His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown returns from Operation REASSURANCE
News release
December 20, 2024 – Halifax – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE.
On July 1, 2024, HMCS Charlottetown became the flagship of Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). While in theater, the ship operated with the naval forces of nine nations and provided leadership to the multinational force serving as NATO’s forward presence in the area.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s routine presence in the Mediterranean Sea is an important part of NATO’s collective defence posture in a region affected by growing instability and war. Canada’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region is rooted in a strong, cohesive presence and remains a critical part of deterring actors seeking to destabilize the existing international rule of law. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest military commitment abroad.
Quotes
“I extend my congratulations to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown for their skillful execution of yet another successful Operation REASSURANCE. The leadership role they have played as the flagship of SNMG2 proved invaluable to the Alliance Mediterranean Fleet, and demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability of RCN sailors in the modern maritime environment and in a volatile region. In operations with partners, Charlottetown was instrumental to the integration of allied naval assets, and the reinforcement of our collective defense. I hope our military and civilian communities will join me in extending a warm welcome to the crew returning home. The commitment that they and their families made to ensuring mission success deserves our recognition and appreciation. Bravo Zulu!”
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic
“I am immensely proud of the crew’s exceptional professionalism and dedication during our six-month deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. Their work ethic, teamwork, and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the success of our mission, enhancing security, and reinforcing NATO’s collective defense efforts. This deployment underscores Canada’s steadfast contribution to international peace and stability, and I am proud of the role His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown played in supporting our NATO allies.”
Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown
Quick facts
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Under Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed a Maritime Task Force, which contributes ships to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs), an Air Task Force providing logistical support out of Prestwick, and a Land Task Force, including Canada’s contribution to NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia, of which Canada is the Framework nation.
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SNMGs are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from various Allied countries. These vessels, including their air assets, are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to conducting operational missions.
Associated links
- HMCS Charlottetown deploys to become flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2
- Royal Canadian Navy
- Operation REASSURANCE
- NATO’s military presence in the east of the Alliance
- Royal Canadian Navy Facebook
- Royal Canadian Navy Instagram
- Royal Canadian Navy X
- Canadian Joint Operations Command Facebook
- Canadian Joint Operations Command Instagram
- Canadian Joint Operations Command X
- HMCS Charlottetown Facebook
- HMCS Charlottetown Instagram
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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