Canadian frigate-tanker duo returns from Asia, Middle East deployment

A Royal Canadian Navy frigate and a leased replenishment ship supporting navy operations have concluded a six-and-a-half month deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

The frigate HMCS Regina returned to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt on August 19 while the naval replenishment unit Asterix has transited the Panama Canal and is expected to arrive in Halifax on August 26..

The two ships initially sailed on operation Projection in support of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. During their time at sea, the ships also supported the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea in addition to joining the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).

This deployment also marked the third operational deployment of a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and the first deployment of a Cyclone with the Pacific Fleet.

HMCS Regina will be replaced by sister ship HMCS Ottawa which recently departed for a four-and-a-half month deployment to the region.

“We supported a Canadian-led task force that deterred and disrupted the flow of narcotics in the Northern Arabian Sea, contributed to United Nations Security Council Resolutions enforcing sanctions on North Korea, and integrated with our Allies for cooperative deployments and high-end exercises such as TALISMAN SABRE 19,” Commander Jacob French, HMCS Regina’s commanding officer, said.

“It’s a proud day for me seeing them reunited with their families after all they’ve accomplished.”

During its deployment, HMCS Regina made several port visits, including to Guam and Hawaii in the US, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Seychelles, Singapore, Oman, and Australia.

While on deployment, HMCS Regina participated in exercise Talisman Sabre, a biennial Australian and United States bilateral exercise designed to train partner military forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations and to improve the combat readiness and interoperability.