Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton has arrived in the Black Sea to participate in joint NATO training exercises and maritime situational awareness operations with warships from several allied and partner nations.
During the month of March, HMCS Fredericton and the five other allied warships currently assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) are in the Black Sea to enhance maritime security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Their presence demonstrates 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.
HMCS Fredericton and other allied warships will participate in joint NATO training exercises involving simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare exercises as well as a simulated small-boat attack and basic ship-handling manoeuvers. During this Black Sea deployment, HMCS Fredericton and other SNMG2 warships will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic partners in the region.
SNMG2 is comprised of HMCS Fredericton, the 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).
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Image: Canadian Navy