Operations

HMCS Charlottetown Crew Praised for their “skillful execution” During Deployment

Mishall Rehman February 14, 2025

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Serving as the flagship of Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) was just one of the major accomplishments of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown during its six-month Deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.

The ship was deployed under Operation REASSURANCE to the region.

Upon their arrival home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 20, RAdm. Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic, praised the crew for their outstanding work during the deployment.

Families and friends were on hand to welcome the ship and crew home four days before Christmas.

“I extend my congratulations to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown for their skillful execution of yet another successful Operation REASSURANCE. The leadership role they have played as the flagship of SNMG2 proved invaluable to the Alliance Mediterranean Fleet, and demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability of RCN sailors in the modern maritime environment and in a volatile region.

“In operations with partners, Charlottetown was instrumental to the integration of allied naval assets, and the reinforcement of our collective defense. I hope our military and civilian communities will join me in extending a warm welcome to the crew returning home. The commitment that they and their families made to ensuring mission success deserves our recognition and appreciation. Bravo Zulu!”

Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown, greets members of the French Navy and Romanian Naval Forces during a conversation period onboard the ship while alongside at Toulon Naval Base in Toulon, France, during Operation REASSURANCE on 26 June 2024. Photo by: Aviator Gregory Cole, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Working with Partner Nations

During their Deployment to the region, HMCS Charlottetown worked alongside naval forces of nine nations, according to the Department of National Defence (DND). This work was coupled alongside leadership capabilities serving as the NATO’s forward presence in the area.

“I am immensely proud of the crew’s exceptional professionalism and dedication during our six-month Deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. Their work ethic, teamwork, and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the success of our mission, enhancing security, and reinforcing NATO’s collective defense efforts. This Deployment underscores Canada’s steadfast contribution to international peace and stability, and I am proud of the role His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown played in supporting our NATO allies,” said Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown.

SNMG2 remains vigilant while patrolling the Mediterranean Sea. ESPS Cristóbal Colón(Spanish) and Flagship HMCS Charlottetown recently monitored Russian vessels as part of routine operations in the operating area. Image courtesy of Royal Canadian Navy.

Cruciality of Operation REASSURANCE

Operation REASSURANCE is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) largest Deployment that contributes to NATO in multiple ways: ships to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs), an Air Task Force providing logistical support out of Prestwick, and a Land Task Force, including Canada’s contribution to NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia, according to DND.

The Royal Canadian Navy’s presence in the Mediterranean is part of NATO’s effort to bolster its defence posture in a growing hostile climate.

“Canada’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region is rooted in a strong, cohesive presence and remains a critical part of deterring actors seeking to destabilize the existing international rule of law. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest military commitment abroad,” the Department said in a statement.