From Government of Canada

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Athabaskan departed Halifax today to support Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking and organized crime in the Caribbean and on the Pacific coast of Central America.

The ship will join allied forces in the area of operations later this month. It will be the sixth Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ship to deploy on Operation CARIBBE in 2014, and the fourth ship to deploy from Canadian Fleet Atlantic.

HMCS Athabaskan will also participate in the Star Spangled 200 Spectacular in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as strategic engagement sessions with international allies at its scheduled port visits throughout the mission.

Quick Facts

The RCN has deployed warships from both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets on Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 to patrol international waters in an effort to locate, track, approach and potentially intercept suspicious vessels and enable law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action.

Operation CARIBBE is one of many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada as part of a broader commitment to support efforts to address security challenges in the region.

The Star Spangled 200 Spectacular is a festival which commemorates the end of the War of 1812 as well as the introduction of the United States’ flag and the National Anthem.

Strategic engagement sessions will be held at each of the ship’s port visits, providing an opportunity to collaborate and discuss ways to address security challenges in the region with allied nations.

Quotes

“Canada is committed to working with our allies to address security challenges in the Americas. The crew of the HMSC Athabaskan should be proud that as they combat illegal trafficking in the Caribbean they will be helping to keep our streets and communities safe here at home. “

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

“The Royal Canadian Navy continues to seamlessly integrate with our partners in the region, including the US Coast Guard. We are proud of our crews and the impact they are having at sea as they contribute to the security of the region and of Canadians here at home.”

Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy

“Maritime Forces Atlantic remains committed to supporting this mission by continuously deploying ships and sailors. HMCS Athabaskan has a great team of professional sailors that are ready to face the many challenges that will be presented to them and I am confident that their mission will be successful.

Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic