The largest exercise of its kind in the Arctic, this exercise highlighted the ability of multinational forces to cooperate effectively in the challenging northern environment, strengthening the long-standing partnership between Canada and the United States.
Vice Admiral Doug Perry, Commander, US Second Fleet, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying: “Our partnership with Canada is built on mutual respect and shared interests, especially when it comes to securing the Arctic. Operation Nanook demonstrated the strength of our cooperation and our shared commitment to maintaining stability in these strategic waters.”
“The challenges of the Arctic environment require us to be adaptable and flexible,” Perry added. “This year’s exercise demonstrated that our combined forces are capable of meeting these challenges head-on.”
OP NANOOK has consistently served as a critical platform for enhancing polar interoperability among allied forces, and this year was no different. The exercise saw participation from the Royal Canadian Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and the Royal Danish Navy. These forces engaged in a variety of complex maritime operations, including maritime interdiction operations, gunnery exercises, search and rescue simulations, and fleet maneuvering exercises in icy waters near Nuuk, Greenland.
“This exercise is a testament to the strength and unity of our alliances,” Perry said. “Each year, Nanook brings our nations closer together, enhances our ability to operate effectively in the Arctic and ensures we are prepared for any contingency.”
The U.S. Second Fleet’s participation in NANOOK underscores the fleet’s commitment to Arctic operations as part of a broader strategy to ensure homeland defense and security in the northern regions. Earlier this year, the Second Fleet demonstrated its global readiness during Arctic operations at Steadfast Defender 2024, further cementing its role as a key player in Arctic defense.
“Training in the North is critical because it increases our understanding of the unique operational and sustainment challenges we face in the Arctic. By seizing every opportunity to train in this environment, we are also strengthening our partnership among NATO allies while ensuring our readiness for future operations,” said Vice Admiral David Patchell, Commander, US 2nd Fleet, Royal Canadian Navy. “The importance of interoperability and shared expertise among NATO nations cannot be overstated. Through regular joint exercises in the Atlantic and Arctic regions, we are continually enhancing our capabilities and strengthening our bonds.”
As the Arctic continues to gain strategic importance, the U.S. Navy remains committed to working closely with its Arctic allies to ensure the preservation of the environment and maintain stability in the region. The completion of OP NANOOK 2024 has provided participating forces with invaluable experience and further enhanced the collective deterrence capability of allied and partner nations.
Participating units included the Royal Canadian Navy’s Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels, HMCS Margaret Brooke (AOPV 431) and HMCS Harry DeWolf (AOPV 430); the Royal Danish Navy’s Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessel, HDMS Lauge Koch (P572); the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, USCGC Northland (WMEC 904); and the U.S. Navy’s USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).
With the conclusion of OP NANOOK 2024, participating units have returned to their home ports, better equipped to meet evolving challenges in the Arctic and continue to protect shared interests in this increasingly vital region.
Re-established in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, U.S. Second Fleet develops and employs combat-ready naval forces across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend the interests of the United States, its allies, and its partners.
