HMCS FREDERICTON (2nd) (337)
HMCS FREDERICTON (2nd)
The History of HMCS FREDERICTON (2nd)
The currently operating HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337) is a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), commissioned on September 10, 1994, at Fredericton, New Brunswick. Named after the city, it was constructed by Saint John Shipbuilding as part of the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project, designed to replace aging destroyer escorts with a versatile, multi-role warship capable of anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air operations. Homeported at CFB Halifax and assigned to Maritime Forces Atlantic, HMCS Fredericton has a displacement of 4,770 tonnes, a maximum speed of 29 knots, and a complement of approximately 225 personnel. Equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and weaponry like Harpoon missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, it has served as a key asset in Canada's naval operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, and beyond.
In its early years, HMCS Fredericton participated in numerous international exercises and deployments, establishing its role in NATO and coalition operations. In 1996, it joined NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic, conducting patrols and port visits across Europe. The frigate supported Canada's contributions to international security, including deployments to the Adriatic Sea in the late 1990s to enforce UN sanctions during the Yugoslav conflicts. In 2001, it was part of Operation Apollo, Canada's response to the September 11 attacks, deploying to the Arabian Sea to support coalition efforts in Afghanistan. The ship conducted maritime interdiction operations, escorting merchant vessels and contributing to regional stability, returning to Halifax in 2002 after a significant operational tour.
From 2011 to 2013, HMCS Fredericton underwent a comprehensive mid-life refit under the Halifax Class Modernization program at Halifax Shipyard, upgrading its command and control systems, radar (including the Thales SMART-S Mk 2), and electronic warfare capabilities. Returning to service, it participated in NATO exercises like Joint Warrior and Trident Juncture in 2015, showcasing interoperability with allied navies. In 2017, it deployed to the Mediterranean and Black Seas as part of Operation Reassurance, supporting NATO's response to Russian aggression following the annexation of Crimea. This deployment included patrols and port visits to strengthen alliances, with the ship earning commendations for its operational effectiveness.
In 2020, HMCS Fredericton faced a tragic incident during Operation Reassurance in the Mediterranean when a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, deployed from the ship, crashed off the coast of Greece, killing six Canadian Armed Forces members. The incident marked a somber moment in the ship's history, with the crew returning to Halifax later that year for mourning and reflection. Despite this loss, the frigate resumed operations, participating in NATO's Dynamic Guard exercise in 2021 and further deployments to the Baltic Sea in 2022 under Operation Reassurance, reinforcing Canada's commitment to NATO's eastern flank amid heightened tensions with Russia. In 2024, it completed a docking work period to maintain operational readiness.
HMCS FREDERICTON (2nd) Statistical Data
- Pendant: 337
- 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: 25-Apr-92
- Date Launched: 13-Mar-93
- Date Commissioned: 10-Sep-94
- Paid off:
More Images
Early morning in the Bedford Basin, HMCS Fredericton readies to haul anchor. (Photo source)