Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Ottawa and Vancouver, alongside Naval Replenishment Unit Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, departed from Esquimalt for the Indo-Pacific Region. HMCS Ottawa and Vancouver are the second and third Royal Canadian Navy warships to deploy to the Indo-Pacific Region in 2023. This delivers on Canada's commitment to increase the number of warships annually deployed to the Indo-Pacific Region from two to three, starting this year.
Halifax-class frigates have a crew of approximately 240 personnel each, comprised of Royal Canadian Navy sailors, and a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment to support the ship's embarked CH-148 helicopter. MV Asterix is crewed by approximately 150 civilian and military personnel and possesses aerial, naval, medical, and replenishment capabilities that enable a wide range of at-sea support for both military operations and support to allied and partner activities.
Canada is committed to reinforcing its military presence in the region - and this deployment will increase, diversify, and sustain Canada's military footprint in support of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. In particular, by augmenting the number of warships deployed to the region on an annual basis from two to three, Canada is enhancing its ability to conduct operations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
During their near five-months at sea, the ships will conduct a series of bilateral and multinational exercises and engagements with regional militaries and security partners. HMCS Ottawa will focus on Southeast Asia, while HMCS Vancouver will focus on Northeast Asia. During its deployment, HMCS Vancouver will also contribute to the monitoring of the United Nations sanctions against North Korea, through Op NEON.
