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Operation Nanook 14, the premier annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operation held in Canada’s North, is taking place in Nunavut from Aug. 20 to 29, 2014. The operation is showcasing personnel from all branches of the CAF working in close partnership with federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments and agencies, aboriginal communities, and two other Arctic nations, Denmark and the United States.
“Operations like Nanook enhance the skills of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen, ensuring they remain ready and capable to meet safety and security challenges in Canada’s North,” said Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command. “There is a strong sense of teamwork developed by conducting these operations, while providing opportunities to learn how our partners operate in a realistic environment.”
The operation is centred on two scenario-driven events. A search and rescue exercise (SAREX), held from Aug. 20 to 23 in the Davis Strait, featured a simulated fishing vessel in distress, with Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax leading the SAREX to locate the vessel and survivors. From Aug. 25 to 29, CAF personnel are responding to a simulated 50-passenger cruise ship grounding due to mechanical difficulties.
The CAF is working with a ship from the Royal Danish Navy and a surveillance aircraft from the United States Navy during the SAR portions of Op Nanook that take place in international waters. Both scenarios underline the focus of the CAF at home: exercising sovereignty and supporting the safety and security of Canadians.
The Canadian Rangers, who maintain a constant presence across Canada’s North and are integrated into every northern operation conducted by the CAF, are providing invaluable mentorship and expertise about the land and its challenges to southern-based troops.
“The well-trained and professional personnel of Joint Task Force (North) routinely demonstrate the ability to respond anywhere within the Arctic and maintain a visible presence in support of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty,” said Brigadier-General Greg Loos, Commander, Joint Task Force (North). “These operations are held in different locations every year and are geared towards ensuring we are prepared to work as a team anywhere in the North.”
Other government departments participating in Op Nanook 14 include:
- Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada;
- Canada Border Services Agency;
- Canadian Coast Guard;
- Environment Canada;
- Government of Nunavut;
- National Search and Rescue Secretariat;
- Public Health Agency of Canada;
- Public Safety Canada;
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
- Transport Canada; and
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
“Operation Nanook is the largest Canadian annual operation conducted in the Arctic,” said Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson, “and is focused on exercising our Arctic sovereignty and protecting Canadians by supporting whole-of-government efforts to ensure appropriate responses to safety, security and environmental incidents.”
