HMCS Vancouver to be deployed to Libya mission

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HMCS Vancouver to be deployed to Libya mission

CBC – 30 minutes ago

HMCS Vancouver will join NATO forces patrolling the waters off Libya, Canadian

military officials say.

The Canadian ship is set to replaceHMCS Charlottetown, which was sent to the

Mediterranean in March.

Vancouver will be part of the NATO-led mission to protect civilians in Libya,

where rebel fighters have been clashing with longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

" Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the Libyan people from

threats of violence, " Defence Minister MacKay said in a statement released

Wednesday.

The frigate, stationed in Esquimalt, B.C., carries a crew of about 250 officers

and crew and includes a CH-124 Sea-King helicopter and air detachment, the

military said.

Canada currently has seven CF-18 fighter jets, two CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol

planes, two CC-130 Hercules tankers, a refueller and HMCS Charlottetown in the

region to help enforce the UN-backed no-fly zone and arms embargo against Libya.

There are about 650 Canadian Forces personnel in the area.

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