HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa depart for deployment

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Winnipeg and Ottawa departed Canadian shores on March 6 for a near six-month deployment of POSEIDON CUTLASS 17.

“This deployment is an example of Canada’s enduring commitment to the maintenance of regional peace and security in the strategically important Indo-Asia-Pacific region. I’m confident that HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa will be well-received as capable expressions of Canadian interest and contribution. All Canadians can be proud of the impressive ambassadors that our sailors will be, as well as of the world-class support we’ll afford them and their families during another period of great personal sacrifice,” said RAdm. Art McDonald, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific.

This Royal Canadian Navy deployment is situated in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and will provide Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel the chance to embark on exercises with regional partner navies at sea and take part in key events in multiple ports across this region.

“I am enthusiastic about the Royal Canadian Navy’s ‘generate forward’ concept and the opportunity for HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa to strengthen our partnerships with Indo-Asia Pacific nations during the POSEIDON CUTLASS 17 deployment. Operating with international partners will provide incredibly valuable training and improve interoperability, while continuing to generate increased readiness in embarked soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women,” noted Commander Jeff Hutchinson, Commanding Officer, HMCS Winnipeg.

During the deployment, HMCSs Winnipeg and Ottawa will be visiting a number of ports throughout the region in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, China, South Korea, and Japan.

“The crew of HMCS Ottawa has been working tirelessly to prepare for this deployment, and I have every confidence that they will serve as excellent ambassadors for the Royal Canadian Navy while deployed on POSEIDON CUTLASS 17. The team is looking forward to the many training opportunities that we will have alongside our international partners, as well as the opportunity to showcase Canada’s flag across the Indo-Asia-Pacific alongside our shipmates in HMCS Winnipeg,” Commander Sylvain Belair, Commanding Officer, HMCS Ottawa.