Operations
As a multi-purpose and combat-effective naval force that protects Canada and Canadians’ interests at home and abroad the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) conducts and participates in a variety of operations, both domestically and internationally.
The RCN’s unique capabilities allow it to:
- conduct sovereignty patrols and search and rescue operations in Canadian waters;
- provide peacekeeping support around the world;
- assist Canadian provincial, territorial and federal authorities during emergencies;
- provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief at home and abroad;
- enhance diplomacy;
- prevent illegal activities by hostile nations and organizations;
- provide expertise and instruction to allied and partner nations’ forces;
- and engage in combat operations.
Primary operations
Operation Artemis
The RCN is determined to help stop terrorism and secure Middle Eastern waters through Operation Artemis.
Operation Caribbe
In the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, Canadian sailors join in the U.S.-led counter-narcotics operation; Operation Caribbe. Deploying in a rotational basis, RCN sailors support the suppression of trafficking in international waters.
Operation Laser
In response to the worldwide pandemic, the RCN was called upon to assist in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) effort to support the health of Canadians in long term care facilities, providing aid with vaccination efforts, among other initiatives.
Operation Lentus
RCN members join forces alongside other elements from the Royal Canadian Air Force or Canadian Army to support Canadian communities in crisis; whether it be fighting forest fires, floods, ice storms or hurricanes.
Operation Nanook
Canadian sailors routinely sail North on Operation Nanook throughout the year to complete exercises in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Labrador regions. These exercises provide opportunities to strengthen skills, work alongside Arctic partners, enforce Canadian sovereignty, and reinforce community relations with affiliated Inuit regions.
Operation Neon
Operation Neon is Canada's contribution to enforce UN sanctions on North Korea. The RCN regularly deploys warships to this multinational effort, alongside its global allies and partners.
Operation Projection
The RCN operates in maritime environments around the world during Operation Projection. Members deployed on this operation are working to make the world more secure and enhance relationships with Canada’s allies and partners. The deployment of sailors, ships and submarines shows how we the Navy are ready to defend Canada’s interests around the world.
Operation Reassurance
The RCN has members serving on Operation Reassurance in Central and Eastern Europe. They are there as part of NATO assurance and deterrence measures. These measures aim to reinforce NATO’s collective defence. It also shows the strength of Allied solidarity.
Support operations
Operation Edifice – Tunisia
Annually, members of the Naval Tactical Operations Group deploy to conduct combined training with the Tunisian Navy as part of Operation Edifice – Tunisia.
Operation Open Spirit
Every year, ten to fifteen RCN clearance divers and support personnel deploy to Operation Open Spirit, dedicated to clear explosive remnants of war in the Baltic Sea. Operation Open Spirit is hosted by Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, on a rotating basis.
Operation Renaissance
The RCN stands ready to support the CAF’s Operation Renaissance, rapidly deploying in the event of a disaster overseas, as directed by the Government of Canada to assist a request from another nation.
Operation Render Safe
Every two years, RCN sailors participate in Operation Render Safe; tasked with clearing the explosive remnants of war from the Solomon Islands as part of a CAF delegation, which has participated since 2013.
Operation Vector
At home, Canadian sailors are employed in Operation Vector, the CAF-wide effort to support Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments in distributing Covid-19 vaccines.
Search and rescue
In Canada, search and rescue (SAR) is a shared responsibility. Many partners are involved due to the country’s immense size, range of terrain and weather, including the RCN.
Search and Rescue in Eastern Canada
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax leads and directs all SAR operations in the Halifax SRR. This region covers eastern Canada. The commander of Joint Task Force Atlantic is responsible for SAR operations in the Halifax SRR.
Search and Rescue in Western Canada
JRCC Victoria leads and directs all SAR missions in the Victoria search and rescue region (SRR). This region covers western Canada. The commander of Joint Task Force Pacific is responsible for SAR operations in the Victoria SRR.