HMCS Regina sets sail on 8-month counter-terrorism voyage to Arabian Sea

ESQUIMALT, B.C. – Canada’s top soldier bid more than 250 sailors on board HMCS Regina a safe and fruitful voyage as the frigate left Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt for an eight-month counter-terrorism mission to the Arabian Sea.

Gen. Tom Lawson told the sailors to make Canada proud as they participate in an international task force mission to provide more security in the area, especially vessels travelling the Horn of Africa.

Canada’s naval ships have participated in several high-profile drug busts in the same area.

Before the frigate departed, crew and their family members shed tears and exchanged kisses and hugs.

Several noticeably pregnant women stood on the deck hoping their partners would be granted short leaves from the deployment, but Regina’s Commander Daniel Charlebois couldn’t offer guarantees.

Charlebois says about 10 per cent of the sailors on board the Regina have Prairie roots and the ship often flies the Saskatchewan Roughriders flag.