PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER VISITS HMCS FREDERICTON

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton, which is currently assigned to a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standing Naval Maritime Group patrolling the Baltic Sea as part of NATO assurance measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. He was joined by Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism.

The Prime Minister joined the warship last night, slept onboard, and met and dined with the crew. He took the opportunity to personally thank them for their efforts to support NATO allies in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine. Prime Minister Harper also toured the warship’s bridge and operations room, and was given a demonstration of the ship’s capabilities and its maneuverability.

Quick Facts

• The military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe, including the deployment of HMCS Fredericton, fall under Operation REASSURANCE.
• HMCS Fredericton is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment. It is based out of Canadian Forces Base Halifax.
• HMCS Fredericton completed its modernization/frigate equipment life extension (HCM/FELEX) refit in November 2014 and is the first modernized frigate to deploy from the Royal Canadian Navy. The versatile, multi-purpose warship has a new combat management system, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system, upgraded communications and missiles, and a new integrated platform management system.
• On April 17, 2014, Prime Minister Harper offered CAF assets to NATO as part of allied assurance measures to promote security in Central and Eastern Europe.
• The maritime component of Canada’s assurance measures was announced on April 30, 2014. On this date, HMCS Regina, which was sailing in the Arabian Sea region as part of Operation ARTEMIS, was committed to support NATO assurance measures in the Mediterranean Sea. On August 3, 2014, HMCS Toronto replaced HMCS Regina, and was in turn replaced on January 6, 2015, by HMCS Fredericton in supporting NATO-led maritime assurance activities in the region as part of Standing NATO Maritime Forces.
• Along with our allies, Canada has contributed to a number of military measures designed to reinforce our collective defence and demonstrate the strength of Allied solidarity with NATO allies in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Other than the maritime component, Canada’s contributions to Operation REASSURANCE have included an Air Task Force to augment the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Lithuania and a Land Task Force in Central and Eastern Europe taking part in training exercises designed to develop and enhance interoperability, readiness, joint operations capabilities and multinational responses to potential crises. Additionally, in June 2014, 20 Canadian Armed Forces operational planners were sent to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Casteau, Belgium, to reinforce planning functions and monitor events in the region.
• The participation of CAF personnel in NATO exercises and training activities provides an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their ability to operate with our NATO allies while building cohesion within the alliance.

Quotes

“It was a pleasure to overnight on HMCS Fredericton and to have the opportunity to thank the crew in person for the critical work they are doing to promote stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Russia’s persistent aggression in Ukraine is a stark reminder that Canada must continue to do everything it can both bilaterally and with its allies to press the Putin regime to cease with its illegal actions and respect its commitments under the Minsk agreements. Until there is real peace and until Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty is restored, there must be ongoing consequences for the Putin regime.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Related Product

• HMCS Fredericton and Operation REASSURANCE

Associated Links

• NATO Standing Maritime Groups
• Operation REASSURANCE
• Royal Canadian Navy