A Canadian patrol frigate completed a round-the-world mission to support allies and contribute to the safety and security of international waters in November 2025. The HMCS Ville de Québec returned to its home port in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after participating in collaborative missions spanning the world’s oceans, including supporting efforts of free navigation of the seas in the Pacific region.
The Ville de Québec, a Halifax-class ship, departed in April to participate in NATO’s Operation Reassurance before joining the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group 25 through the Mediterranean Sea. During the transit of the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the ship conducted Operation Amarna, which is Canada’s contribution to strengthening security in the Middle East. As the Ville de Québec entered the Indo-Pacific region, it took part in the U.K.’s Operation Highmast. Once in the Indo-Pacific, working with regional partners and allies, it executed Operation Horizon before returning to North America on November 10, according to the Canadian Department of National Defence.
Operation Horizon is part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to raise its military profile in the region by participating in more multilateral exercises and strengthening military partnerships in Asia. According to Canadian defense officials, Operation Horizon will deploy three warships each year.
“Working alongside our allies and partners, the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region continues to enhance security-based engagements, build regional awareness, and strengthen resilience and preparedness. Through multinational operations such as Operation HORIZON, and by deepening ties with allies, regional partners, and international organizations, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec advanced Canada’s enduring commitment to peace, security, and the rules-based international order. Their efforts have safeguarded Canada’s interests abroad, and we proudly welcome them home to Halifax,” said Rear-Adm. Josée Kurtz, who commands Maritime Forces Atlantic and the Joint Task Force Atlantic, according to the release.
The Ville de Québec has a crew of 240 and is equipped with enhanced abilities to detect, track and classify underwater and surface threats. Personnel aboard included members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army. A helicopter air detachment was on board to operate a CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter, the release stated. “His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec is the first Royal Canadian Navy warship to integrate fully in a United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group. During our time with Carrier Strike Group 25 and throughout the whole deployment, the crew demonstrated outstanding professionalism and adaptability. Their efforts not only strengthened Canada’s diplomatic ties across the Indo-Pacific region but also reinforced our reputation as a trusted international security partner,” said Cmdr. Peter MacNeil, the commanding officer of the Ville de Québec.