HMCS Vancouver to be deployed to Libya mission
CBC News
Posted: Jun 29, 2011 8:55 PM ET
Last Updated: Jun 29, 2011 10:40 PM ET
Related
HMCS Vancouver will be deployed to join NATO forces participating in the mission to protect Libyan civilians, Canadian military officials say.
The Canadian ship is set to replace HMCS Charlottetown, which was sent to the Mediterranean in March.
HMCS Vancouver carries about 250 officers and crew. (DND) "Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the Libyan people from threats of violence," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement released Wednesday.
Libyan rebel fighters have been clashing with longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi, who has refused to step aside.
The frigate, stationed in Esquimalt, B.C., carries a crew of about 250 officers and crew and includes a CH-124 Sea-King helicopter and air detachment, the military said.
Canada currently has seven CF-18 fighter jets, two CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol planes, two CC-130 Hercules tankers, a refueller and HMCS Charlottetown in the region to help enforce the UN-backed no-fly zone and arms embargo against Libya.
There are about 650 Canadian Forces personnel in the area.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird visited Libya this week after Canada recognized rebels fighting Gadhafi as the legitimate government of that country.
With files from The Canadian PressShare Tools
Top News Headlines
- Obesity now recognized as a disease
- The American Medical Association has voted to recognize obesity as a disease, while doctors in Canada say they also treat it as such. more »
- B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison
- A First Nation band is reviving the age-old practice of controlled burning in order to improve the health of forests and restore the population of the wood bison in a corner of northeastern B.C. more »
- 1 in 8 bird species threatened with extinction
- One in eight bird species worldwide faces the threat of extinction, according to a report released by Birdlife International. more »
- Canada buys rare War of 1812 collection for $573K
- The government of Canada was the winning bidder for a large collection of letters, maps and other papers that once belonged to Sir John Sherbrooke, the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia who conquered Maine for the British during the War of 1812. The collection sold for $573,000 at auction in London. more »
Must Watch
Latest World News Headlines
- 1 in 8 bird species threatened with extinction
- One in eight bird species worldwide faces the threat of extinction, according to a report released by Birdlife International. more »
- Drones used in U.S. for surveillance, FBI director says
- The FBI uses drones inside the United States for surveillance of stationary subjects, and the privacy implications of such operations are 'worthy of debate,' the agency's director says. more »
- Tropical storm Barry forms off Mexico's coast
- Tropical storm Barry formed off Mexico's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, prompting Mexican authorities to ready hundreds of shelters. more »
- Investigation sought in U.S. plane crash missile-strike theory
- Former U.S. investigators want to reopen the probe into the 1996 crash of a Paris-bound jet off the coast of New York City, saying new evidence points to the often-discounted theory that a missile strike may have downed the flight. more »
The National
The Current
- Why Canadians get sick from tap water Jun. 19, 2013 5:11 PM Author Chris Wood believes one of the greatest threats to the health of Canadians dribbles into their homes every day from the kitchen faucet.
- Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy
- Wearing a mask at a riot is now a crime
- Dozens of children seized from Manitoba Mennonite community
- B.C. teacher duct-taped students' mouths
- B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison
- Obesity now recognized as a disease
- Richmond widow racks up $1,800 hospital parking bill
- Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision
- Hail, flash floods hit southeast Alberta
