Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, accompanied by Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix, departed its homeport of Esquimalt February 6, 2019 for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The ships will initially support Operation PROJECTION working with partner navies and conducting key leader engagements to enhance military cooperation and partnerships in support of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.

“HMCS Regina is looking forward to demonstrating our effectiveness at sea on Operation PROJECTION and Operation ARTEMIS. I am very proud of all the hard work the ship’s company has put into preparing for our mission” said Commander Jacob French, Commanding Officer HMCS Regina.

“We also know that our success cannot be achieved without the support of our families, who have also been busy preparing for our departure. I am very thankful for their efforts as we deploy to support Canada’s presence in these regions.”

In March 2019, the ships will transition to Operations ARTEMIS, supporting the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150). CTF 150 is part of the Combined Maritime Force, which is a naval coalition of 33 partner nations that promotes security and stability in international waters of the Middle East regions. CTF 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organizations from using the high seas for smuggling weapons, illicit cargo, and narcotics, while ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

HMCS Regina‘s deployment represents Canada’s third deployment to the Asia-Pacific region under Operation PROJECTION, following the deployment of HMCS Calgary from August to December 2018. These deployments contribute to the Royal Canadian Navy’s persistent maritime presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Of note, this deployment also marks the third operational deployment of a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and the first deployment of a Cyclone with the Pacific Fleet.

“The crew of HMCS Regina has been preparing for this deployment for several months and I have every confidence in their capabilities as they set out to operate with our international partners” said Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Component Command.

“HMCS Regina will carry on the great work of the ships which have previously deployed and will continue to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a maritime presence in these highly strategic regions.”

Canada’s Halifax-class frigates have been deployed extensively to deal with a wide-range of domestic and international security challenges, including the threats of terrorism, illegal resource exploitation, pollution and fisheries violations, narcotics trafficking, and illegal immigration. They have also enforced Canada’s sovereignty, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supported search and rescue operations, and promoted Canadian values and interests abroad.