By: Zane Schwartz, National Post
Canada will send troops to the Black Sea region to combat Russian influence there, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Wednesday.
“I’m pleased to confirm that several nations indicated their willingness to contribute to our presence in the Black Sea region, on land, at sea and in the air,” said Stoltenberg, adding that the countries involved include: “Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the United States.”
The deployment is in addition to the troops Canada has already committed to Operation Reassurance in Eastern Europe.
Department of National Defence spokesperson Evan Koronewski confirmed the Black Sea deployment. It will include CF-18s stationed in Romania and a RCN frigate in the Black Sea.
Stoltenberg said he intends to confirm the plans by the next meeting of NATO defence ministers in February.
Stoltenberg also announced a land brigade in Romania, but Canada will not be part of that, Jordan Owens, press secretary of Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, said Thursday.
Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are among the countries that border the
Black Sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described it as “almost a Russian lake” as a result of the Russian military presence there.
Related
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Canada has 220 armed forces members deployed in Poland as well as about 250 aboard HMCS Charlottetown as part a maritime task force formed by NATO. HMCS Charlottetown could deploy to the Black Sea or, if its rotation is up by the time the order to move comes, the frigate replacing it will go.
Rona Ambrose, the interim Conservative leader, criticized Justin Trudeau’s government this week for its failure to disclose basic facts about Canadian troops fighting ISIL.
Stoltenberg’s announcement comes on the heels of rising tensions between Russia and NATO following the breakdown of a ceasefire on Oct. 3 brokered by the two countries in Syria.
For Operation Reassurance, about 4,000 soldiers divided into four battalions will deploy in Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Canada is leading the battalion based in Latvia.
Stoltenberg announced that Albania, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia would contribute to the Latvia battalion.
Showing posts with label Romania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romania. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2016
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Canadian Army trains with Allied Forces in Romania during Exercise SABER GUARDIAN
DND Press Release:
Starting today until August 7, approximately 45 Canadian Army soldiers will be participating in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016, a U.S.-led joint, multinational, regional exercise, in Cincu, Romania. In support of allied and partner nations, more than 2,500 soldiers from 11 countries will partake in the exercise designed to improve interoperability within a multinational brigade. The Canadian Army welcomes opportunities to train regularly with its closest allies to enhance cooperation and expand interoperability between forces.
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016 will feature a computer-simulated exercise combined with a field training portion, leading up to a joint live-fire event. The Canadian Army will be taking a leadership role in the exercise, with key personnel overseeing combat support planning, as well as information and knowledge management processes.
Participation in SABER GUARDIAN contributes to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing the CAF to meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada will assign.
“Canada will continue to prioritize building defence capabilities and nurturing partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe. Our participation in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN enables us to support our allies and help strengthen the resiliency of the region.”Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016 is an opportunity for the Canadian Army to further strengthen its relationship with both its American counterparts and NATO regional partners. This type of training supports the Canadian Army’s broader engagement strategy for the European continent.
The Canadian Army contingent participating in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN includes approximately 45 infantry soldiers from the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force currently based in Poland, as well as personnel from 5th Canadian Division in Atlantic Canada. The Canadian platoon will be integrated within a Romanian battalion.
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN is an annual, multinational exercise that rotates between locations in Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
Starting today until August 7, approximately 45 Canadian Army soldiers will be participating in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016, a U.S.-led joint, multinational, regional exercise, in Cincu, Romania. In support of allied and partner nations, more than 2,500 soldiers from 11 countries will partake in the exercise designed to improve interoperability within a multinational brigade. The Canadian Army welcomes opportunities to train regularly with its closest allies to enhance cooperation and expand interoperability between forces.
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016 will feature a computer-simulated exercise combined with a field training portion, leading up to a joint live-fire event. The Canadian Army will be taking a leadership role in the exercise, with key personnel overseeing combat support planning, as well as information and knowledge management processes.
Participation in SABER GUARDIAN contributes to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing the CAF to meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada will assign.
