Minister Nicholson Announces HMCS Toronto will operate in the Black Sea during Op REASSURANCE September 4, 2014 Department of National Defence Ottawa Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto will work with vessels from several partner nations in the Black Sea as part of Operation REASSURANCE from September 6-27. In the wake of Russia’s aggression in Central and Eastern Europe, these training exercises and maritime situational awareness operations will enhance maritime security in the Black Sea. Quick Facts - The first exercise, called Exercise SEA BREEZE, will take place from September 8-10 and will consist of fleet interoperability training involving naval vessels from eight nations: Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the United-States. - While operating in the Black Sea, HMCS Toronto will lead Task Unit 02 (TU.02) of SNMG 2 and work in concert with the Spanish frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón. TU.02 will operate with the Romanian frigate Regele Ferdinand, the American destroyer USS Ross, as well as with naval vessels from Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine. - As part of her operations in the Black Sea, HMCS Toronto will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners. - Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the CAF to support NATO Reassurance Measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. The CAF’s response in support of NATO’s request promotes security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, and demonstrates Canadas steadfast commitment to our allies in the region. - The Standing NATO Maritime Groups 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. - HMCS Toronto is a Halifax-class frigate based out of Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax. Nova Scotia, and has a crew of 250 personnel of all ranks, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment. HMCS Toronto relieved HMCS Regina and joined Standing NATO Maritime Group in August 2014. Quotations “In the context of the Putin regime’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine HMCS Toronto’s presence in the Black Sea demonstrates Canada’s steadfast commitment to ensuring contributions to peace and security in Eastern and Central Europe. We will continue to work closely with our NATO Allies and partners in the region to reinforce our collective defense.” The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence “The men and women of HMCS Toronto are our representatives of choice to our NATO maritime partners and, while sailing proudly under our flag, are doing their vital part in advancing Canada’s contribution to peace and security abroad.” Lieutenant-General Stuart A. Beare, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:54:20 +0000
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