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

Operation Nanook (OP NANOOK), spearheaded by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), is an annual exercise that rigorously tests multinational forces’ capacity to operate in the challenging Arctic environment. The United States, through its sustained partnership with Canada, brings advanced maritime capabilities to the operation, enhancing both countries’ defense operations.

“Canada is one of the U.S.’s closest neighbors, and we share a collective interest in homeland defense,” remarked Vice Admiral Doug Perry, Commander of the 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.”

Maritime homeland defense remains a core mission of the U.S. Second Fleet (C2F), contributing to a comprehensive series of joint, interagency, and multinational activities to safeguard Canada and secure northern regions. In conjunction with its allies and partners, C2F plays a pivotal role in preserving the Arctic as a stable region, ensuring the defense of the North American homeland. Annually partaking in OP NANOOK, C2F reinforces these alliances and showcases U.S. capabilities in Arctic operations.

Earlier this year, C2F demonstrated its global readiness with Arctic operations during Steadfast Defender 2024. This event underscored the fleet’s adaptability and its commitment to protecting the Arctic region.

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

The maritime segment of OP NANOOK will boost interoperability between the Royal Canadian Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and the Royal Danish Navy. Exercises will include Maritime Interdiction Operations, boarding drills, gunnery practices, search and rescue simulations, damage control scenarios, and fleet maneuvers in northern Arctic waters near Nuuk, Greenland.

“U.S. Second Fleet brings a wide range of command and control capability, expertise, and mission sets to any maritime operation,” Patchell emphasized. “Exercises like OP NANOOK showcase our enduring commitment to the Arctic, providing invaluable insights into the capabilities and tactics of participating nations, thus enhancing our collective Northern operational readiness.”

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

As the Arctic environment evolves with increased maritime traffic, both military and commercial, the Navy is dedicated to environmental stewardship. Robust defense relations with Arctic allies act as a collective deterrent against strategic threats. OP NANOOK-Tuugaalik, the maritime segment of the exercise, demonstrates the U.S. and Royal Canadian Navy’s proficiency in extreme Arctic conditions, ensuring readiness and protection of shared interests.

The U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 to address the shifting global security landscape, develops and deploys maritime forces to fight across various domains in the Atlantic and Arctic, ensuring accessibility, deterring aggression, and defending U.S., allied, and partner interests.