HMCS Charlottetown departs Halifax for Indo-Pacific operations

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown departed from Halifax’s Dockyard Sunday, as part of Operations HORIZON and NEON in the Indo-Pacific region.

The deployment will see the frigate working alongside Canada’s allies and partners, to reinforce Canada’s reputation as a reliable security partner.

“We are the Maritime component going to promote peace and stability in the Pacific region,” says Commander Jonathan Maurice, HMCS Charlottetown’s commanding officer. “We’re going to be doing some diplomatic and military engagement efforts in the Indo-Pacific, and a bunch of different port visits along the way.”

Laura Roy is one of the sailors aboard ship for the six-and-a-half-month deployment.

“A bit nervous,” Roy says. “I’m in the Air Force. It’s my first time on a ship, and it’s the first time I’ve been deployed.”

Her husband Michael shared his mixed feelings during the difficult sendoff.

“Very emotional,” he says. “I’m very proud of her and what she does. It’s part of the business. Part of the job.”

April Harris’s son Adam is also deploying for the first time.

“I’m feeling anxious, but I’m really proud and happy,” says Harris.

“We have to support our troops, especially now, given the political climate. But there’s a lot of camaraderie on board. And we have a wonderful country. It’s worth defending and supporting our NATO friends.”

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