HMCS Winnipeg prepares for upcoming deployment as part of Op REASSURANCE

News Release

June 3, 2015

OTTAWA — Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg is preparing to deploy overseas to join NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea, as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe in light of the Putin regime’s aggression against Ukraine. En route for Operation REASSURANCE, HMCS Winnipeg will participate on Operation CARIBBE for approximately three weeks. Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s participation in the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The ship is expected to set sail in the coming weeks and will replace HMCS Fredericton, which has been part of Standing NATO Maritime Forces since January 2015.

Quick Facts

Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces to support NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe. Through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, and assigned NATO tasks, Canada demonstrates steadfast support to Ukraine and a commitment to promote security and stability throughout the region.
In addition to the maritime component, Canada’s contribution to Operation REASSURANCE has included an Air Task Force to augment the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania, and currently includes a Land Task Force (LTF) in Eastern and Central Europe. The LTF is taking part in training exercises designed to develop and enhance interoperability, readiness, joint operations capabilities, and multinational responses to potential crises.
HMCS Winnipeg’s deployment in support of NATO assurance measures will provide Canada with the flexibility to execute a range of missions in support of international efforts in the region. This includes surveillance and monitoring, regional defence, diplomatic engagement, and capacity-building.
This ship will be the first to deploy an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party (ENBP) on an operational mission. The ENBP is a capability new to the RCN that will be used in support of maritime interdiction operations. This new team is equipped to provide HMCS Winnipeg with the agility, flexibility, and tactical expertise to confront and deter a variety of threats in high-risk operational environments.
HMCS Winnipeg will be the second modernized frigate to deploy in support of Government of Canada objectives. The Halifax-class modernization/frigate life extension (HCM/FELEX) is a $4.3 billion program to upgrade and enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s existing fleet of frigates. The program has remained on budget and is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
The HCM/FELEX includes a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system, upgraded communications, and more advanced missiles. The ship now also boasts a new Integrated Platform Management system, offering better damage control, as well as more modern electrical and machinery control.
Based out of Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, HMCS Winnipeg is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.

Quotes

“HMCS Winnipeg’s participation in Operation REASSURANCE is key to Canada’s ongoing commitment to stand with Ukraine and to support our partners and allies in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Defence Minister Jason Kenney

“I look forward to seeing HMCS Winnipeg working in close cooperation with our NATO allies and partner nations to help bring security and stability to the region. The Royal Canadian Navy continues to be ready to deploy anywhere in the world, providing excellence at sea on behalf of the Government of Canada.”
Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy

“Our sailors demonstrated exceptional drive, dedication and devotion as we conducted an intensive training programme tailored to our upcoming mission. HMCS WINNIPEG is in all respects ready to join our NATO allies and continue the Royal Canadian Navy's tradition of operational excellence. One with the strength of many."
Commander Pascal Belhumeur, Commanding Officer, HMCS Winnipeg

Associated Links

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

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Contacts

Lauren Armstrong
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Lauren.Armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Media inquiries

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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HMCS Winnipeg prepares for upcoming deployment as part of Op REASSURANCE

News Release

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