Canada’s Defence Minister announced sending Royal Canadian Navy ships to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy in the coming days.
Bill Blair said at the Shangri-La Defence Forum in Singapore that the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region is vital to Canada’s future and demonstrates Canada’s significant contribution and commitment to international maritime co-operation and defence.
According to his words on the Government of Canada’s official website: “This Canadian naval deployment demonstrates that Canada is a partner for peace, stability and prosperity in the region – and that we are committed to promoting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
The Department of National Defence says HMCS Vancouver will sail to Hawaii to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC). The ministry says RIMPAC 2024 is the largest joint and combined maritime exercise in the world. Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Christiaan Monaghan will serve as the commander of the maritime component.
HMCS Max Bernays, MV Asterix and a shore-based contingent of about 300 Canadian Forces personnel will also be at RIMPAC. Thus, it will be the second year the Navy will send three warships to the region for a defence partnership with regional allies. After completing RIMPAC 2024, Vancouver will continue sailing west across the Pacific to participate in Operation Horizon, a forward presence mission in the Indo-Pacific.
Therefore, from 29 June to 4 August 2024, the military are expecting to conduct another offensive and destruction of Hawaii’s land, reefs, water and wildlife with 42 warships, 4 submarines, escort aircraft and tens of thousands of troops from 26 countries.
