OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 05/27/12 -- The ship's company of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina is currently preparing to deploy overseas as part of Canada's continued involvement in international operations. The ship is expected to set sail in July 2012 and replace HMCS Charlottetown.

"Canada and the Canadian Forces have recently established a strong tradition of joining our allies in overseas operations and making meaningful contributions to international security and stability," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "I salute our sailors, and all members, for their service and sacrifice in protecting Canadian interests around the world."

"Being ready to support Canada's priorities and security objectives is something all sailors do," said Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. "The men and women of HMCS Regina are excited to participate in the efforts set forth by the Government of Canada."

HMCS Regina will provide relief to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown, which has been deployed since January 2012. HMCS Charlottetown has, along with other NATO ships, participated in Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's counter-terrorism effort in the Mediterranean Sea. On May 3, she was reassigned to deploy to the Arabian Sea region with Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) in order to conduct maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, and in the Indian Ocean.

HMCS Regina is an Esquimalt-based Canadian patrol frigate with a crew of approximately 225 personnel, and includes a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment, as well as a shipboard unmanned aerial vehicle detachment. The frigate is commanded by Commander Jason Boyd.

Notes to editor/news director:

For further information, please contact the Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs office at (250) 363-5789.

For more information on the operation, please visit http://www.cefcom.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/artemis/index-eng.asp.