Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto will deploy early this year
until the fall of 2013 with a crew rotation during the deployment
contributing to the multinational coalition fleet conducting maritime
security operations in the Arabian Sea region. HMCS Toronto has been
undergoing extensive training in preparation for this deployment as part
of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) and will replace HMCS Regina which
has been in the region since August. HMCS Regina deployed to the
Arabian Sea region with CTF- 150 in order to conduct maritime security
operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and in
the Indian Ocean.
“These deployments continue our strong
tradition of making meaningful contributions to international security,
and maintain our long-standing relationship of cooperation and
interoperability with our allies,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay,
Minister of National Defence. “I thank the captain and the crew of HMCS
Regina for their service, as well as their families, who endured their
absence over the holidays.”
Canada’s contribution to CTF-150 is
known as Operation Artemis. During this deployment, HMCS Toronto’s task
will be to detect, deter and protect against terrorist activity by
patrolling and conducting maritime security operations in her area of
responsibility. Her presence in the Arabian Sea also gives Canada the
flexibility and capability to respond quickly to emerging crises in the
region.
“HMCS Toronto will carry-on the excellent work that has
already been done by the Canadian Armed Forces’ during earlier
contributions to CTF 150’s maritime security mission in South West Asia.
The deployment of HMCS Toronto will allow us to continue working
alongside our allies and partners to help contribute to international
security in the region,” said General Tom Lawson, the Chief of the
Defence Staff. “I am extremely proud of the professionalism and
dedication shown by all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen
who have served on our various missions in the region over the last
decade.”
Canada is one of 26 nations that contribute naval assets
to CTF-150 as part of international efforts to ensure security in the
maritime environment of the Middle East.
“The deployment of HMCS
Toronto demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ capability to support
our allies and gives Canada an opportunity to operate within a
responsive international force,” said Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare,
Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command. “This deployment also
allows us to execute any number of missions across a broad spectrum of
operations, including humanitarian assistance, counter-terrorism,
regional military engagement, regional capacity building and
international diplomacy.”
HMCS Toronto is a Halifax-based
Canadian patrol frigate with a crew of approximately 225 personnel, and
includes a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment, as well as a
shipboard unmanned aerial vehicle detachment. The frigate is commanded
by Commander David Patchell.