Anent the arrival of German Navy Ship FGS Bonn to Halifax, Canada, Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic issued the following message:
“It is my great pleasure to welcome the Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Bonn to Halifax for a seven-day visit in Canada beginning Wednesday, February 19, 2014.
Canada’s recent decisions to recapitalize our fleet replenishment capability utilizing the Berlin Class design makes the visit of the FGS Bonn that much more exciting than the many other routine visits of allied warships to our fine port. For Maritime Forces Atlantic personnel, the visit of the Bonn will provide them first hand opportunity to board, tour and discuss the capabilities that will soon enough sail from Halifax and Esquimalt as the Joint Support Ships HMCS Châteaugay and HMCS Queenston.
For over 60 years, the Royal Canadian Navy and German Navy have worked side-by-side as enduring NATO allies and partners in countless international missions. It is anticipated that the Bonn and the sailors that crew her will reinforce this trusted relationship as they eagerly show off the many first-rate capabilities of their proven warship.
Upon the completion of Bonn’s port visit, including meetings with stakeholders, command teams and industry leaders, the ship will participate in a naval training exercise, involving three Royal Canadian Navy vessels from the Atlantic Fleet and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft from 12 Wing Shearwater and 14 Wing Greenwood. This exercise will validate the operational readiness of several Canadian units, most notably, the crew of HMCS Ville de Québec who is preparing for future deployments.
I look forward to meet with the senior officers and the crew, and I wish them a pleasant port visit in Halifax.”
[mappress] Press Release, February 20, 2014, 2014; Image: Canadian Navy