HMCS Regina departs for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions.
There were emotional goodbyes as a crew on board HMCS Regina left its homeport of Esquimalt Wednesday on a seven-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions.
The defence department says the vessel is accompanied by Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix in support of Operation PROJECTION.
During the operation, the Canadian Armed Forces will conduct training and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners in support of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.
HMCS Regina departs for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions.
In March, the ships will transition to Operation ARTEMIS to support the Canadian-led Combined Maritime Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a naval coalition of 33 nations that are working to secure and stabilize waters in the mid-east regions.
Defence officials say the goal of CTF 150 is to deter and deny terrorist organizations from using the region’s high seas from smuggling weapons, illicit cargo and narcotics, and ensuring safe passage for merchant ships.
Once complete in support of ARTEMIS, Regina and Asterix will return to Operation PROJECTION for the remainder of their deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.
HMCS Regina departs for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions.
HMCS Regina is a Halifax-class frigate that carries extensive anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors.
The deployment Wednesday is also the first of a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter with the Pacific fleet.
CHEK News
