Canadian leadership shines at Pacific Partnership 2026
July 21, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time: 1:37
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Commander Chatelois (Canadian Task Force Commander for Pacific Partnership 2026 Rotation 1), Captain (Navy) Reyes (PP26 Mission Commander) and Commander Goulet (Canadian Task Force Commander for Pacific Partnership 2026 Rotation 2), on 2 April 2026, during the Final Planning Working Group in Portland, Oregon.
By Cdr Geneviève Chatelois
Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) marks an important milestone for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), with Commanders (Cdr) Geneviève Chatelois and Wendy Goulet becoming the first women to lead Canadian contingents during the mission. Cdr Chatelois is serving as Task Force Commander (TFC) for Rotation 1, while Cdr Goulet will assume command for Rotation 2. Together, they will lead Canada’s contribution to this humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission under Operation (Op) HORIZON.
Op HORIZON reflects Canada's commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Through Pacific Partnership, CAF members work with international partners to strengthen relationships, build capacity, and support communities.
This year, Pacific Partnership celebrates its 22nd anniversary. Canada is participating alongside several partner nations, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and the Philippines, while also working with allies and partners such as the United States, Germany, Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.
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Canadian Armed Forces Contingent Commander for Pacific Partnership 26 Rotation 1 – First row: Major Inienwe, Master Sailor Everett; Second row: Commander Chatelois, Major Mark, Corporal Hollinger; Third row: Lieutenant Navy Whitehead, Lieutenant-Colonel Dauphinee, Lieutenant Navy Maynard, Master Corporal Ayala and Lieutenant Commander Mboup, photo taken by Petty Officer First Class Justin Yarborough from US Navy, on 21 June 2026, during the beginning of the Vietnam mission stop in Dong Hoi.
Canada’s contribution focuses on two key areas. The first supports medical outreach, including medical and dental care, health education, and professional development for local partners. The second focuses on host nation outreach, strengthening community relationships through education, cultural engagement, sports, and performances by Canadian musicians as part of the PP26 Band.
Pacific Partnership 2026 has required teams to adapt to evolving needs while maintaining operations across multiple locations. That flexibility, combined with strong collaboration and commitment among partners, has been key to the mission’s success.
“I am exceptionally proud of the Canadian contingent, which includes specialists in logistics, finance, health services, training, chaplaincy, and music”, said Cdr Chatelois, “Together, they demonstrate the professionalism and adaptability that are hallmarks of the CAF.”
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Lieutenant Commander Mboup and Master Corporal Ayala on 16 July 2026, onboard His Majesty's Australian Ship CHOULES in the Pacific Ocean, while transiting from Subic (Philippines) to Sibolga (Indonesia) during Pacific Partnership 26.
A mission of this scale relies on dedicated support personnel working behind the scenes. This support was exemplified by Master Corporal (MCpl) Andrew Ayala, Financial Services Administrator, and Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Maguette Mboup, Logistics Officer, whose efforts have been instrumental to mission success.
MCpl Ayala described Pacific Partnership as a rewarding opportunity to support communities while contributing beyond his core responsibilities. LCdr Mboup highlighted the important role of logistics in enabling operational success.
Pacific Partnership 2026 demonstrates the value of international cooperation and the impact CAF members have when working together in support of shared objectives. Through their leadership, adaptability, and professionalism, the Canadian contingent continues to represent Canada and the CAF on the international stage.