Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Navy League of Canada in honouring six Royal Canadian Navy and naval reserve units for acts of heroism and exceptional service. The Royal Canadian Navy protects Canada's coastlines and waterways and conducts operations in oceans around the world.
Canadians remember the important role our navy played in the protection of the citizens of Libya just a year ago. HMCS Charlottetown was fired upon in combat for the first time since the Korean war. Today, HMCS Regina is continuing the anti-terrorism operation in the Arabian Sea.
At home, our navy has been hard at work protecting Canadians. The Royal Canadian Navy has assisted communities hit with floods, participated in counter-narcotics operations and participated in Operation Nanook.
Canada is very proud of its navy, its history, its accomplishments and, most importantly, its members. True to its motto “ready, aye, ready”, our sailors are always ready to defend Canada and proudly safeguard our interests and values no matter where they are in the world.