Royal Canadian Press Release
HMCS Fredericton left for Havana, Cuba, today making it the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to visit in over 50 years, the navy noted in a news release.
The ship left Floria and is expected to arrive in Havana sometime Nov. 20, a RCN spokesman told Defence Watch.
HMCS Fredericton will visit the ports of Havana, Cuba; Cartagena, Colombia; and Veracruz, Mexico, “to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and capacity with partners in the region,” the RCN added in the news release.
HMCS Fredericton recently returned from a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea on Op REASSURANCE and completed two major exercises CUTLASS FURY and SPARTAN WARRIOR, the RCN noted.
Showing posts with label HMCS Fredericton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HMCS Fredericton. Show all posts
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
CH-148 Cyclone Involved in Its First RCN Exercise
By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch
SPARTAN WARRIOR 2016, a Canadian-led military training event, started today and will run until November 16, the Canadian Forces says.
It will take place off the east coast of Nova Scotia and along the eastern seaboard of North America, going as far south as the Bahamas.
Participants include Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fredericton, St John’s, Athabaskan, Montreal, and Spanish replenishment ship (ESPS) Patino, with embarked Royal Canadian Navy personnel, the CF noted in its news release. Additional participating units include a destroyer, replenishment vessel, and submarines from the United States Navy. Aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force and USN will also participate. The ships will transit down the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and will end their training in the Caribbean Sea.
In addition, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter will be involved in its first RCN exercise, continuing to test and evaluate its operational capability, the Canadian Forces noted.
SPARTAN WARRIOR 2016, a Canadian-led military training event, started today and will run until November 16, the Canadian Forces says.
It will take place off the east coast of Nova Scotia and along the eastern seaboard of North America, going as far south as the Bahamas.
Participants include Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fredericton, St John’s, Athabaskan, Montreal, and Spanish replenishment ship (ESPS) Patino, with embarked Royal Canadian Navy personnel, the CF noted in its news release. Additional participating units include a destroyer, replenishment vessel, and submarines from the United States Navy. Aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force and USN will also participate. The ships will transit down the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and will end their training in the Caribbean Sea.
In addition, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter will be involved in its first RCN exercise, continuing to test and evaluate its operational capability, the Canadian Forces noted.
 |
| A CH-148 Cyclone helicopter moves into position over the flight deck of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montreal, for deck evolutions on April 20, 2016 off the coast of Nova Scotia. Photo: Leading Seaman Dan Bard, Formation Imaging Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia HS2016-0332-048 |
Monday, September 12, 2016
RCN Hosts CUTLASS FURY-16
DND Press Release
The Royal Canadian Navy is leading a fleet of 11 ships and approximately 25 aircraft from Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States in anti-submarine warfare drills over the next two weeks. The training activity known as CUTLASS FURY16 takes place in and around the Maritime Operating Areas off the coasts of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, from September 12 to 26, 2016.
This opportunity provides participants with a chance to enhance mutual understanding as participating forces train together across the spectrum of military operations with a focus on anti-submarine warfare in a joint environment. Participation in CUTLASS FURY contributes to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces. Operational readiness allows the CAF to meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada will assign.
“CUTLASS FURY 16 provides the members of Maritime Forces Atlantic with a unique opportunity to work closely with several of our NATO partners in the Atlantic to enhance operational readiness, foster greater mutual understanding, and develop relationships that will strengthen our ability to work together during times of crisis. CUTLASS FURY is a unique training opportunity for all participants that will test our shore-based and at-sea personnel as they direct and respond to a range of complex training scenarios.” - Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic
“CUTLASS FURY 16 is a chance for the Royal Canadian Navy to collaborate with our allies in a major joint exercise that layers air, maritime, land and communications elements. Exercise CUTLASS FURY will enhance joint NATO forces interoperability and ability to respond to real-world scenarios.” - Commodore Craig Baines, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic
CUTLASS FURY 16 is a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)-led exercise that is intended to enhance cooperation with partner countries and allied forces on the East Coast of Canada. The exercise is designed to provide training in full-spectrum operations in a joint and combined environment.
Canadian participants will include HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Fredericton, HMCS Montreal, HMCS Windsor, HMCS Goose Bay and HMCS Summerside.
