Exercise Sea Ranger 2

Canadian Rangers with the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group receive a briefing on operations as part of Exercise Sea Ranger 2. Photo: Sailor 3rd Class Jordan Schilstra, Image Technician, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt

Canadian Ranger Tracy Guenard,
4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group 

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4 CRPG with RCN conduct emergency response exercise

In a demonstration of collaboration, interoperability and commitment to community resilience, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) joined forces with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for a simulated earthquake response exercise.

Exercise Sea Ranger 2, which took place from Sept. 23 to 25, simulated a 7.2 magnitude earthquake just north of Port Hardy, B.C., and aimed to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to natural disasters in remote maritime communities around Alert Bay and the Broughton Archipelago. Through this exercise, 4 CRPG and the RCN were able to showcase the military’s capacity to support Canada during natural disasters.

With local authorities overwhelmed in the wake of the simulated earthquake response exercise, the Canadian Rangers demonstrated a proactive approach to emergency management and reinforced the military’s role as a key player in humanitarian efforts across Vancouver Island and its surrounding areas. The exercise emphasized military readiness for domestic operations and the importance of fostering strong relationships with the communities they serve.

During the exercise, 4 CRPG focused on strengthening their skills in search and rescue, wilderness first aid, damage assessment, disaster area management, and predator control through various realistic scenario-based exercises. They also showed their ability to assess hazards and damaged infrastructure, as well as build structures to reinforce collapsing buildings while attending to injured personnel.

The Navy team who aided in transporting 4 CRPG members during Ex Sea Ranger 2 consisted of personnel from the Patrol Craft Training Unit and other sailors from CFB Esquimalt. Their collective expertise proved pivotal in transporting the 4 CRPG members to affected areas and ensuring adequate emergency response strategies were in place. These are crucial in isolated locations where they may lack immediate access to resources and support during a crisis.

“Working alongside the Canadian Rangers of B.C. opens new doors for collaboration and training, utilizing the unique strengths of both the RCN and the Canadian Rangers to unlock untapped potential in these remote regions,” said Commander Vincent Pellerin, Commanding Officer of Patrol Craft Training Grizzly, who led the RCN’s effort during this exercise.

As the exercise unfolded, the emphasis on community engagement remained at the forefront, as did the collaboration between 4 CRPG and the Navy, explained Major Geoffrey Robinson, Commanding Officer of 4 CRPG A Company, who led the Canadian Rangers during the exercise.

“Exercise Sea Ranger 2 exceeded all expectations and proved invaluable in creating an opportunity for the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and the RCN to work collaboratively in response to a tsunami-based natural disaster affecting remote coastal villages,” he said. “Both Canadian Rangers and sailors left the exercise with a keen appreciation of each other’s expertise and look forward to working together in future exercises or operations.”

By actively involving residents and fostering mutual understanding, 4 CRPG and the RCN are not only preparing for potential emergencies but building a foundation of trust and co-operation that will benefit all for years to come.

In a world where natural disasters can strike with little warning, the partnership between 4 CRPG and the Navy exemplifies the commitment to safeguarding and supporting remote communities, ensuring they are not left to face challenges alone. Together, they stand ready to respond, serve, and strengthen the ties that bind them to the communities of B.C.

Canadian Rangers with the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group assist with the docking of Patrol Craft Training vessel Grizzly in Port McNeil, B.C. Photo: Capt Keun Kang, Public Affairs Officer, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group