Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf departed from its homeport of Halifax, N.S., for the 2023 iteration of the annual sovereignty Arctic deployment, Operation Nanook.

“Sending Royal Canadian Navy ships like HMCS Harry DeWolf on Operation Nanook represents Canada’s ongoing commitment to operating effectively in the North. This operation strengthens the Canadian Armed Forces, improves its regional knowledge, improves its ability to work with fellow Arctic nations and key allies, and fortifies its close partnerships with federal, territorial, and local communities.”

Commodore Trevor MacLean, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic

“The officers and sailors of HMCS Harry DeWolf are extremely proud to be deploying on Operation Nanook and to lead the Maritime Task Group of a multinational exercise. As economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges in this theatre of operations continue to evolve, having a regular and persistent Royal Canadian Navy presence in the Arctic, and maintaining and strengthening the ability to work with Arctic and like-minded partners, is more important than ever.”

Commander Guillaume Côté, Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Harry DeWolf

• Participation by HMC Ships on Operation Nanook represents Canada’s ongoing contribution and commitment to helping ensure CAF readiness to operate in the North and improve interoperability with mission partners. The RCN has deployed sailors and vessels annually since the operation began in 2007.

• Operation Nanook demonstrates the RCN’s capability to deploy forces in the Arctic and contributes to maritime domain awareness by conducting presence patrols along the Northwest Passage. Additionally, Operation Nanook provides opportunities for RCN sailors to collaborate and foster interoperability with regional government of Canada partners and local experts who live and operate in Canada’s Arctic.

• Operation Nanook is segmented into Nanook -Tuugaalik, from August 8 to August 25, and Nanook- Nunakput from August 27 to September 9.

• Operation Nanook -Tuugaalik sees HMCS Harry DeWolf conducting maritime exercises in Canadian waters alongside United States Coast Guard Cutter Forward, French Navy Ship Garonne, Her Majesty’s Danish Ship Lauge Koch, and United States Ship Oscar Austin.

• Operation Nanook- Nunakput sees HMCS Harry DeWolf conducting maritime activity that will include presence patrols, community visits and support to the research of Department of Research and Development Canada scientists.

Associated links

• Operation NANOOK
• Royal Canadian Navy
• Royal Canadian Navy Twitter Account
• Royal Canadian Navy Facebook Account

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca