2,300 Days at Sea

Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class (CPO 1) André Normand received his gold anchor years ago, a recognition from the Royal Canadian Navy for those who have spent considerable time at sea. The anchors awarded are in ascending colours: gun metal, bronze, silver and gold. The gold anchor represents more than 1,460 days at sea – four years of time.

CPO 1 Normand has seen more sunsets than he can count while at sea. Not as many as his days sailed, but as many as he had time for in his 2,300 days.

Currently the Coxswain (Cox'n) of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John's, CPO 1 Normand just achieved a massive milestone in his career and a rarity among sailors. On July 22nd, 2025, while deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, he spent his 2,300th day at sea – that's over six years of time.

A career that started in 1994, when he first enrolled as a Naval Combat Information Operator, almost ended after just four years.

However, his "retirement" only lasted 10 months when he decided to enroll once again.

The sea was calling his name, and he knew he couldn't leave it behind. He went on to serve aboard HMC Ships Halifax, Montréal, Ville de Québec and held various positions ashore in recruiting and Sea Training.

"I don't know if there is a way of explaining it. Being at sea is what I like to do. It's what I love. It makes me feel alive to be at sea," said the Cox'n when asked why he decided to return to the Navy.

It's also the crew he works with. For CPO 1 Normand, one of the best parts of the job is the interactions he has with the crew, learning their background, experience, goals, ambitions and providing mentorship.

"When they are down, I bring them back up," the Cox’n affirms. "That's the aspect I like the most."

He is not entirely alone in this achievement, he admits. "There are a few, but we are a dying breed, the old guys are retiring now."

Like any member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Cox’n credits support from family for being able to have such a long, storied career under his belt.

"What you need is the support of your family back home. Without the support of my family it would be impossible."

There will be many more sea days for the CPO 1 Normand. Day 2,301 will be another day doing what he loves.

St. John's has just transited the Strait of Gibraltar to join up with NATO allies in the Mediterranean on Operation REASSURANCE for the next five months.

Five more months of sunsets and a love for the sea.