11:35 GMT, February 22, 2010 OTTAWA | Today, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton will commence maritime security operations against terrorism in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman region. HMCS Fredericton is deployed under Operation SAIPH on a six-month mission to the Arabian Sea and the waters around the Horn of Africa to conduct counter-piracy and counter-terror operations with Canada's coalition partners. For this phase of her deployment under Operation SAIPH, the Halifax-based frigate will be integrated into the multinational coalition fleet known as Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).

“The Government of Canada is proud of the work our men and women have done so far as part of Operation SAIPH, and I am confident that the ship’s company of HMCS Fredericton will continue to contribute to international peace and security during this new phase of their deployment,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “As a trading nation in a highly globalized world, we must remember that Canada’s prosperity and security depend on safeguarding traffic on the world’s oceans.”

Originally established as a formation under the United States Navy Central Command, CTF 150 formally became a multinational force on May 5, 2002. Today, CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

“As we shift into the second phase of Operation SAIPH and counter-terror operations, my ship’s company stands ready and looks forward to working with our coalition partners to improve the security of the region and promote a safe maritime environment for legitimate mariners,” said Commander Steve Waddell, Commanding Officer of HMCS Fredericton.

CTF 150 is comprised of warships from several nations, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. It is currently under the command of Commodore Richard Menhinick of the Royal Australian Navy.

Operation SAIPH demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to international peace and security, and shows how relevant, responsive, and effective Canada’s navy is in today’s security environment.