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft include: CF-18 Hornet fighters, CH-124 Sea King helicopters, CP-140 Auroras and a CC-130T Hercules air-to-air refueller. Contracted air services include six Dornier Alpha jets and a Westwind 1124 aircraft.
CUTLASS FURY 16 brings together 3000 participants from five partner nations and includes 11 surface ships, 3 submarines, and approximately 25 aircraft.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Refugee Crisis - A Call for the RCN to Help
In a letter to the editor in today's National Post full comment section, Ernest Seidman of Cote St. Luc, Quebec asked a question many people are asking - why are children still drowning and why isn't our Navy doing anything about it?
Here is Ernest's letter:
Re: Why Are Children Still Drowning? May 31.
Here is Ernest's letter:
Re: Why Are Children Still Drowning? May 31.
As a pediatrician, I share my sense of horror and despair with my fellow Canadians asking, “Why are children still drowning”? Hundreds of refugees from Syria and Africa are so desperately seeking asylum that they are drowning offshore in dinghies and other ill-equipped boats. The images of this relentless and horrific loss of life of children and their families evoke emotions of helplessness and gloom across our nation. Many Canadians feel betrayed by the lack of our government’s effective and affirmative action. We can and must do more. What can we do?
Because of long-term cutbacks in equipment to modernize our fleet, the Royal Canadian Navy has been down-classified to a Rank 5 navy (offshore regional coastal defence) on the Todd-Lindberg classification system, from Rank 3 (multiregional power projection). In other words, our navy is no longer equipped to wage war. However, we can and should transport these refugees,using our naval boats, under the guidance of a well trained naval corps.
-- Ernest Seidman, Cote St. Luc, Que.
I second Ernest's call - and I did so back in September 2015 when the image of Alan Kurdi was front-page news around the globe. You can read my article "Refugee Crisis; the CAF can help - Deploy them!" here on my blog. It was originally published September 4, 2015. (If the link is broken at any point; find it in the Blog Archive)
The Royal Canadian Navy is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of OP REASSURANCE. HMCS Fredericton joined Standing NATO Maritime Forces on 8 January 2016 as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s support to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The ship joins Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). HMCS Fredericton replaced HMCS Winnipeg which concluded a six-month operational deployment.
HMCS Fredericton is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.
While patrolling and "putting Russia in it's place" is great and all - children are dying. The 250 member crew of HMCS Fredericton can help the asylum seekers from Syria and North Africa.
The Liberal Government should adapt the mandate of the Royal Canadian Navy vessels in the Mediterranean to help. This would also help reduce the stress the Italian and Greek Navy and Coast Guard currently faces with this crisis.
Because of long-term cutbacks in equipment to modernize our fleet, the Royal Canadian Navy has been down-classified to a Rank 5 navy (offshore regional coastal defence) on the Todd-Lindberg classification system, from Rank 3 (multiregional power projection). In other words, our navy is no longer equipped to wage war. However, we can and should transport these refugees,using our naval boats, under the guidance of a well trained naval corps.
-- Ernest Seidman, Cote St. Luc, Que.
I second Ernest's call - and I did so back in September 2015 when the image of Alan Kurdi was front-page news around the globe. You can read my article "Refugee Crisis; the CAF can help - Deploy them!" here on my blog. It was originally published September 4, 2015. (If the link is broken at any point; find it in the Blog Archive)
The Royal Canadian Navy is currently operating in the Mediterranean as part of OP REASSURANCE. HMCS Fredericton joined Standing NATO Maritime Forces on 8 January 2016 as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s support to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The ship joins Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). HMCS Fredericton replaced HMCS Winnipeg which concluded a six-month operational deployment.
 |
| Black Sea. 5 April 2016 – Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) FREDERICTON performs a PASEX with the Bulgarian Frigate, BGS RESHITELNI (F13) and the Romanian Frigate, ROS REGINA MARIA, during a patrol in the Black Sea during Operation Reassurance. (Photo: Master Corporal Sebastian Allain, HMCS FREDERICTON Air Detachment) |
While patrolling and "putting Russia in it's place" is great and all - children are dying. The 250 member crew of HMCS Fredericton can help the asylum seekers from Syria and North Africa.
