A Russian submarine is monitored by the crew of the HMCS Shawinigan on August 29, 2024, as it transits through the Baltic Sea. ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
THE WATCH STAFF
Two Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warships recently encountered Russian vessels during a deployment to the north Atlantic and Baltic Sea and tracked their movements over nearly three weeks. The RCN ships operated seamlessly with their United Kingdom and Spanish NATO counterparts to maintain domain awareness in a critical communications and energy maritime crossroads.
HMCS Shawinigan and HMCS Charlottetown were conducting vigilance activities between August 29 and September 18, 2024, when they began monitoring Russian submarines and surface ships, according to the Canadian Defence Review. The Russian vessels didn’t violate any international rules or standards, the website reported. “I am immensely proud of the crew’s unwavering dedication and skill. Their ability to successfully apply their training in anti-submarine warfare and monitor surface vessels is a testament to their hard work and professionalism. In the face of complex challenges, their commitment to excellence shines through, showcasing the true spirit of our Navy. Together, we stand vigilant, ready to protect our collective waters and uphold our values,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Buxton, the Charlottetown’s commanding officer, according to a Canadian National Defence Department news release.
The HMCS Shawinigan monitored a Russian submarine and surface vessel through the Baltic and North seas beginning on August 29, 2024, before handing over responsibility to the Royal Navy’s HMS Iron Duke on September 1, 2024. The HMCS Charlottetown, flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), assumed monitoring duties on September 17, 2024, from the Spanish Navy’s Cristobal Colon for the remainder of their voyage through the eastern Mediterranean. During this period, HMCS Charlottetown also conducted monitoring activities of a separate Russian Federation Navy submarine and three surface vessels as they participated in a large-scale Russian exercise, the Defence Review reported.
HMCS Shawinigan is currently deployed to Europe alongside HMCS Glace Bay on Operation Reassurance with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), working alongside allied NATO ships to safely dispose of historical ordnance, in addition to participating in NATO-enhanced vigilance activities. HMCS Charlottetown is deployed on Operation Reassurance as the flagship for SNMG2, working alongside allied NATO ships to support regional maritime security in the Mediterranean, according to the Department of National Defence.
“I am proud of His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Shawinigan’s crew for their dedication, flexibility and professionalism during the international monitoring effort that was recently conducted in concert with our NATO allies. The ship’s company continues to showcase on a global stage that sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy are some of the best in the world, and we will continue to remain focused on our mission alongside our NATO allies for the remainder of our deployment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Foran, commanding officer of the Shawinigan.
Canada has supplied warships to NATO’S Operation Reassurance continuously since 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine’s Crimea region. It is currently the North American country’s largest international operation. The Charlottetown is one of Canada’s 12 multirole patrol frigates, considered the backbone of the RCN, according to the government news release. The Shawinigan is a maritime coastal defense vessel, a flexible utility warship. “Deploying Royal Canadian Navy ships in support of NATO provides Canada with the flexibility to execute a range of exercises and operations in real training environments with our Allies. This helps support the Alliance efforts in the Baltic region, including surveillance, monitoring, and diplomatic engagement,” the release stated.
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