As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, 180 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are leaving Edmonton this week and heading to Latvia as part of an ongoing NATO mission that has been extended in part because of the war.
On Wednesday, CAF members deployed to the Northern European country bid farewell to their family members as they prepared for a six-month deployment as part of a mission dubbed Operation Reassurance.
Operation Reassurance first began in 2014. In March 2022, the federal government announced a multi-year renewal of the operation a year ahead of schedule due to the “changing security situation in Eastern Europe.”
Chief Petty Officer Whitney Ehle leaves behind her young son as she prepares for her second tour of duty.
“Before, I only had to worry about myself, but that is not the case now,” she noted. “You kind of leave half your head and heart here, and then you bring the other half with you — and that’s hard.”
Sgt. Gabriel Holley told Global News that he has been serving in the military for more than eight years and is looking forward to the opportunity to deploy and apply his skills.
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“I was finally able to cross the start line and go and actually deploy,” he said. “It’s kind of like if you train for a marathon, and eventually you make it to the race. So I’m really excited.
Deployed members are commanded by Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), Canada’s only tank regiment. They will be part of CAF’s biggest mission abroad currently.
“The newly established Canadian-led NATO Latvian Multinational Brigade is part of the largest NATO collective defense enhancement in a generation,” the Canadian Armed Forces said in an email, adding that the mission the Canadians will be part of is aimed at supporting “NATO deterrence.” and defensive measures in Central and Eastern Europe.”
“By being there, we are demonstrating NATO’s readiness as an alliance to support all members of the alliance,” Colonel Sean French said.
Lieutenant Colonel. Those deployed will have access to “our best equipment,” Darren Gray said.
“We are trained and prepared to be able to support our NATO allies.”
Those deployed have trained for about a year for this particular mission, which includes a total of about 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members.
– With files from Jacqueline Kossi, Global News
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