Operation SAIPH

Operation SAIPH is the Canadian Forces’ participation in maritime security operations against terrorism in the North Arabian Sea–Persian Gulf region, and counter-piracy operations in the waters around the Horn of Africa. The counter-terrorism mission is conducted in the multinational context of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) led by U.S. NAVCENT as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The counter-piracy mission is conducted by NATO under Operation OCEAN SHIELD, with direction from Allied Maritime Component Command Headquarters Northwood in England.

Operation SAIPH represents Canada’s ongoing contribution and commitment to international peace and security. It also confirms that Canada’s Navy is relevant, responsive and effective in today’s security environment.

Task Force SAIPH

The first unit to deploy on Op SAIPH is the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Fredericton under the leadership of Commander Steven Waddell. Fredericton left her home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia on 25 October 2009 for a six-month deployment that includes operations with both Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and CTF 150.

The mission

Counter-piracy operations

Canada’s involvement in counter-piracy operations began in August 2008 with a humanitarian task. HMCS Ville de Québec was diverted from a deployment on Operation SEXTANT with SNMG1 to Mombasa, Kenya, at the request of International Maritime Bureau and the World Food Programme to escort cargo vessels loaded with food aid from Mombasa to Mogadishu, Somalia, through waters notorious for pirate attacks. By 23 October 2009, when Ville de Québec completed her mission, the frigate had escorted 10 ships and ensured delivery of about 36,200 tonnes of food — enough to feed 400,000 people for six months.

In 2009, NATO joined the growing international effort to defend merchant shipping, deploying SNMG1, which previously operated in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, to one of the world’s most-travelled sea lanes: the shipping route through the Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa. On 2 April 2009, HMCS Winnipeg deployed with SNMG1 under Operation SEXTANT to begin 10 weeks of successful operations in the counter-piracy role. That commitment continues with HMCS Fredericton and Operation SAIPH.

Counter-terrorism operations

Canada’s first long-term response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 was Operation APOLLO, which began in October 2001 with the deployment of a three-ship naval task group to the coalition fleet conducting counter-terrorism operations in the North Arabian Sea. Op APOLLO ended in 2003, giving way to Operation ALTAIR, in which Canadian ships were integrated into CTF 150. Operation SAIPH maintains Canadian participation in CTF 150.

Feature Videos

• Op SAIPH - HMCS Fredericton's overall mission | Transcript
• HMCS Fredericton Helicopter Air Detachment | Transcript
• Life on board HMCS Fredericton | Transcript