The HMCS Vancouver conducted exercises with the Republic of Fiji Navy last week working together to support peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

“These activities allow us to know and understand the way our allies and partners in the region act and operate and help them to know how we operate,” said Commander Ted Summers of the HMCS Vancouver and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Commander Summers said the exercise was part of Operation PROJECTION Asia-Pacific which is one element of Canada’s ongoing presence in the Asia-Pacific.

“While in Fiji, HMCS Vancouver and the Naval Security Team conducted exercises with the Republic of Fiji Navy, and now as we head for Hawaii and the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, with the Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand Navies,” he said.

“Building relationships and contact is crucial to working together to support peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

The Canadian navy vessel arrived into the port of Suva last Wednesday and departed on Sunday morning for Hawaii to take part in the Exercise Rim Pacific which will be held from June 27 to August 2.

The Canadian contingent is ready to take part in the world’s largest international maritime skills.

“Over 1,000 Canadian sailors, soldiers, and aviators, from 26 countries, are set to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC),” Captain Summers said.

“During RIMPAC, forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities ranging from disaster relief to maritime security operations and complex warfighting.

“As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC offers a uniquely complex and challenging multinational environment for CAF personnel to hone their skills.

“RIMPAC helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.”

Captain Summer commended the first class of female officers and said Fiji’s Navy was a professional force in the region.

“It’s great to see that the Republic of Fiji Navy has graduated its first class of female naval officers this year. It’s a great first step,” Captain Summer said.

“While in Suva, HMCS Vancouver also hosted some RFN boarding party members and did some training and a demonstration and it was fantastic to see these two teams from different nations and different parts of the world working together.

“The Republic of Fiji Navy is a professional force and a vital partner in the region.”

He said the crew of the HMCS Vancouver enjoyed Fiji people’s warmth and friendliness and enjoyed watching the Flying Fijians defeat Georgia in the World Rugby Pacific Nation’s Cup match at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

“Fiji is a warm and friendly place and we were thrilled to visit,” he said.

“The ship’s company had a great time in Fiji with many of the crew taking in the Fiji versus Georgia rugby game on Sunday.

“Well done Fiji! We’ve made friends and built relationships and would be happy to come back any time.”