Operation Nunakput 2016 begins in Yellowknife

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) began Operation NUNAKPUT 2016 today in Yellowknife.

Running until July 20, Op NUNAKPUT (Op NK 16) is an annual sovereignty operation conducted along the MacKenzie River and is held in conjunction with several other federal government departments and supporting agencies.

“On behalf of the CAF, I am proud of the contribution our military members make during Operation NUNAKPUT, in coordination with our federal and territorial partners, promoting the safety and security of Canadians living and travelling on water throughout the Great Slave Lake and Mackenzie River regions of the NWT,” said BGen. Mike Nixon, Commanding Officer, Joint Task Force (North).

Focusing on the South MacKenzie River and Great Slave Lake Regions, Op NK 16 will consist of maritime patrols, training opportunities, and community engagements. In addition, search and rescue (SAR) training, small boat operator training for Rangers, marine patrolling and training and community events will be held in coordination with Northern partners.

This year’s participants include members of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG), the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, including Yellowknife-based 440 (Transport) Squadron, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada, Department of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).

“Op NK 16 demonstrates and enhances the CAF’s ability to operate in the North while asserting our sovereignty. It allows the CAF the opportunity to exercise interoperability with our Northern partners, to give participants an opportunity to engage with Northern communities, and to showcase CAF activity in the North,” stated a Department of National Defence/ CAF press release.

Image: Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories. 14 July 2015 – Captain Chris Carthew from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group discusses the operation with a Canadian Ranger in Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories, during Operation NUNAKPUT. This year, Operation NUNAKPUT is being held in cooperation with the RCMP-led Operation GATEWAY 2015. (Photo by PO2 Belinda Jeromchuk Joint Task Force (North) Public Affairs)