 In March 1968, "Gatineau" joined the NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT), the first Canadian warship to do so.She served for nine months in the role before returning to Canada.In 1969, "Gatineau" was transferred to the west coast as part of the re-ordering of naval forces following the Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, where four "Restigouche"-class vessels were transferred to the west coast, to replace the s in the Second Canadian Escort Squadron.