August 17, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 17m, 2026, following a six-month deployment beginning in February to the Indo-Pacific region in support of Operations HORIZON and NEON.
While deployed, HMCS Charlottetown strengthened interoperability with 15 allied and partner nations through multinational exercises such as KAKADU, BALIKATAN, and VALIANT SHIELD, cooperative engagements, and maritime security activities, including a range of maritime, aviation, and diving operations.
The deployment demonstrated the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to deploy and sustain combat-ready forces globally, alongside allies and partners, strengthening regional security and reaffirming Canada’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“Operations HORIZON and NEON reflect Canada’s sustained commitment to supporting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown underscores the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to operate effectively alongside allies and partners, contributing to multinational efforts that enhance regional security, strengthen cooperation, and advance Canadian interests at home and abroad. Through participation in multinational exercises and cooperative engagements, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown has strengthened interoperability with regional partners and reinforced Canada’s role as a reliable and capable contributor to international security.” — Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“I am delighted to welcome His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown and the ship’s company home following a highly successful deployment under Operation HORIZON and NEON. Over six months in the Indo-Pacific, the crew represented Canada with distinction, working alongside allies and partners to strengthen maritime security and support regional stability. This deployment highlights the Royal Canadian Navy’s contribution to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and commitment as a trusted and reliable partner in the region. I congratulate the entire team on their great work and wish them a well-deserved reunion with family and friends.” — Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur, Commander, Maritime Forces Atlantic
During its six-month deployment, HMCS Charlottetown spent more than 150 days at sea, sailed over 45,000 nautical miles across the Indo-Pacific, and visited 13 ports in 10 countries. She conducted live-fire surface engagement exercises, demonstrated anti-submarine warfare capabilities, carried out helicopter training, and performed engineering diving operations.
As part of Operation HORIZON, HMCS Charlottetown supported Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy through increased military presence, exercises, and defence cooperation in the region. As part of Operation NEON, she contributed to the multinational effort to implement United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, upholding international law and supporting regional maritime security.
HMCS Charlottetown is crewed by approximately 240 sailors and aviators, including an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment.
