Canadian Warship to Join Coalition Fleets

The ship will be integrated into Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and will be focused on counter-piracy. As well, during their deployment they will contribute to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) as part of the campaign against terrorism. The Canadian Forces maritime contribution is referred to as Operation SAIPH.

"HMCS Fredericton's deployment demonstrates the importance that Canada attaches to international maritime security and its willingness, along with our international partners, to continue to fight against piracy, and thus increase the level of security in the Arabian Sea region." said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway.

The NATO maritime group is a multinational, integrated maritime force consisting of vessels from various NATO nations that train and operate together as a single team.

The Task Force is also a multinational coalition fleet conducting maritime security operations in and around the Persian Gulf, the northern Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden, and parts of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Its mission is to work with coalition, regional and other partners to achieve a stable and secure maritime environment free from terrorism and related activities.

HMCS Fredericton is expected to join the mission in late November.

"I am confident the sailors of HMCS Fredericton will reinforce the reputation of excellence that Canadian naval personnel enjoy around the world." said Rear-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic.

Commissioned in 1994, HMCS Fredericton is a 4,750-tonne ship that measures the equivalent of 11 city buses in length. The ship is one of twelve Navy frigates, seven of which are based in Halifax. The ship is commanded by Commander Steve Waddell, and has a crew of some 240 officers and sailors, including a CH 124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment.