Halifax, Nova Scotia – August 18, 2025 – His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall, a state-of-the-art Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), departed its home port of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax today as part of the Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK Task Group. The vessel is joined by international partners, the Danish Navy’s HDMS Lauge Koch and the French Navy’s FS Garonne, as the multinational group sets sail for Canada’s Arctic waters to conduct critical sovereignty and surveillance operations.
Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK is an annual Canadian Armed Forces exercise designed to assert Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic, enhance interoperability with allied nations, and strengthen maritime security in the region. The deployment underscores Canada’s commitment to protecting its northernmost territories while fostering international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges in the Arctic.
A Mission of Sovereignty and Collaboration
HMCS William Hall, commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on May 16, 2024, is uniquely suited for Arctic operations. With its Polar Class 5 ice breaking capabilities, the vessel can navigate through first-year sea ice up to one meter thick at speeds of three knots, making it an ideal platform for patrolling Canada’s vast and challenging northern waters. The ship is equipped with advanced surveillance systems, a 20-ton crane for payload operations, and a hangar meant to accommodate a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, bolstering its ability to conduct reconnaissance and support missions in the Arctic.
Joining HMCS William Hall are HDMS Lauge Koch, a Danish patrol vessel optimized for Arctic operations, and FS Garonne, a French Navy support ship. The inclusion of these allied vessels highlights the growing importance of multinational partnerships in the Arctic, where strategic interests, climate change, and increased maritime activity have heightened the need for collaborative security efforts. Together, the task group will conduct joint exercises, including search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and maritime domain awareness activities.
“This deployment exemplifies the strength of Canada’s partnerships with Denmark and France in the Arctic,” said Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic. “HMCS William Hall and its crew are ready to work alongside our allies to protect Canada’s sovereignty and contribute to regional stability in one of the world’s most dynamic environments.”
HMCS William Hall: A Legacy of Valor
Named after Petty Officer William Nelson Edward Hall, the first Black Canadian and Nova Scotian to receive the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the 1857 Siege of Lucknow, HMCS William Hall carries a proud legacy. The ship’s motto, “Nec timemus nec vacillamus” (Latin for “We do not fear or falter”), reflects the courage and resilience of its namesake and the crew serving aboard.
Since its delivery to the RCN in August 2023, HMCS William Hall has demonstrated its versatility, completing a successful deployment on Operation CARIBBE earlier this year, where it played a key role in seizing over 1,545 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean. Now, the vessel embarks on its first Arctic mission, showcasing its adaptability for operations in both warm and polar climates.
“Our crew is honoured to carry the name of William Hall into the Arctic,” said Commander Scott Kelemen, Commanding Officer of HMCS William Hall. “We are prepared to execute our mission with professionalism and to strengthen ties with our Danish and French partners as we work together to ensure the security of Canada’s North.”
The Strategic Importance of the Arctic
The Arctic region is increasingly vital to global security and economic interests. Melting ice due to climate change has opened new shipping routes and increased access to natural resources, drawing attention from both Arctic and non-Arctic nations. Operation NANOOK-TUUGAALIK serves as a critical platform for Canada to assert its sovereignty, monitor maritime activity, and deter potential threats in the region.
The task group’s activities will include joint patrols, interoperability exercises, and community engagements in Canada’s Inuit Nunangat, where HMCS William Hall is affiliated with the Kivalliq region. These engagements reinforce the RCN’s commitment to building relationships with Indigenous communities and supporting Canada’s northern priorities.
International Cooperation in a Changing Arctic
The participation of HDMS Lauge Koch and FS Garonne underscores the importance of international collaboration in the Arctic. Denmark, with its historical and strategic ties to Greenland, brings extensive expertise in Arctic maritime operations. France, an emerging player in polar affairs, contributes logistical and operational support through FS Garonne, enhancing the task group’s capabilities.
This multinational effort aligns with Canada’s defense policy, *Our North, Strong and Free*, which emphasizes investments in Arctic capabilities, including specialized maritime sensors and the potential to embark maritime helicopters on Harry DeWolf-class vessels. These enhancements will further strengthen the RCN’s ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to evolving maritime threats.