On October 29, 2024, after a dedicated four months in the Baltic Sea, His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Glace Bay and Shawinigan have returned home, marking the completion of a strategic deployment under NATO’s Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) and Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s ongoing commitment to NATO’s security framework.
“It is a proud and heartwarming occasion to welcome His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan as they return from a four-month commitment on Operation REASSURANCE as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1. The imperative work our sailors have accomplished while working alongside NATO allies at sea has maintained maritime security in the Baltic and North Seas, from vigilance activities to explosive ordnance disposal. The professionalism demonstrated by these crews has not only represented Canada with distinction but has also strengthened our nation’s role within the NATO alliance. Their accomplishments during this deployment have been truly commendable and I look forward to seeing our sailors reunited with their families at home,” stated Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic.
This mission underscores Canada’s dedication to global stability and its commitment to NATO’s collective defence initiatives. Operating within the Baltic Sea gave the Royal Canadian Navy valuable opportunities to join forces with NATO allies in exercises and operations. By participating in these joint efforts, Canada not only strengthened its ties with partner nations but also promoted shared security values, enhanced defence expertise, and contributed to building a network of cooperation in defence capacities.
Throughout their deployment, HMCS Glace Bay and Shawinigan engaged in a series of training exercises alongside naval units from Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These joint exercises facilitated seamless cooperation and tactical preparedness among allied forces.
“I am extremely proud of our sailors in His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Glace Bay and Shawinigan. These crews operated in an area of strategic importance which demonstrated Canada’s commitment to our NATO Allies, contributed to maritime security and directly supported a variety of Canadian interests across the region. Along the way we visited some of the most beautiful areas in the world and developed lasting relationships with our shipmates and Allies, bringing Canadian value everywhere we sailed,” expressed Lieutenant-Commander Paul Morrison, Task Force Commander.
An operational highlight during the deployment involved HMCS Shawinigan’s active surveillance of Russian naval activities. Starting on August 29, Shawinigan tracked a Russian submarine and surface vessel through the Baltic and North Seas. The surveillance continued until September 1, when the task was successfully handed over to the Royal Navy’s HMS Iron Duke.
The return of HMCS Glace Bay and Shawinigan represents a significant contribution to NATO’s readiness and collective security, demonstrating Canada’s role as a steadfast partner in regional and global defence.