contingency in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

“This was a major achievement and a real manifestation of Canada’s defence policy ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged’,” Capt(N) Robinson explains. “It represents a clear indication of the RCN’s commitment to peace and security in the region, and shows that our navy is fully engaged and able to project sea power far from Canada’s shores.”

Chicoutimi’s prowess did not go unnoticed by the USN. “Chicoutimi has provided exceptional support for the 7F (Seventh Fleet) team during the past few months and I sincerely appreciate all of the work to make its deployment happen. Hopefully 2018 will bring even more,” says Vice-Admiral Phillip Sawyer, Commander of the Seventh Fleet.

Over the course of this historic deployment, the 59 crew members have been exceptionally busy. They have been able to qualify 50 per cent of new submarine crew and progress several higher level qualifications, all while conducting operations.

“Through it all the crew has been enthusiastic and morale has been very good,” says Capt(N) Robinson. “The families back home have also been incredibly supportive of this long deployment.”

Unlike surface ships, submarines have no way to communicate with family and friends while submerged, except through coded “familygrams” once a week.

“This is always a challenge,” says Capt(N) Robinson. “There is no phone and no internet while the boat is under water.”

During port visits communications can take place as usual, and families can also get information through the Military Family Resource Centre in Esquimalt.

As Chicoutimi arrives home, crew members are looking ahead to some time off before the submarine continues operations later this year.

“They can take great pride in knowing that they have contributed to maritime peace and good order abroad by patrolling, building strategic relationships and interacting with our partner nations,” says Capt(N) Robinson. “It has been an exceptional deployment on so many levels.”

HMCS Chinoutimi Returns from Longest-Ever Victoria-Class Submarine Deployment

Royal Canadian Navy Press Release

HMCS Chicoutimi has returned to CFB Esquimalt, B.C. after a 197-day deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, marking a historic milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submarine fleet after a nearly 50-year absence from the region. The deployment included numerous opportunities for HMCS Chicoutimi to operate with regional partner navies such as the United States Navy, the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, The Royal Australian Navy and the French Navy. As part of her deployment, HMCS Chicoutimi visited Yokosuka, Japan, further strengthening the relationship between our two countries. 

HMCS Chicoutimi file Photo. (The Canadian Encyclopedia) 

“HMCS Chicoutimi’s successful six-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific region is a historic 50-year milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy and our Victoria-Class submarine,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister.

“I am incredibly proud of the work done by the submariners on board HMCS Chicoutimi. Their consistent dedication and professionalism is an inspiration. The advantage that submarines can bring to a battle space cannot be underestimated. They are stealthy, lethal, and persistent. They are an important strategic asset that the Canadian Armed Forces brings to the table when working with our partners and allies around the world,” said Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.

“HMCS Chicoutimi conducted a well-executed patrol to the Asia-Pacific region to operate with our partners, and allies – a clear signal of the strategic importance of the region to Canada, that reinforces Canada’s commitment to the maintenance of regional peace, and security,” said Captain (N) Chris Robinson, Commander Canadian Submarine Force.

HMCS Chicoutimi deployed on patrol in the Asia-Pacific region as part of a strategic engagement mission, for 197 days. This is the longest Victoria-class deployment to date. Prior to this the longest Victoria-class single deployment was a 101-day North Atlantic patrol by HMCS Windsor in 2015. HMCS Windsor is once again deployed, currently supporting NATO operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

HMCS Chicoutimi operated with the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the United States Navy (USN) for several months, a period which included participation in the annual USN-JMSDF ANNUALEX – a three week bi-lateral exercise which was made tri-lateral for the first time with the inclusion of Canada in 2017.

HMCS Chicoutimi visited Hawaii, Guam, and Japan during the six-month deployment. The visit to Yokosuka, Japan was the first by a Canadian submarine since the visit by HMCS Grilse in May 1968.

HMCS Chicoutimi conducted two Rest and Maintenance Periods, in Japan and the US territory of Guam, supported by deployed maintenance teams from the RCN Fleet Maintenance Facility based in Esquimalt. These periods further refined processes for deployed maintenance and support activities.

HMCS Chicoutimi is one of four Victoria-class submarines in the RCN. Chicoutimi along with HMCS Victoria and HMCS Corner Brook are based out of CFB Esquimalt, while HMCS Windsor is based at CFB Halifax in Nova Scotia.

