All posts by Dinger

About Dinger

A sea cadet at RCSCC LION from 1963 to 1968, I joined the Naval Reserve at HMCS STAR in 1968 as a Bos'n. I was an Officer Cadet in the ROUTP, commissioned in 1971, and awarded my watchkeeping ticket in 1973. I served at sea, at one time or another, in all five Gate Vessels and HMCS FORT STEELE & CHAUDIERE as well as the Coast Guard icebreaker Louis St. Laurent and served as OIC of the patrol vessels RALLY and RAPID. At STAR from 1968 to 2007, I served as XO twice and then as CO from 2002 to 2005. I rounded out my career by serving as SSO Training at NAVRESHQ in Quebec City in 2008, retiring in 2009 as CO of HMCS HUNTER in Windsor. I was Executive Director for the Friends of HMCS HAIDA till 2011 and have been an active volunteer onboard HAIDA since she arrived in Hamilton in 2003.

2026 Schedule

What's New?

Each month, except April, June, July, August & October, we host a luncheon meeting at 11:30 on the last Wednesday of the month (LWOTM) at the Battlefield Branch, No. 622, at 12 King Street East, in Stoney Creek.  There is a social time, a light lunch followed by a speaker or presentation.  The cost is $22, by e-transfer to hna@hamiltonnaval.ca.

We also host the Battle of Atlantic Mess Dinner in May and the Trafalgar / Niobe Mess Dinner in October as well as a holiday lunch in November, all at LIUNA Station, 360 James Street North, in Hamilton.  There is also a summer luncheon in June which is held at various locations throughout the Niagara Peninsula.

 For more information email “hna@hamiltonnaval.ca” or contact LCdr (Ret’d) Bob DeWolfe at 905-745-2548 or “r.dewolfe2023@outlook.com”.

  • January LWOTM                    Wednesday, 28 January – LCdr Kevin Ng, CO HMCS STAR
  • February LWOTM                  Wednesday, 25 February – RAdm Jennifer Bennett, CMM, CD (Ret’d)
  • March LWOTM                      Wednesday, 25 March
  • Battle of the Atlantic              Friday, 1 May @ LIUNA Station
  • May LWOTM                         Wednesday, 27 May
  • June Get-together                   TBD
  • Hamilton & Scourge               Saturday, 8 August @ Confederation Park
  • Merchant Navy Day               Thursday, 3 September – TBD
  • September LWOTM               Wednesday, 30 September
  • Trafalgar / Niobe Day             Friday, 23 October @ LIUNA Station
  • HNA Christmas Lunch           Wednesday, 25 November @ LIUNA Station

STAR New Year’s Levee

What's New?

Members of HMCS STAR and Honoured Guests,

You are cordially invited to attend the HMCS STAR New Year’s Levée 2026, to be held at HMCS STAR on 01 Jan 2026.

Guests are invited to arrive from 1100, with the Levée welcoming remarks commencing at 1200. The event will conclude at 1400.

The New Year’s Levée is a longstanding naval and Canadian tradition, offering an opportunity to mark the beginning of the new year, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, and strengthen the bonds of our naval and broader community. Light refreshments will be served.

Dress of the day will be N1A / civilian equivalent.

We look forward to welcoming members, families, friends, and distinguished guests to HMCS STAR as we begin 2026 together.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday,

LCdr Sean Hillier

(He / Il)

Executive Officer, HMCS STAR

Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces

sean.hillier@forces.gc.ca / Cel: 365-384-6831

Commandant en second, NCSM STAR

Marine royale canadienne / Forces armées canadiennes

sean.hillier@forces.gc.ca / Tél. Cell: 365-384-6831