Duty Calls

Three Royal Canadian Ships Deploy to Indo-Pacific Region

Mishall Rehman August 29, 2023

0 1 minute read

Delivering on its promise to increase Naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region, the Royal Canadian Navy deployed two frigates this month to the area on a nearly five-month deployment.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Ottawa, along with Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, set sail from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, BC on August 14.

“Our sailors are doing more than just navigating vast waters, they’ll be engaging in vital exercises, fostering diplomatic ties, and showcasing the best of Canadian naval capability in the Indo-Pacific region,” stated a post on the Royal Canadian Navy Facebook.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) VANCOUVER sails alongside the ATLANTIC CONDOR in the North Pacific Ocean supporting Fisheries and Oceans Canada to detect and deter illegal, unregulated fishing activity as part of Operation North Pacific Guard, on 19 August 2023. Photo by: Corporal Alisa Strelley, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Increasing Naval Presence

In December 2022, former Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced a bolstered strategy for the Indo-Pacific region, stating that the area was becoming more central to global security.

The new plan included upping Canada’s deployment of two frigates to three and replacing Operation PROJECTION with Operation HORIZON. According to the Department of National Defence Canada, since 2018, through both Operation PROJECTION and Operation NEON.

The Motor Vessel (MV) ASTERIX and His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) OTTAWA lead the way for HMCS VANCOUVER during a sail past of the Victoria shorelines after departing Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, for the Indo-Pacific on August 14th, 2023. Photo by: Corporal Alisa Strelley, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Ottawa will continue the RCN’s work in the region to foster relationships with partner nations and undertake several exercises in the Pacific.

“As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver, and Motor Vessel Asterix depart, we commend the crew’s exemplary professionalism. Their readiness, proven in exercise TRIDENT FURY, prepares them for upcoming challenges,” said RAdm. Christopher Robinson. Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.

HMCS Vancouver has deployed multiple times to the Indo-Pacific region, as has HMCS Ottawa and MV Asterix.

Corporal Ryan Harding is joined by his family to say goodbye before departing from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia, for the Indo-Pacific in His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) VANCOUVER on August 14th, 2023

Saying goodbye to loved ones

The 240 personnel crew of each frigate and 150 of the Asterix were sent away on their deployment with love and support. Families lined the docks to wave their sailors goodbye.

The RCN personnel, along with the civilians deployed with them, will be away from Canadian shores for approximately five months.

“As #HMCSOttawa, #HMCSVancouver, and Motor Vessel Asterix depart, we commend the crew's exemplary professionalism. Their readiness, proven in Exercise TRIDENT FURY, prepares them for upcoming challenges.” – Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. /2 pic.twitter.com/9lFMbEyAd4

— Royal Canadian Navy (@RoyalCanNavy) August 14, 2023