Canadian warship completes mission around the world
Canada, a United States military ally, has completed an around-the-world military mission, with a warship sailing across several contested regions in a seven-month deployment.
The frigate HMCS Ville de Québec's deployment to Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific demonstrated Canada's "unwavering commitment" to supporting peace, security and stability around the globe, the Department of National Defense said.
Why It Matters
Canada is a NATO member and a partner in the binational North American Aerospace Defense Command, playing a vital role with the U.S. in defending against threats—from the Arctic to missile attacks—despite trade disputes between the two countries.
Facing growing pressure from the U.S. to shoulder more of the security burden, Canada has deployed its military on overseas missions, from asserting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea to helping enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
Canada's military deployment in the Indo-Pacific, a region that has become the focal point of geopolitical competition as the U.S. and China vie for influence, aligns with the country's strategy calling for increased military activity and presence in the region.
What To Know
The Ville de Québec returned to its base on Canada's Atlantic coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Monday, concluding a circumnavigation that saw the vessel sail across the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
The Halifax-class frigate and its 240-strong crew kicked off their mission by supporting a NATO operation in April, then joined a United Kingdom-led naval group—centered on the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales—for an Indo-Pacific deployment.
During its transit of Egypt's Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—strategic waterways for trade and energy transport—the Canadian warship supported efforts to strengthen regional peace and security amid attacks on shipping lanes.
Upon reaching the Indo-Pacific, the Ville de Québec officially commenced Operation HORIZON—Canada's military effort to promote peace and stability in the region and ensure it remains free, open and inclusive—working with regional allies and partners.
Open-source tracking data and ship-spotting imagery show the warship operated around the South China Sea, where China has overlapping sovereignty claims against other regional countries, and in the Taiwan Strait, a waterway that separates China and Taiwan.
The transit of the Taiwan Strait in early September caused tensions between Canada and China, which the latter has claimed sovereignty and jurisdiction over the channel.
The Chinese military accused the Ville de Québec of provocations, saying it deployed forces to shadow the Canadian warship, which was sailing alongside an Australian destroyer at the time. Canada responded that it supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Following its Indo-Pacific mission, the Ville de Québec reached North America's Pacific coast and passed through the Panama Canal, arriving in the Caribbean, where the U.S. maintains a military presence to pressure Venezuela over narcotics trafficking.
What People Are Saying
Canadian Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic, said in a press release on Monday: "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."
Canadian Commander Peter MacNeil, Commanding Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec, said in a press release on Monday: "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."
What Happens Next
Canada is expected to continue its military activities across the Indo-Pacific. It remains to be seen whether the country will further expand its military presence in the region.