OREANDA-NEWS. July 06, 2016. Operation NUNAKPUT 2016 (Op NK 16) begins today in Yellowknife and runs until July 20. Op NUNAKPUT is an annual sovereignty operation traditionally conducted along the MacKenzie River in conjunction with several federal government departments and other supporting agencies. This year, Op NK 16 will focus on the South MacKenzie River and Great Slave Lake regions.

Op NK 16 consists of a series of maritime patrols, training opportunities, and community engagements. Search and rescue (SAR) training, small boat operator training for Rangers, marine patrolling and training, and community events will be conducted in close cooperation with our Northern partners.

Participants during this year’s operation include members of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1 CRPG), the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, including Yellowknife-based 440 (Transport) Squadron, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada, Department of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).

Op NK 16 demonstrates and enhances the CAF’s ability to operate in the North while asserting our sovereignty. It allows the CAF the opportunity to exercise interoperability with our Northern partners, to give participants an opportunity to engage with Northern communities, and to showcase CAF activity in the North.

Quotes

“On behalf of the CAF, I am proud of the contribution our military members make during Operation NUNAKPUT, in coordination with our federal and territorial partners, promoting the safety and security of Canadians living and travelling on water throughout the Great Slave Lake and Mackenzie River regions of the NWT.”

— Brigadier-General Mike Nixon, Commanding Officer, Joint Task Force (North)