Annual northern sovereignty operation to wrap up

Canada’s 12th annual northern sovereignty operation, Operation NANOOK, will come to “another successful” conclusion on Sept. 13, according to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Every year the operation is conducted across Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and the Northwest Passage to enhance Canada’s surveillance and presence across its northernmost regions.

The aims of the exercise are to synchronize operations between land, air, and naval elements, exercise traditional survival skills, and exercise the headquarters’ planning function to overcome complex logistical challenges.

In order to successfully complete their operation, the CAF relies heavily on partnerships with indigenous communities, Canadian Ranger units, and local governments.

“The ability of the Canadian Armed Forces to operate in the Arctic’s uniquely challenging environment is of vital importance to Canada’s overall security and the safety of the North’s communities. Specialized training and experience is needed for these complex military arctic and northern operations, as well as a deep understanding of the terrain and the vast logistical requirements. Our Canadian Rangers work with CAF members to share their valuable knowledge and skills about the North and Arctic, and in return the CAF provides them the means required to remain strong at home in the North. The success of these operations must also be shared with indigenous northern communities and other Government Departments and Agencies operating in the North,” said BGen. Patrick Carpentier, Commander, Joint Task Force (North).

This year’s operation took place in four parts:

• Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT:

• Northwest Territories, March 17-April 01 
  • • • • Main focus: High Arctic winter operations

• Op NANOOK-TATIGIIT:

• Yukon, May 27-June 07
  • • • • Main focus: Wildfire evacuation training

•  Op NANOOK-NUNAKPUT:

• Nunavut, August 11-30
  • • • • Main focus: Presence along and monitoring of Northwest Passage

•  Op NANOOK-TUUGAALIK:

• Northwest Passage, August 09-September 13
  • • • • Main focus: Naval presence along and monitoring of Northwest Passage