View source for HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)

{{Short description|Royal Canadian Navy frigate}}
{{other ships|HMCS Charlottetown}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
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{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=HMCS Charlottetown arrives in Cleveland DVIDS1088657.jpg
|Ship caption=HMCS ''Charlottetown'' at [[Cleveland]], Ohio in 2008
}}
{{Infobox ship career
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|Ship country=Canada
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Canada|naval}}
|Ship name=''Charlottetown''
|Ship namesake=[[Charlottetown]], [[Prince Edward Island]]
|Ship ordered=
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Saint John Shipbuilding|Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd.]], [[Saint John, New Brunswick|Saint John]]
|Ship original cost=
|Ship yard number=
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|Ship laid down=18 December 1993
|Ship launched=	1 October 1994
|Ship sponsor=
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=9 September 1995
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship maiden voyage= 
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=HCM/FELEX April 2013 – April 2014
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=[[CFB Halifax]]
|Ship identification=* [[Pennant number]] FFH 339
*{{MMSI Number|316130000}}
|Ship motto="All Challenges Squarely Met"
|Ship nickname=
|Ship honours=Atlantic, 1942; Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1942,1944,<ref name=nd1>{{cite web |work=National Defence and the Canadian Forces |year=2012 |title=Official Lineages, Volume 2: Ships |url=http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/his/ol-lo/vol-tom-2/par1/charlott-eng.asp |access-date=1 July 2014 |archive-date=19 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719154413/http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/his/ol-lo/vol-tom-2/par1/charlott-eng.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> Arabian Sea<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/05/09/south-west-asia-theatre-honours |title=South-West Asia Theatre Honours |publisher=Prime Minister of Canada |access-date=9 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231549/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/05/09/south-west-asia-theatre-honours |archive-date=12 May 2014  }}</ref>
|Ship captured=
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|Ship status=ship in active service
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=
A representation of Queen's Square in Charlottetown with the Coronation crown of Queen Charlotte in the centre and 4 other squares surrounding in black and white.
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
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|Header caption=
|Ship class={{sclass|Halifax|frigate}}
|Ship displacement=*3,995 tonnes (light)
*4,795 tonnes (operational)
|Ship length={{convert|134.2|m|abbr=on|1}}
|Ship beam={{convert|16.5|m|abbr=on|1}}
|Ship draught={{convert|7.1|m|abbr=on|1}}
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=*2 × [[General Electric LM2500|LM2500]] gas turbines
*1 × [[SEMT Pielstick]] diesel engine
|Ship speed={{convert|30|kn|lk=in|0}}
|Ship range={{convert|9,500|nmi|abbr=on|0}}
|Ship complement=225 (including air detachment)
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=*24 × [[Mark 46 torpedo|Honeywell Mk 46 torpedoes]]
*16 × [[ESSM|Evolved Sea Sparrow SAM]]
*8 × [[RGM-84 Harpoon|RGM-84 Harpoon SSM]]
*1 × [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|57 mm Bofors Mk2 gun]]
*1 × [[Phalanx CIWS|20 mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS]]
*6 × [[.50 BMG|.50 caliber]] machine guns
|Ship armour=
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[CH-148 Cyclone]]
|Ship aircraft facilities= [[Hangar]] and [[flight deck]]
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

'''HMCS ''Charlottetown''''' is a {{sclass|Halifax|frigate}} that has served in the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] since 1995. ''Charlottetown'' is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the [[Canadian Patrol Frigate Project]]. She is the third vessel to carry the designation {{HMCS|Charlottetown}}. ''Charlottetown'', assigned to [[Maritime Forces Atlantic]] (MARLANT) and homeported at [[CFB Halifax]], serves on missions protecting Canada's sovereignty in the Atlantic Ocean and enforcing Canadian laws in its territorial sea and [[exclusive economic zone]]. ''Charlottetown'' has also participated in several [[NATO]] missions, patrolling the Atlantic Ocean as part of [[Standing Naval Force Atlantic]] (STANAVFORLANT) and its successors Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and 2 (SNMG1 / SNMG2). ''Charlottetown'' has also been deployed on missions throughout the Atlantic and to the Indian Ocean, specifically the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Arabian Sea]] on anti-terrorism operations.

