Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS St. John’s concluded her six-month deployment to operation Reassurance supporting NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.
While deployed, HMCS St. John’s conducted operations and took part in multi-national exercises with NATO Allies and partner states.
HMCS St. John’s will be replaced on Op Reassurance by HMCS Charlottetown in early August. This will be HMCS Charlottetown’s second deployment overseas under Op Reassurance as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1).
During her time in Europe, the Halifax-class frigate travelled 37,200 nautical miles, developed its ability to work in conjunction with 15 foreign navies, and visited 16 ports in 10 countries. The frigate deployed with an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment.
“The highly skilled men and women of HMCS St. John’s and I are ending our six-month deployment with our NATO Allies with a great sense of accomplishment,” Commander Sheldon Gillis , HMCS St. John’s commanding officer. “As the ship sails back to Canadian shores, I am proud of the achievements and the professionalism of the ship’s company and their support to security and stability in the waters of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the North Atlantic.”