Two Halifax-based RCN ships deploy to Operation Reassurance

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

Two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels left their home port of Halifax on Monday to join Operation Reassurance.  According to the Royal Canadian Navy, Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest current international military operation. In addition to a persistent naval presence in European waters, it includes the Canada-led multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia, and a Tactical Air Lift Detachment based out of Prestwick, Scotland.

HMCS Summerside and Shawinigan will join the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.  This is HMCS Summerside’s second and HMCS Shawinigan’s first deployment to Operation Reassurance.  Each ship’s company consists of 45 all-ranks for a total of 90 sailors.

Both ships have embarked Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving teams from Fleet Diving Units Atlantic and Pacific, and mine countermeasure search capabilities using autonomous underwater vehicles.

“The support of HMCS Summerside and Shawinigan to NATO Standing Naval Forces demonstrates the flexibility and capabilities of the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels and their ability to execute a range of missions. I am proud of the dedicated sailors supporting this mission and confident that they will represent the Royal Canadian Navy with pride and professionalism.”  Said Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic.

The deployment of HMCS Summerside and Shawinigan follows the deployment of HMCS Fredericton, which has been serving with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in the Mediterranean since January 2023.

“I am very proud of the professionalism and dedication of our sailors as they head out to represent the Royal Canadian Navy on Operation REASSURANCE and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to NATO mine countermeasures in European waters. The participation of HMCS Shawinigan and Summerside alongside our NATO Allies ensures security in the region and showcases the ability of our sailors to operate within the NATO Fleet.” Said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.