HMCS Winnipeg completes a successful deployment to the Indo-Pacific

News release

December 16, 2021 – Ottawa, Ont. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Defence Minister Anita Anand today congratulated the crew of HMCS Winnipeg, with its embarked Cyclone helicopter detachment, on the successful completion of a four-month Operation PROJECTION deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

During Winnipeg’s deployment, approximately one and a half months was dedicated to Operation NEON, Canada’s contribution to the coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea.

Winnipeg’s deployment demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to work with like-minded allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific and to support government objectives to uphold the rules-based international order and international law.

Over the course of the past four months, HMCS Winnipeg completed an ambitious schedule in support of Canadian international objectives, including:

Over the course of the past four months, HMCS Winnipeg completed an ambitious schedule in support of Canadian international objectives, including:

  • As part of Operation NEON, participated in multinational efforts to monitor sanctions imposed against North Korea by the United Nations Security Council;
  • Conducted a bilateral exercise (KAEDEX) with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Japanese Ship Jintsū in the East China Sea;
  • Conducted exercises with the UK-led multinational HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group in the Philippine and South China Seas;
  • Conducted maneuvers in company with Her Majesty’s Australian Ships Brisbane and Waramunga.
  • Together with warships from Australia, Germany, Japan and the United States, participated in ANNUALEX, a 10-day US and Japan bilateral exercise in the Philippine Sea;
  • Conducted port calls in Okinawa, Japan, Busan, South Korea, and Manila Philippines;
  • Hosted a German naval officer on an exchange; and,
  • Provided several crates of Earl Grey to ensure that UK Royal Navy carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth did not run out of tea.

HMCS Winnipeg returned to port today, in time for her crew to celebrate the holiday season with their families. 

Quotes

“Canada’s prosperity and security depends on its relationships with partners and allies around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific. Our nation is committed to strengthening these relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, in ways both big and small. To the crew of Winnipeg: I am grateful for your efforts over the past four months, and hope you enjoy your return home.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“The sailors of HMCS Winnipeg have been tremendous ambassadors for Canada and I thank them for their outstanding professionalism, dedication and service. Over the past several months, they have worked tirelessly to promote and enhance interoperability alongside the navies of our closest allies and trusted international partners and they have directly contributed to regional security and stability in the important Indo-Pacific region. None of this would be possible without the love and support of our military families. I acknowledge and thank them for the many sacrifices they have made that have enabled excellence at sea.”

                                              

General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff

Quick facts

  • In line with Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada’s defence policy, the Canadian Armed Forces work both independently and in support of allied and partner missions. While deployed on both Operation PROJECTION and Operation NEON, the Canadian Armed Forces helped strengthen international relationships and promoted stability throughout the world.

  • Royal Canadian Navy warships always operate in full respect of international law, including the law of the sea rights of navigation, while fully respecting the rights and jurisdiction of coastal states.

  • A CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment, which was deployed with HMCS Winnipeg in support to North Korean sanctions monitoring through Operation NEON, has also returned to Canada. The detachment has been based at the Kadena Air Base in Japan since October of this year.

  • HMCS Winnipeg is a Halifax-class frigate. These frigates carry extensive anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare weapons, as well as sensors to complement their substantial anti-air warfare defenses. The combination of these weapons and sensor systems, coupled with its embarked Cyclone helicopter detachment, make Canadian frigates an effective partner and participant in international exercises and operations.

Associated links

Contacts

Daniel Minden 
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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