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The City of Fredericton has reason to feel proud these days.

But it has nothing to do with our tag as a smart or green city, nor is it related to the fact we're the province's capital city and a leader in the world of education.

The pride can be found on the high seas as the city's namesake currently makes its way to one of the world's many troubled regions to do its part in the ongoing fight against tyranny.

The HMCS Fredericton, a 4,750-tonne patrol frigate, left Halifax Sunday for a six-month mission in regions of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The HMCS Fredericton will be integrated into Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG 1) as Canada's ongoing naval contribution to the alliance.

During its deployment, the crew will also contribute to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) as part of the campaign against terrorism and piracy.

The Canadian Forces maritime contribution is referred to as Operation Saiph, the Arabic word for sword.

It's not every day our municipality's name is front and centre on a frigate designed to fight evil and wickedness.

"We are well prepared and motivated to carry out this mission on behalf of Canadians," Cmdr. Steven Waddell said.

"I have a great ship. I'm confident that Fredericton's officers and crew are ready to take on any challenge that the mission brings us as we join our international partners to make sure our ocean highways are kept secure for everyone."

The Fredericton will also make a few diplomatic port calls before it arrives in theatre sometime in mid-November.

Such stops will do much to promote the image of our city abroad.

The patrol frigate will spend the first couple of months on anti-piracy duty off the Horn of Africa, where such activity has been a cause of world concern for some time.

While Sunday was, undoubtedly, an emotional time for both the 245-member crew and their families, they can take solace in the fact that their efforts will help keep others safe, both at home and abroad.

The City of Fredericton and its residents have every reason to boast and to express pride and joy with regard to the mission.

We wish the HMCS Fredericton and its crew the best of luck.