HMCS Edmonton deploys for Op Caribbe

HMCS Edmonton. Photo supplied.

MARPAC — His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Edmonton deployed on Feb. 13 from its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, to conduct drug interdiction on Operation Caribbe.

“We continue to strengthen our international relationships and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to address security challenges in the Americas. HMCS Edmonton is proud to be a part of Operation Caribbe along with our partners nations to enhance regional peace and security,” said Lieutenant-Commander Tyler Smith, Commanding Officer, HMCS Edmonton, in a statement.

Friends and family were present to send off Royal Canadian Navy sailors on Canada’s 17^th year of contributing to Operation Caribbe – supporting U.S.-led Enhanced Counter-narcotics Operations. Along with Canada’s partner nations, HMCS Edmonton will help disrupt drug trafficking and organized crime in South and Central America.

As part of Canada’s broader commitment to engagement in the Americas, Operation Caribbe is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This annual operation directly supports the CAF mission to defend against security threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and defence and security partners.

Operation Caribbe is Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Under this operation, CAF ships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the U.S. mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters.