HMCS Regina recognized for contributions to NATO reassurance measures upon return home

News Release

September 17, 2014 - Esquimalt, B.C Department of National Defence

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence, welcomed Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt today after her return from an eight-month deployment in support of Operations ARTEMIS and REASSURANCE.

HMCS Regina departed Esquimalt on January 6, 2014, for the Arabian Sea region in support of Operation ARTEMIS. HMCS Regina was re-tasked on April 30, 2014, to Operation REASSURANCE to join Standing NATO Maritime Forces in the Mediterranean Sea. The deployment was part of Canada’s contribution to peace and security in Eastern and Central Europe in response to the Putin regime’s military aggression and invasion of Ukraine.

HMCS Regina was relieved from Operation REASSURANCE by HMCS Toronto, a frigate based out of Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 5, 2014.

Quick Facts

Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF to support NATO reassurance measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, and assigned NATO tasks, as well as to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
Operation ARTEMIS was Canada’s participation in Combined Task Force-150, a multinational task force commanded by Combined Maritime Forces, a multinational naval partnership which promotes maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
HMCS Regina intercepted and boarded a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel, off the east coast of Africa on March 31, 2014. The boarding party discovered 132 packages of heroin weighing approximately 132 kilograms in total on the dhow. The illicit narcotics were subsequently seized, documented and later destroyed at sea, thereby ensuring that they would not reach their intended recipients.
HMCS Regina conducted 20 port visits throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners, demonstrating that Canada is actively involved in setting the conditions for international security and stability.
HMCS Regina travelled more than 61,000 nautical miles and conducted 10 boardings during her deployment. Her embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter logged approximately 445 flying hours, and the unmanned aerial vehicle detachment logged more than 600 operational hours.

Quotes

“HMCS Regina’s deployments on Operation ARTEMIS and Operation REASSURANCE demonstrate Canada’s steadfast commitment to international peace and security no matter the task at hand. This is particularly important as we continue to work closely with our NATO allies and partners in order to reinforce our collective defence in the wake of Russia's reckless actions. Regina’s ability to seamlessly transition from one mission to another is a testament to the capability and professionalism of the Royal Canadian Navy and our Canadian Armed Forces.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

“Regina’s accomplishments during this past deployment affirm the continuous state of high operational readiness of the Royal Canadian Navy. Adaptability, expertise, and professionalism are characteristics that the Royal Canadian Navy is well known for at home and abroad, and the crew of HMCS Regina have far exceeded these qualities.”
Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding work HMCS Regina and her crew carried out while deployed on Operation ARTEMIS and Operation REASSURANCE. Despite the changing dynamics and challenges of this deployment, our crew demonstrated the steadfast devotion to duty and operational excellence upon which the Canadian Armed Forces prides itself. Bravo Zulu.”
Commodore Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific

Associated Links

Operation ARTEMIS
Operation REASSURANCE

Contacts

Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-6789
Email: marpac@shaw.ca
After Hours: 250-888-6775 or esqmarpacdutypao@forces.gc.ca

For more information on the Royal Canadian navy please visit www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca or follow us @RCN_MRC@MARPAC

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HMCS Regina recognized for contributions to NATO reassurance measures upon return home

News Release

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