Able Seaman Albert Vlodder, a Naval Communicator aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, processes official message traffic, maintains the ship’s internal computer network and establishes radio nets for communication to other units. The Merritt native graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops before enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2010. From voice, flaghoist, messaging, and Morse code by light, Able Seaman Vlodder handles all communications between land and sea.

Not only does he manage radio and satellite equipment, but Able Seaman Vlodder is also the IT specialist responsible for the networks, computers, printers and all other IT equipment onboard the ship.

Able Seaman Vlodder deployed with the ship on July 3, 2012. He is in transit in Hawaii, on his way to HMCS Regina’s homeport, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, in Victoria. Able Seaman Vlodder says that the best part of his deployment was being able to use all his training in real live situations. One of his biggest challenges was hailing foreign vessels who, more often than not, did not speak English.

Able Seaman Vlodder, along with the rest of the crew of HMCS Regina, received the General Campaign Star – Southwest Asia, which recognizes those who serve in a theatre of operations in the presence of an armed enemy within the Arabian Sea region.

HMCS Regina is returning from Operation Artemis, where the Canadian Armed Forces participated in maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea region. The operation demonstrated Canada’s solidarity with partners and allies as they continue to work together for peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.