Canadian Navy’s vessel HMCS Fredericton deployed on December 30 to join NATO’s Operation Reassurance.
The ship will replace HMCS Toronto, which has been part of Standing NATO Maritime Forces since August 2014.
Operation Reassurance refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks as well as to demonstrate Canada’s steadfast support to Ukraine and commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
HMCS Fredericton is the first modernized frigate to deploy in support of Government of Canada objectives. The vessel is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.
Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, said:
The deployment of the newly modernized HMCS Fredericton and its world-class capabilities demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy`s continued readiness to respond to the security objectives set forth by the Government of Canada and to work side by side with our NATO Allies.
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Press release, Image: Canadian Navy