Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf and its crew arrived at their home port in Halifax, Nova Scotia, returning to their families and loved ones after a highly successful deployment to the Caribbean Sea.

“I am extremely proud of the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Harry DeWolf. During their deployment on Operation CARIBBE, their professional excellence exemplified our ability to bulwark maritime security in an important multinational environment. This partnership between the United States Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy, to combat the dangerous traffic of illicit narcotics, showcases the ongoing collaboration between Canada and the United States to keep North America protected. We look forward to continuing to operate closely alongside our American allies to collectively safeguard continental security.”

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Component Command and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic

"As the Commanding Officer of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Harry DeWolf, I am immensely proud of our crew's dedication and professionalism during Operation CARIBBE. Our successful seizure of 750 kilograms of cocaine, in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard and Caribbean regional partners, underscores the strength of our longstanding security relationships and our shared commitment to continental protection. This operation not only highlights our ability to disrupt illicit drug trafficking but also reinforces the importance of our joint efforts in maintaining regional security."

Commander Jon Nicholson, Commanding Officer, HMCS Harry DeWolf

• Operation CARIBBE, part of the broader US-led Operation MARTILLO, is Canada's contribution to counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

• The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deploy RCN ships and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft to the region, on a rotational basis, to support the multinational mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters. 

• Operation CARIBBE underscores Canada's commitment to address collective security challenges in the region, support international efforts to combat organized crime, and disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into North America.

• Commissioned on June 26, 2021, HMCS Harry DeWolf is the lead ship of Harry DeWolf-class. This recent deployment was the second time HMCS Harry DeWolf participated in Operation CARIBBE.

• In 2010, Canada and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing USCG LEDETs to operate from RCN ships and aircraft during Operation CARIBBE. Embarking these highly trained teams on RCN ships allows the CAF to better support this combined counter-narcotics effort.

• Over the past seventeen years, the CAF has contributed to the disruption or seizure of more than 123 metric tonnes of cocaine. In 2024 alone, HMC Ships Margaret Brooke, Summerside, Edmonton, and Yellowknife interdicted 2,710 kilograms of contraband and illicit substances through Operation CARIBBE. 

Associated links

• Significant seizure of illegal narcotics by HMCS Harry DeWolf as part of Operation CARIBBE
• Operation CARIBBE
• Harry DeWolf-class
• Canadian Joint Operations Command Facebook Page
• Canadian Joint Operations Command Instagram Page
• Royal Canadian Navy Facebook Page
• Royal Canadian Navy Instagram Page
• HMCS Harry DeWolf Facebook Page
• HMCS Harry DeWolf Instagram Page

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