As an IT Systems Specialist for the Naval Engineering Testing Establishment (NETE), I had the opportunity to be apart of the deployment of various systems for the recently commissioned HMCS Max Bernays. In this portfolio piece, I will provide an overview of the deployment process, including the background on the HMCS Max Bernays and its class of ship, as well as some of the technology onboard this vessel.
Background on HMCS Max Bernays
HMCS Max Bernays was commissioned in 2021 and is named after Max Bernays, a Canadian naval officer who served in the Second World War. The ship is a Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel, which is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that are used primarily for anti-submarine warfare. These patrol vessels are also capable of performing a range of other tasks, including surveillance, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions. This class of ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weaponry systems that enable it to perform a wide range of missions, from maritime security to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
HMCS Max Bernays during construction in Halifax Harbor
Background on the class of ship
Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels are warships of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) built within the Government of Canada Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) procurement project, part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (now called National Shipbuilding Strategy). In July 2007 the federal government announced plans for acquiring six to eight icebreaking warships for the RCN. As the Harry Dewolf-class ships started to enter service, comments appeared in Canadian professional military journals suggesting that they might be useful as small amphibious ships carrying up to 50 to 60 soldiers/marine infantry into the Arctic.
Deployment of VMWare Datacenter
One of the most critical components of the deployment was the VMWare Datacenter. This is a virtualization platform that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine. It enables us to consolidate our IT infrastructure and reduce hardware costs while increasing efficiency and scalability.
This technology allows for more efficient use of hardware resources and reduces the need for physical servers, which can save organizations money on hardware and maintenance costs. The deployment of this technology on the HMCS Max Bernays allowed for more efficient use of the ship's computing resources and ensured that critical systems could be maintained and updated easily.
Deploying this technology was very insightful utilizing hardware supported equipment and the installation and initial configuration of the platform making way for later used automated installers and pre-packaged appliances.
Deployment of Windows Servers and Workstations
In addition to the VMWare Datacenter, we also deployed a number of Windows Servers and Workstations. These systems are used for a wide range of tasks, from email and file sharing to printing and network management.
Windows workstations are used by users to access these resources and to perform their daily tasks. The deployment of these systems allowed for a standardized computing environment across the ship, which made it easier for users to share data and collaborate on projects.
Deployment and Configuration of Citrix Servers and the Dell Wyse thin client
Another critical component of the deployment was the deployment and configuration of Citrix Servers and the Dell Wyse thin client. Citrix Servers are used to provide remote access to applications and data, while the Dell Wyse thin client is a lightweight device that is used to connect to these servers.
The use of thin clients has several benefits, including increased security, reduced maintenance costs, and improved energy efficiency. Thin clients also simplify the deployment process, as they require less hardware and can be centrally managed from a single location. The Dell Wyse thin client is a small, lightweight computer that is designed to connect to a remote server or desktop. It is ideal for use in environments where space is limited, such as on a ship.
As the IT Systems Specialist for the deployment, I was the boots on the ground and one of the primary point of contact for Royal Canadian Navy officials on-board during the Set to Work period. I was responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the deployment, ensuring that all systems were deployed and configured correctly, and providing regular updates on the status of the project.
Throughout the deployment, I worked closely with the ship's crew, providing training and support to ensure that they were able to use the new systems effectively. I also liaised with the project team and other stakeholders to ensure that all project goals were met on time and within budget.
In conclusion, the deployment of IT systems for the HMCS Max Bernays was a complex and challenging project that required careful planning and execution. By leveraging virtualization technology the RCN has entered the modern generation of technology many businesses would never see. The RCN has made public many times their expectations for this new class and it was an absolute privledge to be involved directly in this project.
