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Canadian Forces Contribute Maritime Surveillance Assets to NATO's Campaign Against Terrorism

Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces

NR-04.076 - October 8, 2004

OTTAWA -Two Canadian Forces (CF) CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and more than 65 air force personnel are deploying to Sigonella, Italy this month on Operation SIRIUS , Canada's participation in a NATO Campaign Against Terrorism mission known as Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR .

Over the course of the mission, Operation SIRIUS will comprise aircrews, support personnel and aircraft from 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron and 415 Maritime Patrol Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., and 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. Its tasks, which are conducted in compliance with international law, include monitoring and surveillance of activity at sea, hailing ships, and tracking contacts of interest. Operation SIRIUS will be conducted from mid-October until mid-December.

"Canada is committed to NATO and the campaign against terrorism," said Defence Minister Bill Graham. "Operation SIRIUS will make an important contribution to safety in the Mediterranean Sea."

"The Canadian Forces personnel deploying on Operation SIRIUS look forward to helping our NATO allies deter maritime terrorism," said Chief of the Defence Staff General Ray Henault. "The Aurora aircraft deploying on this operation are ideally suited for this maritime surveillance mission."

Since October 2001, NATO has conducted maritime operations under Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR to deter and disrupt maritime terrorism in the Mediterranean Sea, to defend its member nations against terrorists operating at sea, and to demonstrate resolve and presence in the campaign against terrorism.

CF Aurora aircraft participated in Operation APOLLO in the Persian Gulf region from the fall of 2001 to the summer of 2003, conducting approximately 500 operational sorties as part of Canada's participation in the campaign against terrorism.

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