HMCS Saskatoon helps U.S. Coast Guard seize 14 tonnes of cocaine

The Canadian Press 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—A Royal Canadian Navy vessel was involved in an international anti-drug trafficking mission that led to the seizure of more than 14 tonnes of cocaine in international waters along the coasts of Central and South America.

The HMCS Saskatoon seen in Esquimalt Harbor, B.C. The U.S. Coast Guard, with the help of the HMCS Saskatoon, says it has made a massive cocaine bust in international waters. (DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday that the drugs were seized in 17 different raids over a period of 26 days.

“When smugglers are racing across the Caribbean or the Pacific, they are not just carrying cocaine, they are delivering violence, corruption and instability to a part of the world — the Western Hemisphere — that just can’t absorb it,” U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Mark Feder told a news conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“(It’s) a part of the world that already has eight of the 10 most homicidal nations in it,” he said.

HMCS Saskatoon, based at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia, and a U.S. vessel — Guard LEDET 405 — were involved in one of the raids where about a tonne of cocaine was seized.


The Canadian vessel joined the U.S.-lead multinational operation in February, which is aimed at intercepting illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Feder said 30 suspected drug smugglers were detained during the operation, adding that they will be questioned and possibly prosecuted in the U.S.

The cocaine was being off-loaded at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on Tuesday.

Feder said the drug bust shows how “we need to work with our interagency partners as well as our allies to deter this threat and keep it as far from our shores as possible.”

It is not the first time HMCS Saskatoon is involved in a U.S.-led anti-trafficking operation.

On March 19, 2016, the vessel was involved in the seizure of about 360 kilograms of cocaine dumped in the water by a fishing boat before it fled the scene, according to the navy.

“By preventing the flow of illicit drugs and denying unlawful access to the sea, our sailors are effectively interrupting a major funding source for organized crime,” Lt.-Cmdr. Todd Bacon, Commanding Officer of HMCS Saskatoon, said earlier this month.

HMCS Saskatoon sets sail on OP CARIBBE

DND Press Release

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Saskatoon left Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Monday to participate in the counter-drug mission, Operation CARIBBE. In 2016 alone, the Royal Canadian Navy “contributed to seizing or disrupting 5,750 kg of cocaine and 1,520 kg of marijuana,” the RCN noted in a news release.

In its last 10 years of participation in Operation CARIBBE, the RCN has contributed to seizing or disrupting over 66 metric tonnes of cocaine and almost 4 metric tonnes of marijuana.

HMCS Brandon intercepts estimated 700 kg of cocaine

RCN Press Release 

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Brandon, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), seized an estimated 700 Kg of cocaine in international waters off the Pacific Coast of Central America on November 5, 2016.

The cocaine, worth an estimated $28 million (USD), was recovered from the ocean after being jettisoned by suspected smugglers in a panga-style fishing vessel that had been spotted by a USCG HC-130J aircraft patrolling the region. HMCS Brandon launched two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) with USCG law enforcement teams onboard to pursue the vessel and secure the 14 jettisoned bales.

Operation Caribbe is Canada’s participation in the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean Sea and the East Pacific Ocean.

“This latest seizure serves not only as a testament to the dedication and hard work by the crew of HMCS Brandon and the U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment, but to their ability to work in concert. Our efforts, both leading into this operation, and on the operation itself, have led to this interdiction, which ultimately means fewer drugs reaching our shores. I am incredibly proud of my team.” said Lieutenant-Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer HMCS Brandon.

A total of 14 bales were recovered, weighing an estimated 700 Kg in total. They were secured by one of the RHIBs and later recovered by HMCS Brandon.

The seized substance was tested positive for cocaine by the USCG.

The HMCS Brandon RHIB was unable to apprehend the suspected panga vessel.

Since February 2016, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have seized or disrupted a total of approximately 3,630 kg of cocaine and 1,520 kg of marijuana.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has conducted Operation Caribbe since November 2006.

Joint Interagency Task Force South, a subordinate command of United States Southern Command, oversees the detection and monitoring of illicit traffickers and assists US and multinational law enforcement agencies with the interdiction of illicit traffickers.

HMCS Brandon, Edmonton and Kingston departing for Op CARIBBE

DND Press Release

Over the next two days, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Brandon, Edmonton and Kingston are departing to participate in Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational criminal organizations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean.

