Operations

Petawawa Military Personnel Return Home from Operation REASSURANCE

Julia Lennips August 20, 2021

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Over 400 members of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) returned following their deployment with Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia throughout July.

Contributing to Allied Defence

Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Latvia to contribute to an Allied defensive and consistent response to the everchanging security environment in the region.

Sub Lieutenant Alex Roy, Public Affairs Officer, Expeditionary Operations Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters informed explained, “2 CMBG members worked collaboratively with NATO nations to fine-tune our deterrence and defensive postures, which is the focus of the CAF presence in Latvia.”

2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group / 2e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada has recently welcomed home over 400 members following their deployment as part of Operation REASSURANCE in Central and Eastern Europe. The Canadian Armed Forces’ support to NATO helps support security and stability in the region. Welcome home and #BravoZulu! Image by Pte Robert Kingerski.

CAF Contributes Over 500 Soldiers

The CAF contributes around 540 soldiers to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. The deployment includes headquarters staff, an infantry company with Light Armoured Vehicles, Combat Support capabilities, and Combat Service Support capabilities, including logistical and communications elements.

Over 400 members of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) returned following their deployment with Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia throughout July. Image courtesy of Canadian Armed Forces.

CAF Personnel Deployed from 8 Units

In July, the CAF members came from eight of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group’s units, “However, the majority of members belonged to 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Royal Canadian Dragoons,” said Roy.

Operation REASSURANCE enhances Canada’s operational readiness and ability to operate in conjunction with NATO allies and security partners.

In July, the CAF members came from eight of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group’s units, “However, the majority of members belonged to 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Royal Canadian Dragoons,” said Roy. Image courtesy of CAF.

Roy also mentioned that Op REASSURANCE reinforces NATO’s collective capability to respond in a timely and effective manner to a variety of operational contingencies in Central and Eastern Europe.

As a committed member of NATO, Canada deploys personnel and assets when needed.

“Canada’s contributions to the Alliance’s collective defence reinforce solidarity among Allies and partner nations,” Roy added.

Task Force Latvia Commander, Colonel Jean-Francois Cauden, and Task Force Latvia Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Gallant, welcome Canadian Armed Forces soldiers who are deployed on Operation REASSURANCE to Riga, Latvia on July 8, 2021. Image by MCpl Stuart MacNeil, enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group – Latvia Imagery Technician, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Units from 5 CMBG Deploy

Following the re-deployment of 2 CMBG members, members from 2 Batallion, le Royale 22e Régiment, of 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada (5 CMBG) based in Valcartier, Québec, deployed to continue to build on the successes of 2 CMBG members in fulfilling the mandate of Op REASSURANCE.

Operations