The crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver has returned to their home port in Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a six-month mission in the Indo-Pacific. Their deployment included participation in Operations HORIZON and NEON, aimed at strengthening Canada’s global partnerships and ensuring maritime security.
“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver’s successful deployment not only demonstrates Canada’s operational capabilities alongside allied and partner navies, but also our steadfast commitment to maintaining a maritime presence in an important region. The excellent work shown by the crew over the last six months has directly impacted international peace and security by promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. For this reason, deployments like Operations HORIZON and NEON remain critical to the mandate of the Royal Canadian Navy in the pursuit of Canadian strategic interests. Welcome home HMCS Vancouver and Bravo Zulu,” expressed Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Commander Joint Task Force Pacific.
Throughout the journey, HMCS Vancouver collaborated with allied and partner navies in a series of six military exercises. Among them was Exercise KAEDEX, designed to enhance coordination between the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The ship also participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the largest international maritime exercise, which brings together naval forces from around the globe to improve operational readiness and cooperation.
“I am extremely proud of the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver and want to thank our friends and families who have shown us such unwavering support throughout the last six months. From workups and Exercise Rim of the Pacific to Operation HORIZON and Operation NEON, the crew worked tirelessly to accomplish our mission of promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Their dedication, professionalism, and hard work were the foundation on which this deployment was built and carried out,” conveyed Commander Tyson Bergmann, Commanding Officer His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver.
One of the mission’s highlights occurred in September 2024, when HMCS Vancouver achieved a historic milestone. The ship conducted the first-ever forward rearmament of its Vertical Launch System missiles outside Canadian or American waters. This event took place in Broome, Australia, underscoring Canada’s growing operational capabilities and its strong relationships with Indo-Pacific allies.
While navigating critical areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas, HMCS Vancouver worked alongside partners to uphold international maritime laws, focusing on safeguarding navigation rights in contested waters.
Canada’s sustained presence in the Indo-Pacific reflects a steadfast commitment to regional stability and peace. Through their efforts, the crew of HMCS Vancouver has reaffirmed Canada’s role as a dependable and effective contributor to global security, particularly in areas of heightened tension and uncertainty.
The successful completion of this deployment highlights the dedication of the ship’s crew and the Royal Canadian Navy’s continued pursuit of excellence on the international stage.