“Canada will continue to prioritize building defence capabilities and nurturing partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe. Our participation in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN enables us to support our allies and help strengthen the resiliency of the region.”Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN 2016 is an opportunity for the Canadian Army to further strengthen its relationship with both its American counterparts and NATO regional partners. This type of training supports the Canadian Army’s broader engagement strategy for the European continent.
The Canadian Army contingent participating in Exercise SABER GUARDIAN includes approximately 45 infantry soldiers from the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force currently based in Poland, as well as personnel from 5th Canadian Division in Atlantic Canada. The Canadian platoon will be integrated within a Romanian battalion.
Exercise SABER GUARDIAN is an annual, multinational exercise that rotates between locations in Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
 |
| Canadian and Polish Armed Forces members take a knee after exiting a helicopter during a fast rope exercise at Nowa Dęba Training Center in Nowa Dęba, Poland, on December 4, 2015, during Operation REASSURANCE. Photo: Corporal Nathan Moulton, Land Task Force Imagery, OP REASSURANCE |
Friday, April 8, 2016
RCAF Air Task Force Romania completes bilateral training
DND - News Article / April 8, 2016
Royal Canadian Air Force
Air Task Force-Romania began its return from Constanta, Romania, to 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, today upon completion of Exercise Resilient Resolve.
Exercise Resilient Resolve built on Canada’s positive relationship with Romania, an important NATO Ally, strengthening mutual confidence in using common NATO procedures.
“The members of Air Task Force-Romania demonstrated the dedication and professionalism that makes the Royal Canadian Air Force an exemplary partner to our allies,” said Brigadier-General Blaise Frawley, acting commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. “I’m proud of their contribution to furthering the relationships between Canada and Romania. These airmen and airwomen have represented the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada with honour.”
Approximately 100 Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, mainly from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, and four CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft that had previously been deployed on Operation Impact, were deployed to Constanta, Romania, to conduct a month-long bilateral training exercise with the Romanian Air Force known as Exercise Resilient Resolve.
During the exercise, Air Task Force-Romania flew 86 missions for a total of more than 104 flying hours, including 18 sorties directly involving Canadian CF-188 Hornets and Romanian Air Force 861st Fighter Squadron MiG-21 Lancers, allowing for valuable air-to-air combat training missions.
“Exercise Resilient Resolve provided the opportunity to share our expertise and deepen the relationship with the Romanian Air Force while simultaneously providing excellent learning opportunities for our RCAF personnel and teams,” said Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne, the commander of Air Task Force-Romania. “Overall, it was a resounding success and a great experience for everyone who participated.”
ATF-Romania ground and support personnel conducted bilateral training with Romanian Air Force firefighters, air weapons controllers and network operators. Such training increased Canadian personnel’s understanding of our allies’ procedures and equipment, increasing our interoperability for possible future multinational operations.
The Air Task Force also conducted close air support training with the United States Marine Corps Joint Tactical Air Controllers stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, enhancing our relationship with one of our closest military ally.
During the exercise, the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, Major-General Laurian Anastasof, presented three members of Air Task Force-Romania and the commander of 3 Wing with the Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour.
Canadians presented with Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour
By Captain Marie-France Poulin
On March 22, 2016, Major-General Laurian Anastasoff, Air Chief of Romania, and Ms Joanne Lemay, the Canadian ambassador to Romania, welcomed at Major-General David Wheeler, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, the 1 Canadian Air Division chief warrant officer as well as commanders and chief warrant officers from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec; 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, to Mihail Koganiceanu Air Base.
The delegation was returning from Kuwait when it stopped over in Constanta to meet the members of Air Task Force -Romania who are currently deployed for Exercise Resilient Resolve.
During the ceremony, three members of the Task Force and the commander of 3 Wing received commendations from the Air Chief of Romania for the exceptional work they have accomplished to this point: Colonel Darcy Molstad, commander of 3 Wing; Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne, Task Force commander, Leading Seaman Johanna Wojewoda, from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, and Warrant Officer André Vachon, also from 425 Squadron.