The Liberal Government should adapt the mandate of the Royal Canadian Navy vessels in the Mediterranean to help. This would also help reduce the stress the Italian and Greek Navy and Coast Guard currently faces with this crisis.
Monday, April 4, 2016
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 – 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) |
Thursday, February 11, 2016
HMCS Fredericton Deployed to Aegean Sea
Written by: The Associated Press
Published Thursday, February 11, 2016
HMCS Fredericton will be among three ships that NATO has announced it will send to the Aegean Sea to monitor the ongoing refugee crisis and provide surveillance of criminal networks working in the waters.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the NATO Maritime Group is being ordered immediately into the Aegean to help end illegal smuggling of migrants between Turkey and Greece, a situation he called a "human tragedy.”
Three NATO allies -- Turkey, Germany and Greece -- had requested NATO's help in an international effort to end the most intense migration crisis Europe has experienced since the Second World War.
HMCS Fredericton is part of NATO Maritime Standing Group 2, a flotilla that also consists of German navy flagship The Bonn, and the Barbaros from Turkey.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the warships "will start to move now" to provide surveillance of criminal networks working in the sea. They will then relay the information to the Greek and Turkish coast guards and other authorities, Stoltenberg said.
"This is not about stopping or pushing back refugee boats," Stoltenberg stressed.
"…This is about helping Greece, Turkey and the European Union with stemming the flow of migrants and refugees and coping with a very demanding situation.”
The International Organization for Migration said earlier this week that 76,000 people have travelled across the sea since Jan. 1 in an effort to reach Europe by sea. That’s nearly 2,000 people a day.
.The group also estimates that 409 people have died so far this year trying to cross from Turkey to Greece and between north Africa and Italy.
U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter said NATO military authorities also will draw up plans for how the alliance could further act to help shut down illegal human smuggling in the region.
Published Thursday, February 11, 2016
HMCS Fredericton will be among three ships that NATO has announced it will send to the Aegean Sea to monitor the ongoing refugee crisis and provide surveillance of criminal networks working in the waters.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the NATO Maritime Group is being ordered immediately into the Aegean to help end illegal smuggling of migrants between Turkey and Greece, a situation he called a "human tragedy.”
Three NATO allies -- Turkey, Germany and Greece -- had requested NATO's help in an international effort to end the most intense migration crisis Europe has experienced since the Second World War.
HMCS Fredericton is part of NATO Maritime Standing Group 2, a flotilla that also consists of German navy flagship The Bonn, and the Barbaros from Turkey.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the warships "will start to move now" to provide surveillance of criminal networks working in the sea. They will then relay the information to the Greek and Turkish coast guards and other authorities, Stoltenberg said.
"This is not about stopping or pushing back refugee boats," Stoltenberg stressed.
"…This is about helping Greece, Turkey and the European Union with stemming the flow of migrants and refugees and coping with a very demanding situation.”
The International Organization for Migration said earlier this week that 76,000 people have travelled across the sea since Jan. 1 in an effort to reach Europe by sea. That’s nearly 2,000 people a day.
.The group also estimates that 409 people have died so far this year trying to cross from Turkey to Greece and between north Africa and Italy.
U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter said NATO military authorities also will draw up plans for how the alliance could further act to help shut down illegal human smuggling in the region.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
HMCS Fredericton deploys on Operation REASSURANCE
DND Press Release:
January 4, 2016
OTTAWA — Media are invited to attend the departure ceremony of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton on January 5 as the ship deploys to the Mediterranean Sea on Operation REASSURANCE.
Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance measures and promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. The CAF response in support of NATO’s request for enhanced assurance measures demonstrates the readiness and professionalism of the CAF.
January 4, 2016
OTTAWA — Media are invited to attend the departure ceremony of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton on January 5 as the ship deploys to the Mediterranean Sea on Operation REASSURANCE.
Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance measures and promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. The CAF response in support of NATO’s request for enhanced assurance measures demonstrates the readiness and professionalism of the CAF.
When:Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 1 p.m. (AST)
Where:NB Jetty, HMC Dockyard, Canadian Forces Base Halifax, NS.
Monday, July 13, 2015
HMCS Fredericton returns from OP REASSURANCE
HMCS Fredericton returned to CFB Halifax yesterday July 12, 2015 after a seven month deployment to OP REASSURANCE.