Victoria-class submarines are extremely versatile, allowing them to operate in any weather condition for periods of up to 45 days, and perform in a variety of roles to fulfill Canada’s requirements for a balanced, multi-purpose and combat-effective naval fleet.

HMCS Chicoutimi Struck by Orca-Class Training Vessel

By: The Canadian Press

OTTAWA -- HMCS Chicoutimi, one of the navy's four submarines was hit Thursday by another naval vessel while docked at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia.

A naval spokesman says HMCS Chicoutimi was docked in the harbour when an Orca-class training vessel that was moving at low speed bumped up against the sub.

Navy Lt. Greg Menzies says no one was injured, and that the two vessels sustained only minor scrapes, though a more detailed damage assessment of the submarine was being conducted.

The Orca-class are small vessels, about 33 metres long and displacing about 210 tonnes. The submarine is 70 metres long and displaces more than 2,400 tonnes.

Defence officials were investigating the cause of the crash.

The incident is the latest round of bad luck for Canada's submarine fleet, which has been plagued with breakdowns and other problems since the ships were bought from the United Kingdom in 1998.

The Liberal government says it plans to upgrade the subs so they can continue to operate into the 2030s, at which point the oldest will be more than 40 years old.

HMCS Chicoutimi Expected to Return to Sea by Year-End

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch

The Victoria-class submarine HMCS Windsor, as outlined in a previous Defence Watch post, will be taking part in Exercise Cutlass Fury, expected in mid-September.

Another sub, HMCS Corner Brook, is in deep maintenance.

The Royal Canadian Navy is continuing to deal with problems with welds on the remaining subs, HMCS Victoria and HMCS Chicoutimi, Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, head of the RCN, told Defence Watch.

A February inspection of 344 welds on HMCS Chicoutimi showed 30 needed immediate repair, according to the Times Colonist newspaper. The work is being done under warranty by Babcock Canada. Also to be inspected are 325 welds on HMCS Victoria.

“The contractor has taken on and has dealt with this head on, and he’s going to include it as warranty work,” Lloyd told Defence Watch. “And they’re working full out in terms of rectifying this shortcoming.”


“Our goal is to have Chicoutimi at sea by the end of the year, looking to employ her more fulsomely in 2017,” Lloyd explained. “And then once we’ve got Chicoutimi back to sea, we’ll start focusing our attention on HMCS Victoria.”

HMCS Chicoutimi will be operational next year: Navy commander

The Canadian Press

Canada is still months away from having battle-ready submarines on both its West and East coasts, says the navy's commander.

During an exclusive interview with The Canadian Press aboard the navy's only operational submarine — the Halifax-based HMCS Windsor — Vice-Admiral Mark Norman said British Columbia-based HMCS Chicoutimi will be operational by early next year

Norman says the welding work was done by a subcontractor that was hired by a contractor working on both Victoria-class submarines as well as some surface ships in Victoria, B.C.

He says the welds were passing inspections, but the navy did not realize at the time that the inspection process itself was flawed.

Norman says a complete audit was conducted and the subcontractor has agreed to fix the roughly 70 problem welds on HMCS Chicoutimi, but that process will take several more months.

He says HMCS Chicoutimi will be fixed first, followed by HMCS Victoria, which is currently being used for training purposes.

The welds were passing inspections, but the navy did not realize at the time that the inspection process itself was flawed, said Norman.

"In this case, we relied on a series of contracted support systems that didn't deliver what we needed from them. So we've tightened up our processes and the good thing is that we found it and we're fixing it," said Norman during an interview aboard HMCS Windsor as it sailed roughly 57 metres below sea level off the coast of Halifax.

"It's important that we learn these lessons, but it's unfortunate that we have to learn them the way we have."
Fixing sub will take months

Norman said a complete audit was conducted and the subcontractor has agreed to fix the roughly 70 problem welds on HMCS Chicoutimi, but that process will take several more months.

He said HMCS Chicoutimi will be fixed first, followed by HMCS Victoria, which is currently being used for training purposes. The navy's fourth sub — HMCS Corner Brook — is undergoing deep maintenance.

Norman said as long as the West Coast is without an operational sub, Canada is letting down its American allies.

