Halifax – His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton returns to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia today after a successful six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. In January 2023, HMCS Fredericton departed Halifax to deploy under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.
As the maritime component of Op REASSURANCE, HMCS Fredericton was assigned to operate as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). NATO’s standing naval forces provide the Alliance with a continuous naval presence and carry out a programme of scheduled exercises and port visits, and can be rapidly deployed in times of crisis or tension.
HMCS Fredericton has been replaced on Operation REASSURANCE by HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Summerside who are now operating as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1). The persistent Canadian contribution to NATO’s naval forces highlights Canada’s commitment to NATO and its crucial contribution in resources and capabilities.
“I’m glad to welcome the crew of HMCS Fredericton home following their successful participation in Operation REASSURANCE. Conducting operations with our NATO allies and defending security and stability in Europe as its being challenged is a significant endeavour and our crew rose to the task. The Royal Canadian Navy will continue it work to ensure that we have the resources ready to support such tasks in the future.” – Rear Admiral Steve Waddell, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy