HMCS Corner Brook Approaches Aircraft Carrier Undetected
Maple Leaf (DND/Canadian Forces ^ | 2007-07-25 | Darlene Blakeley

Above:  Fleet flagship HMS Illustrious (R06) as seen through the periscope of HMCS Corner Brook (SSK868).  The latter is one of four diesel-electric submarines of the Victoria (ex-Upholder) class purchased from the UK when its submarine fleet went all nuclear.

This recently unclassified photo was taken as the result of manoeuvres during Exercise NOBLE MARINER in May where HMCS Corner Brook was able to approach a high value unit, in this case the British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, without being detected. Anti-submarine warfare continues to be one of the most under-estimated and difficult threats for allies and potential adversaries to deal with.

“The picture represents hard evidence that the submarine was well within attack parameters and would have been successful in an attack,�?says Commander Luc Cassivi, commander Submarine Division in Halifax. “This situation enabled the crew to demonstrate advanced warfare skills and their ability to get the job done. The commanding officer, Lieutenant-Commander James Clarke, and crew were obviously very satisfied and proud of their performance.�?

Exercises like NOBLE MARINER provide the Navy with an opportunity to put into practice advance warfare scenarios, which closely depict the realities of a battle at sea.

“For the Victoria-class submarines, results like this clearly demonstrate that warfare skills within the community are at a high standard regardless of the challenges still remaining with getting the weapon capability onboard,�?says Cdr Cassivi. “The performance of our submarines during these exercises sends a clear message to our allies that despite our class introduction challenges, we are maintaining our warfare skills to a high standard.�?/P>