Tissues and blankets were handed out Wednesday morning at CFB Esquimalt as families and friends wished their loved ones bon voyage.
HMCS Ottawa departed for Hawaii, while HMCS Regina departed for a seven-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, accompanied by a replenishing ship filled with fuel and supplies, the Asterix. During the deployment, the ships will partake in two operations.
Operation PROJECTION will work with partner navies in support of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.
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B次元官网网址淭his part of the world is a contested area, so Canada operates under international law in those areas in the world,B次元官网网址� said Rear Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, noting the ships will travel near southern China, Singapore and the Indian Ocean.
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In March, the ships will transition to Operation ARTEMIS, which will support the Canadian-led combined Task Force 150 in the international waters of the Middle East. This mission works primarily to stop terrorist organizations from smuggling weapons, illicit cargo and narcotics, while protecting merchant ships.
These operations are also part of a historic moment for the Pacific navy and the maritime helicopter squadron task force.
B次元官网网址淭his is the first west coast deployment of a Cyclone helicopter on operations,B次元官网网址� said Col. Sid Connor. B次元官网网址淲ith this first deployment, weB次元官网网址檙e introducing new capabilities to the west coast navy. It allows the shipB次元官网网址檚 captain and the shipB次元官网网址檚 crew to be able to use the helicopter to see out further than they could in the past.B次元官网网址�
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Despite the new goals and abilities, some things remain the same.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a happy time and a sad time for families,B次元官网网址� said Auchterlonie. B次元官网网址淚 was fortunate in that I deployed on the Regina 22 years ago almost to the day. My wife reminded me today so it was good to be here.B次元官网网址�
The ships were sent off with bugles, drums and outstretched arms waving goodbye.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 our first deployment, so itB次元官网网址檚 kind of mixed emotions,B次元官网网址� said Sarah Shams, whose husband is on board HMCS Regina. B次元官网网址淭hey have to do what they have to do to work and support our families, support our country, so we have to support them by showing up here even though itB次元官网网址檚 sad B次元官网网址� and keep going at home.B次元官网网址�
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