Canada’s Naval Power in Windsor
Story by Paula Just
Photography by Michael Pietrangelo
Windsorites were the last to bid farewell to the ship of the Royal Canadian Navy after its journey through the Welland Canal. The HMCS Harry DeWolf stopped in cities across Ontario and opened its doors for public tours. Besides Windsor, the vessel visited Kingston, Toronto, and Hamilton. “When people visit us, they can see different parts of the ship, like the bridge, the weapon systems, our main cafeteria, and meeting areas. They can also talk to sailors about their experiences. This awareness helps bring education to Canadians,” explained Lieutenant Commander and Executive Officer, Lisa Jensen, who is also a University of Windsor graduate.
This type of naval unit was developed to assist the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in monitoring and protecting the country’s exclusive economic zone, particularly in the Northwest Passage. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, bordered by three oceans, and the advanced surveillance capabilities ensure the RCN can keep a close watch over these strategic and often remote areas. The vessel was named to honor Harry DeWolf, a Canadian naval hero from World War II. This marks the first time in the Navy’s over 100-year history that a class has been named after a prominent Canadian naval figure.
When the warship docked in the Dieppe Gardens, Windsor Life Magazine took an exclusive tour after a ceremony was held to welcome the Navy. Don’t be fooled by the photos; it looks compact, but it is enormous. The vessel is 6,660 tonnes, with a length of 103 meters and a beam of 19 meters. It reaches a top speed of 17 knots (31 km/h) and has an impressive range of up to 6,800 nautical miles. The ship, which has seven floors and dozens of narrow stairways, accommodates a crew of 85 people, who sleep, eat and live aboard for months. The team has access to a kitchen, gym, living quarters, lounge and even a small hospital equipped for emergencies and minor surgeries. Curious fact: the corridors are all white but lit with red lights, as red lighting enhances sailors’ visibility day and night.
The warship is also equipped to conduct armed patrols and surveillance, support humanitarian assistance efforts, respond to emergencies and provide disaster relief. Rescue boats and a maritime helicopter are carried on board to assist in various missions. The weapon system, armed with three machine guns, is highly accurate due to its advanced targeting and surveillance system. “We are capable of year-round operations in the Arctic, able to protect Canada’s sovereignty and interests at home. We can also patrol overseas and down South as well,” said Jensen. After the Windsor public visits, the cruiser will prepare for a counter-narcotics mission in the Caribbean.
The arrival in Windsor also marked the return of some sailors to their hometown. Blake Blanchard, Sailor 1st Class and Cook on the HMCS Harry DeWolf, is 23 years old and originally from Windsor. Taking part in the Welland Canal expedition was a special moment for him. “The biggest thing was just being able to come home to Windsor; that was huge for me. I never thought I’d ever sail to my hometown.” Blanchard is part of a specialized team dedicated to meal preparation. “The biggest challenge is cooking every day, all day long. Every day, I’m doing breakfast, lunch and dinner, nonstop. But the best part is that I didn’t know how to cook before. And since I joined the Navy, I’ve really learned how to cook. Now, I make amazing meals and love cooking for myself, my family and my friends. It’s gratifying,” he said.
This feeling of returning home also touched James Van Vessem, Sailor 1st Class and Naval Combat Information Operator. Van Vessem currently lives in Halifax but grew up in Windsor, where he studied until graduation. With the visit, he was able to welcome his mother-in-law aboard. “The most significant part of this mission would be being present among the people, the family, the communities and everyone else involved. I feel like I’m part of that, and being recognized in my hometown is of great importance to me,” he shared.
It was years ago, in the same spot where the Harry DeWolf was docked, that Van Vessem felt inspired to join the Navy. “I was passing by and saw the Canadian Coast Guard ship. I was really fascinated with the very intricate and technical pieces of equipment that they had on the top of their mast, spinning around the radar systems. And then, I was able to take Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems at the university, which then solidified my knowledge and interest in military equipment.” When asked what he enjoys most about his role as a sailor, he replied with humor: “I enjoy that my commute to work is just five minutes up the stairs, and I get to travel to places like Boston, New York, all the way up to the Northern Waters, and all with friends from my hometown,” he said.
The Royal Canadian Navy also plays a crucial role in shaping the skills and character of young adults, offering experiences that build resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Blanchard recommends: “If you’re not sure what you want to do with your education or don’t know what to work, the Navy is a great way. Especially the Reserve, which is excellent because you can work part-time while you’re in school. You get guaranteed full-time employment, make great money, and get experience. It can’t go wrong with that at all,” he says.
During the Windsor stop, locals got a glimpse of life on board and saw the inside of one of RCN’s most essential fleet vessels. Families, students, and veterans alike gathered to learn about the ship’s mission and the work of its crew. It’s this kind of connection with communities that the Navy seeks to promote through public tours. “Our point is to bring the Canadian Navy to the people of Ontario; we want people to understand what the Navy does and what their options are if they’re interested in a career. We want people to know that Canada does have a Navy and this is what we do for our people,” concluded Jensen.
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