Canadian warship to visit Cuba for the first time in over 50 years
News Release
November 18, 2016 – Halifax, N.S. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton departed for Havana, Cuba, today making it the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to visit in over 50 years.
HMCS Fredericton will visit the ports of Havana, Cuba; Cartagena, Colombia; and Veracruz, Mexico, to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and capacity with partners in the region.
The deployment aims to strengthen existing defence partnerships and establish new bi-national and multinational relations in order to achieve greater interoperability and enhanced delivery of defence capabilities for future operations.
Quotes
“Since the 18th century, Canada and Cuba have enjoyed a strong, positive, and productive relationship as friends and partners. As Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton sets sail for Havana as part of her efforts to strengthen bilateral and multinational defence partnerships in the Americas, we proudly recognize the Royal Canadian Navy’s rich connections with the navies of the Americas.”
– Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
“Visiting the Americas is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate Canadian leadership, strengthen relationships with defence partners, and showcase the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton and the ship’s company are excellent representatives of Canada and your Navy. This deployment will provide everyone with a valuable opportunity to engage our partners and enhance mutual understanding and respect.”
– Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
Quick Facts
- The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces contribute to Canada’s efforts to address security in the hemisphere and advance freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law by strengthening existing defence partnerships and establishing new bi-national and multinational relations.
- HMCS Fredericton recently returned from a successful six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea on Op REASSURANCE and completed two major exercises CUTLASS FURY and SPARTAN WARRIOR.
- HMCS Fredericton is a Halifax-Class frigate that recently completed an extensive Halifax Class Modernization/Mid-Life Refit.
- The ship will have a Sea King helicopter embarked that will be conducting operations and high profile visits to Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico.
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