NR - 11.02 - September 1, 2011
OTTAWA – Operation Nanook 11 concluded today as the last of the Canadian Forces (CF) contingent departed Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Following the tragic crash of First Air Flight 6560 on 20 August 2011, military resources and efforts were dedicated to providing assistance with the rescue, recovery, and investigation.
“Out of respect for the families and friends of those affected by the tragic First Air Flight 6560 crash, Operation Nanook was concluded,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “I am tremendously impressed by the professionalism of the Canadian Forces and first responders for their swift response to this emergency. Our sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those who perished in the crash of First Air Flight 6560.”
The CF conducted perimeter security while CF Rangers provided predator control around the crash site while the RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board conducted their investigation.
“The Canadian Forces remained in the community of Resolute Bay and provided support where needed until the investigation into the crash was concluded,” said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Canadians can be proud of the work their military was doing in the North, not only in cooperation with other Canadian government departments, agencies and northern communities, but also by working closely with our international Arctic partners.”
More than 1,100 members of the Canadian Forces took part in this year operations across the High Arctic in cooperation with other government departments and international partners.
“This operation saw the first deployment of Canadian Forces UAVs in the High Arctic with combined maritime operations with Canadian and Danish warships, and a United States Coast Guard cutter,” said Lieutenant-General Walter Semianiw. “Survival and weapons training with the Arctic Response Company Group and 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group took place, as well as four days of CF-18 tactical air support for maritime operations exercises off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he added.
During Op Nanook 11, CF personnel from 14 Construction Engineering Squadron from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia completed the construction of a corrugated steel structure warehouse which will remain in Resolute Bay to increase the capability of future CF operations in the North.
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Notes to editor / news director: Still and video imagery of this operation can be found at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca or http://www.canadacom.forces.gc.ca/op-ps/nanook-2011-eng.asp
Contact information: 1-866-377-0811 / 613-996-2353 or www.forces.gc.ca
