Homecoming for HMCS Toronto after 7 Months
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto arrived in her home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jan. 18, after seven months in the Mediterranean Sea region as part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Department of National Defense said.
Dozens of people held yellow balloons and homemade signs, as ice-clad HMCS Toronto docked in Halifax harbor.
Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and Russia’s military moves in the region. HMCS Fredericton has replaced HMCS Toronto on Operation, part of Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures, which promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
Minister of National Defense Rob Nicholson congratulated the crew of the warship for providing “maritime support around the world wherever instability arises.” In a statement, Nicholson said “Canada will continue to work resolutely alongside our partners to apply pressure on President Putin’s regime in response to their aggressive military intervention in Ukraine.”
“I would like to congratulate the crew of HMCS Toronto on their accomplishments during this past deployment,” says Justice Minister Peter MacKay. “These men and women have played a major role in demonstrating Canada’s steadfast commitment to international peace and security.”
Since deploying in July, HMCS Toronto has travelled over 30,000 nautical miles. The ship’s helicopter flew more than 445 flying hours. It was the first Canadian ship to conduct patrols in the Black Sea region since 1992.
