Operation NUNALIVUT 2018 is underway

Since February 23, about 350 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have begun participating in Operation NUNALIVUT 2018. This annual operation will continue to March 21 in Resolute Bay and Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

Commanded by Joint Task Force (North), Operation NUNALIVUT first began over ten years ago and had since included regular and reserve forces personnel from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. This operation, according to a press release, “demonstrates the CAF’s ability to operate in the harsh winter environment common to the remote areas of Canada’s North, and to enhance the CAF’s capability to respond to a variety of situations in the High Arctic.”

“Operation NUNALIVUT 2018 is more than winter warfare training. It is a unique opportunity for deployed members to conduct sovereignty patrols, ice diving activities and support the scientific community,” said Brigadier-General Mike Nixon, Commander, Joint Task Force (North).

Operation NUNALIVUT will include training on the ground, under the ice and in the air.

The 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the Arctic Response Company Group from 38 Canadian Brigade Group and the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group will conduct Arctic survival training, sovereignty patrols, and support scientific research on the ground.

Members from the Royal Canadian Navy’s Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic, Canadian Army combat divers from across Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Dive Unit, and the Canadian Coast Guard divers will conduct under ice training in diving operations.

For air training, the CC-177 Globemaster and CC-130J Hercules will transport troops, supplies, and equipment to both locations. Also, CC-138 Twin Otters will provide local air transport.

The Task Force NUNALIVUT will partner with Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the RCMP and other government departments and agencies including local and territorial governments.