HMCS Harry DeWolf departs for counter-narcotics operations with US forces

Halifax, N.S., Canada – On Sunday, January 26, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf departed its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a six-week deployment in the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean involving counter-narcotics related activities with US forces.

During Operation CARIBBE, the ship will participate in United States Coast Guard

(USCG)-led efforts to monitor and intercept vessels of interest to impede the flow of illicit drugs and goods between South America, the Caribbean, and North America. As part of these efforts, sailors will support boarding and maritime interdiction operations with embarked USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team personnel, partner nation surface assets, and maritime patrol aircraft.

Operation CARIBBE enables the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to work with our partners and allies to protect Canada’s communities through counter-narcotics operations, and to help prevent the flow of illicit drugs and goods into Canada, contributing to a safer North America.  

Quotes

“Many thanks to our families and loved ones whose continued support and sacrifice allows the sailors onboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Harry DeWolf to take on this operation. As the ship embarks on Operation CARIBBE, I am immensely proud of our dedicated crew. Their commitment to combating illicit trafficking and enhancing maritime security in the Caribbean is a testament to their professionalism and resolve. I have full confidence in their ability to carry out this mission with excellence."

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic

“As we deploy on Operation CARIBBE, I’m incredibly proud of the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork will showcase the capabilities of both our Navy and the Harry DeWolf-class during this vital mission while demonstrating our commitment to protecting and safeguarding North America. To our families and loved ones, you remain the foundation of our success, and I thank you sincerely for your unwavering support.”

Commander Jon Nicholson, Commanding Officer HMCS Harry DeWolf

Quick facts

• Operation CARIBBE supports multinational efforts to address illicit trafficking by providing naval and air capabilities to detect and monitor suspect drug smuggling activities in the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic.

• Since the beginning of Operation CARIBBE in 2006, the operation has contributed to the disruption or seizure of more than 123 metric tons of cocaine.

• Commissioned on June 26, 2021, HMCS Harry DeWolf is the RCN’s first–of-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship. This deployment is the second time HMCS Harry DeWolf has participated in Operation CARIBBE.

• On December 16, 2021, HMCS Harry DeWolf became the first Canadian naval vessel to circumnavigate North America since HMCS Labrador made a similar voyage in 1954.