Canada Assumes Leadership Roles in RIMPAC Execrcise

RIMPAC Can 6-2006		Canada Assumes Leadership Roles in RIMPAC Execrcise 19 July 2006
RIMPAC Can 6-2006

PEARL HARBOR, HI – This year, Canada has assumed key leadership and command functions over the 35 coalition ships, 160 aircraft and 19,000 personnel that have gathered to conduct the 2006 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. While RIMPAC is scheduled and planned by the U.S. Navy Third Fleet, the multinational exercise is an opportunity for nations like Canada to assume leadership at an important level, while further developing interoperability among nations of the Asia-Pacific region.

Canada’s contribution to the exercise includes 1,200 personnel, three ships, clearance divers, helicopters, fighters and other aircraft. Most of the Canadian participants are involved in a variety of activities aimed at improving war fighting skill sets and coalition interoperability. Further to contributing ships and aircraft, Canada has also assumed positions of authority in all levels within the RIMPAC command structure. “Canada has assumed leadership roles in all facets of this very large exercise, from myself as Deputy Commander through many levels, right down to those who maintain aircraft,” says Commodore Bruce Donaldson, Deputy Commander for the exercise. “Our ability to integrate seamlessly in the overall RIMPAC structure is critical as we grasp this extraordinary opportunity, and national responsibility, to provide a Canadian perspective in resolving issues concerning peace and security in the Pacific region.”

Col John McManus, the senior Canadian air force representative for the exercise, also acts as one of the directors for the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Hickham Air Force Base. “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a Canadian officer has had the opportunity to act as a CAOC director in this type of joint and combined exercise”, he says. “We must train as we fight. Assuming operational leadership roles like this one provides Canada the ability to control its own resources. If we intend to send our people into harms way, we must look out for them by being involved in the decision making process to ensure that our national interests are met,” explains Col McManus.

At sea, Captain (Navy) Paul Hendry, Commanding Officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Algonquin, leads Surface Action Group “Bravo” comprised of CS Blanco (Chile)¸ BAP Mariategui (Peru), and USS Shoup (United States). “While all sailors share a common understanding of the challenges of the sea, RIMPAC is an opportunity for allied nations to work together and further develop an understanding and appreciation of each other’s individual procedures, capabilities and limitations. This knowledge will be vital should we have to fight alongside each other”, he says. Built in the early 1970’s, Algonquin is now fitted with the most advanced communications technology which allows her to provide efficient command and control capabilities within Surface Action Group “B”.

Also embedded within the Canadian Command staffs are advisors drawn from the Judge Advocate General (JAG), Policy and Public Affairs offices of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces. “Legal and policy advisors add an important element of realism to the operation of the headquarters,” says Commodore Donaldson. “The advice provided helps ensure that coalition operations are conducted in accordance with international and Canadian law, and provides an excellent context for our activity.”

The tactical phase of RIMPAC began this week. Commanders will face a wide array of scenarios, including terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, piracy, maritime interception operations, boardings, amphibious operations, and the full range of combat operations.

NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:

For further information please contact the RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau at 808-473-2880, or visit the RIMPAC web site at http://www.c3f.navy.mil/RIMPAC_2006/index.htm

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