HMCS Montréal Returns from Operation HORIZON

News release

October 22, 2024 – Halifax, N.S. – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, having completed its six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region under Operation HORIZON.

Operation HORIZON is Canada’s forward-presence mission to the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order. HMCS Montréal was the first of three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warships that deployed under the operation in 2024 in support of the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

During this deployment, HMCS Montréal sailed in a spectrum of diverse, challenging environments; from the North Atlantic to the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific. Working in unison with allies and partners in the region, the ship’s crew demonstrated the RCN’s operational capabilities during military training exercises; highlighting Canada’s commitment to international collaboration and fostering military and diplomatic partnerships.

Canada’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific, notably the deployment of HMC Ships, demonstrates our commitment to support peace, security, and stability in the region. The most recent actions and international engagements executed by the crew of HMCS Montréal, have presented Canada as a reliable and capable international security partner, especially in regions experiencing increasing uncertainty and instability.

Quotes

“The Royal Canadian Navy’s persistent presence in the Indo-Pacific region supports Canada’s priority to peace, security, and stability. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montréal exemplified this commitment again this year with their deployment under the banner of Operation HORIZON through which they circumnavigated the globe. During their 40,000 nautical mile voyage, the ship participated in three operations and eight exercises in partnership with nine navies. It is with great pride that today we celebrate Montréal’s return to their home port of Halifax. These efforts have not only bolstered the rules-based international order but have also played a crucial role in safeguarding Canada's interests on the global stage. I extend my sincere appreciation to the crew for their dedication and professionalism, and to their families for minding the home front in their absence with equal commitment. Welcome home, team!”

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic

“I am proud to say that the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montréal was truly extraordinary in their display of excellence at sea. Through our engagements and exercises with allied and partner navies, we successfully deepened existing relationships and fostered many new ones in the Indo-Pacific region. These accomplishments would not have been possible for us, the fleet, nor Canada without the support of our military families back home. The Ship’s Company now deserves a much-needed break to rest and reconnect with loved ones.”

Commander Travis Bain, Commanding Officer HMCS Montréal

Quick facts

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy represents a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will continue to work alongside allies and partners in the region to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Operation HORIZON is Canada’s ongoing forward presence mission to promote peace and stability in support of the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. The new operation replaced the Indo-Pacific portion of Operation PROJECTION in summer 2023, in line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. All naval activities formerly conducted under Operation PROJECTION Indo-Pacific, along with new activities conducted by the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Special Forces Command, and other Canadian Armed Forces elements, are now conducted under Operation HORIZON.
HMCS Montréal, a Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, has a crew of approximately 240 members comprised of RCN sailors and RCAF aviators to fly and support the ship’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.

Associated links

Contacts

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

Page details

Date modified:: 2024-10-22