Operation CARIBBE is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and DND/CAF as part of Canada's broader commitment to engagement in the Americas. This annual operation directly supports the CAF's mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and our defence and security partners.

"One of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most fundamental responsibilities is protecting and maintaining maritime security at home and abroad," said Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific. "We are committed to working with our partners who share our common values and goals in promoting regional stability while supressing criminal activity at sea. Operation CARIBBE builds upon and strengthens existing relationships and this is what enables our sailors to continue their success during this operation now and well into the future."

HMCS Brandon and Edmonton depart Esquimalt, B.C. on October 6 to participate in Operation CARIBBE in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. HMCS Kingston is planned to depart Halifax on October 7 to conduct operations in the Caribbean area of operations. Following readiness training at-sea, the ships will formally join Operation CARIBBE in the coming days.

"On behalf of all the personnel in Maritime Forces Atlantic, I wish the ship's company of HMCSKingston a safe deployment to the Caribbean Sea," said Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic. "This cooperation with fourteen like-minded nations to stem flows of illicit drugs on the international sea lanes is a valuable contribution to regional stability. Moreover, the professionalism at sea and ashore will reinforce Canada's contributions to confidence and capacity building measures in the region. To all aboard Kingston, I know you will make us proud."

This deployment will look to build upon the success of HMC Ships Moncton, Summerside, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Vancouver, which so far in 2016 have seized and disrupted a total of approximately 2,930 kg of cocaine and 1,520 kg of marijuana while working with the United States Coast Guard and embedded Law Enforcement Detachments.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 and remain committed to working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region and to disrupt illicit trafficking operations

Royal Canadian Navy rescues sea turtles during deployment

Navy News /

By Lieutenant (Navy) Patrick White

While patrolling the Guatemala Basin during Operation CARIBBE on April 2, 2016, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Edmonton freed two sea turtles ensnared in a fishing float.

The float was detected by the ship during the afternoon watch and, upon closer inspection, was seen to have two loggerhead sea turtles tangled up in the fishing lines. Within minutes, Edmonton had its rigid-hulled inflatable boat in the water and several sailors proceeded to cut the lines in order to free the animals.

Master Seaman Donald Merlo of HMCS Edmonton lifts a loggerhead sea turtle free of fishing lines.

“We take a lot of precautions during our operations to have minimal impact on the environment, including sea life,” said Master Seaman Donald Merlo, who helped free the turtles. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps contribute to global peace and security, while honouring Canada’s commitment to future generations.”

The sea turtles had some visible signs of injuries sustained from their time in distress, but immediately carried on their way once set free.

HMC Ships Edmonton and Saskatoon were recently deployed on Op CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to Op MARTILLO, a multinational campaign against transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Learn more about Op CARIBBE and Canada’s contribution to counter-narcotic operations.

HMCS Saskatoon and Edmonton assist another narcotics seizures on Op CARIBBE

DND Press Release

April 8, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Further to the drug seizures of March 7 and March 19, 2016, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Saskatoon and Edmonton assisted in separate cocaine disruptions while on patrol in the eastern Pacific Ocean on March 25, 2016.

On that day, HMCS Edmonton and its embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) were assisted by United States Ship (USS)Lassen in intercepting a vessel of interest in international waters off the coast of Central America. The vessel intercepted, a “panga”-style fishing boat, was identified by a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) while on routine patrol. With the help of USS Lassen’s embarked helicopter, the vessel was hailed to stop, after which it began to jettison its cargo. HMCS Edmonton assisted the LEDET who took positive control of the vessel and retrieved 27 bales of cocaine from the water, weighing a total of 650 kilograms.

The interception involving HMCS Saskatoon and its embarked LEDET began the evening of March 25 when a MPA conducting a routine patrol located a target of interest in international waters off the coast of Central America. The vessel, a “panga”-style fishing boat, jettisoned its cargo and fled the scene. After several hours of searching, HMCS Saskatoon found the jettison field in the early morning of March 26, and 16 bales of cocaine were retrieved from the water, weighing a total of 640 kilograms.

Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to Operation MARTILLO, the U.S. Southern Command Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-South) counter-drug detection and monitoring operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

“This interception was another example of the interoperability and continued cooperation between the Royal Canadian Navy, the United States Navy, and the United States Coast Guard. With USS Lassen’s helicopter providing over watch, HMCS Edmonton and its embarked Law Enforcement Detachment worked together seamlessly to board the vessel of interest and clear the jettison field. I am incredibly proud of the work done by both ships’ companies and their Law Enforcement Detachments in suppressing the flow of narcotics into North America.” Said Lieutenant-Commander Lucas Kenward, Commanding Officer, HMCS Edmonton

“It was all hands on deck for this specific seizure and I am proud of the dedication and commitment displayed by the ship’s company. This recent success showcases the strength in teamwork and working as a cohesive unit to suppress criminal activity in the region.” said Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon, Commanding Officer, HMCS Saskatoon

HMCS Summerside & Saskatoon assist in seizure of almost 700 kg of cocaine

Written by David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen 

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Summerside and Saskatoon assisted in the seizure of almost 700 kg of cocaine while on patrol in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, says the Royal Canadian Navy. The ships were taking part in Operation CARIBBE.

The interception involving HMCS Summerside took place on March 7 in international waters off the coast of Nicaragua when the ship located and approached a 12-metre long sailing vessel suspected of smuggling, the RCN noted. Members of a United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, embarked on HMCS Summerside, questioned the master and subsequently boarded the vessel, the RCN stated in a news release. During the search, the team discovered and seized 16 bales weighing 324 kg that later tested positive for cocaine.

The other drug seizure by the RCN took place later.

During the evening of March 19, the crew of HMCS Saskatoon, its embarked U.S. Coast Guard team, and a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft were conducting a regular patrol monitoring targets of interest in international waters off the coast of Central America. One of the vessels being monitored, a “panga” style fishing boat, jettisoned its cargo and fled at high speed. Once on scene, crew members of HMCS Saskatoon and the U.S. Coast Guard team found and retrieved 10 bales of cocaine from the water, with a combined weight of approximately 360 kg.

HMCS Edmonton and Saskatoon depart on OP CARIBBE 2016

DND Press Release
February 12, 2016

OTTAWA – Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Edmonton and Saskatoon will depart Esquimalt today to participate on Operation CARIBBE 2016, embarking on Canada’s 10th year of contributions to Op MARTILLO – the multinational campaign against transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean.

HMC Ships Edmonton and Saskatoon are the second of several Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ships that will participate on Operation CARIBBE 2016. Throughout the year, the Royal Canadian Navy will deploy warships from both the East and West Coasts, while the Royal Canadian Air Force will provide CP-140 Aurora aircraft from various long-range patrol squadrons, all in support of Operation MARTILLO.

As part of Operation CARIBBE 2015, the CAF contributed four CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft, five Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (HMC ShipsBrandon, Goose Bay, Nanaimo, Shawinigan and Whitehorse), two Halifax-class frigate with their embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter (HMCS Winnipegand Vancouver), and one Iroquois-class destroyer (HMCS Athabaskan) with her two embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopters.

HMC Ships Edmonton and Saskatoon will look to follow-up on the success of HMC Ships Brandon and Whitehorse. The ships assisted in the seizure and disruption of more narcotics during a 44-day deployment in the fall of 2015 than any other duo of Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels in the history of Operation CARIBBE, with a combined total of approximately 9,800 kilograms.

Operation CARIBBE is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and DND/CAF as part of Canada's broader commitment to engagement in the Americas. This annual operation directly supports the CAF's mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and our defence and security partners.

The CAF has conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 and remains committed to working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region to disrupt illicit trafficking operations.

3 RCN Members Arrested in Japan

The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, February 3, 2016 8:05PM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, February 3, 2016 9:54PM EST

ESQUIMALT, B.C. -- Two members of a Canadian warship's crew have been charged with drug offences in Japan, the navy says.

The charges follow a port visit to Tokyo by HMCS Winnipeg, a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of about 250 personnel.

The navy said in a news release that police detained two military members and a civilian employee on Monday for the alleged use of a controlled substance.

Police released one of the military members but have charged the other two with use of a controlled substance, the navy said.

Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, called the allegations troubling.

"While it is too early to speak to the specifics of any actions or investigations at this point, I can state definitively that our response will be based on facts and will serve to remind and reassure all who serve in the (Royal Canadian Navy) that unacceptable behaviour, whatever its nature, has no place within our ranks," he said in a statement.

The Canadian Armed Forces has a zero-tolerance policy for the possession and use of illicit drugs.

The navy said it will work with Canadian consular officials and Japanese authorities and will support the individuals who are being held in custody, and their families at home.

