Nova Scotian takes command of HMCS Kingston

A career member of the navy from Nova Scotia is now in charge of HMCS Kingston, a Canadian coastal defence vessel currently on patrol in the Arctic.

Lt.-Cmdr. Matthew Woodburn grew up in Kingsport, N.S., which is about an hour and a half drive outside of Halifax. He says that his youth in the Annapolis Valley has helped prepare him for his new role.

“I remember hearing stories of my ancestors who were shipbuilders in the once thriving Kingsport shipping industry. We have portraits of some of the ships they built in our family home.,” he said.

“The sea and ships have always been a part of my life, and there’s no greater honour for me to assume command of HMCS Kingston.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The sea and ships have always been a part of my life, and there's no greater honour for me to assume command of HMCS Kingston."

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: $5.2 billion service contract awarded for Canada’s new fleet of Arctic offshore patrol ships

View image in full screen

Woodburn took command of the vessel on July 31 and is currently carrying out duties that will ensure that Canada’s waterways are safe for marine traffic.

HMCS Kingston is tasked with tagging icebergs with geo-locators that will warn ships of a possible iceberg strike.

READ MORE: New Brunswick native takes command of HMCS Moncton

His 16-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy has seen Woodburn travel around the globe aboard multiple ships in the fleet including HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Fredericton and HMCS Charlottetown.

Now based out of Halifax, Woodburn is planning his upcoming wedding with his fiancé.