==Description and design==
The ''Halifax''-class frigate design, emerging from the [[Canadian Patrol Frigate Project]], was ordered by the [[Canadian Forces]] in 1977 as a replacement for the aging {{sclass|St. Laurent|destroyer|5}}, {{sclass|Restigouche|destroyer|5}}, {{sclass|Mackenzie|destroyer|5}}, and {{sclass|Annapolis|destroyer|4}}es of [[destroyer escort]]s, which were all tasked with [[anti-submarine warfare]].<ref name=milner284>Milner, p. 284</ref> ''Charlottetown'' was ordered in December 1987 as part of the second batch of frigates.<ref name=mac291>Macpherson and Barrie, p. 291</ref><ref name=gardiner>Gardiner and Chumbley, p. 47</ref> To reflect the changing long term strategy of the Navy during the 1980s and 1990s, the ''Halifax''-class frigates was designed as a general purpose warship with particular focus on anti-submarine capabilities.<ref name=milner284/>

As built, the ''Halifax''-class vessels [[Displacement (ship)|displaced]] {{convert|4750|LT|t|0}} and were {{convert|441|ft|9|in|m|order=flip|1}} [[Length overall|long overall]] and {{convert|408|ft|5|in|m|order=flip|1}} [[Length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]] with a [[Beam (nautical)|beam]] of {{convert|53|ft|8|in|m|order=flip|1}} and a [[Draft (hull)|draught]] of {{convert|16|ft|4|in|m|order=flip|1}}.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90>Saunders, p. 90</ref> That made them slightly larger than the ''Iroquois''-class destroyers.<ref name=mac291/> The vessels are propelled by two shafts with Escher Wyss controllable pitch [[propeller]]s driven by a [[CODOG]] system of two [[General Electric LM2500]] gas turbines, generating {{convert|47,500|shp|kW|lk=in|0}} and one [[SEMT Pielstick]] 20 PA6 V 280 [[diesel engine]], generating {{convert|8,800|shp|kW|0}}.<ref name=saunders90/>

This gives the frigates a maximum speed of {{convert|29|kn|lk=in|0}} and a range of {{convert|7000|nmi|lk=in|0}} at {{convert|15|kn|0}} while using their diesel engines.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90/> Using their gas turbines, the ships have a range of {{convert|3930|nmi|0}} at {{convert|18|kn|0}}. The ''Halifax'' class have a complement of 198 naval personnel of which 17 are officers and 17 aircrew of which 8 are officers.<ref name=saunders90/>

===Armament and aircraft===
As built the ''Halifax''-class vessels deployed the [[CH-124 Sea King]] helicopter, which acted in concert with shipboard sensors to seek out and destroy submarines at long distances from the ships. The ships have a helicopter deck fitted with a "[[Beartrap (helicopter device)|bear trap]]" system allowing the launch and recovery of helicopters in up to [[Sea State|sea state 6]]. The ''Halifax'' class also carries a close-in anti-submarine weapon in the form of the [[Mark 46 torpedo]], launched from twin Mark 32 Mod 9 torpedo tubes in launcher compartments either side of the forward end of the helicopter hangar.<ref name=saunders90/>

As built, the anti-shipping role is supported by the [[RGM-84 Harpoon]] Block 1C [[surface-to-surface missile]], mounted in two quadruple launch tubes at the main deck level between the funnel and the helicopter hangar.<ref name=mac291/><ref name=saunders90/> For [[anti-aircraft]] self-defence the ships are armed with the [[Sea Sparrow]] [[Vertical Launching System|vertical launch]] [[surface-to-air missile]] in two Mk 48 Mod 0 eight-cell launchers placed to port and starboard of the funnel. The vessels carry 16 missiles.<ref name=saunders90/> A [[Raytheon]]/[[General Dynamics]] [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx]] Mark 15 Mod 21 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is mounted on top of the helicopter hangar for "last-ditch" defence against targets that evade the Sea Sparrow.<ref name=saunders90/>

As built, the main gun on the [[forecastle]] is a [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|{{convert|57|mm|in|abbr=on|1}}/70 calibre Mark 2 gun]] from [[Bofors]].{{efn|name=gun nomenclature}} The gun is capable of firing {{convert|2.4|kg|adj=on}} shells at a rate of 220 rounds per minute at a range of more than {{convert|17|km}}.<ref name=saunders90/> The vessels also carry eight {{convert|12.7|mm|in|abbr=on|2}} machine guns.<ref name=gardiner/>

===Countermeasures and sensors===
As built, the decoy system comprises Two [[BAE Systems]] Shield Mark 2 decoy launchers which fire [[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] to {{convert|2|km}} and infrared rockets to {{convert|169|m|yd}} in distraction, confusion and centroid seduction modes. The torpedo decoy is the [[SLQ-25 Nixie|AN/SLQ-25A Nixie]] towed acoustic decoy from Argon ST. The ship's radar warning receiver, the CANEWS (Canadian Electronic Warfare System), SLQ-501, and the radar jammer, SLQ-505, were developed by Thorn and Lockheed Martin Canada.<ref name=saunders90/>

Two [[Thales Nederland]] (formerly Signaal) SPG-503 (STIR 1.8) fire control radars are installed one on the roof of the bridge and one on the raised radar platform immediately forward of the helicopter hangar. The ship is also fitted with Raytheon [[AN/SPS-49]](V)5 long-range active air search radar operating at C and D bands, Ericsson HC150 Sea Giraffe medium-range air and surface search radar operating at G and H bands, and Kelvin Hughes Type 1007 I-band navigation radar. The sonar suite includes the CANTASS Canadian Towed Array and GD-C AN/SQS-510 hull mounted sonar and incorporates an acoustic range prediction system. The sonobuoy processing system is the GD-C AN/UYS-503.<ref name=saunders90/>

===Modernization===
The ''Halifax'' class underwent a modernization program, known as the Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) program, in order to update the frigates' capabilities in combatting modern smaller, faster and more mobile threats. This involved upgrading the command and control, radar, communications, electronic warfare and armament systems. Further improvements, such as modifying the vessel to accommodate the new [[Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone]] helicopter and satellite links will be done separately from the main Frigate Equipment Life Extension (FELEX) program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/halifax-frigate.page |title=Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Life Extension |publisher=National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217141250/http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/halifax-frigate.page |archive-date=17 February 2018 |access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

The FELEX program comprised upgrading the combat systems integration to CMS330. The SPS-49 2D long range air search radar was replaced by the [[Thales Nederland]] SMART-S Mk 2 E/F-band 3D surveillance radar, and the two STIR 1.8 fire control radars were replaced by a pair of Saab Ceros 200 re-control radars. A Telephonics IFF Mode 5/S interrogator was installed and the Elisra NS9003A-V2HC ESM system replaced the SLQ-501 CANEWS. An IBM multi-link (Link 11, Link 16 and Link 22 enabled) datalink processing system was installed along with two [[Raytheon]] Anschütz Pathfinder Mk II navigation radars. Furthermore, [[Rheinmetall]]'s Multi-Ammunition Soft kill System (MASS), known as MASS DUERAS was introduced to replace the Plessey Shield decoy system. The existing 57&nbsp;mm Mk 2 guns were upgraded to the Mk 3 standard and the Harpoon missiles were improved to Block II levels, the Phalanx was upgraded to Block 1B and the obsolete Sea Sparrow system was replaced by the [[Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/60726/halifax-class-upgrade-on-finals-cansec2016d2 |title=Halifax class upgrade on finals [CANSEC2016D2] |last=Scott |first=Richard |website=janes.com |date=26 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217141122/http://www.janes.com/article/60726/halifax-class-upgrade-on-finals-cansec2016d2 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |access-date=17 February 2018}}</ref>

==Service history==
''Charlottetown''{{'}}s [[keel]] was [[Keel laying|laid down]] on 18 December 1993 by [[Saint John Shipbuilding|Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd.]] at [[Saint John, New Brunswick]]. The vessel was [[Ship naming and launching|launched]] on 1 October 1994 and commissioned into the Canadian Forces on 9 September 1995 at Charlottetown, carrying the [[hull classification symbol (Canada)|hull classification symbol]] FFH 339.<ref name=mac292>Macpherson and Barrie, p. 292</ref>

In 1996, the frigate sailed to join [[NATO]]'s [[Standing Naval Force Atlantic]] (STANAVFORLANT) and performed a series of [[Military exercise|naval exercises]] with Eastern European nations. In 1997, after becoming the first Canadian warship to pass beneath the [[Confederation Bridge]], the vessel participated in US naval exercises. In 1998, ''Charlottetown'' performed another stint with STANAVFORLANT beginning in February, replacing [[sister ship]] {{HMCS|Toronto|FFH 333|2}}.<ref name=mac292 />

In January 2001, ''Charlottetown'' sailed to the [[Persian Gulf]] to join the {{USS|Harry S. Truman}} [[Carrier Battle Group]], enforcing sanctions against Iraq.<ref name=mac292 /> Following Canada's entry into the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]], ''Charlottetown'' was part of the initial naval task force sent to the [[Arabian Sea]]. Composed of {{HMCS|Iroquois|DDG 280|2}}, ''Charlottetown'' and {{HMCS|Preserver|AOR 510|2}}, the task force sailed from [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]] on 17 October 2001 arrived in theatre on 20 November.<ref name=tracy265>Tracy, p. 265</ref><ref name=ndcnov>{{cite web |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=the-canadian-forces-contribution-to-the-international-campaign-against-terrorism/hnocfnnn |title=The Canadian Forces' Contribution to the International Campaign Against Terrorism |publisher=National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces |date=4 November 2007 |access-date=14 October 2016}}</ref> ''Charlottetown'' was incorporated into a US amphibious ready group escorting [[United States Marine Corps]] troop transports near Pakistan.<ref name=tracy265 /> ''Charlottetown'' returned to Halifax on 27 April 2002.<ref name=ndcnov/>

In 2008 the frigate made significant narcotics interceptions. A [[dhow]] was caught loaded with four tonnes of [[hashish]], close to Pakistani waters. The impounded vessel and crew were handed over to the [[Pakistan Coast Guard]].<ref>''Warships International Fleet Review'', May 2008 p. 25</ref>

=== Mediterranean deployments ===
{{Main|2011 Libyan civil war}}

On 2 March 2011, ''Charlottetown'' left its home port of Halifax to join the NATO-led air-sea [[Operation Unified Protector]] during the [[2011 Libyan civil war]]. ''Charlottetown'' worked in conjunction with an American carrier battle group led by the [[aircraft carrier]] {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}}. The stated mission was to help restore peace, evacuate Canadian citizens in Libya and provide humanitarian relief.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pm-pledges-5m-for-libya-aid-1.1026741?ref=rss|title=PM pledges $5M for Libya aid |work=CBC News |date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218131301/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pm-pledges-5m-for-libya-aid-1.1026741?ref=rss |archive-date=18 February 2018 |url-status=live|access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> On 18 March the Canadian government expanded the mission by announcing that HMCS ''Charlottetown'', in addition to six [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18]] fighter aircraft and two [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|CC-177]] transport aircraft, would constitute Canada's contribution to the enforcement of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973]], aimed to protect Libya's civilian population ([[Operation Mobile]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Harper heads to Paris meeting on Libya|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-heads-to-paris-meeting-on-libya-1.1068031 |work=CBC News |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Meagan |date=18 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218131309/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-heads-to-paris-meeting-on-libya-1.1068031 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |url-status=live|access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

By 21 March, the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] reported<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-patrols-off-libya-1.1125535 |title=HMCS Charlottetown patrols off Libya |date=21 March 2011 |work=CBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218131940/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-patrols-off-libya-1.1125535 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> that ''Charlottetown'' was patrolling the waters off north Libya. On 12 May, the frigate engaged several small boats involved in an attack on the port city of [[Misrata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-F245298B-EA603C2A/natolive/news_73983.htm|title=NATO ships thwart attack on Misrata harbour|publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization |date=12 May 2011 |access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> Later that month on 30 May, the frigate came under fire from a dozen [[BM-21 Grad|BM-21]] rockets while patrolling off the Libyan coast, but no damage or injuries were reported.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/libyan-rockets-fired-at-hmcs-charlottetown-1.995904 |work=CBC News |title=Libyan rockets fired at HMCS Charlottetown |date=2 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218132327/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/libyan-rockets-fired-at-hmcs-charlottetown-1.995904 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> In July 2011, {{HMCS|Vancouver|FFH 331|6}} relieved ''Charlottetown'', which returned to Halifax.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/hmcs-vancouver-headed-to-join-libyan-mission-1.663935 |title=HMCS Vancouver headed to join Libyan mission |work=CTV News |date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218132638/https://www.ctvnews.ca/hmcs-vancouver-headed-to-join-libyan-mission-1.663935 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

''Charlottetown'' departed Halifax on 8 January 2012 to join the NATO-led mission [[Operation Active Endeavor]]. The mission was an anti-terrorism deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. At the time of departure Commander Wade Carter said to the media that there were no plans for ''Charlottetown'' to intervene in the [[Syrian Civil War|conflict in Syria]]. The frigate was sent to relieve HMCS ''Vancouver''.<ref>{{cite news |title=HMCS Charlottetown sails for Mediterranean |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-sails-for-mediterranean-1.1143551?cmp=rss |work=CBC News |date=8 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218132319/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-sails-for-mediterranean-1.1143551 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

=== Maritime security operations ===

''Charlottetown'' transited the [[Suez Canal]] on 23 April 2012 to join [[Combined Task Force 150]], conducting counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea.<ref>{{cite news|title=Minister MacKay Announces HMCS ''Charlottetown'' Deploying to Arabian Sea Region |url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=670569 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716021758/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=670569 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |date=22 April 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012}}</ref> She returned to Halifax on 11 September 2012. While on deployment, ''Charlottetown'' was the test ship for the [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/134417-drone-trials-a-first-for-charlottetown |title=Drone trials a first for Charlottetown |last=Gorman |first=Michael |work=Halifax Chronicle Herald |date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134218/http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/134417-drone-trials-a-first-for-charlottetown |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> During her service in the Arabian Sea one of the ScanEagle UAVs, which had been deployed from the ship, was lost due to engine failure.<ref name=CBC1>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/canadian-navy-loses-drone-in-hostile-waters-report-1.1329330 |title=Canadian navy loses drone in hostile waters: report |work=CBC News |date=8 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218133510/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/canadian-navy-loses-drone-in-hostile-waters-report-1.1329330 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> The navy later denied that it had been found by Iran, which had captured a ScanEagle drone around the same time.<ref name=CBC1/> The vessel completed the FELEX modernisation in June 2014.<ref name=gn>{{cite news |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/3179755/hmcs-charlottetown-returns-to-halifax-port-after-6-month-nato-deployment/ |title=HMCS Charlottetown returns to Halifax port after 6-month NATO deployment |work=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218133457/https://globalnews.ca/news/3179755/hmcs-charlottetown-returns-to-halifax-port-after-6-month-nato-deployment/ |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

On 27 June 2016 ''Charlottetown'' sailed from Halifax to join NATO's [[Operation Reassurance]] in the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2016-06-28/article-4572754/Hundreds-on-hand-to-say-goodbye-to-HMCS-Charlottetown/1 |title=Hundreds on hand to say goodbye to HMCS Charlottetown |newspaper=[[The Guardian (Charlottetown)|The Guardian]] |date=28 June 2016 |access-date=6 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629165023/http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2016-06-28/article-4572754/Hundreds-on-hand-to-say-goodbye-to-HMCS-Charlottetown/1 |archive-date=29 June 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> While deployed overseas, twenty members of the crew contracted [[hand, foot, and mouth disease]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/2875092/20-canadian-sailors-on-hmcs-charlottetown-contract-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/ |title=20 Canadian sailors on HMCS Charlottetown contract hand, foot and mouth disease |newspaper=Global News |last=Russell |first=Andrew |date=10 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134628/https://globalnews.ca/news/2875092/20-canadian-sailors-on-hmcs-charlottetown-contract-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/ |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/08/10/canadian-warship-hit-by-outbreak-of-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease.html |title=Canadian warship hit by outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease |last=Campion-Smith |first=Bruce |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=10 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134635/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/08/10/canadian-warship-hit-by-outbreak-of-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease.html |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> In October, ''Charlottetown'' took part in the multinational naval [[exercise Joint Warrior]] off the coast of Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/hmcs-charlottetown-to-conduct-training-off-coast-of-scotland |title=HMCS Charlottetown to conduct training off coast of Scotland |last=Pugliese |first=David |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=8 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134829/http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/hmcs-charlottetown-to-conduct-training-off-coast-of-scotland |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> The vessel returned to Canada on 13 January 2017 and conducted a full crew change.<ref name=gn/>

''Charlottetown'' re-deployed to Europe on 8 August 2017, relieving [[sister ship]] {{HMCS|St. John's}}. ''Charlottetown'' joined Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) in support of Operation Reassurance.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/local/2017/8/8/hmcs-charlottetown-departs-for-six-month-nato-deployment-in-euro.html# |title=HMCS Charlottetown departs for six-month NATO deployment in Europe |newspaper=[[The Guardian (Charlottetown)|The Guardian]] |date=8 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134837/http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/local/hmcs-charlottetown-departs-for-six-month-nato-deployment-in-europe-104882/ |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> During the deployment, ''Charlottetown'' patrolled the Baltic Sea in August taking part in exercise Northern Coast, on completion she transited south taking part in the NATO naval exercise Brilliant Mariner in the Mediterranean Sea in September–October. ''Charlottletown'' returned to Halifax on 19 January 2018, having visited eleven ports during the deployment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-st-john-s-departs-operation-reassurance-1.4489313 |title=HMCS St. John's heading to Mediterranean to participate in NATO operation |work=CBC News |last=Doucette |first=Keith |agency=The Canadian Press |date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218134944/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-st-john-s-departs-operation-reassurance-1.4489313 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-returns-1.4494742 |title=Cheers greet HMCS Charlottetown in Halifax after 6-month deployment |agency=The Canadian Press |work=CBC News |date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218135050/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hmcs-charlottetown-returns-1.4494742 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> In August, ''Charlottetown'' and {{HMCS|Kingston|MM 700|6}} departed Halifax to take part in [[Operation Nanook]], travelling to [[Iqaluit]], Nunavut and [[Nuuk]], Greenland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/royal-canadian-navy-ships-leave-halifax-to-take-part-in-arctic-exercise |title=Royal Canadian Navy ships leave Halifax to take part in Arctic exercise |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=8 August 2018 |access-date=9 August 2018}}</ref>

In early 2024, ''Charlottetown'' sailed to take part in the NATO military exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO military exercise in 36 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-to-send-1-000-troops-for-largest-nato-exercise-in-36-years-1.6742689 |title=Canada to send 1,000 troops for largest NATO exercise in 36 years |work=CTV News |last=Yun |first=Tom |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref> After returning from Steadfast Defender, the frigate departed in June to become the [[flagship]] of [[Standing NATO Maritime Group 2]] (SNMG2) in the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/hmcs-charlottetown-deploys-to-become-flagship-of-standing-nato-maritime-group-2.html |title=HMCS Charlottetown deploys to become flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 |author=Department of National Defence |publisher=Government of Canada |date=15 June 2024 |access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref>

==References==
===Notes===
{{notes
| notes =

{{efn
| name = gun nomenclature
| The 70 [[Caliber (artillery)|calibre]] denotes the length of the gun. This means that the length of the gun barrel is 70 times the bore diameter.
}}
}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |editor-last=Gardiner |editor-first=Robert |editor-last2=Chumbley |editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last3=Budzbon |editor-first3=Przemysław |date=1995 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=1-55750-132-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Macpherson |first=Ken |last2=Barrie |first2=Ron |date=2002 |title=The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910–2002  |edition=Third |publisher=Vanwell Publishing |location=St. Catharines, Ontario |isbn=1-55125-072-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Milner |first=Marc |date=2010 |title=Canada's Navy: The First Century |edition=Second |publisher=University of Toronto Press |location=Toronto |isbn=978-0-8020-9604-3}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |date=2004 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–05 |publisher=Jane's Information Group Inc. |location=Alexandria, Virginia |isbn=0-7106-2623-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Tracy |first=Nicholas |date=2012 |title=A Two-Edged Sword: The Navy as an Instrument of Canadian Foreign Policy  |publisher=McGill-Queens University Press |location=Montreal, Quebec and Kingston, Ontario |isbn=978-0-7735-4051-4}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090310093313/http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/charlottetown/0/0-s_eng.asp HMCS ''Charlottetown'' (FFH 339) – official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110303123546/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3729]

{{Halifax class frigate}}
{{Royal Canadian Navy}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Charlottetown, HMCS}}
[[Category:Fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy]]
[[Category:Halifax-class frigates]]
[[Category:1994 ships]]
[[Category:Ships built in Saint John, New Brunswick]]