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The waters of the Arctic are a unique place to operate and require not only specialized equipment and capabilities but also tailor-made training. It was just this type of special training Coast Guard Cutter Willow participated in during last week’s Operation Nanook – an annual military exercise developed for those who perform missions in the arctic.
While Operation Nanook trained arctic operators it also focused on the partnerships that are so critical in performing missions in the cold, ice-infested environment. The international operation, designed to enhance maritime interoperability, featured the Canadian navy, army and air force, Danish military components, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and numerous other forces.
Willow’s crew, joined by a team of Coast Guard divers, tested the operational limits of the cutter and evaluated the ship’s capabilities in the Arctic. With the support of the other forces, the crew practiced new techniques, shared ideas and identified ways to improve coordination efforts in the Arctic region.
To read the full story of Coast Guard Cutter Willow’s involvement in Operation Nanook, including dive operations, naval warfare, maritime law enforcement, pollution response and search and rescue, visit the Coast Guard Northeast blog post here.
