EXPLORE the DEPTH » OF CANADA'S Force 2 ■ explore the depth of canada's submarine force

A submarine and crew Out of the water… but still very busy!

ubmarines are part of age citizen. When they go to submariner at sea. While being the unseen force of the sea, they lack regular commu- at sea for weeks on end with nation, stealthy, lethal and nication with the outside world. limited to no communication S persistent, making them The internet does not exist is the norm, a submariner must ideal for surveillance and intel- under the ocean... nor does proactively plan out things like ligence gathering in peacetime fresh air, privacy, or laundry when and how to pay the mort- and wartime. Most importantly, machines. A nice refreshing gage, how long to store personal the crew is critical for ensuring shower is also not a regular goods, or who will take care of that operate at peak commodity on board a sub- the pets. And back-up plans performance while deployed marine. Thank goodness for must be created in case things on various exercises and opera- baby wipes and laundry buck- change, or the submarine needs tions. No crew, and the subma- ets. And yet, most submariners to remain on patrol longer. rine doesn’t go anywhere. thrive in that environment and As submarines lack many of But, what does the crew of a demand more. As such, it is the amenities that surface war- submarine do when the subma- truly an elite group within the ships have, submariners make rine is in dry-dock or alongside? which all the most of their time ashore. Her Majesty’s Canadian can become a member, given For instance, when in alongside Submarine Chicoutimi, one of the right training, work ethic outside of their home port, Canada’s four Victoria-class and attitude. submarine crews stay in hotels submarines, has been in several Even though not at sea, sub- so that they have access to international training exercises mariners remain busy when the regular showers and laundry and operations throughout the boat comes alongside or goes facilities, and can just enjoy Pacific in recent years, contrib- into dry dock. much-needed personal space uting greatly to the over 2,300 Every submariner is required after living in the cramped con- days at sea amassed by the class to maintain a standard of physi- fines of a submarine for weeks since their service began. cal fitness, and they must also on end. HMCS Chicoutimi also com- stay current in submarine dam- Submariner Lieutenant(Navy) pleted a record 197-day deploy- age control procedures, focus- Nathan Haylett notes that in ment in 2017-18 in support ing on firefighting, escape pro- these situations, each subma- of Op PROJECTION, where cedures, hydraulic bursts, high riner is given the key to their the submarine operated in the pressure air bursts and various hotel room, normally shared Asia-Pacific region and was electrical failures which are seri- with another crew member, as actively involved in joint exer- ous incidents for a submerged well as subsistence allowance cises conducted by the Japanese submarine. Submariners main- and incidentals to pay for food Maritime Self Defense Force tain up-to-date first aid training and other amenities. and the United States Navy. while ensuring they themselves “We are expected to be ready Currently, HMCS Chicoutimi remain healthy and ready to to stand duty watch and work is in the midst of a Transitional deploy. Time ashore provides as required,” he said. “but we Docking Work Period that will crew members an opportunity certainly have more freedom upgrade the submarine, update to seek out further training to explore various attractions… the maintenance and allow the to enable them to take on and eat amazing food!” platform to adopt a new main- advanced roles. The submarine community tenance cycle, improving the Beyond striving to main- also tries to host monthly mess overall availability and capability tain personal qualifications as events as a crew, COVID-19 of the submarine. Although not required by each submariner’s permitted. These events include unlike maintenance conducted individual trade, the crew of harbour cruises, local axe on your car, these checks must a submarine actively trains throwing events, tastings, sport- ensure the “vehicle” is ready in future submarine candidates ing days and competitive games all respects in order to operate while concurrently overseeing days. These activities help bond while submerged in more than the work on their submarine. a small crew into a family. 200 metres of salt water and They train to be ready and HMCS Chicoutimi looks for- under tremendous pressure. proficient in new systems and ward to returning to opera- These maintenance periods any upgrades that are usually tional service in 2023. Until also allow the crew a chance to the result of a work period, then, the crew is busy support- have time ashore. while taking care of the routine ing other submarines and pre- A submariner differs some- administration of daily life. paring to undertake any other what from the surface sailor, Seemingly standard life tasks tasks, while spending quality and even more from the aver- become more difficult for a time with family and friends. ■

"We are expected to be ready to stand duty watch and work as required, but we certainly have more freedom to explore various attractions… and eat amazing food!"