"The submarine is an important part of not only the defence of North America, but it's also an integral part of how we work with the United States in everything from training exercises to pre-deployment mission readiness for both their navy and for our navy," said Norman.

"It's an unfortunate and disappointing gap in the capability. But we'll get it back."
Only 1 operational sub

Canada's four long-range, diesel-electric submarines were bought from the Royal Navy in 1998 for $750 million, but the transition to full Canadian Navy operations has not been smooth.

Only one of the subs is operational following years of setbacks, including a fire aboard HMCS Chicoutimi in 2004 that killed Lt. Chris Saunders and sent two others to hospital during its first Canadian voyage.

'A country that has the largest maritime estate in the world ... should have a tool in its toolbox that can declare exclusive control over a piece of water at a time and place of its choosing."- Vice-Admiral Mark Norman

HMCS Corner Brook hit the ocean floor during training exercises off Victoria in June 2011 and will be out of service until at least next year.

Canada spends roughly $200 million a year on maintaining the submarines, said Norman.

But submarines are integral to Canada's navy fleet because they are the "ultimate guarantor of maritime sovereignty," said Norman.

"I would submit that a country that has the largest maritime estate in the world, and that has interests well beyond our borders and our continent, should have a tool in its toolbox that can declare exclusive control over a piece of water at a time and place of its choosing, and that's what a submarine gives you," he said.

"By operating submarines, we're required to share information about submarine locations, positions and movements, and that gives us a degree of insight into what's going on in the waters adjacent to North America, and elsewhere in the Atlantic and Pacific."
Only one of Canada’s four subs are operational following years of setbacks, including a fire aboard HMCS Chicoutimi in 2004 on its first Canadian voyage that killed Lt. Chris Saunders and sent two others to hospital.

HMCS Chicoutimi (File Photo) The submarines were purchased by Canada when the United Kingdom decided to move to an all-nuclear power fleet in the late 1990s. (CP)

RCN PR campaign to shine on Victoria-class submarines during the defence review

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch 

The defence review is underway and inevitably there will be questions about the value of the Victoria-class submarines.

As I wrote on an earlier Defence Watch post, at least once during the Conservative’s time in office, suggestions emerged that the government was looking at shutting down the fleet to save money. Will that same proposal surface this time around?

The Royal Canadian Navy had directed a healthy portion of its budget to deal with the submarines and the various issues those boats have faced over the years.

But the RCN is steadfast on the value of the subs…..and in protecting the fleet from cuts.

In a recent interview with Defence Watch, Royal Canadian Navy commander Vice Admiral Mark Norman said this: “The capability of the Victoria class is actually very robust. And we’ve had enormous success in both continental missions, and recently in the latter part of 2015, Windsor did some incredible things in support of NATO as we were dealing with some Russian activity in the North Atlantic.”

As part of its campaign to protect the subs during the defence review, the RCN recently invited journalists on board HMCS Windsor on the east coast.

The result was a blast of positive publicity….which had been accurately forecasted by navy public affairs. Not much was said about Windsor’s battery problems earlier this year or issues with welds on HMCS Chicoutimi and HMCS Victoria, which are now having to be dealt with.

Instead journalists highlighted the positive aspects of the boats and what they could do. For instance, the Toronto Star breathlessly reported: “A Canadian submarine was on the front lines as NATO allies scrambled last fall to track a “surge” of Russian subs that had deployed into the North Atlantic, the Star has learned.”

Navy public affairs officers are ecstatic at the results of their PR push.

But will this positive publicity be enough to push off the bean-counters eyeing savings from the sub fleet? The RCN hopes so.

HMCS Chicoutimi, HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Calgary Part of TGEX

In the waters of Southern California, the Royal Canadian Navy has three active vessels partaking in the US Navy's Task Group Exercise.

Victoria-Class Submarine HMCS Chicoutimi; and Halifax-Class HMCS Vancouver, and HMCS Calgary  are all taking part.  The exercise started on October 20, 2015.

The CAF is limited in what it can say about this exercise because it still considers itself in the “election/writ period” until a new government is sworn in on Nov. 4, according to military and DND officials. (This policy is designed so that statements from federal departments or organizations don’t influence the outcome of the Oct. 19 federal election. Canadian military and DND officials were at a loss to explain how this exercise would affect an election that has already happened).

