Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) returns from Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise
News release
October 29, 2024 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) have returned to Victoria, B.C., after participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24), hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy from October 14-25, 2024, off the coast of Busan, South Korea.
Eleven members from FDU(P), alongside two support staff, participated in the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong, focusing on mine countermeasures and promoting collective deterrence. During the exercise, the teams conducted drills aimed at detecting and neutralizing mines to establish safe navigation routes, enhancing interoperability among participating nations and improving understanding of the mine warfare environment in the Korean theatre of operations.
Nations participating alongside FDU(P) on ROKS Cheon Wang Bong included the United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Philippine Navy. In total, 19 nations took part in MN-MIWEX 24, with dive teams operating on multiple ships throughout. The exercise also included a mine countermeasures symposium held prior to sailing.
This year, MN-MIWEX 24 was conducted under Operation HORIZON, Canada’s mission to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative expands the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) opportunities to collaborate closely with partners and allies in the region, allowing Canada to play a more active role in strengthening regional security.
Quotes
“Mine countermeasure exercises are an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to build capacity and engage with countries across the Indo-Pacific. This supports Canadian strategic objectives such as promoting peace, resilience and security in the region, as well as demonstrating Canada’s commitment to being an active and engaged partner. Deepening our relationship with the Republic of Korea Navy and enhancing collective deterrence between nations aligns with the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This also supports and promotes our goals of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
- Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific
“Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) has been rigorously preparing to conduct complex mine countermeasures operations alongside the Republic of Korea and partner nations. Participating in international training exercises like Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 is an opportunity to learn from each other and build long-lasting and positive relationships while also showcasing Canadian excellence and professionalism at sea. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our members have put into this exercise and I am confident that we will continue to increase our readiness and knowledge as a result.”
- Lieutenant(N) Demetris Mousouliotis, Executive Officer Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific)
Quick facts
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As part of MN-MWEX 24, two members of FDU(P) attended a mine countermeasures symposium in Busan, South Korea, from October 14-15, 2024, to begin informative discussions, which continued during the operational phase of the exercise.
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During the exercise, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles were used to gather information on the precise location of underwater ordnance.
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During the exercise, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles were used to gather information on the precise location of underwater ordnance.
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RCN Clearance Divers are highly trained underwater specialists who are responsible for delivering Mine-Countermeasures Diving, Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Underwater Engineering support worldwide on behalf of the CAF.
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Under Operation HORIZON, the deployment of RCN ships and units to the Indo-Pacific aims at working with allied and partner nations to enhance military cooperation and promote peace and stability. Activities conducted under Operation HORIZON help build military-to-military confidence and partnerships.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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