Major-General Wheeler sincerely thanked Major-General Anastasof for his recognition and for all the support that Romanian Air Force personnel had given the Task Force since its arrival.
”On short notice, the members of ATF-Romania deployed here, in Romania, for the second time since 2014. This would not have been possible without the support that you have given us,” said Major-General Wheeler. “We have developed a relationship of cooperation and of friendship. I thank you sincerely for all the support that your country and your personnel have offered ATF-Romania since their arrival.”
“I am proud to see the Canadian flag here,” said Major-General Anastasof. “Our two countries share the same values of professionalism, commitment and integrity.”
During the visit, the commanders and chief warrant officers had the opportunity to meet their personnel and see ATF-Romania work environment.
Royal Canadian Air Force
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| About 100 Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, mainly from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, with four CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft conducted bilateral training with the Romanian Air Force in Constanta, Romania, from March to April 2016. PHOTO: CER SENIN- Revista Forţelor Aeriene (Romanian Air Force magazine) Facebook page |
Exercise Resilient Resolve built on Canada’s positive relationship with Romania, an important NATO Ally, strengthening mutual confidence in using common NATO procedures.
“The members of Air Task Force-Romania demonstrated the dedication and professionalism that makes the Royal Canadian Air Force an exemplary partner to our allies,” said Brigadier-General Blaise Frawley, acting commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. “I’m proud of their contribution to furthering the relationships between Canada and Romania. These airmen and airwomen have represented the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada with honour.”
Approximately 100 Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, mainly from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, and four CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft that had previously been deployed on Operation Impact, were deployed to Constanta, Romania, to conduct a month-long bilateral training exercise with the Romanian Air Force known as Exercise Resilient Resolve.
During the exercise, Air Task Force-Romania flew 86 missions for a total of more than 104 flying hours, including 18 sorties directly involving Canadian CF-188 Hornets and Romanian Air Force 861st Fighter Squadron MiG-21 Lancers, allowing for valuable air-to-air combat training missions.
“Exercise Resilient Resolve provided the opportunity to share our expertise and deepen the relationship with the Romanian Air Force while simultaneously providing excellent learning opportunities for our RCAF personnel and teams,” said Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne, the commander of Air Task Force-Romania. “Overall, it was a resounding success and a great experience for everyone who participated.”
ATF-Romania ground and support personnel conducted bilateral training with Romanian Air Force firefighters, air weapons controllers and network operators. Such training increased Canadian personnel’s understanding of our allies’ procedures and equipment, increasing our interoperability for possible future multinational operations.
The Air Task Force also conducted close air support training with the United States Marine Corps Joint Tactical Air Controllers stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, enhancing our relationship with one of our closest military ally.
During the exercise, the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff, Major-General Laurian Anastasof, presented three members of Air Task Force-Romania and the commander of 3 Wing with the Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour.
Canadians presented with Romanian Air Force Emblem of Honour
By Captain Marie-France Poulin
On March 22, 2016, Major-General Laurian Anastasoff, Air Chief of Romania, and Ms Joanne Lemay, the Canadian ambassador to Romania, welcomed at Major-General David Wheeler, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, the 1 Canadian Air Division chief warrant officer as well as commanders and chief warrant officers from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec; 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, to Mihail Koganiceanu Air Base.
The delegation was returning from Kuwait when it stopped over in Constanta to meet the members of Air Task Force -Romania who are currently deployed for Exercise Resilient Resolve.
During the ceremony, three members of the Task Force and the commander of 3 Wing received commendations from the Air Chief of Romania for the exceptional work they have accomplished to this point: Colonel Darcy Molstad, commander of 3 Wing; Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne, Task Force commander, Leading Seaman Johanna Wojewoda, from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, and Warrant Officer André Vachon, also from 425 Squadron.