HMCS Winnipeg deployed from Esquimalt, B.C., on June 15, 2015.

It participated in Operation Caribbe, a multinational campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean, before joining NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea as part of Operation Reassurance.

HMCS Winnipeg was replaced in the latter operation by HMCS Fredericton, which deployed from Halifax on Jan. 5. 

The official statement from DND was as follows: 

ESQUIMALT, B.C.- On February 1, 2016, three members of HMCS Winnipeg’s ship’s company were detained by Japanese authorities while the ship was conducting a port visit in Tokyo, Japan. These crew members, two military members and one civilian employee, were detained for the alleged use of a controlled substance. One of the military members has since been released by police, while the other two persons have now been charged with use of a controlled substance by the Tokyo Police.

The Navy will continue to work with Canadian Consular officials and Japanese authorities as may be required throughout this process.

The RCN, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a whole, has a zero-tolerance policy for illicit drug use and possession.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will continue to provide support to those being held in custody, as well as to their families here in Canada.

“All of our personnel, military and civilian, are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to the Navy, the Canadian Armed Forces, and our country as a whole. Our personnel are held to the highest standards of professionalism and conduct, and are subject to all Canadian laws, the Criminal Code, and the Code of Service Discipline, which is part of the National Defence Act. These allegations are obviously troubling, and while it is too early to speak to the specifics of any actions or investigations at this point, I can state definitively that our response will be based on facts, and will serve to remind and reassure all who serve in the RCN that unacceptable behaviour, whatever its nature, has no place within our ranks.” Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, Commander Maritime Forces (Pacific)

HMCS Summerside and Moncton Leave for OP CARIBBE

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Summerside and Moncton will leave Halifax for Operation CARIBBE on Wednesday.

The deployment of HMC Ships Moncton and Summerside marks the beginning of several naval and air deployments scheduled for 2016 in support of Operation CARIBBE, according to the Royal Canadian Navy. Operation CARIBBE 2016 is Canada’s 10th year of contribution to Operation MARTILLO, the multinational campaign against transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean.

Royal Canadian Navy ships deployed a total of 10 times and sailed for a total of 344 days in support of Op CARIBBE 2015, according to RCN.

During that time, HMC Ships Brandon and Whitehorse seized more narcotics during a 44-day deployment last fall than any other duo of Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels during the Operation’s history, with a combined total of approximately 9,800 kilograms, the navy noted.

Engineers help keep HMCS Brandon in the Operation CARIBBE fight

Pacific Region News / January 8, 2016

By Lieutenant (Navy) Greg Menzies

When the mission is operating a warship as part of the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean and people are depending on you, it is essential to have a warship operating at its best. To do that requires hard work, long hours and determination. Operating in a sweltering climate makes it that much more difficult, as engineers on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Brandon found out during their last deployment on Operation CARIBBE. The largest and one of the busiest sections in the warship has six Naval Reserve marine engineering system operators, a Regular Force marine engineer, an electrical engineer and a weapons engineer.

“The warmer weather definitely keeps us busy as it has the greatest impact on our operations,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Luc Trudeau, an electrical engineer on board Brandon. “It’s not only the air temperature and humidity that affect our mechanical and electrical systems, but the ocean temperature and salinity as well.”

Leading Seaman Kyle Uhlig, a marine engineering system operator, conducts his hourly round in the main switchboard room in HMCS Brandon while deployed to the Eastern Pacific on Operation CARIBBE. Photo: DND

The warship’s systems include propulsion, hot and cold fresh water, refrigeration and air conditioning, as well as steering, and every system is affected by the outside temperature, humidity and ocean salinity. For example, warmer waters have higher salinity, making fresh water production at sea more difficult. Higher levels of salinity cause more strain on the Reverse Osmosis Diaphragm process pumps, which are needed to pump salt water into the system used to make fresh water.

“In this type of environment, we need to check the CAMS [Central Alarm Monitoring System] every 15 minutes compared to every hour in more northern climates found off the coast of Canada,” said Master Seaman Katherine Van Blyderveen, a marine engineering system operator on board Brandon. “We routinely conduct visual inspections; however, these become a little more thorough and temperature readings are taken more frequently to ensure we can identify any potential problems early on.”

In climates with extreme heat and humidity, the demands placed on a ship’s mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems can result in systems malfunctioning from continuously operating in these environments.

