HMCS Shawinigan home after a successful mission

HMCS Shawinigan returned home to HMC Dockyard in Halifax on Aug. 9 after a
successful Operation Caribbe deployment. Photo: MARLANT PA

Crewmembers commended for Operation Caribbe counter-narcotics efforts

Joanie Veitch
Trident Newspaper
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There was much to celebrate as HMCS Shawinigan returned to Halifax on Aug. 9, such as their successful and historic counter-narcotics operation, and the ship arriving home to handmade signs and hugs from family and friends at one of the first in-person reunions since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Everyone knows in the military we’re only who we are because of the strength behind us and that’s our families,” said Cdr Bill Sanson, Shawinigan Commanding Officer. “So, having everybody here to welcome us home like this gives you that tingle up your spine.”

Since leaving its homeport on June 2, Shawinigan has been on a 10-week deployment in the Caribbean Sea with Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to a US-led multi-national counter-narcotics operation under Joint Interagency Task Force South.

Working with the Law Enforcement Detachment of the United States Coast Guard Southeast, the crew of Shawinigan intercepted nearly 2,800 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $70 million USD in four interdictions in the Caribbean Sea.

The first two raids took place between July 12 and 13 and resulted in the seizure of almost 1,350 kg of cocaine. Another 675 kg of cocaine was seized on July 18 after crewmembers boarded a small vessel, with an additional 774 kg intercepted in another raid on July 21.

“As you can imagine, finding a small boat in the Caribbean that does not want to be found is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” said Cdr Sanson, speaking at a news conference held by US and Canadian officials on Aug. 5 at Port Everglades in Florida, where the drugs were off-loaded.

“Four seizures in 10 days is extraordinary, as is the effort put forth by everyone on this team. But none of this surprises me, knowing what I know about all these sailors,” he added. “I’m proud of them, and you should be proud of what they’ve done. Their unwavering professionalism alongside our partners made this happen.”

The ship’s company of HMCS Shawinigan is seen with illegal drug contraband seized during Operation Caribbe in the Caribbean Sea on July 21. CAF Photo

The effort represents the largest illicit drug offload in Coast Guard history, added VAdm Steven Poulin, Atlantic area commander with the US Coast Guard.

“It’s historic. It’s the result of the combined efforts of our interagency partners and a dedicated international coalition,” he said. “I want to congratulate and thank Canada for their efforts. The Canadian government and the Canadian defence force brings an incredible capability in defeating transnational organized crime. I’m grateful to HMCS Shawinigan, that they could be here as well to showcase Canada’s commitment.”

As part of Operation Caribbe, the Canadian Armed Forces support multinational efforts to address drug trafficking in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coast of Central America by providing naval and air capabilities to detect and monitor suspect activities.

The results of this most recent counter-narcotics operation demonstrate the strength that comes from working together, said MGen Paul Ormsby, Canadian Defence Attaché in Washington.

“We know that no nation can do it alone and we know that we are stronger together,” he said.

After a successful completion of their mission, Cdr Sanson said the ship’s company was looking forward to a well-earned rest at home.

“Everyone is really happy to be reunited with their families and get back to normal a little bit. They really deserve it.”

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