Mishall RehmanAbove images: On June 14, 2022, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg families send off the ships as they embark on a five month deployment. Images courtesy of Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre.
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg, and their embarked helicopter air detachments, set sail for a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their deployment, the ships will participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 between June 29 and Aug. 4. RIMPAC 2022 will take place around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
“It is a huge privilege as the new Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific & Joint Task Force Pacific to wish fair winds and following seas to HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg as they depart for Exercise RIMPAC 2022 and subsequently deploy to the Indo-Pacific region to work with allies and partners in support of Canada’s interests in the area. Crewed by the very best teams that the Canadian Armed Forces has to offer, I can’t wait to witness all of their successes over the coming months,” said RAdm. Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific / Joint Task Force Pacific.
RIMPAC 2022
Canada has participated in every iteration of RIMPAC since its establishment in 1971. The exercise helps establish Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region and its longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the area.
For this year’s RIMPAC, Canada’s Naval officers will take key roles, according to a Department of National Defence (DND) press release. RAdm. Christopher Robinson will act as the Deputy Commander Combined Task Force RIMPAC, and Captain (Navy) Doug Layton as the Deputy Commander Combined Force Maritime Component Command.
“I am very proud that our collective team, including our close friends and shipmates from HMCS Winnipeg, together will be representing the Royal Canadian Navy at this year’s RIMPAC, and then on operations PROJECTION and NEON. After months of preparation for this tasking, it is an honour to uphold the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to working with allied and trusted partners in fostering peace and stability in the world, especially at this time of instability. Thank you to our families, friends, loved ones, and to the greater Defence community, for your support in getting us here,” Commander Kevin Whiteside, Commander HMCS Vancouver.
Operations Projection and Neon
HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg will be deployed until December of this year and will serve on Operation Projection and Operation NEON.
According to DND, “the Canadian frigates will conduct numerous port visits and participate in multinational exercises under Operation PROJECTION, as well as contributing to collective efforts to monitor United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea under Operation NEON.”
Specifically, during Operation Projection, the ships will conduct port visits along with training, exercises, and engagements with foreign navies and other international partners.
“I am honoured that our team, in unison with our shipmates from HMCS Vancouver, will have the opportunity to participate in this year’s multinational maritime exercise RIMPAC, and followed by Operation PROJECTION. One with the strength of many, HMCS Winnipeg is ready to maintain Canada’s ongoing commitment to global peace, make the world more secure and enhance relationships with Canada’s allies and partners. I am extremely grateful to our families and friends for their unwavering support, and inherent resiliency-you are the source of our strength,” said Commander Annick Fortin, Commanding Officer HMCS Winnipeg.
