After a five-month journey through the Indo-Pacific under Operations Horizon and Neon, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa has returned to Esquimalt.
As part of Operation Horizon, which aims to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, HMCS Ottawa and its crew conducted multinational exercises and manoeuvres with Japan, the United States, South Korea, France, Australia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
They participated in discussions on women, peace, and security and conducted a "multilateral maritime cooperative activity with the Philippines, held a port visit in Cambodia, offering first aid training to Cambodian forces, and participated in the French-led carrier strike group Exercise La Perouse, led by the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.
“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa’s deployment exemplifies Canada’s ability to operate alongside our allies and partners, reinforcing our commitment to sustain a robust naval presence in critical global regions. The exceptional performance of the crew during the five-month mission has made a meaningful contribution to global peace and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Operations like Horizon and Neon are essential to the Royal Canadian Navy’s mission, advancing Canada’s strategic priorities and supporting international security," noted Cmdr. Landon Creasy, commanding officer of HMCS Ottawa, in a news release.
During Operation Neon, which supports the implementation of UN sanctions imposed against North Korea, HMCS Ottawa’s crew identified and reported five vessels of interest according to the release. The vessels allegedly have, or are suspected of having engaged in activity contrary to United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions against North Korea.
In February, navy commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee announced that they had relieved then-commander Adriano Lozer due to "loss of confidence," before being replaced by Creasy.
“As His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa’s deployment in support of Operations Horizon and Neon comes to an end, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the crew. Your commitment, dedication, teamwork and resilience have been extraordinary. The success of this mission is thanks to your tireless efforts and your families’ and friends’ unwavering support," noted Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, in the release.
