Sailor Profiles
The best way to get a feel for Navy life and what "going to sea" is all about, is to get the first-hand perspective of actual sailors. Find out how some of these Navy men and women came to serve, where they’ve been deployed, where they're going, and a little of what life in the Navy is like through their inspiring words and stories.
Please note that the publication dates of these profiles do not necessarily reflect when the profile interview took place. Our sailor profiles are collected on an on-going basis during exercises and deployments, and reflect the sailor's experiences and rank at that time.
Leading Seaman Erik Fox
Leading Seaman Erik Fox is a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP) with 13 years of military service. Originally born in Cornwall, Ont., he moved at a young age to Kingston, Ont., and then grew up mainly in Toronto.
July 25, 2016
Private Ryan Halmich
From February 22 to March 4, 2016, Private Ryan Halmich served as a Tactical Weather Specialist on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa.
March 22, 2016
Master Seaman Rory Buchanan
Master Seaman Rory Buchanan is a marine engineer on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax, which is taking part in the maritime component of JOINTEX 15 off the coast of Spain from October 21 to November 6, 2015.
October 29, 2015
Leading Seaman Connor Parent
Leading Seaman Connor Parent, originally from Windsor, Ontario, is one of 13 sonar operators on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax.
October 22, 2015
Petty Officer Second Class Lawrence Settle
Petty Officer Second Class Lawrence Settle, originally from Dartmouth, N.S., leads a team of highly‑trained specialists who monitor the operation of the radar systems on board HMCS Halifax and who provide on-scene technical repairs and support for the ship day and night.
October 20, 2015
Leading Seaman Matthew Norman
The best part of the job is the people you work with, talking to them after they return to the unit from a summer of training or a deployment, and listening to all their different experiences.
August 5, 2014
Lieutenant (Navy) Rory Kulmala
I lead HMCS Malahat’s Deck Department, which includes the Dive section. In this role, I am responsible for the administration and readiness of departmental personnel and equipment.
July 30, 2014
Chief Petty Officer Second Class Alena Mondelli
As the Chief Naval Communicator at Sea Training (Pacific), I work directly with ship Naval Communications concerning the operation of all visual, audio and information technology communications systems within their realm of responsibility.
July 29, 2014
Leading Seaman Amber Lynne Oldland
I am a boatswain aboard HMCS Winnipeg, a navy frigate based in Victoria. I enjoy the diversity of the boatswain trade since every day is different and we are always busy, whether at sea or alongside.
July 29, 2014
Ordinary Seaman Sarah Bath
My job entails a wide range of duties and responsibilities on board ship and ashore. As a boatswain there are many different hands-on tasks that must be carried out for a ship to operate.
July 29, 2014
Master Seaman Randy Edward Melanson
I am a weapons engineer aboard HMCS Vancouver, a navy frigate based in Victoria. My trade requires maintenance of all weapons systems.
June 10, 2014
Petty Officer First Class Michael Gregory Keeping
I love everything about my job. A lot of this passion comes from the fact that it encompasses a diverse array of tasks. That’s what I like about the supply technician trade: I’m constantly being challenged and interested by new things.
June 5, 2014
Ordinary Seaman Kristin Bellefontaine
As a junior operator, my daily duties include tracking surface contacts, radio communications with allied ships, and passing vital information up the chain of command.
May 20, 2014
Lieutenant-Commander Bernard Cato
I love the day-to-day interactions with my employees, the uniqueness of the job and the challenges that arise. No two days are the same.
May 20, 2014
Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Perry Colley
Halifax’s Naval Reserve Division HMCS Scotian recently welcomed its first coxswain of African descent, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Perry Colley.
December 2, 2013
Petty Officer 1st Class Monika Quillan
When Petty Officer 1st Class Monika Quillan joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) 21 years ago, she had no idea that she would set in motion a number of firsts for women in her trade.
December 2, 2013
