Canada’s Naval Fleet Diving Unit Concludes Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise

Members of the Canadian Navy’s Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) returned to Victoria, B.C., in late October after participating in a two-week Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24) hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy off the coast of Busan, South Korea

Conducted under Operation Horizon, MN-MIWEX 24 had 11 members from FDU(P), alongside two support staff, participate in the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong. The training focused on mine countermeasures and promoting collective deterrence, a recent media announcement noted.

Understanding Mine Warfare Environment in Korean Theatre

During the exercise, the teams conducted drills aimed at detecting and neutralizing mines to establish safe navigation routes, enhancing interoperability among participating nations and improving understanding of the mine warfare environment in the Korean theatre of operations.

“Mine countermeasure exercises are an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to build capacity and engage with countries across the Indo-Pacific,” proclaimed Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. “This supports Canadian strategic objectives such as promoting peace, resilience and security in the region, as well as demonstrating Canada’s commitment to being an active and engaged partner. Deepening our relationship with the Republic of Korea Navy and enhancing collective deterrence between nations aligns with the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This also supports and promotes our goals of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Nations participating alongside FDU(P) on ROKS Cheon Wang Bong included:

• The United States Navy,
• Royal Australian Navy, and
• The Philippine Navy.

Conduct Complex Mine Countermeasures

In total, 19 nations participated in MN-MIWEX 24, with dive teams operating on multiple ships throughout. The exercise also included a mine countermeasures symposium held prior to sailing.

“Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) has been rigorously preparing to conduct complex mine countermeasures operations alongside the Republic of Korea and partner nations,” said Lieutenant Demetris Mousouliotis, Executive Officer of FDU (P). “Participating in international training exercises like Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 is an opportunity to learn from each other and build long-lasting and positive relationships while also showcasing Canadian excellence and professionalism at sea. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our members have put into this exercise, and I am confident that we will continue to increase our readiness and knowledge as a result.”

RCN Clearance Divers

Two members of the diving unit attended a mine countermeasures symposium in Busan, South Korea, from October 14-15, 2024, to begin informative discussions, which continued during the operational phase of the exercise. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles were used to gather information on the precise location of underwater ordnance.

According to the media release, the diving unit’s mission is to provide and maintain assigned warfare, seabed intervention and training capability elements to meet Canadian Armed Forces requirements.

RCN Clearance Divers are highly trained underwater specialists who are responsible for delivering mine-countermeasures diving, maritime explosive ordnance disposal and underwater engineering support worldwide on behalf of the CAF.