Warships set sail for TGEX

More than 500 sailors from HMC Ships Calgary, Winnipeg, Brandon and Yellowknife have departed Esquimalt harbour last week to take part in operations and exercises off the coast of Southern California.

Supported by two CH-124 Sea King helicopters from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, the ships will participate in a Task Group Exercise (TGEX) with the United States Navy and Japanese Maritime Self–Defense Force from Oct. 20 to 31.  

“The Canadian Pacific Fleet routinely conducts operations and exercises with partner nations. The high-tempo training builds strong bilateral and multilateral ties between the Royal Canadian Navy and the navies of other nations,” said Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.

The aim of Task Group Exercises are to enhance combat readiness while improving interoperability and tactical excellence. This specific TGEX will focus on interoperability between the Royal Canadian Navy, United States Navy, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is hosted by the United States Navy’s 3rd Fleet. 

Before the commencement of TGEX, HMC Ships Brandon, Yellowknife, and Calgary will participate in San Francisco Fleet Week – a tradition in which active navy ships dock in a major city for several days for military demonstrations, airshows, and guided tours of the ships.

On completion of TGEX, Yellowknife and Brandon will join Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to Operation Martillo, a U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South-led interagency and multinational effort among Western Hemisphere and European nations, designed to improve regional security and deter criminal activity. As part of Operation Caribbe, the Canadian Armed Forces support multinational efforts to address illicit trafficking by providing naval and air capabilities to detect and monitor suspect activities on the water off the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Central America.