Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 13 INTERVIEW Q As the Commander Canadian Submarine Force (CCSF), can you please give the readers an assess- ment of the current state of the Victoria-class sub- marine fleet and how have the support organizations (both military and commercial) improved submarine availability and capability? As you are probably aware, following very successful and concurrent expeditionary operations in 2017/18, the Canadian Submarine Force entered a period of reconstitution during which all submarines remained alongside and progressed different maintenance activi- ties. In late 2020, Her Majesty's Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Victoria returned to operations in the Pacific, followed shortly after by HMCS Windsor in the Atlan- tic in early 2021. Moreover, we are on the cusp of re- turning HMCS Corner Brook to operations which will mark the end of its Extended Docking Work Period (EDWP). HMCS Chicoutimi is currently completing a transitional docking work period which is expected to be completed in late 2022 / early 2023. As such, we are soon to have three submarines in service which is a significant accomplishment for our relatively small submarine enterprise. So far, 2021 has been a great year during which both HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor participated in task group exercises and contributed to continental defence on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts respectively. From an availability perspective, the recent mainte- nance periods of HMCS Windsor and Corner Brook and the ongoing maintenance periods of HMCS Chi- coutimi will allow the transition to a new maintenance cycle which will see the platforms in operations for 9 years following 3-year EDWPs. The previous model al- lowed for 6 years of operations following EDWPs. As a result, it is expected that the availability of Victoria- class submarines will become more predictable and will slightly increase in the medium-to-long term. From a capability perspective, all operational Victo- ria-class submarines are now fitted with the new BQQ- 10 sonar. In addition, the Canadian Submarine Force will soon introduce the Mk48 7AT torpedo in its in- ventory. Finally, HMCS Corner Brook was fitted during the EDWP with a Universal Modular Mast and a new antenna which will enable near real-time, high-speed satellite communications ashore. HMCS Corner Brook will be the most modern platform of our submarine fleet when it soon returns to operations. Q Personnel and training issues are always a criti- cal path to maintaining a submarine capability - given that the pandemic restrictions have had a significant impact on fleet training and operations of navies worldwide, what are your concerns and plans for the Submarine Force rejuvenation post-pandemic? Speaking in broad terms, the main impact that CO- VID-19 had on the Canadian Submarine Force was the lengthening of submarine work periods as the subma- rine enterprise adapted to operations in a COVID-19 persistent environment. This prevented the submarine force from significantly progressing the qualification of submariners at sea in 2020 as we had planned and created a training backlog. However, we made great strides in 2021 on clearing the backlog of trainees. As always, we carefully manage training at sea and are en- suring that 100 per cent of available bunks are filled every time a submarine proceeds to sea. We also imple- mented a new training package for new submariners which is more task-orientated and aims to reduce the number of sea days required to obtain the basic subma- riner qualification. My biggest concern right now is the recruitment of future submariners and as such, the Canadian Subma- rine Force is taking a more pro-active approach in re- cruitment than we have in the past. Q Under Strong, Secure, Engaged the RCN is com- mitted to the work in the Arctic and meaningfully contributes to joint action ashore, how do you see the Victoria-class contributing to this requirement? As with any diesel-electric submarine, Victoria-class submarines are ideally suited to monitor choke points. As such, patrolling the approaches to Arctic Waters is an ideal task for our submarines. In addition, the high- frequency active component of the BQQ-10 sonar suite will further enhance our ability to safely operate in the Arctic as the platform will be better equipped to detect large objects such as icebergs. Surveillance and reconnaissance of targets ashore is part of our core mandate in times of tension and as such, a Victoria-class submarine can be part of a van- guard component of any coalition task group that may be preparing to conduct operations ashore. In addi- tion, the Canadian Submarine Force regularly operates with Special Forces and patrol pathfinders and exercises the deployment and recovery of those forces to support operations ashore. Q As Strong, Secure, Engaged commits to the modernization of the four Victoria-class submarines through the Victoria-Class Modernization (VCM) program, what major improvements in operational capability, maintenance and habitability do you envi- sion a post-VCM submarine will be able to bring to the table? Through the Victoria-class Modernization (VCM) project, we will be implementing up to 17 distinct proj- ects to upgrade the habitability, capability, and surviv- ability of the class against current and evolving threats. Habitability – Projects in this range will provide new bunks and mess decks with better lighting, venti- lation, and USB ports to charge personal devices. Wash places and showers will be updated with changing ar- eas to support mixed-gender crews. Improvements will also be made for food and supply storage; and a better waste handling system will be installed. Capability – Key sensors will be replaced, including

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