His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Moncton and Edmonton departed their homeport in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 7, 2026, to deploy to European waters as part of Operation REASSURANCE. The two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels will join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1), where they will conduct mine countermeasure operations alongside Allied navies through October.
The ships are equipped with advanced mine-hunting systems, including REMUS 100 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving teams. These capabilities allow the vessels to detect and neutralize historic sea mines, conduct seabed surveys, promote safe navigation, and help protect critical undersea infrastructure in strategically important waters.
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, underscored the importance of the deployment. She said, “NATO’s collective defence and international maritime security remain paramount to Canada and the continuing safety of our and Allied nations’ security. His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Moncton and Edmonton, deploying in support of Operation REASSURANCE, will not only showcase their professionalism and strengths but will also demonstrate the Royal Canadian Navy’s will to deliver excellence at sea in partnership with our Allies.”
Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest overseas military operation. Launched in 2014, it supports NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in Central and Eastern Europe through sustained contributions across land, air, and maritime domains. SNMCMG1 is one of NATO’s standing maritime task groups, providing a continuous high-readiness capability for mine countermeasures during both peacetime and crisis situations.
Lieutenant-Commander Justin Wong, Commanding Officer of HMCS Moncton, spoke about what makes his ship effective. He said, “What sets His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Moncton apart is the strength and cohesion of its crew. Every sailor brings a unique skill set, and it’s their collective effort, discipline, and trust in one another that enable us to succeed. As we deploy with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One, our team is ready to contribute meaningfully alongside our Allies and uphold the high standards expected of the Royal Canadian Navy.”
The approximately 90 sailors across both ships have spent months preparing for this deployment. Lieutenant-Commander Michael Ronaldson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Edmonton, expressed his pride in the crew’s readiness. He said, “The crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Edmonton has spent months preparing and training for Operation REASSURANCE, and I could not be prouder of the hard work they have put in as we begin this next chapter. As we join Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One, our entire team stands ready to represent the Royal Canadian Navy and Canada while working in the European region.”
Canada has maintained a persistent rotational presence with NATO’s Standing Naval Forces for more than a decade. This latest deployment reinforces Canada’s role as a reliable Ally while demonstrating the Royal Canadian Navy’s specialized expertise in mine countermeasures and its ability to project maritime capability abroad in support of collective security.
