HMCS Chicoutimi, HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Calgary Part of TGEX

In the waters of Southern California, the Royal Canadian Navy has three active vessels partaking in the US Navy's Task Group Exercise.

Victoria-Class Submarine HMCS Chicoutimi; and Halifax-Class HMCS Vancouver, and HMCS Calgary  are all taking part.  The exercise started on October 20, 2015.

The CAF is limited in what it can say about this exercise because it still considers itself in the “election/writ period” until a new government is sworn in on Nov. 4, according to military and DND officials. (This policy is designed so that statements from federal departments or organizations don’t influence the outcome of the Oct. 19 federal election. Canadian military and DND officials were at a loss to explain how this exercise would affect an election that has already happened).

Therefore, US Navy released this statement from RCN Cmdr. Julian Elbourne, commanding officer of Calgary:

“The Royal Canadian Navy frequently participates in training exercises such as this with the U.S. in order to provide mutually beneficial realistic and relevant training which is necessary for the proper integration of units from various nations to work as a cohesive task group.” \

U.S. Navy participation includes Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 1, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the Royal Canadian Navy,” Capt. Keith Moore, CPR 1, currently embarked on Boxer, said in a statement. “Operating with our [Canadian] counterparts during this exercise will facilitate a quicker and smoother integration into the coalition environment during our upcoming deployment.”

HMCS Chicoutimi docked, during part of TGEX-2015. Photo: NavalToday.com 

The U.S. 3rd Fleet exercise serves to train units in amphibious warfare, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and maritime interdiction operations, while also building a strong working relationship between the maritime forces of the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. and Canada regularly participate in exercises together, the most recent being Pacific Partnership and Trident Fury.