His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Moncton departs for Operation CARIBBE
News release
October 24, 2023 – Halifax, N.S. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Moncton departs its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia for a six-week deployment on Operation CARIBBE in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led Enhanced Counternarcotics Operations under Joint Interagency Task Force South which is responsible for conducting interagency and international detection and monitoring operations and facilitating the interdiction of illicit drug trafficking.
The Royal Canadian Navy works closely with the United States Coast Guard in a display of international cooperation in support of North American continental defence.
Quotes
“I am delighted to see another Royal Canadian Navy ship off to sea for what I am convinced will be another successful mission on behalf of Canada. Today’s departure not only represents the dedication of the Atlantic Fleet to regional stability, but also highlights the close collaboration we enjoy with our American partners. HMCS Moncton is in all respects ready to build on the success of previous deployments in the Caribbean. We wish them fair winds as they work to strengthen security at sea.”
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Joint Task Force Atlantic
“I am so proud to command a crew of exceptional sailors who will undoubtedly make the Royal Canadian Navy and their families proud with the work we will accomplish. To our friends and families, thank you for holding down the fort and we cannot wait to share our experiences and stories with you upon our return.”
Lieutenant-Commander Hilario Carlo Amunategui, Commanding Officer of HMCS Moncton
Quick facts
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As part of Operation CARIBBE, the CAF supports multinational efforts to address illicit trafficking by providing naval and air capabilities to detect and monitor suspect drug smuggling activities in Caribbean waters and off the Pacific coast of Central America.
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The CAF has conducted Operation CARIBBE since 2006 through successive deployments of Royal Canadian Navy ships and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft. During those fifteen years, the CAF has contributed to the disruption or seizure of more than 123 metric tonnes of cocaine.
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Since 2021 alone, HMC Ships Harry DeWolf, Saskatoon, Yellowknife, and Edmonton, in liaison with the United States Coast Guard and embedded Law Enforcement Detachment, have seized a total of 4.59 tonnes of illicit drugs.
Associated links
Contacts
Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs
Phone: 902-427-3766
Email: +marlantpublicaffairs@forces.gc.ca
After Hours: 902-452-5280 or hfx.dutypao@forces.gc.ca