Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s will work and train in the Black Sea with vessels from several allied and partner nations from January 31 to February 20, 2017, as part of Operation REASSURANCE.
While operating in the Black Sea, HMCS St. John’s will participate in Exercise SEA SHIELD and conduct maritime situational awareness operations to enhance maritime security in the region. As part of its operations in the Black Sea, HMCS St. John’s will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic Allies.
Quote
“During Exercise SEA SHIELD, HMCS St. John’s will engage in joint sea drills implementing NATO standard operating procedures to combat threats of any kind on the sea, underwater, and from the air. This type of training improves our interoperability with NATO allies and other partners, and better prepares us to meet our collective defence and deterrence obligations.”
Commander Sheldon Gillis, Commanding Officer HMCS St. John’s
Quick Facts
From February 7 to 10, 2017, HMCS St. John’s will participate in the Romanian-led Exercise SEA SHIELD 2017 with NATO Allies and partner states. The exercise is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the Black Sea.
During Operation REASSURANCE, HMCS St. John’s and other allied warships participate in many types of joint NATO training exercises including those involving simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare scenarios, as well as a simulated small-boat attack and basic ship-handling manoeuvers. These joint NATO training exercises provide excellent opportunities to enhance the NATO’s maritime interoperability, ensuring a capable and credible force for the defense of Allied nations.
Operation REASSURANCE refers to Canadian Armed Forces support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe.
