Heartfelt goodbyes were shared on April 7, 2025, as the crew of HMCS Ville de Québec embraced family and friends for the last time before deployment. The departure ceremony took place at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard in Halifax, where sailors stood proud and ready to embark on a mission that spans continents.
Their journey is part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s strategic initiative aimed at enhancing its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Over the coming months, Ville de Québec will traverse tens of thousands of kilometers, contributing to efforts that promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order in one of the world’s most dynamic and strategically important regions.
“This deployment further demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to international peace and security efforts through operational excellence. Our ability to integrate seamlessly with our allies makes us a valued partner in maintaining global stability,” stated Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Before reaching the Indo-Pacific, the Canadian frigate will integrate with the United Kingdom’s multinational Carrier Strike Group off the European coast. This coalition of allied forces showcases a unified front in military cooperation, supporting both European security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“The crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec is highly trained and ready to face any challenge. Integrating into this Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group strengthens our strategic partnerships and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world,” explained Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander RCN.
As global challenges increasingly intertwine across regions—from the Arctic to the Euro-Atlantic—the Indo-Pacific’s complex security environment has become a focal point for global defence strategies. Canada’s participation in this mission signals its unwavering commitment to international peace and security.
“The departure of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec represents the culmination of thousands of hours of effort and dedication from the ship’s company and supporting staff ashore. This deployment through Europe to the Indo-Pacific region will see the ship and its crew sail with our UK allies and work alongside Indo-Pacific partners, developing necessary global relationships and furthering Canada’s international interests. I know the ship is more than ready to rise to the challenge ahead. Fair winds and following seas Ville de Québec, and a safe and successful deployment,” expressed Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic.
The deployment of HMCS Ville de Québec not only underscores Canada’s capability to project its naval strength abroad but also reaffirms its role as a dependable partner on the world stage.
“For those serving in His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec, today’s departure has been well over a year in the making. The crew has worked incredibly hard to get the ship ready for Operation HORIZON, and to represent Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy globally—with some of the absolute finest people Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces has to offer. This incredible deployment would not be possible without the tremendous support of our families, the determination of the organizations ashore, and the resolve of the entire Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. Without them, we would not have been able to get to where we are today,” conveyed Commander Peter MacNeil, Commanding Officer HMCS Ville de Québec.
