Canadian Navy frigate joins NATO in Black Sea

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown, joined NATO’s standing maritime group 2 (SNMG2) on July 18 and will work and train in the Black Sea with vessels from several allied and partner nations until August 2, 2016.

While operating in the Black Sea, the Halifax-class frigate will participate in two training exercises and conduct maritime situational awareness operations to enhance maritime security in the region.

From July 19 to 22, HMCS Charlottetown will participate in anti-submarine warfare exercise Sea Shield with NATO Allies and partner states.

The ship will later take part in the Sea Breeze, air, land and maritime exercise set for July 27 to 30. This year, the exercise will involve naval vessels from four nations.

As part of its operations in the Black Sea, HMCS Charlottetown will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic Allies.

“The deployment of HMCS Charlottetown to the Black Sea demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces commitment to enhance NATO’s maritime capability to conduct operations and respond quickly to crises and conflict in the maritime domain,” Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander CJOC, said.

Charlottetown’s deployment is part of Operation Reassurance which refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe. It includes operational and tactical level demonstrations, manoeuvres, and enhanced interoperability activities with Allies and partners.