Lieutenant(Navy) Nathan Haylett explore the depth of canada's submarine force ■ 3

"HMCS Victoria is the second of our submarines to trial the BQQ- 10 system. So far, the system is exceeding our expectations and there are so many functions that we still have to explore and learn. It is exciting for the Submarine Force but especially for our ops who get to operate a state-of-the-art sonar suite.”

Captain(Navy) Jean Stéphane Ouellet, Commander, Canadian Submarine Force

Submarine upgrades increase underwater awareness

By Capt Jenn Jackson, MARPAC Public Affairs

Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine Victoria processing and options for analysing con- tation, which is assisted by the fact that the system is exceeding our expectations is back at sea and its sonar operators (sonar tacts,” says PO2 Mihalcheon. “With the the fundamentals of the Sonar Op’s job and there are so many functions that we op) are more equipped than ever before. BQQ-10, we have a much more sophisti- remain the same. still have to explore and learn. It is exciting That is because HMCS Victoria received cated system to work with now.” “Building a “sonar ear” is equally as for the Submarine Force but especially for an upgrade during the submarine’s last The differences between the BQQ-10 important now as it was with the 2040 our sonar ops who get to operate a state- docking work period to its BQQ-10 sonar and the previous 2040 sonar suite range system. It is still possible to classify a con- of-the-art sonar suite,” says Capt(N) Jean suite, which not only aligns capabilities from a significant increase in the amount tact simply by what it sounds like before Stéphane Ouellet, Commander, Canadian with that of our Allies, but also effectively of post-processing that occurs when data the BQQ-10 processing and evaluations Submarine Force. changes the game for the Royal Canadian is received from Victoria’s sonar systems happens,” says PO2 Mihalcheon. “All operational Victoria-class subma- Navy’s Victoria-class submarines. to how that information is displayed in Even with conversion training ashore, rines are upgraded with this system, with Recently, HMCS Victoria’s crew suc- the submarine’s control room for its Sonar the main challenge faced by Sonar Ops Corner Brook being the third submarine cessfully conducted trials of the new Ops. at sea is determining how to optimize the to be upgraded upon completion of the sonar suite aimed at proving the sys- “The upgraded screens make a signifi- system and what works best to provide the Extended Docking Work Period in late- tem, fine tuning and verifying its inte- cant difference,” adds PO2 Mihalcheon. most relevant data to the command team. 2021. This leads to an overall increased gration with other onboard systems. For “In some ways, it is like we advanced from As Victoria continues with its regular patrol awareness of the underwater environment. Victoria’s Senior Sonar Operator (UC1), working with Atari-level graphics and schedule, its Sonar Ops will continue to Not only does this system significantly Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Naomi information to full-on HDMI.” tweak their use of the system, which in improve our surveillance capabilities in Mihalcheon, the difference brings a new Prior to the trials at sea, the change for turn will benefit the Canadian Submarine the defence of Canada, it also contributes level of excitement to her job. the Sonar Ops began ashore with conver- Force overall. to keeping the Canadian Submarine Force “The BQQ-10 is far more advanced than sion training to familiarize the operators “HMCS Victoria is the second of our sub- relevant for operations today and in the the former sonar suite when it comes to with the new equipment and data presen- marines to trial the BQQ-10 system. So far, future,” he adds. ■ 4 ■ explore the depth of canada's submarine force

