Operation NANOOK, the largest sovereignty operation in Canada’s North, began this week in Iqaluit. The objectives of Operation NANOOK are to improve Canada’s military response in the Arctic, whether that be related to intergovernmental coordination or emergency response. The eighth annual event will include a number of military exercises, culminating in an elaborate fake cruise ship crash.
SAR techs from 103 Squadron aboard a CH-149 Cormorant conduct a HOISTEX with the crew of HMCS Shawinigan #OpNANOOK 14 pic.twitter.com/Nl4Jd2NqOm
— JointTaskForceNorth (@JointTaskForceN) August 23, 2014
The nine-day training session has brought nearly 800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to our town, effectively increasing Iqaluit’s population by just over 10%. There are makeshift barracks tucked in all around town (even one near the dump fire) and waves of camo-clad women and men snapping photos (camouflage is, ironically, the best way to stand out in a crowd pretty much anywhere except battlefields/hunting down south). No surprise then, that Operation NANOOK’s coordinators planned a Community Day to introduce themselves to Iqalummiut in an official, proper fashion.
Community Day. Today is a good opportunity to meet with the people of the community of #Iqaluit #OpNANOOK 14
— JointTaskForceNorth (@JointTaskForceN) August 23, 2014
The events began in front of the Nakasuk School, where attendees were able to get up close and personal with a CH-146 Griffon chopper, chat with visiting troops, and learn basic first aid.
Happy to have shared some time with the people of #Iqaluit. Qujannamiik for your hospitality #OpNANOOK 14 pic.twitter.com/5I1V1duR5U
— JointTaskForceNorth (@JointTaskForceN) August 23, 2014
We arrived at Nakasuk just in time to see the heli lift off and have a spirited discussion about the necessity for army-issued long underwear with a few cold-but-cheerful servicemen.
A few friendly faces and a Griffon.
Troops doing a scan of the schoolyard for litter.
The Griffon hovering over the Nakasuk School.
Following the short air show, we headed down to the causeway, planning to take part in a tour of the HMCS Shawinigan, which is currently anchored in Frobisher Bay.
Great shot of #HMCS #Shawinigan and #CCGS Larry Harsen at the anchor in Frobisher Bay during #OpNANOOK 14 #Iqaluit pic.twitter.com/eIHatgcVCp
— MARLANT (@RCN_MARLANT) August 23, 2014
Iqalummiut boarding a Coast Guard zodiac, en route to the HMCS Shawinigan.
Unfortunately, we were a little late to catch the final zodiac and thus did not get a tour of the ship. Too bad, but at least it gives us something to look forward to for Operation NANOOK 2015! Bring on the boats!
Thank you to all the lovely people of the Canadian Armed Forces who hosted this Community Day! We hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful city and thank you, as always, for your service.
Check out the hashtag #OpNANOOK for more photos from this year’s Operation NANOOK exercise!
Let a few BC Rangers participate!