HMCS Toronto takes over Operation Reassurance

Cmdre Richard Feltham, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, far left, salutes HMCS Toronto as it departs Halifax July 25. To his right is the Honourable Arthur LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Photo by MARLANT PA

Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~

As HMCS Toronto departed Halifax on July 25 for a six-month deployment on Operation Reassurance, there was plenty of chatter about the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and how that will impact the crew and the mission.

For LS Gabrielle Garant-Grenon, however, it was best to focus on the positives.

The Sonar Operator said she was excited to head to sea and gain more experience during her second major deployment. While the pandemic has had an impact, it hasn’t changed everything, she added.

“Obviously, there would normally be a lot more people on the jetty to see us leave, but in other regards, this deployment isn’t so different. Once we leave the wall, this is like any other mission; we just have to do our jobs, focus, and work hard as a team.”

That hard work began months ago as the ship ramped up its readiness level ahead of deploying and intensified in June when crew came back aboard – and remained aboard – quarantined away from their families for 40 days prior to departing. Before that, they had to conduct planning from home during the height of the pandemic in the spring.

Cmdre Richard Feltham, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, said Toronto has set an excellent example of carrying out their responsibilities in the face of obstacles that are unprecedented for a modern navy.

“I can’t explain how proud I am of what this ship has done. To achieve this high state of readiness in a pandemic environment, and overcome the obstacles as they have, is tremendous.”

This is the third time Toronto has deployed on this mission and marks the 13th rotation since the navy began contributing to Op Reassurance in 2014, which he said highlights how seriously Canada takes its NATO responsibilities.

Along with Fleet and 12 Wing leadership, only a handful of others attended the departure ceremony in person, including support staff, colleagues, and the Honourable Arthur LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Her Honour Mrs. Patsy LeBlanc. Family and friends were able to watch via live stream online, where Toronto’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Jeff Dargavel, thanked the loved ones who’ve supported his sailors behind the scenes, and who will continue to support them at home after they leave. With the added difficulty of the pandemic, as well as the difficult news in April of the tragic loss of six crew members aboard HMCS Fredericton’s Cyclone helicopter, this lead up to deployment has been uniquely challenging, he said.

“There is no way we could have done it without the undying support of our families, friends, and communities.”

He added that pandemic restrictions are likely to prevent the usual port visits from taking place in Europe, and will also make it more difficult to get outside technical support on board if needed. This will require the crew to be more self reliant, and to look to each other for recreation and morale throughout the six months.

“We’ve had to make sacrifices and adjust to the new normal; that means saying farewell in this non-traditional manner, and it will mean other things over the coming months,” he said, while stressing the importance of the mission. “The pandemic has changed a lot about our day-to-day to lives, but it hasn’t changed Canada’s commitment to our allies and partners, nor has it changed the resolve of those who would act against our national interest.”

The six-month sail will see Toronto operating primarily in northern Europe with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, which is currently under Portugese leadership. The crew expects to come alongside in several Baltic states and focus on interoperability with NATO allies throughout the deployment. The ship will be due back in Halifax early next year.

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