Letter #1 – 18 Apr, 2021 Letters get into my sleeping bag, which I soon found to be a little too warm for me. Thankfully, Dear Reader, I had brought my own blanket – like most My name is Captain Jenn Jackson and I am from a Public Affairs Officer posted to Maritime beneath sailors, I have one thing I never sail without, Forces Pacific. For the last year and a half and it’s a weighted blanket – so that was I have been supporting the Commander the sea good enough to keep me warm. The next of the Canadian Submarine Force’s Public challenge was finding a comfortable position Affairs program and that means I have been without feeling like I might fall out of my interacting regularly with submariners and rack. Since the rack is about half the width learning about subs even though I have of a normal single bed, rolling over was not never sailed in one. really an option. In the end, I placed by backpack as a bit of a brace and just having All of that is about to change, as I have This was the first major difference I experi- and Marine Systems Coordinator serve the something to lean against did the trick. It been provided an opportunity to sail in enced – the bedding is similar to 3 sleeping other senior non-commissioned officers, and was close to midnight before I managed to Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine Victoria bags. The first is a sheet which wraps around the junior ranks are served through a pass- figure all of this out! for approximately 36-hours to experience the mattress for sleeping on. The second is through window. It’s an interesting tradition! Because a submarine at sea operates 24/7, first-hand what it is like living and sailing in a light blanket which also goes around the I also wanted to note that meals on a there were always people coming and going one of Canada’s Victoria-class submarines. mattress, and the final is almost exactly like submarine are served approximately 8 hours in the bunk space (almost all bunk spaces I admit to being a little nervous-excited – a sleeping bag that goes on top. To make the apart with snacks available in between. That are in the flats, or in my case the Weapons nervous because I have never sailed in a sub rack, it was necessary to hold the mattress means that breakfast is at 3 a.m., and supper Stowage Compartment). Submariners are before (although I have sailed a lot in the off the ground while pulling the bedding is at 7 p.m. As most of the crew, including moving about at all hours, some getting surface ships), and excited because it’s a new around it. That was a workout! the XO, stand watch 12 hours a day, this ready for watches or coming off, some actu- experience and adventure and I am always I met with the Executive Officer in the syncs with the overall watch schedule. ally on watch. The one thing I immediately up for an adventure. Wardroom to go over some details and Returning back to the trials, after lunch I picked up on (and was grateful for last I am just completing the end of my pre-sail shortly after I headed up to the Control returned to the Control Room to watch the night!) was how much care everyone takes protocol which is a period of isolation in a Room to observe as the crew prepared to Sonar Operators work. I can’t say I under- hotel and a number of COVID-19 tests, all of dive. I was designated an empty chair to sit stood what they were looking at, but it was to respect their fellow sleeping submariners. which minimize the risk of COVID-19 when on and stay out of the way. I quickly learned interesting to watch the information being Voices are kept low, privacy is respected, I join the sub – which is currently sailing and how much proper space management is passed back and forth between the Sonar and white light is limited (in fact red light is conducting trials for its new SONAR. essential in the cramped spaces. Operators and the Fire Control System used from sunset until almost lunch to assist The plan is for me to drive up and embark Diving itself was quite an interesting Operators (which are comprised of a variety the irregular sleeping patterns needed for in the sub via a boat transfer. To prepare experience. The first surprise was to have of trades from both the Combat Systems the watch schedule). for this, I already pre-positioned some kit my ears “pop” as they shut the hatches– sort Engineering and Operations departments). Overall, the environment and interac- on board with the help of the Coxswain, so of like an airplane cabin. The second was In addition, both periscopes were in opera- tion I observed between the submariners that I don’t have to worry about transferring how much the sub angled down during tion with regular updates being provided. is truly one of the most respectful I have a lot of bags from the small boat to the sub. the dive – it really was similar to an aircraft I was provided an opportunity to observe experienced throughout my 24 years in the To embark, I will need to climb up a rope descending steeply and reminded me of my and report on the contacts from the attack military and working in all three environ- ladder from the boat to the sub to meet the experience onboard a C-177 Globemaster periscope for a while. My job entailed look- ments – Army, Air Force, and Navy. Treating crew. aircraft doing Short Take Off and Landings. ing through the periscope at a ship on the others how you would like to be treated Once I am aboard, the plan is to continue What was really interesting was the visual surface and providing the range and bear- really is a way of life in a submarine. the SONAR trials, so we will be diving from the attack periscope (there are actually ing to the trials staff to verify accuracy of So, despite my initial challenges, once I did shortly after I arrive – no turning back then. two periscopes!) was duplicated on a moni- the new system. In between reports I was get to sleep I slept well. That left my final Thankfully, I am not claustrophobic, espe- tor behind me so I was able to watch as the able to circle the periscope around and see challenge to be waking up, shimmying out cially since I will be sleeping in a torpedo sub slipped below the surface. The ride was the huge range the periscope can look at, of my rack and heading to the heads, (which rack! so smooth, if I hadn’t seen that, I don’t think including up as high as the sky, and down are down a ladder from the WSC) and get- Thanks for coming on this adventure I would have known when we were sub- to the sea. ting myself ready for the morning. with me, and the next time I write, I will be merged! We first went to periscope depth, My time at the periscope ended as I took The sub transited back towards Esquimalt already in the sub and under the sea J then we dove deeper for the trials that had an opportunity to capture some photos of a overnight so we could be positioned to be Yours aye, to be conducted. There was an experienced simulated casualty exercise organized by the alongside. We did so surfaced. On the sur- Captain Jenn Jackson SONAR Operator sitting next to me and he Coxswain for some crew training. Seeing face, the bridge, which is at the top of the Public Affairs Officer explained some of what was happening. how difficult it is to work with a casualty in submarine fin, is crewed by the Officer of Soon to be embarked in HMCS Victoria I’m going to stop there for now, and save the cramp spaces was certainly eye opening! the Watch and a lookout. some of my experiences today for another I also spent a lot of time talking with the We are preparing to come alongside now, letter. I can’t believe it’s been less than submariners about their own experiences, and soon we will disembark. For me, I will Letter #2 – 19 Apr, 2021 24-hours and so much has already taken challenges and achievements. Some of the be able to return to home and work, but for Dear Reader, place! most interesting conversation was about the rest of the crew – they will be going into Well, here I am in HMCS Victoria and we Yours Aye, some of the changes they have seen during isolation to maintain their COVID-19 free have been submerged most of the day doing Captain Jenn Jackson their careers. status and prepare for their next sail. trials on the new Sonar system. Public Affairs Officer Well, dinner is coming up quick, so I am Throughout the pandemic, members from It was a bit of an adventure to get here and Embarked in HMCS Victoria going to end here for now. I’ll write again all of our vessels – surface and submarines rapid fire in some ways with a steep learning tomorrow to fill you in on what it’s like have had to spend extended periods of curve. I managed to get onto the sub from to sleep on a submarine for the first time time alone and away from family to ensure the small boat without tossing myself or any Letter #3 – 19 Apr, 2021 before we come alongside. that they are sailing with minimal risk of of my belongings in the water (really grateful Dear Reader, Yours aye, COVID-19, and that the mission of the Royal the sea was almost a flat calm in the bay). Thanks for continuing along on my jour- Captain Jenn Jackson Canadian Navy continues. I have had to do One of the first things I noticed is how ney with me! In this letter, I am going to Public Affairs Officer it three times now, and each time it becomes much the crew works together like a well- provide some more information on the trials Embarked in HMCS Victoria a little harder, and the days seem longer. I oiled machine. Victoria only returned to sea we were doing, and life in the sub in general. want to give a shout-out to all of our sailors after its last docking work period last fall, First, I would like to point out that the and their families who have been doing this Letter #4 – 20 April, 2021 but the crew is incredibly gelled in how they we were using during the trials are regularly to maintain a naval presence on work. They got me and my gear on the sub passive sonars – meaning that we are col- Dear reader, the west coast of Canada. efficiently while also disembarking another lecting information from the environment Well, this will be my last letter from HMCS In closing, I would like to take a moment submariner going ashore for career training. around us, we aren’t sending any sonar Victoria. It’s certainly been a whirlwind trip, to thank the Commanding Officer and As soon as I was in the sub, I moved transmissions (also called “pings”) out in the but I have been able to see so much in my crew of HMCS Victoria for welcoming and to the Weapons Stowage Compartment water. 36-hours at sea. allowing me this short glimpse into life in (WSC) where my bunk (which is on top of After the first phase of the trials fully sub- It was an interesting night and morning. a submarine. My respect and understand- a torpedo rack) is located to set up and wait merged (I can’t say how deep for security It took me a while to get to sleep, but my ing of submariners as a whole has certainly for the Coxswain to receive a safety brief reasons), we came up to periscope depth to first challenge was actually getting into my increased as a result of this experience, and as well as some general tips for life in a sub continue the trials. In between I had lunch rack without hitting my head. Because of the I hope my letters accurately reflect this small (not going to lie – the most important part with members of the crew in the Wardroom, low clearance space in the rack (there isn’t portion of your story. Thank you for being was learning how to use the heads – which which was served in shifts due to the limited enough room to sit up) and that I was on an willing to serve Canada as a submariner. is more complicated than on land). seating. Another change from other vessels upper rack meant that to get into bed I had Yours Aye, After my brief, we got underway and two – the meals are served by the Steward to to do a bit of an inchworm shimmy from the Captain Jenn Jackson sailors who also bunk in the WSC showed the other officers so that there aren’t line foot to the head. Public Affairs Officer me and assisted me in making my bunk. ups in the cramped flats. The Coxswain Once I was in bed, it took some shifting to Embarked in HMCS Victoria ■ explore the depth of canada's submarine force ■ 5 Submariner Profiles

