First Year Naval Experience Program Participants Share Their Stories
S3 Emma Duncan, a member of the Naval Experience Program, sits at the helm of HMCS Charlottetown during EX STEADFAST DEFENDER 24, in the North Atlantic.
It’s been one year since the first participants joined the Naval Experience Program and now they are sharing their stories and deciding whether to stick with the Navy or move on.
“I joined the Naval Experience Program because my dad, a Chief Warrant Officer, told me about the program after talking to RCN Chiefs,” said Emma Duncan, now a Sailor Third Class (S3) from Winnipeg, Manitoba. “The opportunity to explore the Navy without a long-term commitment was too good to pass up. Serving Canada like my father and brother felt like the biggest honor.”
“I joined the Naval Experience Program because my dad, a Chief Warrant Officer, told me about the program after talking to RCN Chiefs,” said Emma Duncan, now a Sailor Third Class (S3) from Winnipeg, Manitoba. “The opportunity to explore the Navy without a long-term commitment was too good to pass up. Serving Canada like my father and brother felt like the biggest honor.”
S3 Duncan’s experience has been fulfilling, she said, from participating in the Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony to being part of the Honor Guard for His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall’s commissioning.
The Naval Experience Program offers a taste of life in the navy, letting people try different roles to see if they want to make it a career.
But even in the short term, adapting to life in the navy comes with its challenges. S3 Duncan noted that being away from home has been the hardest part. “I am very family-oriented, and not being able to have dinner with my family every night has been tough.” Luckily, the sense of camaraderie helped her overcome this challenge. “The Navy is like one big family,” she said.
“I have made lots of friends here in Halifax, and we spend a lot of time together, making it feel like home.”
For S3 Ulia Wahn, a participant from Brandon, Manitoba, the most significant challenge was adjusting to the fast-paced environment during a three-week sail on HMCS Charlottetown.
“I found myself lagging behind the qualified sailors, hesitant because of the fast-paced environment. It was challenging, but asking questions and taking one step forward helped me find my confidence,” said S3 Wahn.
“I got to participate in the crossing the line ceremony, work with the aircrew, and even sit in the Cyclone’s cockpit,” said S3 Duncan, recalling her three-week sail aboard HMCS Charlottetown during Operation REASSURANCE.
S3 Wahn’s most memorable experience was crossing the Arctic Circle on HMCS Charlottetown and participating in the King Neptune ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience,” said S3 Wahn.
Both S3s Duncan and Wahn plan to pursue full-time careers in the Navy. S3 Duncan has signed on as a Sonar Operator, excited about the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. S3 Wahn, too, looks forward to a long-term naval career, valuing the sense of community and the skills she has gained.
As of June 2024, approximately 1,459 individuals applied to the NEP. 179 sailors have been successfully enrolled, surpassing the initial goal of 144, demonstrating a promising start for NEP. Over 500 applicants are currently in various stages of the recruitment process. Of the first group of NEP participants completing their one-year engagement, 74% have chosen to embark on a career with the Regular Force. The RCN will have more detailed data in the fall of 2024, as most current NEP participants complete their one-year engagement.
The Naval Experience Program offers a taste of life in the navy, letting people try different roles to see if they want to make it a career.
But even in the short term, adapting to life in the navy comes with its challenges. S3 Duncan noted that being away from home has been the hardest part. “I am very family-oriented, and not being able to have dinner with my family every night has been tough.” Luckily, the sense of camaraderie helped her overcome this challenge. “The Navy is like one big family,” she said.
“I have made lots of friends here in Halifax, and we spend a lot of time together, making it feel like home.”
For S3 Ulia Wahn, a participant from Brandon, Manitoba, the most significant challenge was adjusting to the fast-paced environment during a three-week sail on HMCS Charlottetown.
“I found myself lagging behind the qualified sailors, hesitant because of the fast-paced environment. It was challenging, but asking questions and taking one step forward helped me find my confidence,” said S3 Wahn.
“I got to participate in the crossing the line ceremony, work with the aircrew, and even sit in the Cyclone’s cockpit,” said S3 Duncan, recalling her three-week sail aboard HMCS Charlottetown during Operation REASSURANCE.
S3 Wahn’s most memorable experience was crossing the Arctic Circle on HMCS Charlottetown and participating in the King Neptune ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience,” said S3 Wahn.
Both S3s Duncan and Wahn plan to pursue full-time careers in the Navy. S3 Duncan has signed on as a Sonar Operator, excited about the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. S3 Wahn, too, looks forward to a long-term naval career, valuing the sense of community and the skills she has gained.
As of June 2024, approximately 1,459 individuals applied to the NEP. 179 sailors have been successfully enrolled, surpassing the initial goal of 144, demonstrating a promising start for NEP. Over 500 applicants are currently in various stages of the recruitment process. Of the first group of NEP participants completing their one-year engagement, 74% have chosen to embark on a career with the Regular Force. The RCN will have more detailed data in the fall of 2024, as most current NEP participants complete their one-year engagement.
