HMCS Montreal and crew depart Halifax

The crew of HMCS Montréal bid an emotional farewell to their families and friends at a departure ceremony in Halifax.

This was ahead of a six-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, participating in international exercises.

The 247 sailors, soldiers and airmen were scheduled to depart Sunday morning, but the flight was delayed to fix a minor mechanical problem discovered Friday.

The ship sailed on Sunday evening.

National Defense Minister Anita Anand said in a statement: “Canada is a Pacific nation, and the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region is critical to our future. By increasing its annual naval force from two to three frigates, Canada reaffirms its commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. As outlined in Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will continue to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. I wish our sailors fair winds and seas after seas.''