HMCS Winnipeg showcases Halifax Class Modernization at DSEi in London

Published by The Canadian Armed Forces
Navy News / October 29, 2015

By Sub-Lieutenant Jamie Tobin

After almost three months of operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg took a break to sail up the River Thames and sit centre stage at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, from September 15 to 18, 2015.

DSEi is the largest defence industry trade show in the world; it is held every second year in London, United Kingdom.

HMCS Winnipeg was in attendance at this year’s event to support the Canadian Armed Forces’ defence industry partners by showcasing one of the final products of the Halifax Class Modernization project.

HMCS Winnipeg in October 2015. Photo: RCN

“It was an honour to support the Canadian defence industry at DSEi. Operations would not be possible without the steadfast support we receive from the Canadian defence industry,” says Commander Pascal Belhumeur, Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg. “We are proud to represent the Royal Canadian Navy at the show. Winnipeg celebrated its 20th birthday on June 23 and it has never looked better.”

The ship’s company provided tours of HMCS Winnipeg to event guests, defence industry representatives, to foreign military and government officials, to trade representatives as well as to friends and family.

The command team co-hosted two industry luncheons, and the ship served as the venue for the Canadian defence industry networking reception attended by more than 250 guests.

“Our Canadian defence industry participants, Government of Canada partners and DSEi event staff were extremely impressed by the hospitality and professionalism of the team on board Winnipeg,” said Daniel Salisbury, International Program Officer for the Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel).

Upon completion of the event, HMCS Winnipeg sailed back out the River Thames to rejoin Standing NATO Maritime Group One and to put its enhanced capabilities to work in support of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures in Europe.