Canadian Navy’s ship HMCS Montréal set sail July 10, 2015 with Odin Camus, a 13-year-old boy from Peterborough, Ont., who obtained the rank of honorary ship’s Captain before the ship returned to port that evening.
Odin’s journey to Captaincy saw him perform a series of duties aboard HMCS Montréal, receiving promotions throughout the evening’s sail until reaching the rank of Commander, the same rank as Montréal’s Captain. He held the ceremonial rank until Montréal returned alongside Halifax.
Odin began his sail as an Ordinary Seaman and performed a series of ship-related activities to achieve promotion through the ranks. These events included assisting with engine flash-up, participating in departure routine and manoeuvring the ship.
Odin currently serves in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and has spoken about a career with the RCN since he was a young boy.
During the evening’s sail, Odin and his family also witnessed HMCS Montréal escort the cruise ship Queen Mary 2 out of Halifax Harbour. Montréal is providing the escort as part of Cunard Cruise Line’s celebration of the 175th anniversary of their first Atlantic Crossing.
Commander Kristjan Monaghan, Commanding Officer of Montréal, said:
The crew of HMCS Montréal was excited to show off our ship to Odin Camus and his family, and to help fulfill his dream of becoming Captain of HMCS Montréal.
Image: Canadian Navy