Duty Calls

Royal Canadian Navy Welcomes His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette

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Above images: Right, While there are no known images of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette the above image is an artistic interpretation of the Lieutenant the Royal Canadian Navy shared. Left, HMCS Frédérick Rolette. Images courtesy of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) welcomed its fifth Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette.

The ceremony, held on June 13, 2025, in Québec City, included a symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to the Commanding Officer, Commander Jolene Lisi, and the breaking of the ship’s pennant at the same time as the ship’s ensign, according to the Department of National Defence (DND).

“Today’s ceremony is a celebratory event for our crew. As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette is welcomed into the fleet, we look forward to each and every opportunity we will have to sail on this great ship, both at home and abroad. I am incredibly proud of the work of our sailors and thank all of those who have brought us to today,” said Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer, HMCS Frédérick Rolette.

HMCS Frederick Roulette is commissioned during a parade in Quebec City, 13 June, 2025. Photo by: Sgt Nathan Moulton. *Images courtesy of the Royal Canadian Navy.*

A Canadian-Born Naval Hero

HMCS Frédérick Rolette was named in honour of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette. He performed several heroic acts during the War of 1812, including commanding the ship General Hunter.

According to the Government of Canada website, Lt. Rolette was a Canadian-born officer, born in Québec City, Québec, a British Colony at the time.

Lt. Rolette made his mark as a bold and quick-thinking leader during the conflict. Serving in the Provincial Marine of Upper Canada, Rolette became known for his daring actions and bravery.

In recognition of his contributions, the historical Canton of Rolette, Québec, was established in 1868 near the St. Lawrence River, commemorating his name and legacy.

Born in Québec City on Sept. 23, 1785, Rolette joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman in his early teens. By 1807, he returned home and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Provincial Marine. Stationed in Amherstburg, Upper Canada, he commanded the brig General Hunter.

When the War of 1812 began, Rolette quickly captured the American vessel Cuyahoga before its crew knew war had been declared, seizing vital dispatches that gave the British a significant advantage.

During the War of 1812

Throughout the war, Rolette remained active both at sea and on land. He took part in battles such as Frenchtown and the skirmish at Canard River, and he was credited with capturing over a dozen enemy vessels. His decisive actions made him one of the most successful officers in the Provincial Marine during the conflict.

At a time when medals were rare, Rolette was frequently praised in official reports. Major-General Isaac Brock commended him for his courage at the capture of Detroit, and Commodore Robert Barclay praised his excellent conduct. Even when seriously wounded at the River Raisin, Rolette refused to leave his post, determined to stand his ground until the battle ended.

Rolette’s bravery continued until he was badly wounded while commanding the Lady Prevost at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. Captured and held as a prisoner of war, he returned home after the war to a hero’s welcome and received a ceremonial sword from Québec City. Rolette never fully recovered from his injuries and died in 1831 at age 46. He rests today in Saint-Charles cemetery, though no known image of him survives.

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.

Naming Ceremony

The naming ceremony took place in May 2024, with the ship officially delivered in August.

“Welcoming a ship into service with the Royal Canadian Navy is always a significant milestone for our sailors. Today, we celebrate the many months of trials and readiness training which the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette has steadfastly completed. We recognize the agility of this great platform which will monitor and defend Canadian sovereignty in all three of our oceans,” said VAdm. Angus Topside, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Harry DeWolf, was delivered to the Government of Canada on July 31, 2020, in Halifax. Designated the Harry DeWolf-class in honour of Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a Canadian naval hero, the delivery of this new class of ship represents an historic milestone for the RCN, marking the delivery of the first ship in the largest fleet recapitalization Canada’s peacetime history. Photo Credit: Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs 202007XXHSX0311D040 © 2020 DND-MDN Canada.

AOPV

The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) are known as the Harry DeWolf class. The first of its class, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was delivered in 2020 and was commissioned into service in June 2021.

The sixth and final AOPV, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, is expected to be delivered by August of this year.

The AOPVs, according to DND, have the specific role of taking on Canada’s northernmost regions and offshore waters.

HMCS Frédérick Rolette, specifically, has “considerable space” to transport cargo and will be capable of travelling with small vehicles, deployable boats, and, in the future, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

“I want to thank the members of the Royal Canadian Navy that were involved in bringing today’s commissioning into fruition. Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels are a critical capability for our Navy’s ability to defend Canada’s waters. To assert our sovereignty, we will need a strong and sustained presence along our three coasts. The HMCS Frédérick Rolette and its crew is integral to that objective – asserting our sovereignty in Arctic and coastal waters,” said David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, in a statement.