The Ship: A Visual Timeline of the HMCS Max Bernays
- Max Thompson
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In the heart of Victoria lies a rich maritime history that continues to inspire. One such tale is that of a distinguished Chief Petty Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy - a man whose bravery and leadership left an indelible mark on the naval forces.
See how the HMCS Max Bernays came to be: from conception to arrival.
In the summer of 2014, my grandmother Marilyn Bernays (the daughter-in-law of Max Bernays) was first contacted by the Royal Canadian Navy Rear Admirals Office about the naming of the HMCS Max Bernays. Here, she was also offered the role of Ship Sponsor by Vice-Admiral C.A. Baines, the 37th commander of the RCN. Marilyn was tasked with connecting the ship to its namesake. She would provide the RCN with info on her father-in-law, his accomplishments, personal life, and ways to create a tangible connection to the ship.
The Max Bernays was the third publically-announced ship in the Harry DeWolf Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) class, joining the DeWolfe and the HMCS Margaret Brooke. The latter being the sister ship of the Max Bernays, built in tandem at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Throughout the entire shipbuilding process, my grandmother and mother were provided constant updates on the progression of the ship, from the creation of the ship's crest (seen below) and the keel laying ceremony to the commissioning and first ice trials.
After Marilyn Bernays' sudden passing in September 2021, the role of Ship Sponsor was then passed down to my mother, Shannon Bernays. Shannon strengthened and continued my family's connection to the Navy while giving multiple speeches at the naming and commissioning ceremonies. She was also one of the first to learn of the ship's motto: Interriti Impetus (Undaunted by Fire).
Full Visual Timeline of the HMCS Max Bernays
September 2014:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the names of 3 AOPV class ships: The HMCS Harry DeWolfe, Margaret Brooke, and Max Bernays
January 23, 2015:
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to build the Harry DeWolfe (AOPV) class of ships in Halifax
Awarded to Irving at $2.6 billion
June 1st, 2015
Third Arctic Patrol Vessel officially named after CPO Max Leopold Bernays
Marilyn Bernays (daughter-in-law) of Max Bernays planned to be original Ship Sponsor
December 19th, 2017:
Steel Cutting
May 15th, 2018:
Keel Laying Ceremony - a tradition believed to bring good luck and fortune to a ship and her company
May 7th, 2021:
Bow completed
January 23rd, 2021:
Stern Mega Blockmove
October 23rd, 2021
Ship is launched
February 2022:
Captain Collin Forsberg named first Commanding Officer of the HMCS Max Bernays
March 2022:
Badging Ceremony - an introduction to the ship's official badge as pictured
May 17th, 2022
Shannon Bernays officially named ship sponsor. Internally, however, this was known for months prior
May 29th, 2022
Naming Ceremony - when the HMCS Max Bernays officially gained her name, along with the traditional breaking of champagne on her bow
July 2022
Ice Trials and Sea Trials in the Northern Atlantic Ocean
September 2nd, 2022
Max Bernays is delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy from Irving Shipbuilding
March 11th, 2024
Max Bernays leaves Halifax for Esquimalt
May 3rd, 2024
Commissioning Ceremony in Vancouver
Attended by Her Royal Highness Anne, Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
June 2024
Multiple RCN ships, including the HMCS Max Bernays, attend the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) - the world's largest international joint maritime warfare exercise
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