HALIFAX - Canada's top soldier is praising military families for their understanding and support as the warship HMCS Iroquois sails toward the Arabian Sea as part of a six-month deployment.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier applauded the hundreds of men, women and children who came to say goodbye to their loved ones shortly before the vessel left Halifax harbour today.
The Tribal-class destroyer, with more than 300 aboard, will be taking part in Operation Altair, part of Canada's contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom, the code-name for the American-led war on terror.
The vessel will join up with Canadian navy frigate Calgary and replenishment vessel Protecteur as part of the mission, which includes monitoring shipping and detecting unauthorized activity.
Hundreds of family members held small Canadian flags and waved goodbye as Iroquois left HMC Dockyard on the west side of the huge harbour.
Brenda Campbell, whose husband was among those deployed, says watching her spouse leave doesn't get any easier, but she takes comfort in the support programs offered to military families.
