Gallery: Canadian Armed Forces in Europe
Operation REASSURANCE is the largest overseas mission of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), whereby the CAF contributes to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Europe, an ongoing dedication from its first deployment in 2014
On 16 April 2014, NATO agreed to a series of military measures based on the principles of defense, deterrence and de-escalation meant to reinforce NATO’s collective defense and demonstrate the strength of allied solidarity; the CAF offered assets and members to NATO for this mission the next day and, less than two weeks later, the first forces were sent to Europe.
As part of Operation REASSURANCE, the CAF has deployed a Maritime Task Force, which contributes ships to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups; an Air Task Force, which provides logistical support out of Prestwick; and a Land Task Force including an enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
Approximately 1,100 CAF personnel are deployed as a part of Operation REASSURANCE, making it Canada’s largest international military operation.
As it is a substantial, multi-service deployment, there are numerous sea-to-air (and vice versa) transfers and training. Some of these maneuvers and procedures have been captured by service personnel witnessing the work.