Canadian Navy's Royal Montreal Frigate to Enter South Korea Port

The Canadian Navy’s HMCS Montreal is scheduled to arrive at Incheon Port on the 27th for a goodwill visit, the Embassy of Canada in Korea announced on the 26th.

HMCS Montreal

The crew of the Montreal will stay at Incheon Port from the 27th until July 2nd, visiting the Republic of Korea Navy and the Cheonan Ship Memorial Hall, and will hold maritime security discussions and luncheon events attended by defense attach?s and domestic and international dignitaries. Additionally, on July 1st, Canada Day, marking the 157th anniversary of Canada’s founding, various exchange activities such as a ‘street hockey friendly tournament’ will be held at Jeongdong Neighborhood Park located in Jeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where the Embassy of Canada in Korea is situated.

The Montreal is the first ship in the Canadian Armed Forces’ ‘Operation Horizon,’ which deploys up to three Canadian naval vessels annually in the region. This operation aims to support the ‘rules-based international order’ in the Indo-Pacific region and promote peace and stability through international exchanges, training, and enhanced security cooperation with allied countries.

The embassy stated, “Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy identifies South Korea as a strong democratic partner sharing bilateral and international strategic interests. This strategy reflects Canada’s firm commitment to supporting South Korea’s efforts toward denuclearization, peace, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.” It added that the visits of Canadian naval vessels, including the Montreal, to South Korea “demonstrate Canada’s strategic, diplomatic, and military interest in South Korea and the strong bilateral relationship.”

Captain Travis Bain of the Montreal said, “It is an honor to visit South Korea at a time coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. I look forward to this opportunity to engage with the Republic of Korea Navy and defense partners to foster cooperation and friendship.”

Meanwhile, in September last year, the Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver participated in the reenactment of the Incheon Landing Operation alongside the Republic of Korea Navy frigate Seoul and the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship America.