Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton begins operations in the Black Sea today as part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces’ ongoing mission to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. 
 
HMCS Fredericton is the lead to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) Task Unit 02 deployed to the Black Sea following the surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring operations of migrant crossings in the Aegean Sea. During the month of April, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate will conduct operations in concert with Romanian Frigate ROS Regina Maria and other allied ships from Bulgaria and Turkey to enhance the Alliance’s maritime interoperability as participating nations develop familiarity, trust and confidence in each other.

“HMCS Fredericton’s deployment to the Black Sea is one of many examples of Canada’s continued commitment to promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as our resolute support for NATO’s collective defence," said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. "Canada’s participation in regional maritime security operations re-affirms that Canada’s Navy is a responsive, effective force in today’s maritime security environment.”
 
While in the Black Sea, HMCS Fredericton will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners in the region. Recurring naval operations in the Black Sea as part of NATO’s assurance measures to demonstrate solidarity towards our allies and partner nations.
 
“Since joining Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) in January, HMCS Fredericton has had the opportunity to operate alongside a number of our allies in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas," said Commander Trevor JC MacLean, Commanding Officer, HMCS Fredericton. "Moving our operations into the Black Sea will not change our objectives but will give the HMCS Fredericton an opportunity to work with key Black Sea-based partners. Fredericton’s ship’s company is very much looking forward to operating in this complex region.”