Fifth Canadian Naval Patrol Ship Officially Named after War of 1812 Hero

Above image: In naval tradition, Hélène Châtillon, a descendant of Frédérick Rolette, broke a bottle of Grand Pré Winery’s Nova Scotia Brut sparkling wine against the bow of the ship, declaring, “I name you Frédérick Rolette. Bless this ship and all who sail in it.”  Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The official Naming Ceremony of the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy, was held in Halifax recently. Dating back centuries, the naming of a ship is steeped in tradition and believed to bring good luck and safe travel to the vessel and crew.

The ship’s sponsor, Hélène Châtillon, a descendant of Frédérick Rolette, officially named the vessel during a ceremony attended by:

• Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz (Royal Canadian Navy),
• Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax,
• The Honourable Arthur J. Leblanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, as well as
• descendants of Frédérick Rolette,
• the ship’s company, and
• Halifax Shipyard shipbuilders.

Named After a Hero

“In naming our 5th Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel after First Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, the Royal Canadian Navy recognizes his bold, quick-thinking and confident actions during the outbreak of the War of 1812 and throughout his naval career,” pronounced Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Joint Task Force Atlantic. “He returned home to Québec City, a hero at a time when Canada, as a nation, was still coalescing and contributed to forging a legacy of excellence in service to our nation.”

In naval tradition, Châtillon broke a bottle of Grand Pré Winery’s Nova Scotia Brut sparkling wine against the bow of the ship, declaring, “I name you Frédérick Rolette. Bless this ship and all who sail in it.”

Frédérick Rolette

The six AOPS are named to honour prominent Canadian naval figures who served their country with the highest distinction. Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette was a Canadian-born officer who served in the Provincial Marine of Upper Canada. He distinguished himself during the War of 1812, earning a reputation as a bold and quick-thinking officer. When the war ended, Rolette returned to a hero’s welcome in Québec City and was presented a fifty-guinea sword of honour in recognition of his service. In his honour, the historical Canton of Rolette, Québec, located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, was established in 1868.

“Frédérick Rolette was a brave and resourceful officer who made a significant impact during the War of 1812,” stated Andy Filmore, MP for Halifax. “Naming AOPS 5 after him is a fitting tribute to his heroism and dedication. This ship is also a testament to the incredible work being done right here in Halifax. The National Shipbuilding Strategy is boosting our local economy and providing good jobs for our community. Our talented shipbuilders are not just building ships; they’re building the future of our navy, ensuring it is well-equipped to defend Canada’s interests.”

AOPS

According to a media statement, the Halifax Shipyard has been commissioned to deliver one AOPS annually to the Royal Canadian Navy, ending with the sixth ship in 2025.

A further two AOPS variants are being built for the Canadian Coast Guard, with the first under construction at Halifax Shipyard and the second commencing construction in July. In June, Irving Shipbuilding will commence construction of a Production Test Module designed to test and prepare for the construction of the first of 15 Canadian Surface Combatant ships.

“The future HMCS Frédérick Rolette is something we can all be proud of,” said Dirk Lesko, president, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. “It’s a tribute to a naval hero and reflects dramatic improvements in our shipbuilding process that demonstrate the commitment of our workforce. It was built in half the hours of the first ship of the Class and its construction duration is a year shorter than the prior ship. This commitment to continuous improvement is present in every aspect of the work we do at the Halifax Shipyard.”

Also in attendance for the naming ceremony was the Hon. Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. “Lieutenant Rolette played a heroic role in the Naval aspect of the War of 1812, and it is fitting to commemorate his legacy and service. His story epitomizes the modern-day ethos upheld by members of the Canadian Armed Forces.”