HMCS Max Bernays Returns Home After Historic Four-Month Voyage

HMCS Max Bernays has returned to Esquimalt following a historic four-month deployment that took the vessel from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific region. The ship arrived back on December 19, 2025, just in time for the holiday season, bringing home its crew and their rich experiences from an exceptional journey.

Historic Journey and Challenges

The deployment began in Dutch Harbour, Alaska, where the crew set sail for an unprecedented mission. Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Jay Maynard described the voyage, stating, “We started in Dutch Harbour, Alaska, and then proceeded up north. I can’t tell you exactly where, but we went further north than any other Canadian naval ship has done in history.” The ship reached a remarkable latitude of 81° North, where it conducted ice-breaking operations.

Maynard noted the performance of the HMCS Max Bernays during these operations, saying, “It was my first time breaking ice. This ship performed extremely well, probably better than anybody expected. As we gained that confidence, we did a lot more of it. It was a fantastic experience.” The crew also had the opportunity to participate in an ice walk, capturing moments with the vessel in the Arctic landscape and observing wildlife, including seals and polar bears.

Commander Nadia Shields expressed her awe at the Arctic’s stark beauty: “It is incredible. It is barren, it is breathtaking, it is ice as far as the eyes can see. It’s magnificent.” After their Arctic mission, the crew transitioned southward, past the equator, presenting new challenges for the ship and its crew.

Adapting to New Conditions

The shift in temperature required adjustments to the ship’s machinery. CPO 2 Joffery Ashcroft explained, “Re-configuring our machinery so we can adapt to the warmer climate presented its own challenges. Surprisingly, we were able to adapt and overcome to keep the plant operating as best we can.”

The varied climates also made packing a challenge for some crew members. Maynard humorously recounted the experience, “You overdo it, I’m not gonna lie. I know both of my lockers were jam-packed full of warm clothes, cold clothes, fur hats that they issue us for the Arctic, and yeah, you just bring lots.”

The crew finally returned to solid ground early on Friday morning, greeted by excited families. Among them was Sergeant Nick Richards, who won a lottery draw for the first kiss upon returning home. He expressed his joy, stating, “Some people waste their time practicing being good at things, but honestly, you never lose by being too lucky. I’ve been waiting for this moment for all too long.”

As families reunited after four months apart, emotions ran high. Nine-year-old Josephine shared her mixed feelings about her father’s return, saying, “I’m happy and sad because he’s been gone for months and months, and I miss him so much.” Many of the returning crew members have already made plans for family dinners and relaxation as they prepare for the holiday season.

Richards summed up the sentiment of the crew, saying, “There’s nothing quite like feeling Canadian ground under your feet.” With the holidays approaching, the crew of HMCS Max Bernays is ready to enjoy their well-deserved time at home.