HMCS Montréal deploys to Western Europe
News Release
September 18, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal has arrived in Western Europe to participate in Neptune Trident 17-02, an overarching Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) deployment which will include participation in FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17—a U.S.-led, joint NATO live fire Integrated Air Missile Defence exercise involving eight nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In conjunction with NEPTUNE TRIDENT 17-02 and FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17, HMCS Montréal will also participate in JOINT WARRIOR 17-2, a bi-annual United Kingdom-led multinational exercise that will involve over 22 warships, numerous aircraft, marines, and troops. HMCS Montréal will also continue its experimentation activities associated with the X-Ship program and initiatives, which are focused on supporting future classes of ships such as the Canadian Surface Combatant.
HMCS Montréal’s deployment will take place in the North Atlantic and North Sea from September to early December, 2017.
Quotes
“HMCS Montréal’s participation in NEPTUNE TRIDENT demonstrates Canada's commitment to working with our NATO allies and partners to maintain a safe and secure global security environment. I have faith that the officers and sailors onboard HMCS Montréal will be exceptional ambassadors of Canada during this important deployment, and I wish them every success.”
Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
“NEPTUNE TRIDENT is a great opportunity for HMCS Montréal to train in a high-readiness environment with international partners. These joint opportunities allow participating NATO forces to become familiar with how each other work, which is a huge benefit as we continue to develop mutual trust and confidence in each other’s operational capabilities. The ship’s company has been working hard in preparation for this deployment and I have every confidence in their capabilities.”
Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic
Quick Facts
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NEPTUNE TRIDENT 17-02 will help advance and develop RCN operational capabilities in a multinational maritime environment.
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The U.S. 6th Fleet will lead FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17 from September 24 to October 18, 2017, at the U.K. Ministry of Defence's Hebrides Range, based on the Western Isles of Scotland.
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The purpose of FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17 is to improve allied interoperability in a live-fire Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment, utilizing NATO command and control reporting structures. FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17 will feature the first no-notice launch of ballistic missile defence and air defence targets in the European theatre.
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JOINT WARRIOR 17-2 will focus on submarine, mine warfare, and live-firing activity, and will take place in the Scottish Exercise Areas from September 30 to October 12, 2017.
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HMCS Montréal has been named the RCN’s Experimental Ship, or “X-Ship”—a program designed to advance innovative and leading edge naval concepts in all areas of warship deployment, crewing, and sustainment.
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NEPTUNE TRIDENT 17-02 demonstrates a Royal Canadian Navy contribution in advancing Canadian international security objectives as outlined in Canada’s new defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca