HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife return to Halifax from NATO operation in Eastern Europe

The HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife arrived in Halifax on Wednesday.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife returned to Halifax on Wednesday from a NATO Mine Countermeasure in Eastern Europe.

The Canadian Armed Forces ships alongside their teams of clearance divers and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operators and a 10-person Mine Countermeasure team from the Royal Danish Navy embarked on the operation in July.

The ships served as part of the Operation REASSURANCE Maritime Task Force to support NATO’s maritime security and mine countermeasure efforts.

The HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife helped NATO identify and dispose of sea mines in European waters.

“Welcome home to the sailors of HMCS Edmonton and Yellowknife. Deploying two Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels to Operation REASSURANCE highlights their versatility and unique capabilities, enhancing our presence at sea and enabling a wide range of specialized missions,” said Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic. “I’m proud of the dedicated sailors who contributed to this operation and Standing NATO Maritime Forces. Their efforts strengthen our security during a time of global tension.”

Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest overseas military operation. It supports NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in Central and Eastern Europe.

This contribution marks the fourth time Canada has sent Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels as part of NATO’s Operation REASSURANCE.

“The return of HMCS Yellowknife marks the successful completion of another deployment of Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group One. I’m incredibly proud of Yellowknife’s crew for their professionalism and dedication to our mission. I also extend heartfelt thanks to their families for their unwavering support throughout this deployment,” said Lieutenant-Commander Jeffrey Smith, Commanding Officer, HMCS Yellowknife.

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