» Meet Master Sailor Jimmy Chou Master Sailor (MS) Jimmy Chou, a Naval can’t do without is his MacBook so he can Combat Information Operator, joined the produce music while away from his home Royal Canadian Navy in 2012. He became a studio. submariner in 2017. For anyone considering a life under the “I knew that becoming a submariner waves, MS Chou advises to do some research. was going to be a challenging journey, so I “Understand exactly what your trade will decided to get out of my comfort zone and be like on the submarine versus in the sur- try something new,” he says, noting that face fleet,” he says. “On the subs, we all have his favourite thing about submarines is the to learn a bit about each other’s trades, so people. that was one aspect I liked -- to appreciate When at sea, the one thing that MS Chou everyone’s role on the submarine.” ■ » Meet Sailor first Class Jerret Sage Sailor First Class (S1) Jerret Sage, a Marine S1 Sage says he never sails without his Technician, joined the Royal Canadian personal pillow from home, complete with Navy in 2018, becoming a submariner in pillow case. His favourite part of the job is 2021. working with his co-workers. “I was thinking that being on a surface For those considering a career in subma- vessel would be too boring,” he said of his rines, he has some advice. decision to become a submariner. “Smaller “Be patient for sail time. When it comes, crew size and a more relaxed atmosphere or be prepared to do the business and have work environment are some pros.” fun.” ■

