Royal Kingston United Services Institute

06/06/2026

OP Snowgoose Cyprus. History relived June 18th 1900 Fort Frontenac Officers' Mess Kingston. Everyone welcome.

Cyprus has been a gateway to and from the Middle East throughout history. Today’s conflict once again confirms its strategic positioning. Iran’s targeting of Cyprus to deny its use as a staging area and the international community’s reinforcement has once again threatened the safety and security of this Island.

Unfortunately, turmoil is nothing new for Cyprus. It has long been the site of a surrogate struggle between Greece and Turkey who both have ethnic communities sharing this beautiful small island. In 1964, Canada spearheaded a UN force to the island with the mandate to maintain the uneasy peace and provide a stable environment for the communities to coexist.

The video presentation will feature how the peacekeeping mission in Cyprus was on the verge of failure when Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 in response to the Greek inspired Coup d’état. But instead of withdrawing, Canada held fast and reinforced their small 450 man contingent. Two of the veterans from that war LGen Marc Caron (Retd) and LCol Ron Bragdon (Retd) will share their memories and join MGen Clive Milner (Retd) who served as a peacekeeper in the early days and was the only Canadian Commander of UNFICYP from 89-92.

The aim of the presentation is to ensure that Operation SNOWGOOSE is not a forgotten mission and that Canadians remember how our soldiers stood their ground when they were caught in the crossfire of the war in Cyprus. They were hailed as the saviours of Nicosia by the international press.

05/25/2026

RKUSI was privileged to hear from Rear-Admiral David Patchell last week on the challenges and opportunities facing the Royal Canadian Navy as it modernizes for an increasingly uncertain security environment.

His remarks reinforced an important reality: defence and security issues are not distant concerns. They directly shape Canada’s sovereignty, prosperity, alliances, and ability to respond to a rapidly changing world.

These conversations matter, and thoughtful professional dialogue around them is more important than ever.

05/21/2026

🚨🚨🚨Reminder - Tonight!

Tonight at 1900 hrs, RKUSI is pleased to welcome Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, to Fort Frontenac for a discussion on Royal Canadian Navy modernization, fleet growth, and the future maritime security environment.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and join us at the Fort Frontenac Officers’ Mess prior to the presentation.

For those unable to attend in person, the presentation can also be joined remotely via Microsoft Teams:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/258007411146374?p=fIDO8jGC6tuzbZyA2w

We look forward to seeing you there.

05/21/2026

The character of war is changing at a remarkable pace. From drones and AI to contested logistics, electronic warfare, and the return of large scale combat, the modern battlefield is evolving in ways that challenge many of our assumptions.

For professional military members, understanding these changes is not just an academic exercise. It is essential to remaining effective in future conflict. That requires continuous study, discussion, debate, and professional development across all ranks and occupations.

Organizations like Royal Kingston United Services Institute of Ontario exist to help foster those conversations and build stronger professional understanding of modern warfighting, leadership, and national security.

05/19/2026

RKUSI is pleased to welcome Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, to Fort Frontenac on 21 May at 1830 hrs for a discussion on Royal Canadian Navy modernization, fleet growth, and the future maritime security environment.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and join us at the Fort Frontenac Officers’ Mess prior to the presentation. These evenings are an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet members of the wider defence community, and continue the professional discussions that make RKUSI events so valuable.

05/18/2026

With operational experience spanning both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, command of HMCS Toronto, and senior leadership appointments in Canada and the United States, Rear-Admiral David Patchell brings a broad and contemporary perspective to this month’s RKUSI and RCMI event.

Join us on 21 May at 1830 hrs at Fort Frontenac for a discussion on the future of the Royal Canadian Navy, fleet growth, and Canada’s evolving maritime security environment.

05/16/2026

Due to a scheduling conflict, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee is no longer able to join us on 21 May.

RKUSI and RCMI are instead pleased to welcome Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, for our combined speaker event at 1830 hrs at Fort Frontenac.

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, Rear-Admiral Patchell has served across both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, commanded HMCS Toronto on deployment to the Middle East, and most recently served as Vice-Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia.

Rear-Admiral Patchell will discuss the future of the Royal Canadian Navy, including fleet growth, recruiting, and the challenges associated with generating maritime capability in an increasingly complex security environment.

This promises to be a timely and insightful discussion for members of the defence and security community.

05/12/2026

The maritime domain continues to play an increasingly significant role in Canada’s security and strategic posture.

On 21 May at 1900 hrs at Fort Frontenac, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee will join RKUSI and RCMI to discuss the future direction of the Royal Canadian Navy.

05/11/2026

RKUSI is pleased to announce that on 21 May at 1900 hrs, at Fort Frontenac, we will host a combined RKUSI and RCMI gathering featuring VAdm Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Additional details will be shared in the coming days.

03/31/2026

Looking to better understand Russia in the context of Great Power Competition?

Explore RKUSI’s growing collection of The Torch articles focused on Russia, strategy, and the evolving security environment.

A valuable resource for anyone interested in defence, international affairs, and contemporary conflict.

Read the collection here:

In recent decades, the High North has played an increasingly important role in Russian strategic thinking. The region hosts an array of Russian military capabilities, including many of the country’s nuclear assets; provides a rich resource base for the Russian economy; and offers a gateway to stra...