Ricky Vienneau (left) and Michael Simms, Defence Research Development Canada members deployed with Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) on Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, prepare a hot water drill rod to create a dive site on Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife, NT, March 1, 2021. (Photo: Corporal Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces)
MEDIA RELEASE – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
More than 200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel from across Canada will take part in Operation (Op) NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, between February 14 and 28, 2022, in Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
Participating CAF members will work together with armed forces members from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to conduct activities including joint long range patrols, complex logistical support, and under ice diving activities, all of which help hone unique skillsets and enhance our ability to operate in the extreme weather conditions of this unique environment in the High Arctic.
At its core and in line with the Government of Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and its Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT strengthens the CAF’s presence in the Arctic over the longer-term while also enhancing our knowledge of this vital region and reinforcing our close partnerships with federal and territorial governments and agencies, and Indigenous and Northern communities. It also allows us to work hand-in-hand with our fellow Arctic nations and key non-Arctic Allies and partners in joint activities to ensurethe region remains a low tension zone of global cooperation where the rules-based international order is preserved.
All deployed CAF personnel will adhere to strict Territorial and Department of National Defence COVID-19 health protection measures.
Quotes
“Engagements and operations in the North with our Allies and regional partners build mutual understanding, enhance the already robust operational readiness of the CAF in our Arctic regions, and contribute to regional security and stability. The long-running, enduring successes of these annual multinational northern operations is testament to that fact. Our soldiers, sailors, and aviators engage in some of the most challenging climate in the world during Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT – and prove time and time again that they not only meet that challenge, but exceed it.”
Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command
“Operation NANOOK-NUNALIVUT allows us to demonstrate our capacity to manoeuvre and sustain our forces in the austere Canadian Arctic environment. NUNALIVUT is the only NANOOK operation that occurs in the winter months, and by rotating locations each year we benefit from training in vast and diverse Arctic settings. The Task Force will face the challenge of harsh conditions and extreme cold, but we are committed to demonstrating our ability to adapt and respond to a variety of situations in the North. This year’s activities will provide an opportunity for us to engage with Allied militaries and deepen our relationships with the local Indigenous communities in the region.”
Brigadier-General J.P.P Godbout, Commander, Joint Task Force (North)
Quick Facts
- Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT has been conducted annually since 2006 in various locations throughout Canada’s North.
- CAF participation in this year’s iteration of Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT includes Regular and Reserve Force personnel from the following units:
-
- 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group members;
- Primary Reserve units under 38 Canadian Brigade Group, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba;
- Royal Canadian Navy Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic divers, from Halifax, Nova Scotia;
- Port Inspection Divers from the Naval Reserve and Combat Divers from 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown, New Brunswick;
- Joint Task Force (North) Support Component; and
- 440 (Transport) Squadron, based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT also provides a key platform to enable research elements from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and Assistant Deputy Minister (Science and Technology) (ADM(S&T)) to enhance the capabilities of the CAF.
