News Release

HMCS Winnipeg Begins Journey Home

MARP 060/05 - September 21, 2005

ESQUIMALT, B.C. — Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg is in on her way back to Canada from her six-month deployment to the Persian (Arabian) Gulf region as part of Operation ALTAIR, Canada’s continuing campaign against terrorism. The Canadian Patrol Frigate has been away since April 10, working with a coalition of naval forces including the United States, Great Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan and Japan.

“The professionalism and hard work of the crew has never failed to impress me,” said Cmdr. Kevin Greenwood, Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg . “I wish people could see how well this group works together; the sense of pride and teamwork that we benefit from. They make my job easy, every day.”

While on station in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf region, Winnipeg worked with the 5 th Fleet of the United States Navy conducting surveillance patrols and Maritime Interdiction Operations. The information they collected helped to produce a clear view of traffic in the region, critical to deterring smuggling and terrorist traffic.

While in theatre they twice came to the aid of fishing dhows in need of assistance. The first, Al Bella, had been adrift for five days and was in need of food and water when Winnipeg took her in tow. The second, Maula Madad, was unable to hold her course due to mechanical problems when Winnipeg towed her to safety.

During their return transit to Esquimalt their focus will shift from operations to diplomacy. On Sunday Winnipeg arrived in Brisbane, Australia, as part of a good will tour. She is scheduled to pay visits to Auckland, New Zealand, Suva, Fiji, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, before returning to Esquimalt in October. As a legal extension of the Canadian state, warships such as Winnipeg have great symbolic value, and often work in support of initiatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs furthering diplomatic relations with nations around the Pacific Rim.

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NOTE TO EDITOR AND NEWS DIRECTORS:

Photos from Winnipeg’s Deployment are available at the Combat Camera website. For more information please contact Navy Public Affairs at (250) 363-5789.