International Exercises

Exercise TRIDENT FURY 2006 Hailed as an International Success

Credit:   Sgt Alain Martineau  The USS SHOUP veers off to the left after following HMCS Vancouver in formation off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Exercise Trident Fury 2006, hosted by the Canadian Navy wrapped up May 19.  The exercise director, Commodore Bruce Donaldson, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, has declared it an international success. 

“Joint operations and interoperability with allied forces are key to the defence of Canada and North America,” said Commodore Donaldson.  “Conducting this exercise in our own backyard greatly increases the training value for the Canadian Forces.  The Canadian Navy has taken a giant step forward by taking the lead rather than being a participant with the US Navy off the coast of Southern California.  Running this exercise meant we had to draw upon an extensive system of Canadian and American coordinating agencies to manage security, asset allocation, and the control of air and water space. Coordinating Trident Fury 2006 involved the same people and processes that would come together to resolve a real crisis,” explained the Commodore.

Exercise Trident Fury 2006 recorded several firsts for the Canadian Forces.  Most significantly was the live firing of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles from aircraft and ships in the West Coast military exercise area, which had in the past been used only for gunnery practice.  During this exercise Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighters successfully engaged two remote controlled drone targets with radar guided Sparrow telemetry missiles and a live Sidewinder infrared guided missile.  HMCS Winnipeg fired and hit a drone target with the medium range Sea Sparrow radar guided missile.

“Live missile firings accomplish a great deal for the Canadian Navy,” offered Commodore Donaldson.  “While much can be achieved through computer simulation, key elements such as personnel training and combat system performance can only be thoroughly evaluated in peacetime under real-firing conditions controlled by strict safety regulations.  Missile firing exercises ensure that ships are technically ready and the crew well trained”, said the Fleet Commander.

Forces representing Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and NATO nations took part in the two-week exercise that began on May 8.  Over 50 aircraft operated out of Victoria International Airport and 19 Wing at Comox as well as bases in the continental U.S.  One outcome of the exercise is the qualification of Operation Room Officers (ORO) for Canada’s Navy.  The yearlong ORO course is designed to teach the skills necessary to “fight the ship” in today’s multi-threat, complex, and highly technical environment of warfare at sea.

 “I am extremely pleased with how the exercise played out”, declared Commodore Donaldson. “Together with our allies, we have achieved significant milestones and improved our interoperability.  This training will serve us well and build our capability to respond effectively and efficiently as a team in any future emergency.”

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