Warships deploy for Asia & Poseidon Cutlass 17

HMCS Winnipeg

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Two Pacific Fleet warships have set a course for Asia on Poseidon Cutlass 17.

HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa and their crews left Esquimalt Harbour Monday for a six-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“The crew of HMCS Ottawa has been working tirelessly to prepare for this deployment and I have every confidence they will serve as excellent ambassadors for the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Commander Sylvain Belair, HMCS Ottawa’s Commanding Officer.

The ships will stop in China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka. Poseidon Cutlass 17 includes participation in multinational task group interoperability exercises, and above and below water warfare training, and an ambassadorial role for the ships’ company with international engagements at their ports of call. 

“This deployment is an example of Canada’s enduring commitment to the maintenance of regional peace and security in the strategically important Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific. “I’m confident that HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa will be well received as capable expressions of Canadian interest and contribution. All Canadians can be proud of the impressive ambassadors that our sailors will be, as well as the world-class support we’ll afford them and their families during another period of great personal sacrifice.”

Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Jeff Hutchinson said the deployment will be an excellent opportunity to strengthen partnerships and support the RCN’s “generate forward” concept.

“Operating with international partners will provide valuable training and improve interoperability while continuing to generate increased readiness in embarked soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen,” said Cdr Hutchinson.