Kiev: A Canadian frigate with 250 marines on board set off from Halifax on the Atlantic coast Tuesday to join NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea monitoring the Ukraine crisis.
HMCS Fredericton, which is carrying a Sea King helicopter and an air detachment, will replace HMCS Toronto, which joined the permanent NATO forces in July.
In its support for Ukraine, Ottawa has imposed sanctions on Russian politicians and on the country`s oil and gas sector, as well as against Ukrainian separatist leaders.
Canada`s Defense Minister Rob Nicholson said the frigate would "help bring peace to Eastern and Central Europe.
"Canada is proud to make a strong contribution to NATO`s assurance measures and demonstrate our steadfast support for our allies," he added.
Canada has already deployed six F-18 fighters as part of the NATO air mission.
