HMCS Toronto is headed for the Mediterranean to join an ongoing NATO mission in the region.
Defence Minister Rob Nicholson was in Halifax Thursday morning to send off HMCS Toronto.
There were hugs and tears as dozens of families gathered on a Halifax pier to see their loved ones off.
“The biggest thing about being deployed is to make sure that your loved ones are kept safe at home,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephan Belanger.
“I’m going to miss him obviously. It’s hard,” said Corinne Redden-Belanger, whose husband is a crew member.
For Master Seaman Tim Brown and his partner Angela MacNeil, getting through to December is like living the 12-step program.
“One day at a time,” said MacNeil. “I think the hardest part will be going to bed at night, waking up in the morning without him.”
Nicholson said HMCS Toronto’s role with NATO is part of Canada’s response to the crisis in the Ukraine.
“Canada will continue to apply pressure on the Putin regime in the face of its provocative military action against Ukraine and its support for armed separatist groups,” said Nicholson.
Toronto will replace HMCS Regina, which was redirected in May to take part in alliance operations meant to send a message to Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.
NATO announced in April that it was beefing up maritime patrols in both the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean as part of a deterrence package to contain potential Russian ambitions.
Regina has been part of Standing NATO Maritime Forces since May 2014.
HMCS Toronto is expected to return to Halifax in December.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant and The Canadian Press
