Ships leave for Operation Nanook

HMCS Ville de Québec and HMCS Glace Bay deployed for Arctic waters on Aug. 4 on Operation Nanook, the Canadian Armed Forces signature northern operation designed to exercise the defence of Canada and secure the northern regions alongside partner nations engaged in Arctic security. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs

National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces ~

Naval ships from Canada, the U.S., France, and Denmark departed Aug. 4 to participate in Operation (Op) Nanook-Tuugaalik in the waters of the Eastern Arctic. Op Nanook-Tuugaalik is the maritime component of the Operation Nanook series of deployments and training events.

For three weeks, HMC Ships Glace Bay and Ville de Quebec, as well as MV Asterix, will conduct presence and multinational operations with maritime partners, including the United States Coast Guard (USCGC Tahoma), the United States Navy (USS Thomas Hudner), the French Navy (FS Fulmar), and the Royal Danish Navy (HDMS Triton).

“Op Nanook provides an excellent opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to build interoperability between Canada’s principal partner nations engaged in Arctic security,” said Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic. “It allows us the chance to foster multinational cooperation and trust, and achieve national training objectives aimed at building capable and adaptable maritime forces.”

Op Nanook is the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature northern operation comprised of a series of comprehensive, joint, interagency, and multinational activities designed to exercise the defence of Canada and to secure the northern regions. It strengthens the knowledge of this vital region, allows Canada to work hand-in-hand with fellow Arctic nations and key allies, and fortifies close partnerships with federal, territorial, and local communities.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in place, the operation will be a shorter deployment than in previous years, with no planned port visits – aside from Nuuk, Greenland, for refuelling purposes – or community relations taking place. Unlike in previous years, the ships will not be visiting Nunavut.

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