And they’re off to RIMPAC 2020

HMCS Regina sails out of Esquimalt Harbour.
Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services

DND ~

The first group of Canadian military participants in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020 began their transit to the waters off the Hawaiian archipelago last Friday when the crew of HMCS Regina set sail from CFB Esquimalt. 

The second warship comprising Canada’s maritime task group, HMCS Winnipeg, departed Sunday, Aug. 2 and will join Regina at sea.  Both warships will be augmented by Cyclone air detachments from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.

“Our very ability to participate in this exercise during a period of restricted international travel demonstrates the inherent flexibility of maritime forces,” said Captain (Navy) Scott Robinson, Canadian Task Group Commander. “We look forward to working alongside allies and partners to foster trust while strengthening our operational capabilities.”

In order to address health and safety concerns posed by the current global pandemic, U.S. Navy organizers have redesigned this year’s exercise to focus exclusively on the maritime element.

Hosted biennially by U.S. Navy in and around the Hawaiian Islands, RIMPAC is one of the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise.  Canada has participated in every RIMPAC since it began in 1971.  RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th edition and is scheduled from Aug. 17 to 31.

“Canadians recognize our security and prosperity are increasingly affected by events across the Asia-Pacific,” said Commodore Angus Topshee, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. “Our longstanding participation in RIMPAC reflects our commitment to developing constructive multilateral partnerships in order to promote peace and security in the region.”

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Edited Aug 4, 2020

HMCS Regina, HMCS Winnipeg along with Cyclone Helicopters BRONCO and REBEL will be sailing and flying past Victoria and Esquimalt Lagoon on Thursday Aug 6th between 4:30 and 5:30pm. Main viewing points will be:

Clover Point (approx. 4:45pm)
Ogden Point (approx. 5:00pm)
Saxe Point (approx. 5:05pm)
Esquimalt Lagoon (approx. 5:15pm)