HMCS Fredericton begins anti-piracy patrols

Canadian warship HMCS Fredericton has taken up anti-piracy duties off east Africa and will spend the next six months patrolling in the Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa.

"This is an important day for my ship and her crew," Commander Steve Waddell, the ship's commanding officer, said in a release Saturday. "We stand ready to work with our NATO partners and are more than prepared to defend against, disrupt and deny those elements that would terrorize and threaten shipping in the region."

Fredericton's sister ships HMCS Ville de Quebec and HMCS Winnipeg have both conducted similar patrols in 2008 and 2009, escorting merchant ships and breaking up pirate raids. Winnipeg returned from a 10-week mission during the summer.

NATO has conducted anti-piracy operations in the area since late 2008 to increase security and freedom of movement for international shipping.

"The ability of the Canadian navy to participate in complex, multinational operations with our coalition partners demonstrates the agility and professionalism of our military and Canada's determination to support maritime security and global stability," said Gen. Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Fredericton and her crew are scheduled to return to Canada in May 2010.