Pacific fleet readies for large-scale training exercise

Sub-Lieutenant Kathrine Hembruff takes a bearing on HMCS Calgary from the port bridge wing of HMCS Regina during Exercise Trident Fury Dec. 3, 2020, while sailing in the West Coast Firing Area off the west coast of Vancouver Island. File Photo by Master Corporal André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer
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Hundreds of sailors from five Royal Canadian Navy warships are quarantining in Victoria hotels this week in preparation for Task Group Exercise (TGEX) 21-01.

The training exercise takes place Feb. 8 to 19 off Vancouver Island and is being hosted by the Royal Canadian Navy.

TGEX 21-01 will involve approximately 800 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces, United States Navy (USN), and United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Approximately 225 personnel from Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina are at sea after completing a mandatory isolation early in the new year. Meanwhile, crews from HMC Ships Calgary and Whitehorse and submarine HMCS Victoria are currently isolating, with HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon set to quarantine next week to minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at sea.

Capt(N) Scott Robinson, Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, will command the exercise from Regina.

“Through a combination of regular COVID-19 testing, daily check-ins, quarantine, and guidance from the Fleet Surgeon and Defence Research scientists, our objective is to reduce the likelihood of a missed infection by as much as possible,” said Capt(N) Robinson.

The exercise will take place in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Georgia Strait, and off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

TGEX 21-01 will also involve air detachments from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron and two CH-148 Cyclone helicopters. One Cyclone and its crew will integrate with Regina for a period of the exercise, while the second will embark in Calgary.

A CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and crew from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron will partake in the exercises. In addition, a naval boarding party from the Naval Tactical Operations Group, currently in quarantine, will integrate with Calgary for TGEX and follow-on deployment on Operations Artemis and Projection.

The exercise will also include aircraft from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Vessels.

A major component of the exercise will be supporting Victoria’s Basic Single Submarine Readiness Training that signals the completion of its transition from extended to normal readiness, which began in September 2020.

Another key part of TGEX are anti-aircraft warfare exercises, says Capt(N) Robinson. This portion of the exercise involves a Vindicator Drone launched from Regina. The two Halifax-class frigates will attack the drone through the firing of four evolved sea sparrow missiles.

The overall goal of TGEX 21-01 is to maintain proficiency at sea in seamanship, warfare, and working with allies and partners, while preparing Canadian warships for deployment, says Capt(N) Robinson. The exercise, he adds, is a perfect fit for both of the RCN’s domestic and international roles.

“At home, maritime defence and security is the navy’s first priority, helping ensure Canada’s maritime approaches are effectively monitored and protected,” said Capt(N) Robinson. “TGEX 21-01 is two-pronged in that it contributes to the RCN’s mission of supporting defence at home while preparing for our international operations.”

Following the completion of TGEX 21-01, Calgary, its boarding party, and embarked Cyclone will begin their transit to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea for participation in Operation Artemis, a multi-national anti-terrorism operaion. Calgary will also participate in Operation Projection, which demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to peace and security around the world.

In mid-February, Brandon and Saskatoon will begin their deployment to the Eastern Pacific for Operation Caribbe, the Canadian Armed Forces contribution to an ongoing multi-national effort focused on the elimination of illegal drug trafficking.

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