RCN cyber team strengthens trust and interoperability during RIMPAC

As modern military operations become increasingly reliant on digital networks, cyber threats have the potential to disrupt communications, compromise critical systems and affect mission success. To strengthen cyber readiness and multinational cooperation, more than 30 cyber specialists from six countries gathered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. The training took place as part of the world's largest international maritime exercise.

Working in a Persistent Cyber Training Environment, participants strengthened multinational cooperation and cyber readiness through realistic, collaborative training.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was represented by Lt(N) Charles Mottet, CPO2 Gavin Flannigan, PO1 Nicholas Fenton, MS Steve Gosling, MS Chris Harris, S1 Alexander Reed and S1 Jeff Tsang.

Conducted during the harbour phase of RIMPAC, the training placed participants in realistic simulated cyber scenarios where they operated as integrated multinational teams.

“This exercise is designed to challenge personnel in a dynamic environment, requiring them to coordinate responses, share information, and solve complex cyber threats collaboratively,” said CPO2 Flannigan.

“By working together in these scenarios, we gain valuable experience in operating across national boundaries while improving our collective ability to defend critical military networks and systems.”

A key objective was to identify best practices and lessons learned to inform common procedures, reporting standards and operational frameworks for future RIMPAC exercises and multinational engagements.

Lt(N) Charles Mottet underscored the strategic significance of the exercise and the contribution of the RCN’s Fleet Cyber Teams.

“Fleet Cyber Teams (Pacific and Atlantic) participation in the cyber exercise at RIMPAC has been a great opportunity to learn and push each other's experiences when it comes to Defensive Cyber Operations,” said Lt(N) Mottet.

“The close ties that we are deepening with our allies have been invaluable for Canada's reputation as a global player in the realm of cyber.”

Beyond the technical skills developed during the exercise, participants strengthened the trust, communication and interoperability needed for future multinational operations.

“It's been an amazing opportunity to collaborate with multiple nations to share diverse experience and knowledge within the Cyber Warfare Domain,” noted PO1 Fenton.

Representatives from Canada, Australia, the United States, Germany, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea participated in the training, underscoring the importance of multinational collaboration in addressing shared cyber challenges.

RIMPAC brings together naval, air and land forces from around the world to strengthen partnerships and collective security.

For Canada, participation enhances operational effectiveness while strengthening relationships with key allies and partners, helping ensure nations remain prepared to operate together as cyber threats evolve.