Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton, along with five other allied warships, is now heading back to the Mediterranean Sea after completing its participation in joint NATO training exercises in the Black Sea as part of NATO Assurance Measures. The Black Sea deployment demonstrated Canada's and NATO’s steadfast commitment to allies and security partners in the region, especially in the context of Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. As part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) the Fredericton will now resume its role as part of NATO maritime operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Canada’s participation in joint NATO training exercises strengthens military-to-military and diplomatic relationships and promotes shared security principles and capacity building among Allies.

Quick Facts

• Throughout the month of March, HMCS Fredericton participated in three separate SNMG2 exercises designed to improve force interoperability and enhance rapid multinational integration of Alliance maritime assets. The force trained on anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare procedures during separate exercises with the Turkish, Bulgarian and Romanian navies. Participating ships also responded to simulated small boat attacks and conducted manoeuvers in close proximity to one another.
• HMCS Fredericton also conducted port visits in Varna, Bulgaria and Constanta, Romania to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners in the Black Sea region.
• 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 and assigned NATO tasks. These measures are based on the principles of defence, deterrence and de-escalation.
• The ship’s participation augments the safety and security of the maritime domain as well as provides opportunities for Canada to enhance cooperation with NATO and non-NATO countries and civilian agencies.
• HMCS Fredericton recently completed her modernization/frigate equipment life extension (HCM/FELEX) refit in November 2014. The ship has upgraded and enhanced capabilities including a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system, upgraded communications and missiles, as well as a new Integrated Platform Management System.
• HMCS Fredericton is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 250 personnel, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.
• Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMG) are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from exercises to operational missions. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support partner engagement, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions.
• SNMG2 is comprised of HMCS Fredericton, U.S. flagship USS Vicksburg (CG 69), Turkish ship TCG Turgutreis (F 241), German oiler FGS Spessart (A 1442), Italian ship ITS Aliseo (F 574) and Romanian ship ROS Regina Maria (F 222). SNMG2 warships also exercised with other ships from the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish navies during this Black Sea deployment.

Quotes

“HMCS Fredericton’s Black Sea deployment demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to assuring Ukraine and our Eastern European NATO Allies that our support for them is unwavering. Canada is doing its part to ensure that NATO remains modern, flexible and agile to face the threats of today and tomorrow.”

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“HMCS Fredericton’s presence in the Black Sea helped establish NATO’s presence in the region, demonstrated Alliance solidarity, strengthened diplomatic and military relationships, and showcased the readiness and professionalism of the Canadian Armed Forces. These joint NATO training exercises provide excellent opportunities to enhance the Alliance’s maritime interoperability and cooperation as they allow participating nations to develop familiarity, trust and confidence in each other’s capabilities and platforms.”

Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command