The Royal Canadian Navy kicked off a joint and multinational naval exercise off the coast of western Vancouver Island today.
Trident Fury 20 (TF 20), hosted and organized by Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC), will take place from November 30 to December 13 near Vancouver Island as well as in the vicinity of Constance Bank and the southern Gulf Islands.
Vessels, aircraft, and service members from the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard will be participating.
A spokesperson for MARPAC says that members of the public are permitted to observe exercises in the vicinity of Esquimalt Lagoon throughout the entire two-week period.
However, public and civilian watercraft are requested to maintain a 100 metre radius away from Navy divers and the dive platform.
Additional exercise will also take place approximately 70 nautical miles west of Tofino throughout TF 20.
The goal of the exercise is to provide a full spectrum of air and sea tactical warfare training to improve Canada’s ability to respond to offshore threats in a coalition environment.
MARPAC says TF 20 will also strengthen communication and coordination between coalition forces.
Participating service members were required to quarantine and be tested for COVID-19 prior to taking part in the exercise.