Naval Experience Program a “Huge Win” for S3 Kevin Hassa
S3 Hassa is the first successfully enrolled participant of NEP.
The first sailor to successfully join the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new Naval Experience Program (NEP) says the concept is a “huge win” for those who decide to apply.
“I think this is going to be a really good way to get people to join the Navy,” says Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Kevin Hassa. “If I was to sign a five-year contract and go into (a trade) which I have no clue about, then I might be kind of apprehensive. But with this program I get to see everything before choosing.”
The NEP, which got under way in April, provides prospective sailors with enough exposure to life in the Navy to decide if it’s right for them.
After applying he started basic training in Saint-Jean, Quebec after a few months.
“I think this is going to be a really good way to get people to join the Navy,” says Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Kevin Hassa. “If I was to sign a five-year contract and go into (a trade) which I have no clue about, then I might be kind of apprehensive. But with this program I get to see everything before choosing.”
The NEP, which got under way in April, provides prospective sailors with enough exposure to life in the Navy to decide if it’s right for them.
After applying he started basic training in Saint-Jean, Quebec after a few months.
“It was pretty fast,” S3 Hassa says. “Basic training was really fun. It was a good experience and I made a lot of friends, some of whom are still with me, so I have that bond.”
In fact, he says that meeting like-minded people has been one of the best things about NEP.
“Everyone’s super friendly and we work well together. It’s like there's always something to look forward to and I enjoy coming in every day.”
S3 Hassa recommends the NEP to anyone interested in a career with the RCN.
“With the program you get to see every trade the Navy has to offer. It’s great to see what the sailors in the ship are doing and get some hands-on experience.”
S3 Hassa, from Burnaby, B.C., thought about joining the Naval Reserve Division in his community, but then heard about the new NEP and decided to apply.
In fact, he says that meeting like-minded people has been one of the best things about NEP.
“Everyone’s super friendly and we work well together. It’s like there's always something to look forward to and I enjoy coming in every day.”
S3 Hassa recommends the NEP to anyone interested in a career with the RCN.
“With the program you get to see every trade the Navy has to offer. It’s great to see what the sailors in the ship are doing and get some hands-on experience.”
S3 Hassa, from Burnaby, B.C., thought about joining the Naval Reserve Division in his community, but then heard about the new NEP and decided to apply.
“I always wanted to work in the Navy,” he explains. “My father served in the Navy and that influenced me. This new program seemed interesting so I signed up for it.”
His father was a Naval Combat Information Operator, and S3 Hassa says he is “a little jealous” of his son starting out in the Navy.
“Maybe he’s thinking a bit about coming back too,” S3 Hassa laughs. “He's turning 50 so he doesn’t have much time if he wants to hop onto the train again! He was happy when I told him that I wanted to join the Navy and I even have a little sister who just turned 16 and she’s actually thinking about it as well.”
He says the big difference between serving in the Naval Reserve and the NEP was that in the Reserves he would be staying at home.
He is excited about going to sea and travelling to different parts of the world as his career progresses.
“With the new program I get to travel and experience everything the Navy has to offer. I wouldn’t be able to get that opportunity if I just went straight in the normal way. So with NEP, I can try everything and see which trade I like first, and then sign a contract for that after.
Following an eight-week basic military training and four weeks of naval training, they will join the fleet on either the east or west coast. Over the course of several months, they will learn the ropes of being a sailor by shadowing a variety of jobs and gaining exposure to a number of skills. The program culminates with a going to sea portion, so they can get a sense of the adventure found in a naval career.
Once participants complete the program, they will be offered a selection of trades and may continue to serve with the RCN, or they can choose to leave.
Find more information on the NEP here.
His father was a Naval Combat Information Operator, and S3 Hassa says he is “a little jealous” of his son starting out in the Navy.
“Maybe he’s thinking a bit about coming back too,” S3 Hassa laughs. “He's turning 50 so he doesn’t have much time if he wants to hop onto the train again! He was happy when I told him that I wanted to join the Navy and I even have a little sister who just turned 16 and she’s actually thinking about it as well.”
He says the big difference between serving in the Naval Reserve and the NEP was that in the Reserves he would be staying at home.
He is excited about going to sea and travelling to different parts of the world as his career progresses.
“With the new program I get to travel and experience everything the Navy has to offer. I wouldn’t be able to get that opportunity if I just went straight in the normal way. So with NEP, I can try everything and see which trade I like first, and then sign a contract for that after.
Following an eight-week basic military training and four weeks of naval training, they will join the fleet on either the east or west coast. Over the course of several months, they will learn the ropes of being a sailor by shadowing a variety of jobs and gaining exposure to a number of skills. The program culminates with a going to sea portion, so they can get a sense of the adventure found in a naval career.
Once participants complete the program, they will be offered a selection of trades and may continue to serve with the RCN, or they can choose to leave.
Find more information on the NEP here.
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