Emotions run high as HMCS Toronto sets sail for Mediterranean
Posted Jul 24, 2014 12:36:50 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It was an emotional day for sailors and their families, as hundreds of people waved goodbye to their loved ones as they boarded HMCS Toronto before it set sail for the Mediterranean.
Sailor, Mike Stratton, has a one-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son, and said he just wants to be able to come back home.
“Really sad, and you know… (I want to) just get it started and get home,” he said.
Minister of national defence, Rob Nicholson, empathized with sailors, and commended their efforts.
“Your strength and your commitment are remarkable, and I know you will represent the Canadian flag with pride and professionalism.”
He said the ship was deployed to provide security and stability in central and eastern Europe.
“Canada will continue to apply pressure on the Putin regime in the face of its provocative military action against Ukraine, and refusal to end support for armed separatist groups that pose a threat to the security of Ukraine’s citizens.”
HMCS Toronto will be replacing HMCS Regina, which has been a part of NATO Maritime Forces for the past three months.
