Canadian Fleet Pacific’s (CANFLTPAC) mission is to generate and operate balanced, combat-capable multipurpose maritime forces on order from the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific to meet Canada’s defence objectives. The primary objectives in fulfilling this mission includes providing well-maintained ships and highly trained personnel in support of such varied activities as:

• National and allied exercises and operations, including those under the auspices of the United Nations

• Surveillance operations in conjunction with other government departments

• Coastal patrols, port security, mine countermeasure operations and naval control of shipping, using primarily Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels

• Provide advice to other government departments

Canadian Fleet Pacific also provides leadership to implement broad government programs such as official languages and employment equity. It ensures that environmental stewardship and due diligence is a fundamental component of its day-to-day operations. Another important objective is to take every opportunity to enhance public awareness through a combination of activities that include close contact with namesake cities (for all ships), participating in various community relations opportunities such as the provision of tours for civic groups, and engaging in public speaking opportunities whenever possible.

In the international arena, CANFLTPAC provides combat-ready forces for participation in collective defence operations with Canada’s Pacific allies.

CANFLTPAC personnel and units have also been assigned to allied and United Nations operations throughout the world. During 2001 to 2003, CANFLTPAC ships maintained patrol duties in the Persian Gulf region on Operation Apollo, the Canadian contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led international coalition in the campaign against terrorism.

CANFLTPAC’s operational ships include five Halifax-class frigates, one Iroquois-class air defence command and control destroyers, a replenishment vessel, six Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels and a Victoria Class submarine.

CH-124 Sea King helicopters from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Pat Bay can be carried on all the major ships. CP-140 Aurora long-range maritime patrol aircraft fly from 19 Wing Comox and provide direct support to maritime operations. The Aurora patrol aircraft have successfully tracked ships involved in illegal people-smuggling operations, identified polluting vessels and obtained evidence of illegal driftnet fishing in the north Pacific Ocean. Aircraft of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, the CC-115 Buffalo aircraft and CH-149 Cormorant helicopters, also based at 19 Wing Comox conduct specialized search and rescue missions.

Canadian Fleet Pacific Roles

One particular aspect of Canadian Fleet Pacific’s role is sovereignty patrols throughout Canada’s west coast. The main purpose of sovereignty patrols is to assist other government departments in the detection, reporting and deterrence of illegal activities, while providing accurate and timely surveillance information to enable law enforcement. Given the broad expanse of ocean and landmass that is Canada, only the navy and air force have sufficient and capable resources to maintain constant surveillance of the country’s 27,000 kilometres of coastline. However, this is duly achieved with the cooperation of other government departments including the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Parks Canada, Environment Canada, Customs, and Canadian Revenue Agency. For example, naval vessels work closely with the RCMP in its efforts to control illegal drug traffic into Canada, to educate and support remote communities and to maintain its effective Coastal Watch Program.  It will be through combined operations that the maritime surveillance aspects of domestic security will be enhanced in the coming years.

Canadian Fleet Pacific, in conjunction with Canadian law enforcement officials from these other government departments, also support the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Agency for cross-border operations.