HMCS Fredericton was involved in the support of security and international cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean region, supporting Central and Eastern Europe. The deployment began on December 30, 2014, where it became a member of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
HMCS Fredericton was involved in the support of security and international cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean region, supporting Central and Eastern Europe. The deployment began on December 30, 2014, where it became a member of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
Monday, June 15, 2015
HMCS Winnipeg Deploying on OP REASSURANCE
HMCS Winnipeg deployed today for a 9 month mission throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea as part of OP REASSURANCE, as a member of NATOs Standing Maritime Forces.
HMCS Winnipeg will replace HMCS Fredericton, which has been deployed in the region since January 2015.
255 Sailors and Air Crew aboard the Winnipeg will spend the next nine months promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
HMCS Winnipeg will replace HMCS Fredericton, which has been deployed in the region since January 2015.
255 Sailors and Air Crew aboard the Winnipeg will spend the next nine months promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
Friday, April 17, 2015
HMCS Iroquois Retiring after 43 years
The Canadian Armed Forces - Maritime Forces Atlantic is encouraging all serving and retired members who served aboard HMCS Iroquois to RSVP to the "Paying Off" Ceremony on may 1st in Halifax, Nova Scotia
HMCS Iroquois is concluding more than four decades of Service to the Royal Canadian Navy, its achievements symbolize the excellent workmanship and special comradery of her crew over the years. HMCS Iroquois has been a valued service to all Canadians.
Her hull was laid down on January 15, 1969, and launched on November 28, 1970. The official commissioned date into the RCN was July 29, 1972. Her official decommissioned date will be set as May 1, 2015.
Between 1972 and 1992, HMCS Iroquois took ppart in more than 40 major exercises and 6 Standing Naval Force Atlantic Deployments.
In 1984 the Destroyer responded to assist the HO MING 5, a Panamanian freighter. 11 Crew were removed by Sea King helicopter, 9 additional crew were removed by Zodiac. 12 of the Iroquois' crew were awarded the Star of Courage, with another 6 receiving the Medal of Bravery.
In 1989, the Destroyer began its TRUMP refit in Sorel, Quebec. The refit would be complete by 1992.
In 1993, HMCS Iroquois deployed on Operation SHARP GUARD off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. Its duties were to blockade the coast. It would be relieved by HMCS Halifax in April 1994.
In 2000 it was deployed on exchange to Norfolk, US Navy Yard.
In November 2001 Iroquois was deployed with HMCS Preserver and HMCS Charlottetown as part of Operation APOLLO in the Arabian Sea. Would remain deployed until April 2002.
In 2002, deployed to Bahrain and the Suez Canal.
In 2003, deployed to Combined Task Force 151 in the Persian Gulf.
February 2003, a Sea King Helicopter crashes on the deck, and is forced to return to Halifax for repairs. By March HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Fredericton deploy to the Persian Gulf.
Deployed to Gibraltar and Augusta in March 2003. Valletta and Gibraltar in July 2003.
Deployed on Operation ALTAIR STARTS in 2004.
Throughout 2006, HMCS Iroquois was deployed to various international naval squadrons, in Brest, Aarhus, Solent, Plymouth Sound, Tota, Souda Ba, Palma de Majorca.
In November 2006 responded to the USS Boone when it lost its rudder in the Mediterranean.
In 2008, was deployed to the Carribean on Operation CARIBBE. Returned to the Mediterranean Sea in May of 2008, took part in Multinational ASW Scenario. Later deployed on Combined Task Force-150 as the CTF-150 Flagship. for the remainder of 2008.
In 2009 HMCS Iroquois visits Bermuda.
In 2012 HMCS Iroquois visits Brooklyn (Fleet Week), Baltimore (Star Spangled Sailibration), and Boston (Fleet Week and Op SAIL 2012)
In 2013, she visits Canary Wharf, Le Havre, Hamburg, and Liverpool.
Her journey came to an end while visiting Boston in May of 2014, where fatigue cracks were found in the hull, and returned to Halifax, and has been out of service since.
