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.
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.
“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,” said Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson. “We will continue to work closely with our NATO allies and partners in the region to reinforce our collective defence.”
While operating in the Black Sea, HMCS Toronto will lead Task Unit 02 (TU.02) of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and work in concert with the Spanish frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón. TU.02 will operate with the Romanian frigate Regele Ferdinand and 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.