» Meet Petty Officer second Class Naomi Mihalcheon Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Naomi For PO2 Mihalcheon, becoming a submariner trusty flashlight. Mihalcheon, a Sonar Operator, joined the meant an opportunity to become a subject mat- MS Mihalcheon encourages those service in 2001 as an Army ter expert within the Sonar Operator trade. personnel considering a switch to submarines Reservist. In 2006, she joined the Royal Her favourite aspects about being a submari- to go for it. Canadian Navy (Regular Force) and began ner are the “community, achievement and trade “If you’ve already considered it, it might be a training to become a submariner in 2009, knowledge,” she says. good fit for you, so why not give it a try?” she becoming fully qualified in 2010. She also notes that she never sails without her says. ■

» Meet Sailor first Class Jaime Jose Santisteban Bazan Sailor First Class (S1) Jaime Jose Santisteban take long for me to realize that their apparent and diligent, you’ll soon find yourself in charge Bazan, a Sonar Operator, joined the Royal aloofness was anything but, when their panel of an essential submarine system,” he says. Canadian Navy in 2016. In 2021, he was blinked a warning. One of them walked over to “Alongside, depending on your trade, there will awarded his Dolphins, signalling to all that he is the screen, and read out the warning. Without never be a dull moment for, generally speaking, a qualified submariner. skipping a step, the conversation turned into an as long as you have proven yourself reliable and S1 Santisteban Bazan made his decision to in-depth mechanical analysis of what that flash- your work gets done, you’ll be expected to act switch from the surface fleet to submarines ing light was communicating to them which, to autonomously.” while sailing onboard HMCS Vancouver. me, sounded like pure nonsense.” One thing that S1 Santisteban Bazan never “A colleague of mine, a former submariner, “After deciding the light was not a threat to leaves home without is a well-hidden bag of offered to take me to HMCS Victoria and to give the submarine and waving it away, the submari- candy. me a tour,” he says. “I am glad I took his offer, as ners resumed their conversation, this time argu- For those considering a career in subs, S1 what I saw onboard was reminiscent of the old ing the better way to approach a deer during Santisteban Bazan advises them to trust their classic submarine movies.” a hunt. To my eyes, that relaxed environment, gut instincts. That day onboard Victoria, one of Canada’s backed by the experience of a well-trained “Do not trust the picture sailors from the four submarines, was permanently etched in his crew, was leagues ahead of what one could surface fleet will paint of the submarine pro- memory. find in the surface fleet. I just knew then and gram. Do not trust the picture submariners will “What left a lasting impact were the three there that I had to try to become a submariner paint of the submarine program,” he says. “Ask members of the crew I met that day,” he myself.” to visit HMCS Victoria, and watch us in our remembers. “Confident yet humble, proud yet For S1 Santisteban Bazan, the best thing about natural environment. Whatever trade you are, friendly, the submariners (all of vastly different being a submariner is the direct correlation ask to shadow a submariner in your preferred ranks) I met that day were having an animated between one’s authority and the competency trade. That’ll be the truest picture of what you conversation on the merits of one TV show over they display. can expect if you decide to apply to become a another. I joined the conversation, and it did not “At sea, if you’re a junior rate who’s motivated submariner.” ■

