Royal Canadian Navy names new Arctic patrol ship in honour of Robert Hampton Gray

The Royal Canadian Navy has officially named its sixth Arctic and offshore patrol ship the Robert Hampton Gray in a ceremony that leaders say honours history and collaboration.

The vessel is named after a decorated Canadian naval aviator, the last Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross.

“The naming of the ship is an important moment that sort of gives the ship an identity,” said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee from the Royal Canadian Navy.

The ceremony was deliberately timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of his death in action.

This class of ships is dedicated to Canadian naval heroes, with names chosen through an extensive process. A ship’s naming committee works under the deputy commander of the Navy, consulting widely before the minister of National Defence approves the final choice — usually years ahead of the official ceremony.

This event also served as a reminder of the close partnership between the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Air Force’s 12 Wing Shearwater provides maritime helicopter detachments for many of the Navy’s ships — a relationship officials describe as integral to operations at sea.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to actually be included in such a significant naval event and because of that connection with the naval aviator,” said the Canadian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Jamie Speiser Blanchet. “It’s just important to share in that history and be able to then focus on how that has translated into a very positive relationship that carry on to this day.”

Military leaders say integrating air detachments into ship operations takes trust, training, and teamwork, and the strong ties between sailors and aircrew are a tradition worth celebrating.