Major-General Wheeler sincerely thanked Major-General Anastasof for his recognition and for all the support that Romanian Air Force personnel had given the Task Force since its arrival.
”On short notice, the members of ATF-Romania deployed here, in Romania, for the second time since 2014. This would not have been possible without the support that you have given us,” said Major-General Wheeler. “We have developed a relationship of cooperation and of friendship. I thank you sincerely for all the support that your country and your personnel have offered ATF-Romania since their arrival.”
“I am proud to see the Canadian flag here,” said Major-General Anastasof. “Our two countries share the same values of professionalism, commitment and integrity.”
During the visit, the commanders and chief warrant officers had the opportunity to meet their personnel and see ATF-Romania work environment.
Friday, February 26, 2016
4 RCAF CF-18s head To Romania from Iraq
Written by JDM, CAFDispatch Author
Published February 26, 2015
While the Liberal government has decided to end the RCAF's CF-18 participation in the US-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria; their tour of duty is not complete; at least for four of the six CF-18s that were deployed to Kuwait in October 2014.
As part of Exercise RESILIENT RESOLVE; four of the RCAF CF-18's will depart Kuwait on March 1, 2016 and head to Constanta, Romania for bilateral training with the Romanian Air Force.
In addition to the four CF-18s, approximately 100 members of the RCAF, mainly from CFB Bagotville, Quebec will deploy as ground crew.
The deployment will be Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne. The Air Task Force personnel for this exercise will be from 2 Wing and 3 Wing. The four CF-18s are from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at 3 Wing Bagotville. This same squadron previously deployed to Câmpia Turzii, Romania, in the spring of 2014 as part of NATO’s assurance measures of OP REASSURANCE.
The Task Force was also previously part of NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission from September to December 2014 and was based in Siauliai, Lithuania.
More details released from the RCAF: “2 Wing will provide a scaled and tailored Airfield Activation Surge Team as part of the Air Task Force that will include personnel from 2 Air Expeditionary Squadron and 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron. 2 Wing is the RCAF’s air expeditionary wing, which exists to rapidly deploy either in whole or in part as a self-contained unit, employing air power and providing associated support wherever needed, throughout Canada or around the world.”
Published February 26, 2015
While the Liberal government has decided to end the RCAF's CF-18 participation in the US-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria; their tour of duty is not complete; at least for four of the six CF-18s that were deployed to Kuwait in October 2014.
 |
| An RCAF CF-18 flies with a Portuguese F-16 over Lithuania in November 2014. |
As part of Exercise RESILIENT RESOLVE; four of the RCAF CF-18's will depart Kuwait on March 1, 2016 and head to Constanta, Romania for bilateral training with the Romanian Air Force.
In addition to the four CF-18s, approximately 100 members of the RCAF, mainly from CFB Bagotville, Quebec will deploy as ground crew.
The deployment will be Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel David Turenne. The Air Task Force personnel for this exercise will be from 2 Wing and 3 Wing. The four CF-18s are from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at 3 Wing Bagotville. This same squadron previously deployed to Câmpia Turzii, Romania, in the spring of 2014 as part of NATO’s assurance measures of OP REASSURANCE.
The Task Force was also previously part of NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission from September to December 2014 and was based in Siauliai, Lithuania.
More details released from the RCAF: “2 Wing will provide a scaled and tailored Airfield Activation Surge Team as part of the Air Task Force that will include personnel from 2 Air Expeditionary Squadron and 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron. 2 Wing is the RCAF’s air expeditionary wing, which exists to rapidly deploy either in whole or in part as a self-contained unit, employing air power and providing associated support wherever needed, throughout Canada or around the world.”
Thursday, June 25, 2015
1,650 CAF members heading to Europe
Defence Minister Jason Kenney announced yesterday that Canada will partake in the largest NATO exercise in Europe since the end of the Cold War in 1991.
Operation TRIDENT JUNCTURE-15 will be held in late September to early November in Spain, Portugal, and Italy; and will include more than 25,000 troops from NATO members. Canada will be sending a contingent of 1,650 troops, including elements of the RCAF, RCN, and Land elements, including Special Forces.
