Vanguard Magazine

10 DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024 www.vanguardcanada.com S SIT REP showcasing the success of strategic planning and dedication. Ahead of schedule by a remarkable two months, the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, a colossal 103-meter vessel, seam- lessly transitioned from the land-level facility of Halifax Shipyard to a submersible barge on December 8 before launching into the Bedford Basin. Crafted by a skilled workforce of over 2,400 shipbuilders, the HMCS Frédérick Rolette now graces the pier side at Halifax Shipyard. Here, a hive of activity persists as the final touches are applied in preparation for upcoming sea trials, leading to the official handover to the Royal Canadian Navy scheduled for September 2024. "The launch of future HMCS Frédérick Rolette is anoth- er milestone achieved on our mission to deliver ships for Canada," said Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. "I'm proud of the teamwork that delivered this result". Within the expansive confines of Halifax Shipyard, the meticulous construction of the Royal Canadian Navy's sixth AOPS, and first AOPS variant for the Canadian Coast Guard, the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is well underway. This ambitious undertaking spearheaded by a dedicated gen- eration of shipbuilders is set to deliver a total of six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, complemented by two AOPS desig- nated for the Canadian Coast Guard. Additionally, the project en- compasses the construction of 15 Canadian Surface Combatant ships, fortifying the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities as part of the overarching National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). In homage to a historical figure, Charles Frédérick Rolette, born on September 23, 1785, in Québec City, this vessel takes its name from a man who left an indelible mark on naval his- tory. Commencing his naval career as a midshipman during adolescence, Rolette's courage and strategic acumen distin- guished him during the War of 1812. Stationed in Amherstburg, Upper Canada (now Ontario), Rolette, as Lieutenant in command of the brig General Hunter, displayed extraordinary initiative. With lightning speed, he captured the American vessel Cuyahoga just as the news of the war reached Amherstburg on July 3, 1812. This auda- cious move secured critical intelligence for the British, as the Cuyahoga held the papers and dispatches of the American commander General William Hull. In an era when medals for gallantry were not yet custom- ary, Lieutenant Rolette's bravery did not go unnoticed. Senior military officers mentioned him in dispatches multiple times during the war. At the capture of Detroit, Major-General Isaac Brock commended Rolette's conduct, declaring, "I have watched you during the action; you behaved like a lion, and I will remember you." Thus, the historical Canton of Rolette was established in 1868, a testament to the enduring legacy of this valiant officer. P E R S P E C T I V E Sponsored Content T he Future Integrated Train- ing Environment (FITE) is a Canadian Army concept that addresses the integration of live, virtual, and construc- tive training environments to support and improve individual and collective readi- ness. In essence, it advocates for the use of integrated and networked simulation programs to effectively and realistically prepare Canadian soldiers for the con- temporary operating environment. The first tangible implementation of the FITE will be the procurement of the Land Vir- tual Crew Training System (LVCTS). The LVCTS will provide a range of advanced combat vehicle virtual simulations that will transform the way the Canadian Army conducts individual and collective training for mounted combat operations. The FORC3 team—a strategic partner- ship between Rheinmetall Canada, Lock- heed Martin Canada, Rheinmetall Elec- tronics and Lockheed Martin Training and Logistics Solutions—is positioned to pro- vide the most advanced training solution to fulfill the needs of the Canadian Army. FORC3 has secured the domestic capa- bilities to build and operate five state-of- the-art LVCTS simulation centres across the country. These custom-built simulation centres will enable progressive training at the individual, crew, platoon, and higher echelon levels using high-fidelity trainers, medium-fidelity reconfigurable trainers and standard trainee workstations combined with a robust virtual environment and com- prehensive instructional system. "The FORC3 team will leverage four decades of expertise to provide Canadian soldiers with the best possible training and preparation for future operations", says Mathieu Voghel, Vice-President, Program Management at Rheinmetall Canada. The five custom-built simulation centres proposed by FORC3 will create realistic synthetic environments that replicate the future land operating environment. The FORC3 Team - A Strategic Partnership

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