Duty CallsUncategorized
HMCS Charlottetown deploys again for Operation Reassurance
Mishall RehmanHer Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown joined Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG 1) this week as part of its second deployment on Operation REASSURANCE.
The ship joined SNMG1 on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea, which will contribute to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.
HMCS Charlottetown is replacing HMCS St. John’s on Op Reassurance.
“Canada’s participation in regional maritime security operations as part of NATO assurance activities is another demonstration of Canada’s ongoing commitment to international security and cooperation. The excellent crew of the HMCS Charlottetown is demonstrating our continued leadership on the world stage by making meaningful and enduring contributions to NATO activities in Eastern and Central Europe,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Defence.
During its first deployment on Op REASSURANCE, as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, HMCS Charlottetown conducted maritime security operations and joint NATO training exercises between June 2016 and Jan. 2017, in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean, Aegean and Baltic Seas.
HMCS Charlottetown and its crew of approximately 240 personnel are being commanded by Cdr. Jeff Hutt. He has been a member of the HMCS Charlottetown since he completed his initial training and has been deployed twice with the ship to the Arabian Sea.
“The highly trained and professional ship’s company is well prepared to meet the challenges of this mission. HMCS Charlottetown is committed to further increase the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to work alongside our Allies, contribute to enhancing NATO readiness, and help strengthen international and regional stability,” said Hutt, Commanding Officer, HMCS Charlottetown.
The ship is also equipped with an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment. The Enhanced Naval Boarding Party is a relatively new capability for the Royal Canadian Navy that is used in support of maritime interdiction operations.