» Meet Sub-Lieutenant Abhi Saxena Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Abhi Saxena, a Naval duty, selflessness, and courage above anything sions out there.” Warfare Officer, joined the Royal Canadian else.” When at sea, SLt Saxena never leaves home Navy in 2017, becoming a submariner in 2021. For SLt Saxena, the best part of the subma- without his music and books, as they provide “I chose to become a submariner because, rine community is the people. him the ability to switch off and unwind – to for me, it was the chance to prove myself, it “I know it’s almost a cliché when someone leave the job behind for a while during down was something that spoke of greater acumen, says their crew is the best in the business, which time. accuracy and caliber,” he says. “I was captivated statistically can’t all be true,” he says. “However, For those considering becoming a submariner, by the technology, by their whole approach to in my case, the stats favour me. My co-workers SLt Saxena says that the will to keep going and combat, by the stealth and everything else.” are my favourite part of being a submariner. I’m being determined will take you much higher in “I chose to become a submariner after thankful to all my equals, my betters for making this profession than just skills alone. speaking to and observing other submariners, my job so much more enjoyable.” “From what I’ve seen of submariners, they their mannerism and knowledge. I found them SLt Saxena compares being in the Submarine would rather take a disciplined, hardwork- being set apart from others. I wanted to prove Force to the space program, as submarines are ing member with little experience on their myself as capable and trustworthy to an elite the closest thing to a long-duration space flight. team rather than a skilled but overconfident group of people that treasured competence, “To me, my job is one of the coolest profes- superstar.” ■ 6 ■ explore the depth of canada's submarine force

HMCS Windsor Prepares for upcoming Exercise Cutlass Fury

By SLt Josh Ehnisz, MARPAC Headquarters

What distinguishes a subma- Atlantic waters. It ing and participa- to prepare, it gives my crew rine deployment from a surface has been deployed tion in exercises like the chance to consolidate and ship deployment? throughout the CUTLASS FURY apply what they have learned For Lieutenant Commander Atlantic, visiting is an unparalleled in a truly dynamic environ- (LCdr) William Matheson, the countries in Europe opportunity. The ment,” says LCdr Matheson. Commanding Officer of Her and various ports crew is able to do the Although Exercise CUTLASS Majesty’s Canadian Submarine throughout the United job they love and these FURY will not take place until Windsor, the answer is clear. States, as well as operat- exercises give newer subma- this fall, team training has “That’s simple, the ing in the Mediterranean. riners a first chance to gain real been a priority for Windsor submarine.” Currently, HMCS Windsor is operational experience work- since the submarine finished While this is evident, he is working towards taking part in ing together with surface ships its Transitional Docking Period only partly kidding. Everything Exercise CUTLASS FURY 21. for collective training.” this past February. onboard the submarine comes This is a Canadian-led multi- CUTLASS FURY will enable “Our training ensures that with its own interpretation. national exercise taking place the submarine and surface Windsor’s crew are positioned Showering, using the wash- this fall off the East Coast of ships to train with, and against, to effectively and efficiently do room (called the “heads” in Canada. each other in a simulated what subs do best,” concludes Navy-speak), sleeping, watch In preparation for the exer- environment. They will face LCdr Matheson. “We’ll use rotations, meals, communica- cise, HMCS Windsor has realistic tactical scenarios to stealth to observe, evade and tions, or how you interact with spent some time in the Fred test their respective defences hunt surface and sub-surface the outside world -- it’s all Sherwood trainer, the Victoria- against both surface and sub- threats – while also providing similar to the rest of the Navy class submarine team trainer, to surface threats. This requires training for the surface ships but…different. be ready for the more complex the crew to work together to that surpasses any simulation.” “There really is a simple joy tactical scenarios which will overcome these challenges, Following the exercise, in having a hurricane pass over be presented throughout the but this teamwork is one of HMCS Windsor will move top of the submarine to gently exercise. the many factors that contrib- into a scheduled maintenance rock you to sleep 150 meters “Being employed on a sub- utes to the camaraderie found period which will include a below the surface,” noted LCdr marine is an opportunity of a among submariners. battery change. Upon comple- Matheson. lifetime, and being a command- “Ensuring the smooth opera- tion, the crew will shift their HMCS Windsor is Canada’s ing officer is an experience that tional employment of a subma- focus to testing the newly fit- sole submarine based out of is truly icing on that cake,” adds rine during exercises is a mas- ted Mark 48 7AT torpedo and Halifax and is the primary LCdr Matheson. “Being able to sive team effort. Beyond the completing first-of-class firings Canadian submarine patrolling lead my crew through train- training we are currently doing in 2022. ■