Before sailing to warmer climates, engineers stock up on extra parts and equipment to mitigate certain challenges while at sea. “Teamwork is all it takes to prevent, diagnose and fix any problem at sea. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that despite all the challenges of operating in a warmer climate, a little teamwork is all that is needed to keep any ship mission capable anywhere around the world,” said PO2 Trudeau.

HMCS Iroquois Retiring after 43 years

The Canadian Armed Forces - Maritime Forces Atlantic is encouraging all serving and retired members who served aboard HMCS Iroquois to RSVP to the "Paying Off" Ceremony on may 1st in Halifax, Nova Scotia



HMCS Iroquois is concluding more than four decades of Service to the Royal Canadian Navy, its achievements symbolize the excellent workmanship and special comradery of her crew over the years. HMCS Iroquois has been a valued service to all Canadians.

Her hull was laid down on January 15, 1969, and launched on November 28, 1970. The official commissioned date into the RCN was July 29, 1972. Her official decommissioned date will be set as May 1, 2015.

Between 1972 and 1992, HMCS Iroquois took ppart in more than 40 major exercises and 6 Standing Naval Force Atlantic Deployments.

In 1984 the Destroyer responded to assist the HO MING 5, a Panamanian freighter. 11 Crew were removed by Sea King helicopter, 9 additional crew were removed by Zodiac. 12 of the Iroquois' crew were awarded the Star of Courage, with another 6 receiving the Medal of Bravery.

In 1989, the Destroyer began its TRUMP refit in Sorel, Quebec. The refit would be complete by 1992.

In 1993, HMCS Iroquois deployed on Operation SHARP GUARD off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. Its duties were to blockade the coast. It would be relieved by HMCS Halifax in April 1994.

In 2000 it was deployed on exchange to Norfolk, US Navy Yard.

In  November 2001 Iroquois was deployed with HMCS Preserver and HMCS Charlottetown as part of Operation APOLLO in the Arabian Sea. Would remain deployed until April 2002.

In 2002, deployed to Bahrain and the Suez Canal.

In 2003, deployed to Combined Task Force 151 in the Persian Gulf.

February 2003, a Sea King Helicopter crashes on the deck, and is forced to return to Halifax for repairs. By March HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Fredericton deploy to the Persian Gulf.

Deployed to Gibraltar and Augusta in March 2003. Valletta and Gibraltar in July 2003.

Deployed on Operation ALTAIR STARTS in 2004.

Throughout 2006, HMCS Iroquois was deployed to various international naval squadrons, in Brest, Aarhus, Solent, Plymouth Sound, Tota, Souda Ba, Palma de Majorca.

In November 2006 responded to the USS Boone when it lost its rudder in the Mediterranean.

In 2008, was deployed to the Carribean on Operation CARIBBE. Returned to the Mediterranean Sea in May of 2008, took part in Multinational ASW Scenario. Later deployed on Combined Task Force-150 as the CTF-150 Flagship. for the remainder of 2008.

In 2009 HMCS Iroquois visits Bermuda.

In 2012 HMCS Iroquois visits Brooklyn (Fleet Week), Baltimore (Star Spangled Sailibration), and Boston (Fleet Week and Op SAIL 2012)

In 2013, she visits Canary Wharf, Le Havre, Hamburg, and Liverpool.

Her journey came to an end while visiting Boston in May of 2014, where fatigue cracks were found in the hull, and returned to Halifax, and has been out of service since.

For a Detailed paper witten by Colin Darlington, a retired Canadian Naval Officer, please see the Ottawa Citizen's Defence Watch  

HMCS Athabaskan to deploy to Op CARIBBE

DND announced today that HMCS Athabaskan left Halifax, Nova Scotia today deploy to Op CARIBBE - as part of Canada's contribution to the multinational campaign against trafficking and crime in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

This deployment marks the sixth Royal Canadian Navy Ship to deploy on Op CARIBBE in 2015, and the third from the Atlantic Fleet.

HMCS Athabaskan will also participate in the Bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans, commemorating the final battle of the War of 1812 during the week long planned celebrations in New Orleans.

HMCS Athabaskan was previously deployed on Op CARIBBE in the fall of 2014, and assisted in the seizing of 820 kg of cocaine.

HMCS Athabaskan is replacing HMCS Whitehorse and HMCS Nanaimo which returned yesterday to Esquimalt, Britich Columbia.