Canadian troops are moving from Edmonton to Latvia as part of an ongoing mission in support of NATO
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its worst three-year anniversary, 180 members of the Canadian Armed Forces left Edmonton this week for Latvia as part of an ongoing NATO mission that has been expanded, in part, because of the war.
On Wednesday, CAF members who were sent to the country in northern Europe said goodbye to family members as they prepare to be deployed for six months as part of a campaign called Operation Reassurance.
Operation Reassurance started in 2014. In March 2022, the federal government announced a multi-year renewal of the project a year ahead of schedule due to “the changing security situation in eastern Europe.”
CEO Whitney Ell leaves behind her young son as she prepares for her second career trip.
“Before I really had to worry about myself, and I don’t now,” he commented. “You can say you leave part of your head and your heart here, and you bring another part – so it’s difficult.”
Sgt. Gabriel Houle told Global News that he has worked with the military for more than eight years and is looking forward to the opportunity to be deployed and use his skills.
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“In the end I cross the first line and go to deliver,” he said. “It’s like training for a marathon to finally be able to reach the race. So I’m very happy.”
Commissioned members are led by the Royal Canadians, Canada’s only tank force. They will be part of CAF’s biggest overseas campaign at the moment.
“The newly formed Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia is part of the largest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defense in a generation,” the CAF said in an email, adding that the mission Canadians will be part of is aimed at supporting “NATO’s deterrence and methods.” of defense in central and eastern Europe.”
“Because there, we show the determination of NATO as an alliance to support all its members,” said Col. Sean French.
Lt.-Col. Darryn Gray said those deployed will have access to “our best equipment.”
“We are trained and ready to be able to support our NATO partners.”
Those deployed have been training for almost a year to carry out the operation, involving a total of 2,000 CAF members.
– via files from Jaclyn Kucey, News of the World
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
