Canadian Navy joins USCG and Mexican Navy for interoperability exercises

The Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Calgary together with the US Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Active and the Mexican naval warship Farias have conducted a ‘cross-pollination’ exercise in a bid to bolster their skills in maritime interdiction operations.

As part of the three-day exercise, 21 mariners swapped positions between the three vessels, while crew members were also shifted between ships through boat and helicopter.

About three officers and eight crews from Calgary joined the USCG and Mexican vessels, while six officers and crews from Active and four from Farias Calgary visited Calgary.

HMCS Calgary bridge watch keepers sub-lieutenant David Nelson said: "It was a unique experience gaining an insight into the law enforcement aspect of the US Coast Guard during maritime interdiction operations.

"It was also impressive to observe the daily operations of a Coast Guard vessel."

All crew members experienced multiple tours, demonstrations of daily operations and a visit to their respective messes aboard the vessels.

Crews were also allowed to exchange ideas with their occupational equivalents to get a better sense of operation of other navies.

Calgary commanding officer commander John Wilson said: "I was exceptionally proud to host fellow sailors from our joint interagency friends in the USCG and the Mexican Navy.

"I was grateful for the opportunity to see members of our team get a chance to experience, learn and bring back the knowledge gained on the other ships."