HMCS Fredericton Deploys to the Black Sea on OP REASSURANCE

DND Press Release:

April 1, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton begins operations in the Black Sea today as part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces’ on-going mission to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

HMCS Fredericton is the lead to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) Task Unit 02 deployed to the Black Sea following the surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring operations of migrant crossings in the Aegean Sea. During the month of April, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate will conduct operations in concert with Romanian Frigate ROS Regina Maria and other allied ships from Bulgaria and Turkey to enhance the Alliance’s maritime interoperability as participating nations develop familiarity, trust and confidence in each other.

While in the Black Sea, HMCS Fredericton will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners in the region. Recurring naval operations in the Black Sea as part of NATO’s assurance measures to demonstrate solidarity towards our allies and partner nations.
Quotes

“HMCS Fredericton’s deployment to the Black Sea is one of many examples of Canada’s continued commitment to promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as our resolute support for NATO’s collective defence. Canada’s participation in regional maritime security operations re-affirms that Canada’s Navy is a responsive, effective force in today’s maritime security environment.”Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“Since joining Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) in January, HMCS Fredericton has had the opportunity to operate alongside a number of our allies in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Moving our operations into the Black Sea will not change our objectives but will give the HMCS Frederictonan opportunity to work with key Black Sea-based partners. Fredericton’s ship’s company is very much looking forward to operating in this complex region.”Commander Trevor JC MacLean, Commanding Officer, HMCS Fredericton

April 1, 2016, HMCS Fredericton enters the Black Sea on NATO-led Maritime Assurance Activities. (Photo credit: Leading Seaman Dan Bard, Formation Imaging Service)