U.S. Second Fleet Teams Up with Global Allies for Operation Nanook 2024

Operation Nanook (OP NANOOK), an annual Arctic exercise led by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), aims to assess the operational abilities of multinational forces in the challenging Arctic environment. The United States, with a longstanding partnership with Canada, contributes advanced maritime tools to the operation, enhancing the region’s maritime homeland defense capabilities.

“Canada is one of the U.S.’s closest neighbors, and we share a collective interest in homeland defense,” stated Vice Adm. Doug Perry, Commander, U.S. Second Fleet. “The mission of the Second Fleet extends beyond our coastal waters, and our ability to provide assets across the Atlantic is critical. We are good neighbors and strong partners. When the call comes from our allies, Second Fleet is ready to fight in any environment.”

The U.S. Second Fleet (C2F) plays a crucial role in Arctic operations as part of a comprehensive strategy involving joint, interagency, and multinational activities to defend Canada and secure northern regions. C2F’s participation in OP NANOOK underscores its commitment to Arctic stability and North American homeland defense.

Earlier this year, C2F demonstrated global readiness during Arctic operations in Steadfast Defender 2024. This exercise reinforced its role in Arctic defense, highlighting the fleet’s adaptability and dedication to safeguarding the region.

“The NATO alliance is strong, and our collective navies are adaptable, interchangeable, and always ready,” said Canadian Rear Admiral David Patchell, Vice Commander U.S. Second Fleet and recent Commander of Task Force-North during Steadfast Defender 2024. “Each time we exercise with our partners in the Atlantic and Arctic, it makes us stronger and more capable. Training in the North is vital due to its unique operational challenges.”

The maritime segment of OP NANOOK aims to enhance polar interoperability among the Royal Canadian Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Royal Danish Navy. They will conduct various exercises, including Maritime Interdiction Operations, boarding drills, gunnery exercises, search and rescue simulations, damage control scenarios, and fleet maneuver drills in northern Arctic waters, including transits near Nuuk, Greenland.

“U.S. Second Fleet brings extensive command and control capability, expertise, and mission sets to any maritime operation,” remarked Patchell. “Exercises like OP NANOOK demonstrate our enduring commitment to the Arctic and offer invaluable insights into the capabilities of participating nations, enhancing our collective operational readiness.”

Participating units include the Canadian Harry DeWolf-Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMCS Margaret Brooke and HMCS Harry DeWolf; Danish Knud Rasmussen-Class Patrol Vessel, HDMS Lauge Koch; U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Northland; and U.S. Navy’s USS Delbert D. Black.

With the Arctic environment changing and increasing maritime traffic, the Navy emphasizes environmental stewardship. Strong defense relations with Arctic allies provide a collective deterrent against strategic challenges. OP NANOOK-Tuugaalik, the maritime component of the exercise, showcases the operational readiness and capabilities of the U.S. and Royal Canadian Navy in extreme Arctic conditions, safeguarding shared interests.

The U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to global security changes, develops and employs maritime forces ready to operate across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic. Their mission ensures access, deters aggression, and defends U.S., allied, and partner interests.