Canada Command Backgrounder

BG #09.00202 April 2009

Operation NUNALIVUT 2009

Operation NUNALIVUT 2009

Operation NUNALIVUT 2009 is one of three major sovereignty operations conducted every year by the Canadian Forces in Canada's North. The primary intent of this operation is to project Canadian sovereignty in the High Arctic by providing a boots-on-the-ground Canadian Forces patrol presence.

Starting in late March, and ending on April 20, this year's operation will see two patrols head west from Eureka to circumnavigate Axel Heiberg island, and two patrols traverse to the Eastern coast of Ellesmere Island. All of the patrols will return to Eureka on April 17, for re-deployment south by April 20.

The Canadian Rangers are skilled Reserve members of the CF. They are experienced in Arctic survival and are deployed almost every time the CF operates on the land in the North. They act as guides, experts on the land, and provide predator control. The Canadian Rangers are a major contributor to the training and effectiveness of the military in the North.

Operation NUNALIVUT 2009 is a joint operation that will be conducted with the participation of the Canadian Rangers and Air Force working under the command of Joint Task Force (North), (JTFN). As one of six regional commands reporting to Canada Command in Ottawa, JTFN is responsible for the conduct of all routine and contingency operations in Canada's North. JTFN is headquartered in Yellowknife, NT, and commanded by Brigadier-General David Millar.

Command Post

To coordinate the patrols, re-supply flights and aerial surveillance, a Command Post will deploy to Fort Eureka. From there, Maj. Luc Chang, the Commanding Officer of the 1 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group (1CRPG), will lead the operation supported by a staff of Rangers, JTFN and 440 Squadron personnel. Approximately 100 personnel will participate in the operation.

Re-supply and Surveillance

Three CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft and one chartered aircraft will conduct regular re-supply flights to the patrols and conduct aerial surveillance during the operation. Lt.-Col. Ross Wuerth, the Commanding Officer of 440 Transport Squadron, will deploy to the Command Post in Eureka to lead the Squadron.

Patrol Composition

Each of the four patrols will consist of approximately 8 personnel, including Canadian Rangers, and a Search and Rescue Technician.