HMCS Charlottetown concludes participation in Neptune Strike 24-2
Caption
HMCS Charlottetown (second from left) conducts a PASSEX as Flagship of SNMG2 with SNMG2 units (ESPS Cristobal Colon, ESPS Cantabria, HS Aegean), ITS Cavour, ITS, Alpino, HS Psara, and ITS Martinengo on October 28th, 2024.
October 30th 2024 – Mediterranean Sea
By: Maj Patricia Brunelle, Staff Public Affairs Officer SNMG2, Public Affairs Officer Op REASSURANCE MTF 24-2
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown participated in Neptune Strike from October 24th-30th in the Mediterranean Sea while deployed as Flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) on Operation REASSURANCE.
Neptune Strike is a series of maritime activities designed to enhance NATO's operational capabilities in response to potential crises. The focus is on integrating naval forces from multiple countries to ensure readiness and effectiveness in joint operations. By fostering collaboration among allies, Neptune Strike strengthens deterrence and defence strategies in the face of evolving security challenges.
This activity provided the crew of HMCS Charlottetown with a variety of opportunities to interact with Allied navies.
These opportunities included conducting a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy's Carrier Strike Group Cavour, made up of ITS Cavour, its escorts, and ITS Martinengo. This collaboration not only showcased the operational flexibility of the naval forces but also demonstrated the ability to conduct complex operations across different naval platforms.
Further interactions included a PASSEX with TCG Anadolu, Turkey's amphibious assault ship, and her embarked Marine Battalion, along with their escort vessels. HMCS Charlotteotwn was also able to train with allied submarines, HS Pipinos of the Hellenic Navy and NRP Arpão of the Portuguese Navy, during anti-submarine warfare exercises.
"I am immensely proud of my crew's dedication and professionalism during our participation in Neptune Strike,” said Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown.” Their commitment to our mission as part of Operation REASSURANCE underscores the strength of our allies and the importance of maritime security. Together, we stand ready to meet any challenge.”
The Neptune Strike series of activities, led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, is part of Project Neptune, conceptualized in 2020. It aims to enhance the pace and flexibility of command and control of naval strike and amphibious forces. It provides the blueprint for integrating multinational strike or maritime groups for contingency and defensive operations even over long distances.
Operation REASSURANCE represents Canada’s commitment to NATO’s collective security and is currently the largest Canadian Armed Forces operation. For Canada, participating in SNMG2 provides an opportunity to showcase the Royal Canadian Navy's versatility, dedication and professionalism of its members, contributing to Allied efforts in a significant way.
HMCS Charlottetown has been deployed since mid-June and is expected to return to its homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia in time for the holiday season.