Naval Security Team working with the Republic of Fiji Navy
News Release
August 15, 2017 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Naval Security Team (NST) of the Royal Canadian Navy deployed a team of approximately a dozen sailors on August 11 from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to Fiji to conduct force generation training with the Republic of Fiji Navy. The NST will re-deploy on August 20.
This deployment is part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN’s) POSEIDON CUTLASS series of deployments and provides a persistent Canadian Asia Pacific presence and an ongoing opportunity to engage in numerous exercises with regional partner navies at sea. It is also an opportunity to take part in key events and engagements with friends and partners across the region.
The NST is a globally deployable naval team designed primarily to provide enhanced force protection for the safety and security of deployed RCN ships and personnel at home or overseas. This skill set also equips the NST to deploy in support of Government of Canada missions requiring complex coordination with host nations to provide force protection, and support to CAF units or other Canadian or partner assets in foreign ports and waterways.
This deployment, and the POSEIDON CUTLASS series more broadly, demonstrates Canada’s commitment to the Asia Pacific as outlined in Canada’s new defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged. As a Pacific nation and given the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region to Canadian security and prosperity, Canada is committed to being a reliable player through consistent engagements and strong partnerships delivered through activities such as POSEIDON CUTLASS.
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Quotes
“The RCN’s routine Asia Pacific deployments of the POSEIDON CUTLASS series continuously demonstrates Canada’s commitment to our regional friends and partners in this strategically important region. This Naval Security Team deployment is an important element of that effort and offers another excellent opportunity to reinforce our commitment and to underline our persistent presence, while offering an opportunity to enhance our capabilities and improve RCN and Republic of Fiji Navy cooperation and interoperability. I look forward to the Naval Security Team’s continued contributions to our regional objectives during this deployment as the team builds on the success of its inaugural deployment to Korea earlier this summer.”
- Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
“The deployment of the Naval Security Team to Fiji will enable them to collaborate with members of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group to exchange perspectives and lessons learned with the Republic of Fiji Navy. Their participation in exercises, demonstrations and discussions will be an invaluable opportunity to strengthen relations and further develop Naval Security Team capabilities and those of the host nation’s participating forces.
- Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific
Quick Facts
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The RCN is proud to represent Canada internationally and to support the Government’s commitment to work with our partners in the Asia Pacific region to promote security and stability across the globe. Canada’s presence in the region serves to enhance the RCN’s operational readiness and interoperability with our allies and partners.
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The NST is a deployable and scalable naval team designed to provide enhanced force protection capability to deployed units in support of Government of Canada missions. The NST strives to anticipate, dissuade and provide an adaptable response to maritime threats, as well as integrate its operations in consultation with port authorities to support the CAF as required.
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Previously, the NST successfully deployed to Korea in June in support of HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Ottawa’s five-month deployment on POSEIDON CUTLASS 17.
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POSEIDON CUTLASS deployments demonstrate the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region and reinforce Canada’s commitment to the maintenance of regional peace and security. They provide opportunities to engage with regional partner navies through participation in exercises, key events and engagements in ports across the region.
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POSEIDON CUTLASS helps to foster relationships, friendships, and ultimately, trust.
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