History & Deployments

HMCS HALIFAX, FFH 330, was built in Saint John, New Brunswick, and commissioned in Halifax on 29 June 1992.   She is the first of twelve “HALIFAX” Class Frigates and one of the most capable frigates in the world.

Between April and August 1994, HALIFAX was deployed on her first Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL), during OP SHARK GUARD, enforcing UN sanctions against former Yugoslavia.

In May 1995, HALIFAX had the honour of attending VE celebrations in Oslo, Norway and in Gydnia Poland.  HALIFAX was the first Canadian Warship to visit Poland since the end of WWII.

Again from March to May 1996, HALIFAX was deployed on OP SHARK GUARD with the SNFL.

In August 1997, HALIFAX was deployed for SOLANT/UNITAS.  During her transit to South Africa, while off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, HALIFAX was called upon to rescue 16 Senegalese fishermen, whose boat had sunk.  HALIFAX then had the honour of being the first Canadian Warship to visit South Africa since 1953, celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of the South African Navy.

In September 1998, HALIFAX was tasked to assume On-Scene Commander for OP PERSISTENCE, the recovery of Swissair Flight 111, for which she subsequently received a Chief of Maritime Staff Commendation. 

In March 2000, while enroute for COMREADOPS 1/00, in company with HMC Ships IROQUOIS, TORONTO and PRESERVER, HALIFAX was called to rescue the crew of the MV Leader L, a bulk carrier, near Bermuda in heavy seas.  13 survivors were rescued. 

From July to December 2000, she was deployed again with SNFL.  HALIFAX returned briefly to Halifax and then deployed for CRO 1/01 in March 2001.

August 2001 again saw HALIFAX depart for SNFL.  In response to the events of September 11, 2001, HALIFAX was ordered to leave NATO Fleet on October 8, and proceed to the Arabian Sea / Persian Gulf as Canada’s Vanguard Unit in the International Coalition’s Campaign Against Terrorism.  During OP APOLLO, HALIFAX participated in Maritime and Leadership Interdiction Operations and Amphibious Ready Group Escort Duties.  HALIFAX returned to Halifax, NS, on February 11, 2002.

In 2003 HALIFAX went into an extensive weapons refit in Port Weller.   In 2004 HALIFAX returned to the coast to participate in WORKUPS to prepare for a NATO tour in Europe with SNMG 1.  2005 saw HALIFAX depart on her NATO tour where she visited many European ports and participated in multi-ship operations.  In 2006 HALIFAX participated in a Submarine Commanders Exercise, Task Group Exercises and other Fleet Exercises including support to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans off the coast of Newfoundland in Winter 2006.  In the spring of 2007 HALIFAX left the coast again to tour the Great Lakes in support of OP CONNECTION to showcase the Navy to Canadians who live far from the sea.

Since returning from OP HESTIA, which provided Humanitarian Aid and Damage relief to Haiti, HALIFAX has completed her operational phase and has relinquished the ship to ISL HALIFAX as of the 30 Sep 2010 for the commencement of the Halifax Class Modernization Program. HALIFAX is the first ship to go through the modernization on the East coast and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.