OPERATION REASSURANCE: Return to Canada of Valcartier Troops Deployed to Europe

VALCARTIER, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 13, 2016) - Some 130 troops from Valcartier returned to Canada today after being deployed to Central and Eastern Europe for over seven months as part of Operation REASSURANCE.

The majority of these CAF members are from 3 Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment, led by 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Valcartier. The rest of the contingent, numbering some 55 soldiers, will return home later in February.

Quick Facts

• Operation REASSURANCE shows Canada's unwavering commitment to its allies in Central and Eastern Europe. The operation refers to the operations undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in support of NATO Reassurance Measures, including military capabilities relating to training, exercises, demonstrations and NATO assigned tasks.
• During Rotation 4 of Operation REASSURANCE, the troops participated in various training activities - notably Exercises SILVER ARROW, in Latvia, and MAPLE DETACHMENT, in Poland - to develop and enhance interoperability, readiness, joint operations capabilities and multinational responses to potential crises.
• The Canadian Army benefits from these training opportunities in Europe, which help military members improve interoperability with their NATO Allies, showcase their capabilities and once again demonstrate their leadership skills.
• CAF members have been in Central and Eastern Europe since May 2014, where they took part in collective training exercises and partnership commitments with our allies.

Quotes

"Having visited the troops on two occasions in recent months, I can attest to the excellent work they are doing in Europe. And as much as I believe that our members from Valcartier learned lessons and expanded their knowledge through our many exchanges with our NATO partners, I think that the reverse is also true. The enhancement of interoperability, one of the main goals of this operation, has most assuredly been achieved."

Colonel Michel-Henri St-Louis, Commander 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

"It is with a feeling of duty accomplished and pride in having represented the Canadian Armed Forces during Op REASSURANCE that we return home today. After such a long absence, our brave troops, who have proudly represented Canadians values in Eastern Europe over the past seven months, can now look forward to spending time with their families and enjoying a well-deserved rest."

Major Simon Côté, Commander Land Task Force, Op REASSURANCE, ROTO 4

Related Links

• Information concerning Operation REASSURANCE: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/operations-abroad/nato-ee.page

• Photos of Operation REASSURANCE: www.forcesimages.ca