The crew of Canadian Navy’s ship (HMCS) Toronto arrived home in Halifax on Thursday, February 27, reuniting with family and friends after more than seven months deployed in the Arabian Sea.
This represents one of the longest naval deployments of a single hull in recent history. HMCS Toronto spent 375 days away from home and 279 days at sea, travelling close to 80 000 nautical miles (more than 146 000 kilometres) over the span of the deployment. This is the equivalent to just over 3.5 times around the world.
HMCS Toronto departed Halifax on January 14, 2013, arriving in the Arabian Sea region on February 3, 2013, to begin its mission on Operation ARTEMIS. Although HMCS Toronto was maintained in operations in the Arabian Sea region for over one year, the entire crew rotated out in late July 2013. The second crew completed the mission on February 2, 2014.
“After more than a year away from home, and traveling over 80 000 nautical miles during this successful mission, HMCS Toronto returns as an excellent example of Canada’s unwavering commitment to international maritime security. Toronto and its crew have made a massive impact on the fight against transnational criminal activity in this volatile region,” the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence said.
In total, HMCS Toronto successfully intercepted and destroyed nine narcotics shipments, totalling approximately 8.5 metric tonnes. HMCS Toronto’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter logged over 800 flying hours, and the unmanned aerial vehicle detachment logged over 1200 operational hours.
[mappress] Press Release, February 28, 2014; Image: Canadian Navy