Home sweet home! The Royal Canadian Navy (HMCS Margaret Brookeship) made its return to Halifax on Friday after a four-month mission to Antarctica, bringing back stories of rare wildlife encounters and scientific samples that may enhance our understanding of climate change.
During its deployment, HMCS Margaret Brooke, an Arctic and offshore patrol vessel, journeyed through South America and beyond, covering nearly 25,000 nautical miles, approximately 46,300 kilometres. The Arctic and offshore patrol ship became the first in the navy’s history to operate both north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle within a single calendar year.
The vessel, staffed by a crew of 83, included both naval personnel and scientific researchers.
One of the key objectives of the mission was to study glacier retreat over the past 50 to 100 years and its impact on climate change. During their time in Antarctica, the crew also observed a wide range of wildlife, including several species of penguins—three or four different kinds—throughout the journey.
HMCS Margaret Brooke was constructed by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and officially delivered on July 15, 2021. HMCS Margaret Brooke holds the distinction of being the first Canadian warship named after a woman. This Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) honors Lieutenant-Commander Margaret Brooke, a Royal Canadian Navy Nursing Sister recognized for her heroism during the Second World War.
On October 14, 1942, the ferry SS Caribou was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Cabot Strait. Despite her own injuries, Brooke attempted to save her friend and fellow Nursing Sister, Sub-Lieutenant Agnes Wilkie, by holding onto her in the frigid waters. Tragically, Wilkie did not survive. For her bravery, Brooke was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, becoming the first Canadian woman to receive this honor for gallantry.
In recognition of her service, the Royal Canadian Navy announced on her 100th birthday, April 10, 2015, that a new AOPV would bear her name. This marked the first time a Canadian warship was named after a living woman. Brooke passed away on January 9, 2016, at the age of 100. The vessel’s name not only honors Lieutenant-Commander Brooke’s legacy but also serves as a symbol of the contributions and sacrifices of women in the Canadian Armed Forces.
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