Operation SEXTANT

Operation SEXTANT is Canada’s periodic participation in Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG 1), a component of the NATO Response Force (NRF). SNMG 1 is a permanent naval squadron that usually operates in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and can deploy anywhere in the world to respond to crises. In spring 2009, SNMG 1 deployed to the waters off the Horn of Africa to deter and disrupt piracy, and defend transiting merchant vessels against pirates, under Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR.

SNMG 1 was established in January 2005. It consists of destroyers and frigates from the navies of NATO member nations, under operational command from Allied Maritime Component Command Headquarters in Northwood, England. Nations contributing vessels to SNMG 1 include Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United States. Ships usually serve with SNMG 1 for up to six months on a rotating basis, and the squadron trains and operates together.

The force commander is appointed for one year, and the command rotates among the participating nations. In 2009, SNMG 1 is commanded by Rear-Admiral José Domingos Pereira da Cunha of Portugal, with his flag in the missile frigate NRP Álvares Cabral.

Canada’s participation in NATO maritime operations dates from before the establishment of the Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) in 1967. Deployments on Operation SEXTANT continue Canada’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security through the NATO alliance.

Deployments

Commanded by Commander Craig Baines and with a crew of about 240, the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg joined SNMG 1 on 2 April 2009 to take part in Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR. With the help of “Palomino 16”, her embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter, Winnipeg quickly became a valuable member of the counter-piracy team, and by the end of the nine-week deployment she was credited with disrupting or deterring attacks on several major merchant vessels. On 2 June 2009, while Winnipeg was alongside in Victoria, Seychelles Islands, Cdr Baines was able to present one Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation and six Commander, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Commendations to members of his crew for exemplary performance in thwarting attacks on 9 April and 18 April 2009.

Previous deployments on Operation SEXTANT:

• 17 July–22 December 2008 HMCS Ville de Québec
• 20 July–18 December 2007: HMCS Toronto
• 1 July–December 2006: HMCS Iroquois (as flagship)
• 11 January–30 June 2006: HMCS Athabaskan (as flagship)