The crew of HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, departed CFB Esquimalt on Oct.16 to sail across the Pacific Ocean to be deployed on Operations Horizon and Neon.
According to a news release from the Department of National Defence, Operation Horizon is Canada’s "forward-presence mission" to the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order, and Operation Neon is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations sanctions imposed against North Korea.
“The departure of HMCS Ottawa, the second ship from the West Coast to deploy on Operation Horizon this year, represents the culmination of thousands of hours of collective effort and dedication from the ship’s company and supporting staff ashore. This deployment to the Indo-Pacific region will see the ship and its crew sail with our allies and partners in the region and take on critical tasks and missions. I know that they are up to the challenge," said Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, in the release.
During the deployment, HMCS Ottawa will aim to maintain Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region and work with allied navies and international partners during training exercises during the sail.
Along with the approximately 240 Canadian Armed Forces members on the ship, one CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment will be on board. The helicopter detachment specializes in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations.
