HMCS Windsor returns to Halifax after NATO exercises

HMCS Windsor returned to Halifax Thursday after being away for 101 days on overseas military exercises with NATO.

The submarine left Halifax in the fall with five other ships:the Athabaskan, Halifax, Montral, Goose Bay and Summerside.

Families greeted their sailors at the navy's Halifax dockyard Thursday afternoon, including toddlerAlexandre Novitsky, whose motherAmlie Bernard held him as they waited for RobertNovitsy to disembark.

• HMCS Windsor returning to Halifax port after NATO exercises
• Submarine HMCS Windsor back in water, with restrictions

This was the first time the fatherhad been away for an extended time from histwo-and-half-year-old son, Bernard said from the dockas the navy band playedThe First Noelfor waiting families.

"One day at a time," she said.

Rear Admiral John Newton, commander ofMaritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, sailed up alongside the sub to welcome the 48-member crew home.

This fall HMCSWindsor participatedin Joint Warrior and Trident Juncture, two operations withNATO allies to "enhance combat readiness," a statement from the Department of National Defence said Thursday.

"These exercises enhance Canada's ability to operate with its NATO allies and contribute to solutions for an evolving and challenging global security environment," the statement said.

HMCSWindsor,the only submarine on the East Coast, has a history of mechanical problems. The sub wasput back in operation lastJanuaryafter $17.2 million was spent repairing and upgradinga faulty generator.