Halifax – His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE.
On July 1, 2024, HMCS Charlottetown became the flagship of Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). While in theater, the ship operated with the naval forces of nine nations and provided leadership to the multinational force serving as NATO’s forward presence in the area.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s routine presence in the Mediterranean Sea is an important part of NATO’s collective defence posture in a region affected by growing instability and war. Canada’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region is rooted in a strong, cohesive presence and remains a critical part of deterring actors seeking to destabilize the existing international rule of law. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest military commitment abroad.
“I extend my congratulations to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown for their skillful execution of yet another successful Operation REASSURANCE. The leadership role they have played as the flagship of SNMG2 proved invaluable to the Alliance Mediterranean Fleet, and demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability of RCN sailors in the modern maritime environment and in a volatile region. In operations with partners, Charlottetown was instrumental to the integration of allied naval assets, and the reinforcement of our collective defense. I hope our military and civilian communities will join me in extending a warm welcome to the crew returning home. The commitment that they and their families made to ensuring mission success deserves our recognition and appreciation. Bravo Zulu!” – Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic