Vanguard Magazine

opportunity to lead the first-of-class ves- sel represented a leadership challenge like no other. Not only would I need to work tirelessly to become a subject matter ex- pert in Canada's arctic and its sovereignty, but I would also be expected to lead my team of 78 sailors to do so as well. Every- thing from the procedures dealing with maneuvering the ship to relationships between the Harry DeWolf-Class and its Coast Guard counterparts had to be built from the ground up – not to mention building an understanding of the cultural aspects related to co-operating closely with Canada's northern Indigenous com- munities. I knew the experience would re- quire long hours and much personal and professional development, but ultimately, I knew that serving Canada in this capac- ity would be one of the more rewarding experiences in my career. Q What are some of the capabilities that you are looking forward to in the new fleet of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels? I would say that I am most excited for the wide array of capabilities of this class of vessel and its ability to provide support to the RCN in most facets of domestic mari- time operations. The Harry DeWolf-Class AOPV will be capable of operating in a range of environments that extend far be- yond Canada's arctic waters. In addition to ice operation, the Harry DeWolf-Class will be capable of patrolling the entirety of Canada's Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) as well as the Great Lakes, the Ca- ribbean and coastal Central America. The class will be able to increase the RCN's Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through its ability to operate in all of Canada's waters all while playing host to multiple assets. These assets include Na- val Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) teams and RCMP Law Enforcement Detachments (LE Det) as well as teams from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) for the purposes of enforc- ing Canadian law and supporting Other Government Departments (OGD). These vessels will also be able to carry the supplies and personnel required to par- ticipate in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations. Q How are the AOPVs shaping up to meet the expected missions of protect- ing Canada's sovereignty in the North, defending North America with our allies and contributing to international secu- rity, particularly in the areas of supply and endurance? Ultimately, the AOPV's role in protect- ing Canada and contributing to interna- tional security is presented in its ability to operate in all waters surrounding North, Central and South America. Not only does the hull itself allow for increased op- eration in the Arctic and continued op- eration around the continent but added technical and physical components of the vessels will be instrumental in helping the RCN meet the expectations of a range of missions. AOPVs will feature a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, deployable motor vehicles, Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) cam- eras, surveillance radar systems, satellite communications, fully integrated navi- gation systems, medical facilities, and quarters for briefing and housing special teams from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or OGD. All of these combine to create an excellent platform that ad- vances the RCN's and CAF's command and control (C2) capabilities in the Arctic, our other territorial waters, and abroad. The AOPVs will be able to ex- tend Canada's reach both physically and strategically, and they will bring a swath of modern technology to any operation they find themselves involved in. Q What roles or missions do you see the AOPVs participating in the offsea- son? When the AOPVs are not conducting operations in the Arctic, they will be en- gaged in many activities around North and Central America. These activities include but are not limited to: Civil- Military Cooperation; Aid of the Civil Power in times of crisis; coordination with OGDs such as the RCMP, Depart- ment of Fisheries & Oceans or Canadian www.vanguardcanada.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 15 interview Photo: Cdr Gleason

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