Esquimalt, B.C. - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver will depart in the coming days to the Mediterranean Sea to join NATO forces in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect civilian populations in Libya. HMCS Vancouverwill replace HMCS Charlottetown, which has been on patrol with NATO forces in the region since the early spring with Operation Unified Protector, on a regular rotation of ship and crew.
“The deployment of HMCS Vancouver demonstrates that the Government of Canada is resolute in its determination to continue the enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the Libyan people from threats of violence.”
The ship’s company of Vancouver will continue the exceptional work started by Charlottetown in protecting Libyan civilians. Along with NATO allies, Canadian sailors have helped open air and sea access for humanitarian assistance and have closed it to arms and mercenaries.
“Our ships and sailors are always ready to do the job asked of them by Canada. I am proud that Vancouver will soon continue the important work off the coast of Libya in helping save civilian lives,” said Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Chief of the Maritime Staff. “Operating in the congested air-sea environment off Libya is particularly challenging, but the crew of Vancouveris well trained to meet this challenge and make a real difference.”
HMCS Vancouver, a Halifax-class frigate, is commanded by Commander Brad Peats, and carries a ship's company of about 250 officers and crew, which includes a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.
The Canadian contribution to Operation Unified Protector is known as Operation Mobile.
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Notes to editor / news director: For imagery of Canadian Forces involvement in deployments abroad, including
Op Mobile, please visit: http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/common/combatcamera/home-eng.asp