The Conservative government, despite not spending the NATO requested 2% of GDP on defence has been a large supporter of NATO's response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Canada is still deciding on how many members (if any) of the CAF it will contribute to the NATO Rapid Reaction Force. However, Ottawa officially offered the RCAF spy planes, tanker aircraft and strategic lift capabilities to the Rapid Reaction Force, which is set to triple in size from the current 13,000 members.
Two weeks ago, the CAF announced that it would provide staff officers to work at the Rapid Reaction Force command centres in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania.
Despite Canada's slow decision making process in sending troops to be part of the reaction force, Canada has had 200 infantry rotating through Eastern Europe since the summer of 2014, and according to DND, plans for the continued rotation is set for as far as March 2016.
Opponents are saying that Canada is planning on establishing a permanent presence in Europe, much like it did between 1946 and 1991 in Germany. However, DND says no permanent planning is in the process, as it is not cost-effective and in most cases too expensive.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
CAF Deployed to Romania for Exercise SARMIS
Last week the Canadian Armed Forces deployed approximately 190 soldiers from 3 RCR, based out of Petawawa, Ontario to Romania to take part in Exercise SARMIS, which runs from May 15, 2015 to June 6 2015.
SARMIS, part of the larger OP REASSURANCE, is a multinational exercise focused on developing interoperability between NATO Allies. Canada is participating with units from Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States at the Land Forces Combat Training Centre in Cincu, Romania.
SARMIS, part of the larger OP REASSURANCE, is a multinational exercise focused on developing interoperability between NATO Allies. Canada is participating with units from Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States at the Land Forces Combat Training Centre in Cincu, Romania.
 |
| Members of the 3 RCR at the Drawsko Pomorski Training Area in Poland. April 2015. Photo: OP Reassurance/Land Task Force - CF Combat Camera |
Friday, February 6, 2015
Canada, Ukraine,and Russia; Georgia as part of NATO?
Following the NATO Summit yesterday, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson again told Russia to back off in Ukraine.
NATO announced that it will establish six regional command posts (in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria) and expand the current Rapid Response Unit from 13,000 troops to 30,000 troops.
When asked if he thought the Rapid Response Unit would provoke Russia, and cause a larger conflict instead of ending the current situation in the Ukraine, Nicholson shrugged off the question. "Take a look at the way NATO is runs and has always run." Nicholson did stand firm on Canada not arming the Ukrainian Forces, but mentioned that the U.S. is still considering it.
It is true NATO has always encroached onto Russia territory, and pushed to have its defensive forces as close to Russia as possible. Now Georgia (which went to war in 2008 against Russia) is pushing for membership to NATO, and Canada fully supports the inclusion of the former Soviet state.
Russia on the other hand, has not yet backed down to any NATO placement in Europe, and believes the Rapid Response Unit will only cause further conflict.
To read the original Ottawa Citizen article:
Defence Minister Nicholson not worried about Russia
NATO announced that it will establish six regional command posts (in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria) and expand the current Rapid Response Unit from 13,000 troops to 30,000 troops.
When asked if he thought the Rapid Response Unit would provoke Russia, and cause a larger conflict instead of ending the current situation in the Ukraine, Nicholson shrugged off the question. "Take a look at the way NATO is runs and has always run." Nicholson did stand firm on Canada not arming the Ukrainian Forces, but mentioned that the U.S. is still considering it.
It is true NATO has always encroached onto Russia territory, and pushed to have its defensive forces as close to Russia as possible. Now Georgia (which went to war in 2008 against Russia) is pushing for membership to NATO, and Canada fully supports the inclusion of the former Soviet state.
Russia on the other hand, has not yet backed down to any NATO placement in Europe, and believes the Rapid Response Unit will only cause further conflict.
To read the original Ottawa Citizen article:
Defence Minister Nicholson not worried about Russia
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