International Operations

HMCS Charlottetown to patrol the Persian Gulf

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown is deploying for six months on Operation ALTAIR, Canada’s maritime contribution to the continuing U.S.-led campaign against terrorism known as Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  On November 1, 2007, the Halifax-class patrol frigate left her home port of Halifax, N.S., for the theatre of operations in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea .

“This mission demonstrates Canada’s willingness, along with our international partners, to continue to fight international terrorism and make the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea region safe and secure for all,” said Defence Minister Peter Gordon MacKay.

Credit:  Cpl Rodney Doucet Lt (N) Mark O'Donohue says goodbye before departing with HMCS Charlottetown.

Under the command of Commander Patrick St-Denis and with a crew of about 250 officers and sailors, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachment, HMCS Charlottetown will conduct surveillance patrols and maritime interdiction operations to control sea-based activity in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. HMCS Charlottetown will also be assigned to monitor shipping, escort commercial vessels, and help detect, deter and protect against terrorist activity. Throughout the deployment, HMCS Charlottetown will also conduct port visits designed to reinforce established regional relations and demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to international security.

“I thank the sailors aboard HMCS Charlottetown for their dedication during training, and the personal and family sacrifice they face on this important deployment,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “With this well-led and well-trained crew, I have no doubt that the name of HMCS Charlottetown will shine for Canada throughout the international community, as they demonstrate our professionalism and effectiveness in the new security environment.”

The last ship to deploy on Operation ALTAIR was HMCS Ottawa, from September 2006 to March 2007.

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