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HMCS Ottawa returns to CFB Esquimalt after four-month deployment
The Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa returned to CFB Esquimalt on October 9, 2026, following a four-month deployment spanning the Indo-Pacific and Arctic oceans. The mission, which began on June 1, included participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise near Hawaii and various operations including Operation Horizon and Operation Latitude.
During the deployment, the crew of approximately 250 Canadian Armed Forces members conducted sovereignty patrols, anti-submarine training, and simulated strikes alongside the U.S. Air Force in the Bering Sea. Commander Justin Simmons emphasized that the mission's primary value lay in strengthening military-to-military relations through engagement with local officials and international partners in locations such as Yokosuka and Busan.
Upon arrival, hundreds of family members gathered at the Inner Harbour to welcome the crew home.
Entities
CFB Esquimalt · Canadian Armed Forces · HMCS Ottawa · Justin Simmons · Royal Canadian Navy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The vessel participated in the Rim of the Pacific exercise near Hawaii in June. oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] HMCS Ottawa returned to CFB Esquimalt on October 9, 2026. oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ship conducted Operation Latitude in the Bering Sea. oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The deployment lasted approximately 130 days or four months. cheknews.ca · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The crew performed simulated strikes with the U.S. Air Force during the deployment. oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ship’s crew consisted of approximately 245 to 250 Canadian Armed Forces members. cheknews.ca · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ship conducted Operation Horizon in the Indo-Pacific. oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The value of the deployment was centered on building military-to-military relations. cheknews.ca · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com