HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA — On Monday, April 7, 2025, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec bid an emotional farewell to their families at a departure ceremony held at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard in Halifax. The Halifax-class frigate embarked on a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region as part of Operation HORIZON, marking a significant commitment by Canada to promote peace and stability in an increasingly vital part of the world.
The ship, carrying approximately 240 personnel—including Royal Canadian Navy sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators—will traverse tens of thousands of kilometers during its mission. Accompanied by a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment, HMCS Ville de Québec is poised to reinforce Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, engaging with allied navies and regional partners to uphold a rules-based international order.
A Mission of Presence and Partnership
Operation HORIZON represents Canada’s ongoing effort to strengthen its strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to global trade and security. Throughout the deployment, the crew will participate in joint training exercises, diplomatic engagements, and cooperative initiatives with international allies. The mission underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, as highlighted by Defence Minister Bill Blair.
“The departure of HMCS Ville de Québec demonstrates Canada’s resolve to contribute to security and stability far beyond our shores,” Blair said in a statement. “This deployment is a testament to the skill and dedication of our sailors and aviators, who will work alongside our partners to advance Canada’s interests in the region.”
A Global Journey Ahead
For many aboard HMCS Ville de Québec, this deployment marks their first voyage to the Indo-Pacific. The ship’s itinerary includes a circumnavigation of the globe, a feat that symbolizes both the crew’s endurance and Canada’s far-reaching naval capabilities. Rear-Admiral David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, praised the crew’s preparation, noting that their efforts reflect the Royal Canadian Navy’s commitment to excellence.
“This is no small undertaking,” Patchell remarked during the departure ceremony. “The men and women of HMCS Ville de Québec have trained tirelessly for this moment, and they depart today ready to represent Canada with pride and professionalism.”
As the ship sailed out of Halifax Harbour, families waved from the dock, offering a poignant send-off to the crew. The vessel’s journey will take it across vast oceans, where it will serve as a floating ambassador for Canada’s values and a guardian of international cooperation.
The deployment of HMCS Ville de Québec is the latest in a series of Royal Canadian Navy missions under Operation HORIZON, reinforcing Canada’s role as a reliable partner in an ever-changing global landscape.
Quick facts
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy represents a comprehensive and integrated framework for increased Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will continue to work alongside allies and partners in the region to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Operation HORIZON is the military mission implementing the defence elements of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, by deploying more military forces to the region, participating in more multilateral exercises, and strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
- HMCS Ville de Québec will integrate into several phases of the United Kingdom’s upcoming CSG deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This naval taskforce, centred on a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, is equipped with cutting-edge air, surface and underwater capabilities, and will increase interoperability across Allied navies operating across the Indo-Pacific.
- HMCS Ville de Québec, a Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, has a crew of approximately 240 members comprising RCN sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators to fly and support the ship’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter.
- HMCS Ville de Québec will sail with innovative digital technology to improve coordination with our allies. This development is part of the CAF’s efforts to develop advanced, comprehensive command and control systems that enhance data-driven decision-making and operational actions.