For a Detailed paper witten by Colin Darlington, a retired Canadian Naval Officer, please see the Ottawa Citizen's Defence Watch
HMCS Iroquois is concluding more than four decades of Service to the Royal Canadian Navy, its achievements symbolize the excellent workmanship and special comradery of her crew over the years. HMCS Iroquois has been a valued service to all Canadians.
Her hull was laid down on January 15, 1969, and launched on November 28, 1970. The official commissioned date into the RCN was July 29, 1972. Her official decommissioned date will be set as May 1, 2015.
Between 1972 and 1992, HMCS Iroquois took ppart in more than 40 major exercises and 6 Standing Naval Force Atlantic Deployments.
In 1984 the Destroyer responded to assist the HO MING 5, a Panamanian freighter. 11 Crew were removed by Sea King helicopter, 9 additional crew were removed by Zodiac. 12 of the Iroquois' crew were awarded the Star of Courage, with another 6 receiving the Medal of Bravery.
In 1989, the Destroyer began its TRUMP refit in Sorel, Quebec. The refit would be complete by 1992.
In 1993, HMCS Iroquois deployed on Operation SHARP GUARD off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. Its duties were to blockade the coast. It would be relieved by HMCS Halifax in April 1994.
In 2000 it was deployed on exchange to Norfolk, US Navy Yard.
In November 2001 Iroquois was deployed with HMCS Preserver and HMCS Charlottetown as part of Operation APOLLO in the Arabian Sea. Would remain deployed until April 2002.
In 2002, deployed to Bahrain and the Suez Canal.
In 2003, deployed to Combined Task Force 151 in the Persian Gulf.
February 2003, a Sea King Helicopter crashes on the deck, and is forced to return to Halifax for repairs. By March HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Fredericton deploy to the Persian Gulf.
Deployed to Gibraltar and Augusta in March 2003. Valletta and Gibraltar in July 2003.
Deployed on Operation ALTAIR STARTS in 2004.
Throughout 2006, HMCS Iroquois was deployed to various international naval squadrons, in Brest, Aarhus, Solent, Plymouth Sound, Tota, Souda Ba, Palma de Majorca.
In November 2006 responded to the USS Boone when it lost its rudder in the Mediterranean.
In 2008, was deployed to the Carribean on Operation CARIBBE. Returned to the Mediterranean Sea in May of 2008, took part in Multinational ASW Scenario. Later deployed on Combined Task Force-150 as the CTF-150 Flagship. for the remainder of 2008.
In 2009 HMCS Iroquois visits Bermuda.
In 2012 HMCS Iroquois visits Brooklyn (Fleet Week), Baltimore (Star Spangled Sailibration), and Boston (Fleet Week and Op SAIL 2012)
In 2013, she visits Canary Wharf, Le Havre, Hamburg, and Liverpool.
Her journey came to an end while visiting Boston in May of 2014, where fatigue cracks were found in the hull, and returned to Halifax, and has been out of service since.
For a Detailed paper witten by Colin Darlington, a retired Canadian Naval Officer, please see the Ottawa Citizen's Defence Watch
Saturday, April 11, 2015
CAF Most likely Headed to the Ukraine
While DND has yet to release any official plans, the government has not yet announced an expansion of Op REASSURANCE, CTVNews has learned that the CAF is preparing to send Canadian Troops to the Ukraine in a non-combat role, most likely to work alongside US forces in a training role.
CTVNews' source told CTV that "The government is still working out the details, but a training mission is one of the options on the table."
The Conservative government has been hinting at an expansion of Op REASSURANCE for weeks, even stating that its budget (with Op IMPACT's) will be kept quiet for security reasons. Canada is planning this mission to keep up its strong Anti-Putin stance and to help shore up the Ukrainian government.
Canada's Op REASSURANCE is currently comprised of:
Air Task Force:
CTVNews' source told CTV that "The government is still working out the details, but a training mission is one of the options on the table."
The Conservative government has been hinting at an expansion of Op REASSURANCE for weeks, even stating that its budget (with Op IMPACT's) will be kept quiet for security reasons. Canada is planning this mission to keep up its strong Anti-Putin stance and to help shore up the Ukrainian government.
Canada's Op REASSURANCE is currently comprised of:
Air Task Force:
- 4 CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, with Military personnel and support staff, deployed from January to April 2015 to Eastern Europe to maintain a Canadian presence among our NATO Allies.
