Operation NUNAKPUT 2017 concludes in Hay River, Northwest Territories

Press Release

July 20, 2017 – Yellowknife, N.W.T. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have successfully concluded Operation NUNAKPUT 2017 after nearly four weeks of presence and domain operations across the Northwest Territories.

Approximately 140 personnel from the CAF and other government departments and agencies were deployed throughout the Northwest Territories. During the operation, Task Force NUNAKPUT conducted land and waterborne operations in order to demonstrate Joint Task Force (North)’s ability to project a military presence and maintain awareness within the Northwest Territories area of responsibility.

The CAF regularly conducts operations and exercises to maintain a visible and persistent regional presence in Canada’s North. Strong, Secure, Engaged,Canada’s new defence policy, will enhance the CAF’s presence and ability to operate in the North while building whole-of-government capacity to ensure regional safety and security.

Quotes

“Led by Joint Task Force (North), deployed Canadian Armed Forces members and other government departments and agencies members, have successfully completed Operation NUNAKPUT 2017. This operation provided both a unique opportunity for many of our members to operate on Canada’s Northern internal waterways during summer, as well as occasions to develop common operating procedures with other governmental agencies.”

Brigadier-General Mike Nixon, Commander Joint Task Force (North)

Quick Facts

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) deployed three Inshore Jet Boats (32-foot patrol boats) and 15 personnel from Yellowknife to Tuktoyaktuk. Transiting Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie River, the RCN, with help from the 1^stCanadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG), conducted domain awareness on 4,100 km of inland waterways.
The Canadian Army deployed 105 personnel from 1 CRPG; 2^nd Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment; 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR); and 38 Canadian Brigade Group (38 CBG). Canadian Army elements patrolled over 1,700 kilometers of inland waterways across the Northwest Territories.
1 CRPG supported the RCN by establishing camps at each overnight location along the Mackenzie River. In addition, 1 CRPG deployed a Forward Command Post to Tulita to coordinate movement of all elements.
Royal 22^e Régiment and Canadian Rangers conducted land and waterborne surveillance patrols along the Great Bear River between Deline and Tulita. They also cleaned up an austere landing strip located near the Great Bear River. It had been more than 20 years since a good clean up had been done on the spot. The reopening of the runway will be an asset to the communities for the servicing of local cell phone towers and emergency preparedness due to forest fires.
1 CRPG, the RCN, 4 ESR, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducted joint training in the vicinity of Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk. Training focused on navigation through river systems, and search and rescue techniques.
A team from 38 CBG in Winnipeg, Man., conducted a disaster preparation assessment in Hay River, N.W.T., in order to determine the community’s ability to support an evacuation of a local community in the event of a community emergency due to forest fires.
Two Royal Canadian Air Force CC-138 Twin Otters from 440 (Transport) Squadron, based in Yellowknife, N.W.T., flew 50 hours to transport personnel and supplies throughout the operation. 440 Squadron also supported Fisheries and Oceans Canada by conducting patrols for illegal fishing.
Approximately 15 other government department and agencies members, such as the RCMP, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Government of Northwest Territories deployed with CAF members.