From Virgin Islands Free Press

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — HMCS Moncton and Summerside sailed out of Halifax harbor on Wednesday headed for the warmer waters of the Caribbean.

The two ships will be part of Operation CARIBBE 2016, a multinational campaign to fight drug smuggling in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

This is Canada’s tenth year participating in the campaign.

“I think it’s very important to Canadians,” said Lieutenant Commander Paul Smith, Commanding officer of HMCS Summerside.

“It shows support with our partner nations and it shows more importantly RCN’s (Royal Canadian Navy’s) ability to operate internationally as well as domestically.”

“The Canadian Armed Forces have seen great success on Operation CARIBBE,” said National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan in a media release.

“For a decade, we have been a steadfast player in helping to increase regional security in the Caribbean and stem the flow of illicit drugs destined for North American communities.”

A spokesperson for Maritime Forces Atlantic says she can’t confirm when the two ships will return from the mission for security reasons.

IMAGES:
TRUDEAU’S NAVY:
HMCS Summerside
HMCS Moncton

For more on this story go to: http://vifreepress.com/2016/01/7912/