Canada’s commitment to the joint defense of continental North America was on display at New York’s Pier 90 North during Fleet Week activities in May. Led by Lieutenant-Commander Christopher Heckman, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Glace Bay joined vessels from the U.S., British, and Italian Navies in the weeklong celebration of Sea Services. LCdr Heckman and his crew of 45 came alongside having recently participated in multilateral counter-piracy training operations off the coast of West Africa and in presence patrols in and around Haiti.
“Fleet Week offers an opportunity to showcase Canadian capabilities and our resolve in maritime operations to the U.S. and international allies,” he said. “Canada is a tried and true international partner. We take our responsibility for the defense of continental North America very seriously, and we’ll always be there whenever there’s an issue.”
“Canada is a tried and true international partner. We take our responsibility for the defense of continental North America very seriously, and we’ll always be there whenever there’s an issue.” – Lieutenant-Commander Christopher Heckman, Royal Canadian Navy.
“Canada’s participation in Fleet Week New York is a powerful reminder of the unique relationship our two countries share,” said André Frenette, Canada’s Deputy Consul General in New York. “We are deeply connected in practically every way and remain the closest of allies, partners, and friends. When it comes to security, defense, and military cooperation, the Canada–U.S. relationship is second-to-none. Our security partnership is not only long-standing and historical, it is current, forward-looking, and cutting-edge.”
In New York, Canadian law enforcement and intelligence agencies collaborate closely with their U.S. counterparts every day on cross-border issues such as cyber threats, migration, criminal activity, and ideologically motivated violent extremism.