Halifax, Nova Scotia – October 29, 2025 – His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Yellowknife returned to their home port in Halifax today, concluding a successful four-month deployment supporting NATO’s mine countermeasures operations in European waters.
The Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessels arrived amid cheers from family members, fellow service personnel, and local supporters gathered at the waterfront, marking a poignant homecoming after months of bolstering Alliance security in the face of regional tensions.The ships departed Halifax on July 7, 2025, as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s flagship overseas military commitment to NATO since 2014.
During their time with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), Edmonton and Yellowknife conducted critical tasks in the North and Baltic Seas, including seabed surveys, environmental assessments, and the identification and disposal of potential sea mines. Equipped with advanced REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving teams, the vessels played a key role in enhancing NATO’s maritime readiness and interoperability among Allied forces.
“This deployment underscores Canada’s unwavering commitment to NATO’s collective defence and the security of the Euro-Atlantic region,” said Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander of Maritime Component Command, in a statement reflecting on the mission’s success.
The operation, which ran from July to October, saw the ships integrate seamlessly with multinational partners, including a notable visit to Stavanger, Norway, in August for joint exercises.
Commanding officers of the vessels expressed pride in their crews’ performance. “We are excited to have integrated with our NATO Allies, demonstrating the Royal Canadian Navy’s excellence on operations,” said Lieutenant-Commander Jason Pike, Commanding Officer of HMCS Edmonton, echoing sentiments shared at the deployment’s outset.
Similarly, Lieutenant-Commander Jeffrey Smith, Commanding Officer of HMCS Yellowknife, highlighted the human element: “The strength of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Yellowknife lies in its people, and their dedication has been instrumental in meeting every challenge.”
The mission comes at a time of heightened geopolitical scrutiny in Eastern Europe, where NATO’s deterrence posture remains vital. Operation REASSURANCE, encompassing various naval contributions, provides a continuous maritime capability for peacetime and crisis response, ensuring swift action against underwater threats like unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.
Canadian personnel aboard the ships, totaling around 100 sailors combined, conducted force protection exercises and collaborated with units from Latvia and other nations, further solidifying transatlantic bonds.
As the vessels tied up at the naval dockyard, emotional reunions unfolded under crisp autumn skies. Families waved signs and held photos, while bagpipers played traditional welcomes. “It’s a relief to have them back safe, but we’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished,” said Sarah Thompson, spouse of a Yellowknife crew member, speaking to reporters.The return of Edmonton and Yellowknife adds to a busy year for Maritime Forces Atlantic, with HMCS St. John’s currently deployed on a related NATO task until December.
Debriefings and maintenance will follow, preparing the ships for future patrols, including potential Arctic surveillance missions given their versatile design.Canada’s naval contributions through Operation REASSURANCE continue to affirm its role as a steadfast NATO partner, ready to defend shared values and maritime domains.
As one sailor put it once alongside: “We’ve sailed far, but Halifax is always home.”