I joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) right out of high school in 1988, although at the time it hadn’t yet reverted back to its original name and was known simply as the Canadian Forces.

During my, not quite, 10 years in the service, I was a member of the Logistics Branch (MOC911), serving aboard HMCS Gatineau (DDE236), HMCS Athabaskan (DDG282). Both based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. On the west coast I served on HMCS Protecteur (AOR509) out of Esquimalt, BC.

For good or bad, none of the ships I served on during my time are in service with the RCN anymore. Gatineau and Athabaskan were sold for scrap while the Protecteur caught fire while being dismantled in Liverpool, England.

Along with my time on ship, I served about 2 years at 1 CFSD located at CFB Downsview (North York, Ontario), and a short time with 8 Wing, CFB Trenton.

While in the Navy I was awarded two Commanding Officer’s Commendations. The first while I was at 1 CFSD, and the second for putting out a fire on board HMCS Protecteur.

The photo included was taken aboard HMCS Protecteur while performing a R.A.S. operation with a Canadian Patrol Frigate (I don’t recall which one). My role for these operations was ship to ship communications.