Operations

HMC Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan Return After Successful Deployment

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Above images: Families and Royal Canadian Navy crew reunite after a four-month deployment with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1). Images courtesy of Royal Canadian Navy Facebook.

After a four-month deployment sailing the Baltic Sea, His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan returned to their home port of Halifax on Oct. 29.

The ships served with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) under Operation REASSURANCE, having deployed from Canadian shores on July 13.

Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz when she was a Commodore commanding Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2 in 2019. Image courtesy of Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz.

“It is a proud and heartwarming occasion to welcome His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan as they return from a four-month commitment on Operation REASSURANCE as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1. The imperative work our sailors have accomplished while working alongside NATO allies at sea has maintained maritime security in the Baltic and North Seas, from vigilance activities to explosive ordnance disposal.

“The professionalism demonstrated by these crews has not only represented Canada with distinction but has also strengthened our nation’s role within the NATO alliance. Their accomplishments during this deployment have been truly commendable and I look forward to seeing our sailors reunited with their families at home,” said RAdm. Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic Joint Last Force Atlantic in a statement.

HMCS Charlottetown remains currently deployed on Operation REASSURANCE as the flagship for SNMG2.

A Russian submarine is monitored by the crew of HMCS Shawinigan, as it transits through the Baltic Sea, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Image courtesy Canadian Armed Forces. Facebook.

Extending diplomatic hand

The exercise allowed both ships ample opportunities to participate in training exercises alongside other navies. The SNCMG1 Naval Taskforce that Canadian ships worked alongside included sailors from the German Navy, Latvian Naval Forces, Lithuanian Naval Forces, Portuguese Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy, and Belgian Navy.

The ships also conducted a number of port visits.

“I am extremely proud of our sailors in His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan. These crews operated in an area of strategic importance which demonstrated Canada’s commitment to our NATO Allies, contributed to maritime security and directly supported a variety of Canadian interests across the region. Along the way we visited some of the most beautiful areas in the world and developed lasting relationships with our shipmates and Allies, bringing Canadian value everywhere we sailed,” said LCommander Paul Morrison, Task Force Commander.

During the deployment, HMCS Shawinigan was also tasked with the responsibility of supporting enhanced vigilance activities as it monitored a Russian submarine and surface vessel that sailed through the Baltic and North Seas in August.

Meeting NATO objectives

The press release noted participating in the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group is an opportunity for Canada to bolster its commitment to NATO. The deployment itself ensures that Canada is committing to NATO’s deference and defence measures in Eastern European seas.

The deployment also provided the Royal Canadian Navy with the opportunity to work alongside and strengthen ties with partner nations.