Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton deployed today on Operation REASSURANCE to join Standing NATO Maritime Forces in the Mediterranean Sea as part of NATO’s assurance measures, promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. The ship will replace HMCS Winnipeg, which has been part of Standing NATO Maritime Forces since July 2015.

“I wish the crew of HMCS Fredericton well as they set sail towards Eastern and Central Europe to support Standing NATO Maritime Forces efforts to help bring security and stability to the region," said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. "Canada is proud to contribute to these assurance measures, demonstrating our nation’s steadfast support to NATO.” 

Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

“The deployment of our modernized Halifax-class frigates and their world-class capabilities on Operation REASSURANCE demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy`s continued readiness to respond to the security objectives set forth by the Government of Canada and the interoperability we share with our NATO allies,”  said Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

HMCS Fredericton will provide Canada the flexibility to execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations in support of Allied efforts in the region, including surveillance and monitoring, regional defence and diplomatic engagement, and capacity building.

Operation REASSURANCE is HMCS Fredericton’s second deployment in support of NATO assurance measures. HMCS Fredericton was the first modernized frigate to deploy in support of Government of Canada objectives in 2014. The Halifax-class modernization/frigate life extension (HCM/FELEX) is a $4.3 billion program to upgrade and enhance the RCN’s existing fleet of frigates.

The Halifax-class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) project includes a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system upgrade, upgraded communications and missiles, as well as a new Integrated Platform Management System.

Seven Halifax-class frigates have completed their mid-life refit and modernization and the HCM/FELEX project as a whole remains on budget and on schedule to be completed by early 2018. The project is a great example of the success of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to work with Canadian industry to develop world-class ships and support capabilities.   

HMCS Fredericton is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including an embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.