HMCS Halifax departs for NATO mission

HMCS Halifax departed Halifax on Sunday, July 14, en route to Operation Reassurance for the next six months. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA

HMCS Halifax departed Halifax on Sunday, July 14, en route to Operation Reassurance for the next six months. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA

Mona Ghiz, Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs ~

After months of preparation, HMCS Halifax and the Cyclone air detachment from 423 squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater, departed Halifax Sunday July 14 en route to a six-month tour on Operation Reassurance, Canada’s support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.

Despite some mechanical issues with the ship that delayed its departure for approximately a week, Halifax and all those on board were well prepared to embark upon this operation.

“The ship’s company have worked incredibly hard over the last nine-plus months and more, to get ready for this deployment. They have exceeded the standards we have set out for every step,” said Commodore Skjerpen, Commander,Canadian Fleet Atlantic.

During the deployment, Halifax will replace Toronto and assume the role of flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, a NATO-led mission to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

Halifax’s commanding officer, Cdr Scott Nelson, said, “Op Reassurance is Canada’s mission with NATO in various waters that connect to Europe. Canada commits a ship consistency in the region to assure our NATO alliance allies Canada is there to support the endeavors of NATO’s mission overseas.”

This is the first time Halifax will deploy on Op Reassurance and the twelfth time a Royal Canadian Navy ship has taken part since 2014.

Another first is that during this operation, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 is being commanded by a Canadian female officer, Commodore Josée Kurtz. She is currently onboard Toronto and will join Halifax on their arrival in theatre.

During its time on Op Reassurance, Halifax will lead and execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations to enhance interoperability and cooperation with our allies and NATO partners in the region.

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