Royal Canadian Navy strengthens ties with Tunisian Navy
News Release
March 3, 2017 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) just concluded a four-day joint training engagement with the Tunisian Navy (TN) in the vicinity of the Tunis and Bizerte Main Naval Bases.
As part of this engagement, the Maritime Tactical Operations Group of the RCN — a team of naval specialists in boarding at sea — worked with the TN to further develop professional relationships. As well, they exchanged information on techniques and procedures used in maritime security operations.
Like many other bi-national relationships, these small-scale engagement opportunities, exercises, and personnel exchanges help both the RCN and the TN increase their level of interoperability and allow for valuable military learning by both navies.
Quotes
“This was an outstanding opportunity to not only deepen our bilateral relationship with a partner African country, but to also to use the newly developed Enhanced Naval Boarding Party to contribute to regional security. It is exciting to witness the global reach and effect of inspired young Royal Canadian Navy sailors serving Canada’s national interests.”
Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic
Quick Facts
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This is not the RCN’s first interaction with the TN. In February 2016, three officers from the RCN travelled to Tunisia to conduct an initial needs assessment and liaison visit with leadership and various elements of the TN. The visit was a key opportunity to interact with the TN and identify potential areas where both navies could benefit from an exchange of personnel, training, and best practices.
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The Maritime Tactical Operation Group’s Enhanced Naval Boarding Party capability provides the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCN with the agility, flexibility, and tactical expertise to confront and deter a variety of threats in high-risk maritime operational environments.
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Enhanced Naval Boarding Parties are specially-trained teams that can deploy onboard a variety of vessels, including Halifax-class frigates, and that also deploy ashore on operations. Teams are trained in hand-to-hand combat, improvised explosive device identification, close quarters fighting, and tactical shooting.
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The RCN routinely conducts international maritime training. This high-tempo joint training strengthens ties and understanding among global partners, aids in capacity-building, and helps improve its ability to successfully work together on multinational operations and missions.
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The RCN is a globally deployable, multi-mission capable enterprise readily available to meet the strategic priorities of the government of Canada both home and abroad.
Associated Links
Contacts
Lt (N) Len Hickey
MARLANT Public Affairs
Phone: 902-427-6911
E-mail: Len.Hickey@forces.gc.ca
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