NATO Baltic Air Policing
- Stationed in Siauliai, Lithuania, 4 CF-18 Honet's along with 135 personnel and support staff were deployed from September to December 2014.
- Part of NATO's peacetime role - to preserve integrity of European Airspace from Air attacks. This is provided for nations not having full range air defence assets of their own ( Albania, Luxembourg, Iceland, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia)
Air Task Force Romania
- Stationed in Campia Turzii, Romania from May to August 2014 - 6 CF-18 Hornet's and approximately 200 personnel and support staff.
Maritime Task Force:
- Task Force HMCS Fredericton - Currently Deployed
- Task Force HMCS Toronto - Deployed from July 2014 to January 2015
- Task Force HMCS Regina - Deployed from January 2014 to August 2014
Land Task Force:
Officially Deployed from May to December 2014 - however CAF personnel are deployed in the region under other* operations.
- Exercise ORZEL ALERT - Western Poland - 45 CAF Members, May 5-9 2014
- Exercise SABRE STRIKE - Baltic States - 120 CAF Members, 9-20 June 2014
- Exercise PEGASUS KORSARZ - Poland - CAF led exercise, 23-27 June 2014
- Exercise GNIEZNO - Poland - CAF led exercise, 2-6 July 2014
- Exercise STEADFAST JAVELIN II - Latvia - 100 CAF Members, 2-8 September 2014
- Exercise ANAKONDA - Poland 24 September to 3 October 2014
- Exercise COMBINED RESOLVE III - Germany - 100 CAF Members, 16 September to 12 November 2014
- Exercise IRON SWORD - Lithuania - 10 CAF Members 13-15 October and 2-14 November 2014
- Exercise FALCON - Poland 21-26 November 2014
- Winter Warfare Training - Lithuania - 3rd RCR 8-12 December 2014
- *Exercise ALLIED SPIRIT I - Germany 45 CAF Members 16-28 January 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
HMCS Fredericton tailed by Russian Warships
HMCS Fredericton arrived in the Black Sea earlier this week to participate in NATO exercises with Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2). The voyage over went smoothly, but once it arrived things got interesting.
As soon as Fredericton joined with several other allied Nation vessels, two Russian Warships appeared within three nautical miles of the battle group.
The two Russian Warships followed the group for sometime until the SNMG2 group broke off into two separate formations, then the Russian ships went on their way.
DND has stated the the current exercises in the Black Sea are a response to Russian aggression towards the Ukraine.
It seems Russia is playing along nicely, and is pushing all the right buttons to put everyone on edge in the West.
This is the second provocation, last summer HMCS Toronto was 'buzzed' by a Russian warplane during its deployment to the Black Sea.
As soon as Fredericton joined with several other allied Nation vessels, two Russian Warships appeared within three nautical miles of the battle group.
The two Russian Warships followed the group for sometime until the SNMG2 group broke off into two separate formations, then the Russian ships went on their way.
DND has stated the the current exercises in the Black Sea are a response to Russian aggression towards the Ukraine.
It seems Russia is playing along nicely, and is pushing all the right buttons to put everyone on edge in the West.
This is the second provocation, last summer HMCS Toronto was 'buzzed' by a Russian warplane during its deployment to the Black Sea.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
HMCS Fredericton visits Agira War Cemetery
The Royal Canadian Navy released news today that while deployed in the Mediterranean, the crew of HMCS Fredericton took an opportunity to visit the Canadian Agira War Cemetary in Sicily. The visit took place on January 23 2015.
During the Invasion of Sicily in 1943, the 1st Canadian Infantry and 1st Canadian Tank Brigade captured Agira. The cemetery is located on a hill side in the commune of Agira, located in the Province of Ennn - right in the heart of Sicily. Following the fall of Sicily, a decision was made to consecrate one cemetery for all Canadians killed in action in Sicily. The Agira Cemetery contains the resting place of 490 (6 are still unidentified) Canadians killed in 1943. (Another 58 who drowned while en route to Sicily are commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, in mainland Italy.
The crew of HMCS Fredericton held a small rememberance ceremony in memory of those who gave their lives during the Second World War, and where given time to wonder the site and pay their individual respects to those buried there.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)