Ukraine tensions: Frigate at ‘high’ readiness as it sets off for NATO mission
HALIFAX — A Royal Canadian Navy admiral says a frigate departing today for the Mediterranean is prepared for “any threat” as tensions with Russia mount.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, families weren’t permitted on the wharf in Halifax for the traditional sendoff as the HMCS Montreal pulled away from the jetty and its 240 crew members set off for the six-month deployment.
The navy has billed the NATO mission as part of “deterrence measures” in the region as tensions mount between Ukraine and Russia.
Rear Admiral Brian Santarpia, commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, said this voyage is part of a regular rotation of ships sent to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea since Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014.