Canadian Armed Forces successfully concludes Operation NUNALIVUT 2016
Press Release
April 22, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
More than 230 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel completed Operation NUNALIVUT 2016 (Op NU 16) today, a sovereignty operation conducted in Canada’s High Arctic from April 1 to 22 near Alert and Resolute Bay, Nunavut.
The three-week operation provided an opportunity for the CAF to exercise Canada’s sovereignty over its northernmost regions, demonstrate its ability to operate in the harsh winter environment in remote areas of the High Arctic, and enhance its capability to respond to any situation in Canada’s North. Op NU 16 also allowed the CAF to provide meaningful support to scientific research in the Arctic and to demonstrate interoperability with military allies.
Quotes
“It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to command Operation NUNALIVUT 2016. I am extremely proud of the exceptional skills and capabilities that our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen have demonstrated in this unique and challenging environment. I feel privileged that I was able to be a part of this operation and to know that we have contributed to maintaining Canadian sovereignty in the High Arctic.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Halfkenny, Commanding Officer, Task Force NUNALIVUT 2016
Quick Facts
- Canadian soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment and the 4th Canadian Division Arctic Response Company Group, aided by Canadian Rangers from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, established an austere base camp on Little Cornwallis Island and conducted long-range patrols in the high Arctic.
- Clearance and Port Inspection Divers, from the Royal Canadian Navy’s Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic), conducted fresh- and salt-water dives beneath thick, multi-year Arctic ice near CFS Alert.
- Defence scientists and technicians from Defence Research and Development Canada completed successful trials on prototype vehicles, garnering valuable feedback from deployed personnel concerning the vehicles’ ability to operate in extreme conditions.
- International participants in Op NU 16 included personnel from the U.S. Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing, from New York, and personnel from the Danish Sirius Patrol, all sharing a common Arctic experience and contributing to future interoperability.
- Op NU 16 was supported by the Canadian Forces Joint Operational Support Group and airmen and airwomen from across the Royal Canadian Air Force, including Yellowknife-based 440 (Transport) Squadron.
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Contacts
Major Josée Bilodeau
Task Force NUNALIVUT Sr Public Affairs Officer
Email: mailto:Josee.bilodeau@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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