CEFCOM / COMFEC NR 07.043 - October 25, 2007
OTTAWA - Her Majesty’s
Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown is
deploying for six months on Operation ALTAIR, Canada’s maritime
contribution to the continuing U.S.-led campaign against terrorism known as Operation
ENDURING FREEDOM. On November 1, 2007, the Halifax-class patrol frigate
is scheduled to leave her home port of Halifax, N.S., for the theatre of operations
in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
“This mission demonstrates Canada’s
willingness, along with our international partners, to continue to fight international
terrorism and make the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea region safe and secure
for all,” said
Defence Minister Peter Gordon MacKay.
Under the command of Commander Patrick
St-Denis and with a crew of about 250 officers
and sailors, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachment, HMCS Charlottetown will
conduct surveillance patrols and maritime interdiction operations to control
sea-based activity in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. HMCS Charlottetown will
also be assigned to monitor shipping, escort commercial vessels, and help detect,
deter and protect against terrorist activity. Throughout the deployment, HMCS Charlottetown will
also conduct port visits designed to reinforce established regional relations
and demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to international security.
“I
thank the sailors aboard HMCS Charlottetown for their dedication
during training, and the personal and family sacrifice they face on this important
deployment,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “With
this well-led and well-trained crew, I have no doubt that the name of HMCS Charlottetown will
shine for Canada throughout the international community, as they demonstrate
our professionalism and effectiveness in the new security environment.”
The
last ship to deploy on Operation ALTAIR was HMCS Ottawa,
from September 2006 to March 2007.
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Notes for news and assignment editors:
For more information on HMCS Charlottetown, visit: http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/charlottetown/
