Mishall RehmanThis year, the fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the RCN, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall, was commissioned into naval service.
Held in May, the commissioning ceremony took place in Halifax to welcome the ship into the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
“I join the Royal Canadian Navy in celebrating the commissioning of HMCS William Hall into Canada’s fleet. As we outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, protecting Canadian sovereignty is job number one for the Canadian Armed Forces – and these patrol vessels are an important capability that allows our Navy to fulfil this mission. As the security challenges facing Canada evolve rapidly, we are steadfastly committed to investing in the defence of our Arctic and North,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
HMCS William Hall was launched in November 2022 and delivered in August 2023.
Commissioning Ceremony
For the RCN, the commissioning ceremony is a time-honoured tradition.
“The commissioning of a ship is a critical milestone, as it represents its official welcome into the Royal Canadian Navy and signifies that it is available for unrestricted service. I commend the tremendous dedication of the captain and crew of HMCS William Hall, who have successfully completed months of trials and training to be ready for this moment. Our fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel now stands ready to protect our Arctic waters and Canada’s maritime interests,” said VAdm. Angus Topshee, Commander RCN.
The commissioning ceremony for HMCS William Hall was held on May 16, 2024, and included a symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to Commanding Officer Commander Scott Kelemen, stated DND.
“Today is a very exciting day for my ship’s crew. They have spent many months preparing the ship and readying themselves for the challenges ahead. A commissioning ceremony is a symbolic moment, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for many sailors. I am extremely proud of the crew that has brought HMCS William Hall into the Royal Canadian Navy fleet,” said Kelemen.
The ceremony also included the breaking (hoisted and flown) of the ship’s tenant at the same time as the ship’s ensign.
Petty Officer William Neilson Hall
Petty Officer William Neilson Hall was born on April 25, 1829, in Horton Bluff, NS. (now Wolfville, NS) His parents were enslaved in the United States. However, at the end of the War of 1812, they escaped to Halifax, eventually settling in Horton, where his father, Jacob, took on the surname of his employer, Windsor merchant Peter Hall.
William followed the sea at 17 when he left Nova Scotia on board a merchant vessel. Having served years in the merchant navy, Hall joined the United States Navy in 1948. He returned to merchant sailor life in 1950 until he joined the British Royal Navy in 1952.
Heroic Response
During the Crimean War, he served as part of a naval brigade that operated heavy gun batteries on land. He was also involved in the siege of Sevastopol and the Indian Mutiny. He and three crew members were awarded the Victoria Cross for their heroic response at Lucknow, India, in 1857 while serving on the frigate HMS Shannon.
Hall and an officer, Lieutenant Thomas Young, faced intense fire as the two men stood with a 24-pounder gun, carrying out drills that typically required half a dozen people. The men worked together to breach a mosque that rebels had seized.
Hall retired as a petty officer first class in 1876, when he returned to Nova Scotia. He lived with his two sisters in a small farmhouse near Hantsport, NS, until he passed away in 1904.
Ships Associated with Inuit Regions
With each Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel being associated with one of the six Inuit regions of the Inuit Nunangat, HMCS William Hall is affiliated with the Kivalliq region. To recognize this affiliation, a ceremony was held on March 24 in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
On May 21, 2024, HMCS William Hall deployed on its first operation, Operation Distinction. This was the ship’s first deployment as a commissioned ship. The ship and crew attend the 80th Anniversary of D-Day commemoration ceremonies in France, including Juno Beach.
According to the Royal Canadian Navy social media post on Facebook, “The ship’s company will take part in several ceremonies and conduct port visits while abroad.”
Over the next year, the last two remaining Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels will be delivered to the RCN.
