We are really excited to bring this episode to you because it illustrates so much of what we try to do at Go Bold, and that is to inform, educate, commemorate and even entertain. 

Part of that includes preserving history from those that make it, so you'll get all of that and so much more in the next few episodes which feature my guest, Commander Corey Gleason of the Royal Canadian Navy.

We were privileged to conduct this interview in 2021 when Commander Gleason was the Commanding Officer of HMCS Harry DeWolf, Canada's first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV).

Commander Gleason was the first Commanding Officer of the HMCS Harry DeWolf (AOPV 430), and we had our chat on board the ship and in the Captain's quarters after it arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, which was one of its many stops as part of its inaugural deployment which had the ship circumnavigate North America.

The first-of-class deployment of HMCS Harry DeWolf marked many notable events, and high among them was the first time in decades where a Royal Canadian Navy ship transited the Northwest Passage (from East to West). The last time was in 1954 with HMCS Labrador.

In this episode you'll hear about Commander Gleason's motivation to serve, some of his career highlights, and you'll hear about his leadership style.

You'll also hear about the genesis of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) program in Canada, and aspects of the class that make it an impressive new addition to the Royal Canadian Navy.

We are publishing this episode today to mark the Grey Cup in Canada, and we are doing so because HMCS Harry DeWolf escorted the Grey Cup trophy from Toronto to Hamilton, Ontario, where the big game is being held.

I really hope you'll enjoy these next few episodes because you'll hear all about a new class of Navy ship and you'll hear about historic firsts -- you'll hear about ship design and capabilities, Arctic sovereignty, climate change, Indigenous engagement and collaboration, and so much more, and you'll hear it all from a highly respected, highly experienced and thoughtful leader, our guest, Commander Corey Gleason (who recently retired from the Royal Canadian Navy).

We thank Commander Gleason for his time and kindness to us, and we thank the men and women of HMCS Harry DeWolf for their hospitality during our visit aboard.

Please remember that this is Part 1 of a few episodes, so be sure to like and follow so you ca listen to get the full story about the ship and its historic inaugural deployment!

Go Bold!