HMCS Margaret Brooke Returns from Antarctic Mission and Operation PROJECTION

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke returned to Canada in May 2025 after completing Operation PROJECTION, a deployment that included visits to South America, Antarctica, and the Caribbean, according to the Department of National Defence. The mission began on January 10, 2025, and, according to the department, marked the first visit to Antarctica by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel while supporting what it called the first all-Canadian scientific research expedition to the region.

The deployment is of interest because it saw a Canadian naval vessel travel to Antarctica and participate in activities involving Canadian scientific researchers studying marine and coastal geoscience, as noted by National Defence. The mission also included port visits and diplomatic engagements in cooperation with Global Affairs Canada, with the ship making stops throughout South America and the Caribbean.

National Defence reported that the science team on board included members from Natural Resources Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. According to the department, the focus of the research was Antarctic marine and coastal geoscience.

The department stated that the research work is intended to improve understanding of climate change impacts. During the deployment, HMCS Margaret Brooke was at sea for 119 days, travelled more than 20,500 nautical miles, visited nine ports, and called at three Antarctic research stations.

HMCS Margaret Brooke is described as a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel designed for operations in polar environments. According to National Defence, Operation PROJECTION is an ongoing Canadian naval mission featuring exercises, port visits, and engagements with international partners.

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, issued a statement marking the ship’s return and acknowledging the efforts of the crew. Commander Teri Share, the ship’s commanding officer, described the deployment as a “once in a career” mission and credited the crew and their families for their support. No further information was provided by the department regarding subsequent expeditions or research results.