Vancouver continues the journey south

Peruvian Prime Minister, Pedro Cateriano crosses the brow to attend a
reception held onboard HMCS Vancouver on Feb. 22.

SLt Sean Catterall, Vancouver UPAR ~

After three days of rest and relaxation ashore in Mexico, Vancouver departed Manzanillo, Mexico, on Feb. 13 and continued south to conduct strategic engagement activities with the Peruvian Navy.

During the second leg of Southploy 2016, Vancouver continued to force generate through various exercises, drills and combat readiness requirements.

Happily, it wasn’t all business as the crew took time to conduct a SwimEx in the 30 degree celsius waters north of the Galapagos Islands. The crew also formed teams to compete in a zodiac race around the ship. The afternoon’s leisure and sport competition was followed up with a banyan and a movie on the flight deck.

Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, the crew set to work painting the ship, landing gash and making preparations for the reception that would be held on the flight deck the following day. Ambassadors from various countries, Peruvian ministers including the Prime Minister, Pedro Cateriano, and the heads of Peru’s army, navy and air force were received by hosts Canadian Ambassador Gwyneth Kutz and Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.

On board, Vancouver’s guests were treated to “Moose Milk” as well as Canadian themed appetizers and desserts. Among the distinguished guests was Capt(N) José San Martín Gómez, the Commanding Officer of BAP Villavisencio. In May 2015, this Lupo Class destroyer visited Esquimalt and the city of Vancouver. As the designated host ship during its visit to Canada, it was a nice opportunity for Vancouver and Villavisencio to be reacquainted again in Lima.

After a three-day port visit, Vancouver returned to sea in company with BAP Villavisencio to participate in a Combined Anti-submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX) and PHOTOEX. Joining the
day’s exercise were two Peruvian submarines, Antofagasta (SS-32) and Pisagua (SS-33). Vancouver’s embarked helicopter, Blackfish, a shore-based Peruvian Sea-king, and Villavisencio’s embarked AB412 helo also joined in the day’s action.

Several members of both ships’ companies benefitted from a ‘cross-pol’ wherein Canadian sailors were taken onboard the Peruvian ship for the day and vice-versa. In all, the exercises were a success in proving our ability to interoperate with the Peruvian Navy at the tactical level.

Up next, Valparaiso, Chile!