HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN (3rd) (339)
HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN (3rd)
The History of HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN (3rd)
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339), a Halifax-class frigate, was commissioned on September 9, 1995, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The third vessel to bear the name, it was built by Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd. as part of the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. Homeported at CFB Halifax and assigned to Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), the frigate protects Canada's sovereignty in the Atlantic and enforces maritime laws. Designed for anti-submarine warfare, it has evolved to address modern threats with advanced radar, missiles, and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.
Since commissioning, HMCS Charlottetown has undertaken significant missions. In 1997, it became the first Canadian warship to pass under the Confederation Bridge. In 2001, it joined a U.S. battle group in the Arabian Gulf for sanctions against Iraq and later supported Operation Apollo for anti-terrorism efforts. In 2008, it intercepted four tonnes of hashish near Pakistan. In 2011, during Operation Mobile, Charlottetown played a pivotal role in the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector in Libya, engaging enemy forces and coordinating airstrikes to protect civilians in Misrata, earning the Battle Honour "Libya 2011." In 2012, it conducted anti-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea, testing the Boeing Insitu ScanEagle UAV.
Charlottetown has remained active in NATO missions, including Operation Reassurance, patrolling the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas in 2017-2018. In 2024, it participated in NATO's Steadfast Defender, the largest exercise in decades, and served as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group.
HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN (3rd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 339
- Type: Canadian Patrol Frigate
- Class: Halifax
- Displacement: 5, 235 tonnes
- Length: 135.5 m / 444.5 ft
- Width: 16.4 m / 54 ft
- Draught: 6.15 m / 20 ft
- Speed: 29+ kts
- Compliment: 180 + 45 Transients Officers and Crew
- Arms: 8 Harpoon, 16 VL Sea Sparrow, 1 - 57 mm Bofors Mk. 2 DP, 1 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 4 - Mk. 32 12.75" TT, 6 - 12.7 mm M.G, 1 Helicopter.
- Builder: Saint John Shipbuilding, Saint John, NB
- Keel Laid: 05-Dec-93
- Date Launched: 10-Jul-94
- Date Commissioned: 09-Sep-95
- Paid off: