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ESQUIMALT, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/14/13 -- Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina returned to Esquimalt, B.C. today following a successful eight-month deployment where 225 crewmembers conducted maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea region.

"HMCS Regina's deployment to the Arabian Sea is a demonstration of our Government's steadfast commitment to contributing to a safer and more secure world," said the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Q.C., Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta - Richmond East. "I am very proud of the great work our sailors accomplish on our behalf on seas near and far. Their sacrifices are at the core of our Government's commitment to providing our Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need to do their work."

HMCS Regina left her home port of Esquimalt, B.C., on July 3, 2012, to replace HMCS Charlottetown on Operation Artemis, Canada's contribution to Combined Task Force 150, the multinational flotilla conducting counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean. She was deployed with a crew of 225 personnel, a shipboard unmanned aerial vehicle detachment, and a CH-124 Sea King Helicopter detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, the West Coast operational Sea King squadron located in Patricia Bay, Victoria.

"The captain and crew of HMCS Regina deserve a warm welcome home following a long and successful mission in the Arabian Sea," said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. "I am proud of their accomplishments and very thankful for their professionalism and service. I also commend and thank their families for the sacrifices they made to keep the home fires burning."

HMCS Regina was replaced by Halifax-based HMCS Toronto, continuing Canada's contribution to Combined Task Force 150 while demonstrating Canada's solidarity with partners and allies as we work together for peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.

Notes to editor / news director:

For additional information, please contact Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs Office at 250-363-5789 or [email protected]

For additional information on Operation Artemis, please visit the following link: http://www.cjoc-coic.forces.gc.ca/exp/artemis/index-eng.asp



Contacts:
Andrea Richer
Office of the Associate Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100

Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca