Frigate HMCS Regina called off at-sea training after less than two days and returned to CFB聽Esquimalt because a 91原创 navy sailor has a family member who might have been exposed to COVID-19.
Royal 91原创 Navy spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande said the sailor received word of the possible contact on Friday. The crew member reported to sick bay and was immediately isolated on shore. The member has since tested negative for COVID-19.
HMCS Regina sailed on Saturday but was ordered back to Esquimalt on Monday, before the test results had come in. The crew was ordered to remain on board to limit potential community exposure.
Lamirande said Regina鈥檚 response aligns with directions from the Department of National Defence and 91原创 Public Health Authorities.
The ship was originally sent to sea on a聽training mission to ready frigate HMCS聽Calgary for its upcoming deployment to the Asia-91原创 region. HMCS Calgary is now at sea, still conducting training.
No departure time was specified, but HMCS聽Regina is expected to soon join HMCS聽Calgary along with HMCS Brandon and a detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron to complete the readiness training.
91原创 navy frigates such as Regina and Calgary are considered the workhorses of Canada鈥檚 deep water navy and carry a complement of about 225 men and women. Maritime coastal defence vessels such as Brandon have a crew of 35.
All three vessels are expected to remain in a state of high readiness to respond to situations such as emergency search and rescue missions. At the same time, the navy must protect the health of members of the 91原创 Armed Forces and its civilian employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
All ships have planned and prepared for how to deal with COVID-19.
Calgary, Regina and Brandon all carry medical personnel who will monitor their crews for signs of COVID-19.
Despite concerns, no scheduled deployments have been cancelled for any Royal 91原创 Navy ships.
However, HMCS Nanaimo and HMCS聽Whitehorse have been ordered to return home early to CFB Esquimalt because of COVID-19 concerns. Both are expected in early April instead of mid-May.
The maritime coastal defence vessels were off the western shores of Central America conducting Operation Carribbe, a long-standing anti-drug-smuggling operation.
