The 10th edition of Operation NANOOK, Canada’s most significant annual northern sovereignty operation, has come to a close.
This year saw over 900 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Other Government Departments and Agencies (OGDA) participated in Operation NANOOK 2017 across two locations in northern Labrador and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
Operation NANOOK aims to enhance Canada’s surveillance and presence across its northernmost regions, strengthening the coordination in whole-of-government operations and the way Canada’s military operates in northern conditions.
In addition, it provides the CAF opportunities to work with mission partners to determine how best to respond to safety and security issues in the north.
For the first time, Operation NANOOK consisted of two scenarios conducted by two separate Regional Joint Task Forces.
The scenario conducted by Joint Task Force (North) was to respond to a simulated barge fire and explosion around Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, while the Joint Task Force (Atlantic) tackled a security scenario in northern Labrador whereby a NORAD north warning system station ceased functioning.
Brigadier-General Mike Nixon, Commander, Joint Task Force (North) said: “Canada’s North has its unique challenges; cooperation and meticulous coordination between governmental departments and different levels of government are essential to ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians in the north. Operation NANOOK is the platform where northern stakeholders can identify the best means of responding to a crisis.
“I am proud of our men and women in uniform who worked diligently alongside their whole-of-government partners to support the community and contribute to the success of the 10th annual Operation NANOOK. Their rapid and professional response to requests for assistance during the simulated emergency scenario demonstrate that Joint Task Force (North) is prepared and ready to respond to a real-life crisis in a timely manner in the north.”
image © Corporal (Cpl) Tony Chand
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