Therefore, US Navy released this statement from RCN Cmdr. Julian Elbourne, commanding officer of Calgary:

“The Royal Canadian Navy frequently participates in training exercises such as this with the U.S. in order to provide mutually beneficial realistic and relevant training which is necessary for the proper integration of units from various nations to work as a cohesive task group.” \

U.S. Navy participation includes Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 1, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the Royal Canadian Navy,” Capt. Keith Moore, CPR 1, currently embarked on Boxer, said in a statement. “Operating with our [Canadian] counterparts during this exercise will facilitate a quicker and smoother integration into the coalition environment during our upcoming deployment.”

HMCS Chicoutimi docked, during part of TGEX-2015. Photo: NavalToday.com 

The U.S. 3rd Fleet exercise serves to train units in amphibious warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and maritime interdiction operations, while also building a strong working relationship between the maritime forces of the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. and Canada regularly participate in exercises together, the most recent being Pacific Partnership and Trident Fury.

HMCS Chicoutimi officially commissioned into the RCN

HMCS Chicoutimi at its official commissioning at CFB Esquimalt
Photo: Lookout Newspaper 

I apologize for the delay in new posts - it has been a busy start to the school year.

On September 3, 2015 at CFB Esquimalt, HMCS Chicoutimi was officially commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy.

It has been more than a decade since Canada purchased four Upholder Class (renamed Victoria Class) Submarines that had been mothballed by the Royal Navy. The submarines have been plagued with technical problems, and fires ever since - leading many to call the nearly $2 Billion purchase the biggest waste for a Navy which needs new surface vessels. In February of this year, all four of the Victoria Class Submarines were declared fully operational.

HMCS Chicoutimi, while operational had yet to be commissioned into the Navy. So, while it has been able to fly the white ensign at sea, it has not been allowed to fly it in any official ceremony; such as the Navy's Sun Set Ceremonies.

While Chicoutimi officially joined the fleet, HMCS Victoria has returned to dry dock; but according to the Ottawa Citizen which has quoted a Navy Official; it will only be for a short period of time. Regularly scheduled maintenance. The Navy is certain that Victoria will return to the water in the near future.

3 of 4 Royal Canadian Navy's Victoria Class Subs Finally fully 'Operation'

HMCS Windsor returns to port in Halifax (Dec 2006) Photo: CF Combat Camera
Cpl. Rod Doucet. 

The Royal Canadian Navy purchased four Victoria-class submarines that where deemed surplus by the British Royal Navy in 1998 - and almost immediately there were problems with them.

Canada purchased the four submarines for nearly $900 million in 1998, and has since foot the large bill to bring the Subs to operational standards, as well as general repairs following a fire on board one of them submarines.

Now three of the four are now operational and have been cleared to begin patrolling the waters around Canada. HMCS Corner Brook is still in dry dock in British Columbia and the military has no timeline of when it will be ready for service. It is entering its deep maintenance phase of its repairs.

Two of the submarines, HMCS Victoria and HMCS Chicoutimi will patrol the waters of the Pacific coast in and around British Columbia, while HMCS Windsor will operate out of Halifax.

While the operational status of three of the four submarines is great news for the RCN, the money and investment is being touted as major waste - as the submarines likely only have a decade of service left in their lifespan. There is no current plan to build or purchase new submarines in the current government Ship building plan that plans to have a new Navy built within the next two decades.

HMCS Chicoutimi returned to Navy

January 30, 2015

It was announced Friday afternoon that Babcock Canada Inc. delivered HMCS Chicoutimi back to the Royal Canadian Navy. The official turnover actually took place back on December 3, 2014. This marks the successful completion of the submarines Extended Docking Work Period (EDWP) and the first of Canada's Victoria-Class submarines to undergo deep maintenance managed by Babcock.

Babcock Canada Inc. was awarded the $1.5 Billion contract in 2008, and it is intended to run for a period of 15 years. Babcock recently began an Extended Limited Maintenance period (ELMP) on HMCS Corner Brook. The Corner Brook will undergo its EDWP once the ELMP is complete.

A 2006 File Photo from the Ottawa Citizen - HMCS Chicoutimi sits a lift after being removed from Halifax harbour.