“Being able to lead my crew through training and participation in exercises like CUTLASS FURY is an unparalleled opportunity. The crew is able to do the job they love and these exercises give newer submariners a first chance to gain real operational experience working together with surface ships for collective training."

Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) William Matheson explore the depth of canada's submarine force ■ 7 25 things I learned about life in a submarine after 36-hours at sea

Not all submariners wear coveralls all the time. Climbing the vertical ladders between decks The bridge is actually outside the submarine Some prefer naval combat dress depending all day really works your triceps! pressure hull and only used while surfaced on the temperature onboard. (obviously). The main hub of a submarine The flat portion of the submarine where sub- is called the control room and it is best The atmosphere onboard the submarine is mariners stand when coming in and out of described as a combination of the bridge and not pressurized regardless of depth at which harbours is called the casing and is not part operations room found on surface vessels. the submarine operates; it remains at 1ATM of the pressure hull. which is the approximate pressure at mean Submarines make their own water which is sea-level. It is much easier to climb a rope ladder up pretty handy for long patrols. the side of a submarine than a surface vessel Breakfast is at 3 am, and supper is at 7 pm, because the casing is rounded rather than The majority of a submarine’s crew, including with 8 hours between all meals to accommo- vertical. You still have to be careful though! the Executive Officer, stand watch 12 hours a date the watch schedule. Snacks are available day divided into two separate watches (8hrs between meals. There are two periscopes on board, the and 4hrs) to allow for sleeping, and off watch Search and the Attack periscope, and they activities such as physical training and per- Submarining is very much like camping are raised to different heights depending sonal time. Most use the time to rest. underwater. on the operator’s height and task. The lower the periscope, the harder it is to spot on A SONAR Operator’s job in a submarine is Empty torpedo racks in the weapon stowage the water. In addition, periscopes can look more complex and busier with more time compartment also double as a space to put a up high enough to see aircrafts fly over the spent actively on watch at the SONAR con- mattress for riders to sleep on. submarine. soles. This is because their work is essen- tial for the safe operation of a submerged Other than bucket washing, there are no To avoid line ups in the narrow flats, meals submarine. laundry machines on board. are served through an opening between the galley and junior ranks mess, and served by It’s amazing how good the food is consider- There are three heads and one dedicated the Coxswain & Marine Systems Coordinator ing it is prepared in a very small space with shower on board. One of the heads also to senior non-commissioned members. limited equipment. doubles as a shower. The sink in that space flips up to drain and make more room. The smooth spots that look like windows on Having 59 people in close quarters on a the side of the casing of a submarine are part submarine contributes to one of the most The standard bed is only 5 feet 9 inches long. of the overall SONAR system. In a way, they respectful environments I have ever observed are like windows because SONAR is how a during my 24 years in the CAF. Treating others There are a lot of submariners, especially sub “sees” what is around while submerged. how you would like to be treated is a way of officers, who are more than 6 ft tall. Some of life in submarine. them confess to sleeping with their feet in Unlike in the movies, subs don’t make “ping- the cubbyhole (storage locker) at the end of ing” sounds automatically while submerged. Despite being members of the “Silent Service”, the bed. For the majority of the time the submarine most submariners are some of the most pas- uses passive SONAR systems which maintains sionately vocal people I know. Because in When you are in a submerged submarine, it is their stealth, and why the submarine service Canada it is a volunteer service, submariners easy to forget you are in a moving vessel. It is is referred to as the “Silent Service”. are there by choice and their enthusiasm to very quiet and smooth. If you are sea sick, a share their stories and experience is abso- dived submarine is a good place to be. lutely incredible. I look forward to sharing more of their stories with the public. When the submarine is diving, it is a similar feeling as descending in altitude in an air- craft. The submarine will also bank in the turns at high speed like an aircraft. 8 ■ explore the depth of canada's submarine force

