4 CRPG and Royal Canadian Navy conduct emergency response exercise

November 7, 2024 - CR Tracy Guenard, 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

In a demonstration of collaboration, interoperability and commitment to community resilience, the 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) joined forces with the Royal Canadian Navy for a simulated earthquake response exercise.

Exercise SEA RANGER 2, which took place from Sept. 23 to 25, simulated a 7.2‑magnitude earthquake just north of Port Hardy, B.C., and aimed to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to natural disasters in remote maritime communities around Alert Bay and the Broughton Archipelago. Through this exercise, 4 CRPG and the Navy were able to showcase the military's capacity to support Canada during the natural disasters.

With local authorities overwhelmed in the wake of the simulated earthquake response exercise, the Canadian Rangers demonstrated a proactive approach to emergency management and reinforced the military's role as a key player in humanitarian efforts across Vancouver Island and its surrounding areas. The exercise emphasized military readiness for domestic operations and the importance of fostering strong relationships with the communities they serve.

During the exercise, 4 CRPG focused on strengthening their skills in search and rescue, wilderness first aid, damage assessment, disaster area management, and predator control, through various realistic scenario-based exercises. They also showed heir ability to assess hazards and damaged infrastructure, as well as build structures to reinforce collapsing buildings while attending to injured personnel.

The Navy team who aided in transporting 4 CRPG members during Ex SEA RANGER 2 consisted of personnel from the Patrol Craft Training Unit and other sailors from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. Their collective expertise proved pivotal in transporting the 4 CRPG members to affected areas and ensuring adequate emergency response strategies were in place. These are crucial in isolated locations where they may lack immediate access to resources and support during a crisis.

"Working alongside the Canadian Rangers of British Columbia opens new doors for collaboration and training, utilizing the unique strengths of both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Rangers to unlock untapped potential in these remote regions," said Commander Pellerin, who as Commanding Officer Patrol Craft Training Grizzly led the Navy’s effort during this exercise.

As the exercise unfolded, the emphasis on community engagement remained at the forefront, as did the collaboration between 4 CRPG and the Navy, explained Major Robinson, who as Officer Commanding 4 CRPG A Company led the Canadian Rangers during the exercise.