USS Higgins and HMCS Ottawa Join Forces for High-Stakes Naval Operations

In a recent display of naval cooperation, the U.S. Navy’s USS Higgins, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, joined forces with the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class frigate, for joint operations. These maneuvers took place in a bid to enhance maritime interoperability and showcase a united defense front in the Indo-Pacific region.

Captain Justin Harts, Commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “Operating alongside our Royal Navy partners shows a unified front. We are committed to strengthening and demonstrating interoperability with our allies.” The drill, named Exercise Noble Wolverine, included maritime communications training and dynamic coordinated maneuvering, underscoring the high level of coordination between the two navies.

“Exercise Noble Wolverine was, for our team, another successful integration between two highly trained and capable navies,” noted Cmdr. Adriano Lozer, the commanding officer of HMCS Ottawa. He praised the seamless execution of anti-submarine warfare and flying operations, highlighting the drills’ location in international waters, crucial for uninterrupted maritime trade. Lozer added that the exercise demonstrated the enduring partnership between allied navies, reinforcing the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The operations serve as a testament to the U.S. Navy’s regular engagements with allies in the region, aiming to uphold the rules-based international order. These bilateral exercises are instrumental in developing tactical interoperability among allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

DESRON 15, the Navy’s largest destroyer squadron, remains a key force in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s mission to support security and stability in the area. As the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, the U.S. 7th Fleet frequently interacts with allies to ensure ongoing peace and security in the region.