Vice Admiral Bob Auchterlonie temporarily relieved the commander of HMCS Halifax from duty after “a number of reported incidents” aboard the ship during the ongoing Operation Reassurance.
This operation began in March and was part of NATO’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Canadian Forces did not provide details of what happened on a ship’s visit to Swinoujscie, Poland and did not name the commanding officer in a press release sent out Thursday night.
The Canadian Forces however specified that these incidents do not involve sexual misconduct or harmful or inappropriate sexual conduct.
The National Defense explained that the decision was necessary to that The HMCS Halifax may continue its deployment to Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.
The captain of the frigate Paul Mountford took the acting command of the ship. He is the commander of HMCS Charlottetown and described as an experienced naval officer. He is already aboard the ship, which is currently in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The National Defense says the commander Paul Mountford which will continue the deployment of HMCS Halifax until the return of the ship to the capital of Nova Scotia in mid -July. The crew was also informed of this decision.
The relieved Commanding Officer of HMCS Halifax will hold other duties within the Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters in Canada until the conclusion of the investigationsaid a National Defense statement.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
