Pacific Fleet ships return from the Asia-Pacific Region

News Release

August 8, 2017 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Her Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa returned home to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt today after a five-month deployment in the Asia-Pacific on POSEIDON CUTLASS 17.

POSEIDON CUTLASS 17 provided an opportunity to engage in numerous exercises with regional partner navies at sea and to take part in key events and engagements in ports across the region. Operating with these provided valuable training and improved interoperability, while continuing to increase the readiness of embarked soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen.

This deployment demonstrates Canada’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific as outlined in Canada’s new defence policy Strong Secure Engaged. Canada is a Pacific nation. Given the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific to Canadian security and prosperity, Canada is committed to being a reliable player in the region, through consistent engagement and strong partnerships.

Quotes

“With the successful completion of POSEIDON CUTLASS 17, our sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy have once again demonstrated proficiency and professionalism operating in the Asia-Pacific region, while fostering defence relationships and diplomacy with partner nations.”

—    Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“I am extremely proud to welcome home the more than four-hundred sailors, soldiers and aviators of HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Ottawa after their highly productive deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. Through their impressive and professional efforts they have reinforced Canada’s commitment to our regional friends and partners as we strengthen our mutual understanding and interoperability to ensure our collective success in the future. The ships’ companies success was enabled as a result of the sacrifice and support of their loved ones for which we are truly grateful. Enjoy your most richly deserved summer holiday with friends and family…you have more than earned it. Bravo Zulu .”

—    Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy

Quick Facts

  • During the deployment, HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa had numerous opportunities to work with regional partner navies including the Royal Australian Navy, the Chilean Navy, the People’s Liberation Army (Navy), the French Navy, the Indian Navy, the Indonesian Navy, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Pakistan Navy, the Philippine Navy, the Russian Navy, the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Sri Lankan Navy, the United States Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy.

  • The warships visited 14 different ports during their deployment, in a total of 10 countries including China, Guam, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka and the United States.

  • Warship deployments such as this also place sea-based capability “in-region”, where it can provide options for the Government of Canada should a timely Canadian response be necessary; as was the case recently when HMCS Vancouver provided relief after New Zealand’s earthquake last year.

  • The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is proud to represent Canada internationally and to support the Government’s commitment to work with our allies and partners to promote security and stability across the globe. Canada’s presence in international waters serves to enhance the RCN’s operational readiness and interoperability with our allies and partners.

  • HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa are Halifax-class frigates with crews of 227 and 209 personnel, respectively. This includes a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment which was embarked on HMCS Winnipeg.

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Contacts

Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-5789
Email: esqpacificnavypublicaffairs@forces.gc.ca
After Hours: 250-888-6775 or esqmarpacdutypao@forces.gc.ca

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