The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) welcomed His Majesty’s Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette into naval service with a commissioning ceremony on June 13, 2025.

A longstanding naval tradition, the commissioning ceremony is and a significant event for the ship’s company. The event featured the symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to the Commanding Officer, Commander Jolene Lisi, along with the breaking of the ship’s pennant and ensign.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette is named in honour of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, a Canadian-born officer and naval hero of various actions, ashore and afloat, during the War of 1812, including command of the ship General Hunter.

“I want to thank the members of the Royal Canadian Navy that were involved in bringing today’s commissioning into fruition,” The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence stated in a press release. “Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels are a critical capability for our Navy’s ability to defend Canada’s waters. To assert our sovereignty, we will need a strong and sustained presence along our three coasts. The HMCS Frédérick Roletteand its crew is integral to that objective – asserting our sovereignty in Arctic and coastal waters.” 

HMCS Frédérick Rolette is the fifth Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to be welcomed into the RCN’s fleet. These vessels enhance the RCN’s ability to enforce sovereignty in Canadian waters and helps meet future defence challenges in Northern waters.

“Welcoming a ship into service with the Royal Canadian Navy is always a significant milestone for our sailors,” Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, stated in a press release. “Today, we celebrate the many months of trials and readiness training which the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette has steadfastly completed.  We recognize the agility of this great platform which will monitor and defend Canadian sovereignty in all three of our oceans.”

“Today’s ceremony is a celebratory event for our crew,” Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer, HMCS Frédérick Rolette stated in a press release. “As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette is welcomed into the fleet, we look forward to each and every opportunity we will have to sail on this great ship, both at home and abroad. I am incredibly proud of the work of our sailors and thank all of those who have brought us to today.”