NR 11.154 - December 22, 2011
ROME, Italy - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today visited with the crew of HMCS Vancouver, docked in Rome, Italy, to thank them for their ongoing efforts in the Mediterranean Sea, and wish them a happy holidays.
“The Royal Canadian Navy has made significant contributions assisting Libyan civilians and deterring terrorist activities in the Mediterranean,” said Minister MacKay. “As HMCS Vancouverand her crew carries on her mission over the holidays, Canadians will be thinking of the men and women aboard and remembering them in their prayers.”
HMCS Vancouver and her CH-124 Sea King Helicopter detachment have been in the Mediterranean Sea since August, when she joined the NATO fleet off Libya as part of Operation Unified Protector, the NATO-led mission to protect Libyan civilians from the Gadhafi regime. With the successful completion of NATO operations in Libya, HMCS Vancouver has been re-tasked to participate in Operation Active Endeavour, the NATO counter-terrorism effort in the Mediterranean.
HMCS Vancouver and her compliment of approximately 250 sailors and air crew will remain on Operation Active Endeavour until early next year, when she will be relieved by HMCS Charlottetown.
“Thanks to HMCS Vancouver and the rest of the Canadian contingent of Operation Unified Protector, Libyans will enjoy a New Year brighter than any they could have imagined under Gadhafi’s dictatorial regime,” added MacKay.
HMCS Vancouver’s tasks while on Operation Active Endeavour include locating, tracking, reporting and boarding vessels of interest suspected of involvement in terrorism.
Operation Active Endeavour prevents the movement of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction, and enhances the security of shipping in general.
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Editors note: For pictures of Minister MacKay’s visit on board HMCS Vancouver, please go to: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/minister-ministre/index-eng.asp