Submariners, a crew, a community Is this a life for you?

SLt Joshua Ehnisz, MARPAC Headquarters

The submarine community is use the printer. You need to learn have already developed skills at sea forms have been put away.” - Bud amongst one of the most closely knit everything about the submarine are the best candidates for success- F. Turner, U.S.S. Stonewall Jackson groups throughout the Canadian to ensure it continues to operate fully becoming submariners. Lieutenant Commander Dave Armed Forces. Submariners are the as intended, and you need to be Becoming a submariner is no easy Hendry, the current officer com- only sailing professionals that con- able to apply this knowledge dur- task. To become a full-fledged sub- manding HMCS Corner Brook left duct operations while being under ing high-pressure, emergency situ- mariner, candidates will undergo me with important advice for any- the water in a steel tube for weeks ations while remaining cool, calm a rigorous training package that one considering a career in sub- at a time. and collected. requires multiple signatures from marines, “Work hard and study After contacting a few submari- The benefit is a submarine experienced submariners. Upon hard. Becoming a submariner is a ners, a number of interesting points crew truly becomes a family. You completion of this training, a sub- rewarding, but incredibly challeng- came to light. develop bonds that are unlike any mariner earns their Dolphins, an ing, career path within the Navy. The air is not always exactly other, and, as a submariner you are insignia and symbol a submariner You will have more responsibility, fresh, laundry is hand washed, the granted more privilege and a few will proudly wear throughout their but also a lot more freedom than beds are small and the work is more perks than those received by career. It clearly identifies that the your counterparts in the surface demanding yet rewarding. There surface counter parts. submariner has succeeded in com- fleet.” are no windows to look out, save “Because our contact with home pleting one of the most challenging HMCS Corner Brook is currently in two periscopes, and submariners can be limited, things like the and unique programs the Canadian dry dock and is expected to rejoin regularly work over 16 hours per Military Family Resource Center Armed Forces has to offer. the Royal Canadian Navy Fleet in day when at sea, but at the end of are very important, said Lt(N) When asked about Dolphins, the early 2022. It has been fitted with the day there are 58 other crew- Haylett. “These services ensure our following quote was mentioned to a variety of new equipment includ- mates that are there for you. families have a support network describe their meaning: ing the Mark 48 Mod 7AT heavy- When asked about the subma- when we are gone.” “These Dolphins, once you pin weight torpedo, Universal Modular rine community, Lieutenant(Navy) Submariners are recruited them on your chest, leave Mast and a new sonar suite, the (Lt(N)) Nathan Haylett, Navigating typically from the existing deep marks, right over your BQQ-10 sonar. These additions Officer aboard HMCS Victoria, surface fleet. Sailors who heart, long after the uni- bring HMCS Corner Brook to the said, “I joined the Submarine Force cutting edge in torpedo technology because I wanted to be part of the and in line with a number of our scariest thing in the ocean. I stay Allied submarine forces. in the Submarine Force because of Historically, Corner Brook has the people.” been part of exercises and opera- A submariner needs to train to tions at sea including Operation be capable of doing not just his or NANOOK and Exercise NOBLE her job, but also be aware of their “These Dolphins, once you pin them WARRIOR. It has contributed to crewmates’ jobs and be able to do the more than 2,350 days at sea common tasks on board. They look on your chest, leave deep marks, amassed by Victoria-class subma- out for each other. These tasks are right over your heart, long after the rines and is scheduled to conduct not as simple as learning how to contractor sea trials in late 2021. ■ uniforms have been put away.”

Bud F. Turner, U.S.S. Stonewall Jackson

If the submarine community has peaked your interest and it could be something for you reach out by e-mail to [email protected] or call 250-363-2690.