CLaS is a Class Act: An Experience with Canadian Leaders at Sea

It was a privilege to have been selected to participate, along with seven other candidates, in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) outreach program, one that has as its primary objective to increase awareness about Canada’s armed forces, particularly the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Having grown up in Regina, Saskatchewan the opportunity to sail for two days aboard HMCS Regina was, to say the least, as humbling as it was exhilarating. Jeremy Samson, the Commanding Officer, was joined by Rear-Admiral Chris Robinson, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, as they explained the increasingly challenging mandates for our navy to:Maintain maritime domestic and international law in concert with the Canadian Coast Guard;Promote Canadian diplomatic interests abroad while demonstrating Canadian values;Provide national defence with decisive warfighting capabilities.With a motto of “Floreat Regina” (Let Regina Flourish) HMCS Regina is a Halifax-class frigate ship with a complement of 198 naval personnel. Commissioned in 1993, it was the fifth vessel in her class of twelve built under the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, and is currently assigned to Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) at CFB Esquimalt. Designed as a general purpose warship with a particular focus on anti-submarine capabilities she displaces 4,750 long tons (4,830 t) at 134.65 metres (441 ft.) in length and can attain a maximum speed of 29 knots (54 km/h or 33 mph).