Final AOPS HMCS Robert Hampton Gray joins Canadian Navy’s fleet

August 22, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has accepted the sixth and final Arctic and offshore patrol ship (AOPS), HMCS Robert Hampton Gray.

As disclosed, the delivery ceremony took place on August 21, 2025. The vessel was recently christened at the Halifax shipyard of Irving Shipbuilding.

Irving Shipbuilding names Canadian Navy’s sixth and final AOPS

Vessels

The RCN’s sixth AOPV is named in honour of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, VC, a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War. Specifically designed to patrol Canada’s northernmost regions and offshore waters, the Harry DeWolf-class AOPS bolster the RCN’s presence in the Arctic.

All currently serving members of the Harry DeWolf-class are equipped to conduct armed surveillance operations, contribute to humanitarian assistance, emergency response, and disaster relief.

Following official delivery to the RCN, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray and its crew will undergo sea trials, warm and cold weather trials and post-delivery evaluations. The ship’s commissioning ceremony is expected to take place in 2026, after it arrives in its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia.

“The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels have significantly enhanced Canada’s ability to protect our sovereignty and participate in critical operations alongside our allies, particularly in the Arctic. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure, technology, and equipment that our Navy needs, ensuring a stronger, more secure future for all Canadians,” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, said.

“The acceptance of our final Arctic and Offshore Patrol ship is a key development for the Royal Canadian Navy as it completes the delivery of the first new class of ships in over 25 years and highlights the success of our national shipbuilding strategy… His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Robert Hampton Gray will be transferred to Canadian Fleet Pacific and will ensure that the RCN can patrol Canada’s Arctic from both coasts,” Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, added.

The ships of the Harry DeWolf-class are affiliated with regions of the Inuit Nunangat. HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will be affiliated with the Inuvialuit region.