HMCS Harry DeWolf makes Operation Caribbe history

HMCS Harry DeWolf’s Commanding Officer, Commander Corey Gleason (right), and Royal Canadian Navy members prepare to enter Port Chiapas (Puerto Chiapas), Mexico, during Operation Caribbe on Nov. 15. Canadian Armed Forces Photos

Lt(N) Lisa Tubb
HMCS Harry DeWolf
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A little history was made recently when HMCS Harry DeWolf became the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship to deploy on Operation Caribbe, and successfully confiscate narcotics in their first drug bust soon after arriving in the operations area.

The interdiction was made by the embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), who are sailing with Harry DeWolf. They are the ones who board and inspect vessels of interest.

Royal Canadian Navy ships and crewmembers provide the LEDET with logistic and transport support. A vital component to boarding parties are the navy boarding vessels; they chase after vessels of interest, which are frequently small, fast-moving boats.

On board Harry DeWolf are two multi-role rescue boats capable of supporting personnel transfers, rescues, and boarding parties. This craft boasts top speeds of 35-plus knots, and is 8.5 metres long, giving Op Caribbe boarding parties enhanced capabilities. A crucial feature of these boats is the C6 gun mount located at the bow of the vessel where a gunner can be positioned to protect their boat crew, and the warship at large as they are deployed forward of Harry DeWolf.

C6 gunners are volunteers from different departments on board Harry DeWolf, and are usually junior members entrusted with a technical and demanding role on the frontline within boarding parties.

Harry DeWolf is currently deployed on Operation Caribbe, Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Naval warships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the multinational mission to suppress trafficking in international waters.

A vessel is set to be destroyed after a drug trafficking interdiction mission as part of Operation Caribbe on Nov. 9. HMCS Harry DeWolf can be seen in the background. Canadian Armed Forces Photo

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