Photo: RedAndr
DND Press Release
Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec returns to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, having completed its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region under Operation HORIZON.
From the North Atlantic to the Mediterranean, through the Red Sea, into the Indo-Pacific, and back to North America, the crew of HMCS Ville de Québec worked in unison with allies and partners, bolstering Canada’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
HMCS Ville de Québec began its deployment under associated support to NATO on Operation REASSURANCE in April. The ship then joined the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group 25, which sailed from the United Kingdom, through the Mediterranean Sea, and into the Indo-Pacific as part of the United Kingdom’s Operation HIGHMAST. Finally, HMCS Ville de Québec travelled across the Indo-Pacific, working with regional allies and partners under Operation HORIZON before making its way back to North America.
Canada’s near-persistent presence in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates its unwavering commitment to support peace, security, and stability around the globe.
Quotes
“Working alongside our allies and partners, the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region continues to enhance security-based engagements, build regional awareness, and strengthen resilience and preparedness. Through multinational operations such as Operation HORIZON, and by deepening ties with allies, regional partners, and international organizations, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec advanced Canada’s enduring commitment to peace, security, and the rules-based international order. Their efforts have safeguarded Canada’s interests abroad, and we proudly welcome them home to Halifax.”
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic
“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec is the first Royal Canadian Navy warship to integrate fully in a United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group. During our time with Carrier Strike Group 25 and throughout the whole deployment, the crew demonstrated outstanding professionalism and adaptability. Their efforts not only strengthened Canada’s diplomatic ties across the Indo-Pacific region but also reinforced our reputation as a trusted international security partner. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment shown by the ship’s company. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our military families back home.”
Commander Peter MacNeil, Commanding Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec
Quick Facts
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy represents a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement in the region. Canada will continue to work alongside allies and partners to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Operation HORIZON is the military mission implementing the defence elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, by deploying more military forces to the region, participating in more multilateral exercises, and strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
HMCS Ville de Québec provided support to Operation AMARNA during its transit of the Suez Canal, Red Sea, and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Operation AMARNA replaces Operations ARTEMIS and IMPACT as part of Canada’s contribution to strengthening peace and security in the Middle East.
HMCS Ville de Québec is equipped with a modernized Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade, enhancing its ability to detect, track, and classify underwater and surface contacts through integration with the ship’s Combat Management System.
HMCS Ville de Québec is one of twelve Halifax-class frigates, each of which deploys with a crew of approximately 240 personnel from across the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Army, including a Helicopter Air Detachment to fly and maintain the ship’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.
