HMCS William Hall returned to its homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia, today following its deployment to the Eastern Arctic as part of Operation NANOOK-TUUGALIK.

Focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness in the Arctic, HMCS William Hall sailed from Halifax through the Eastern Arctic and navigated the Northwest Passage to enhance maritime domain awareness, while also visiting several communities along the route, throughout August and September 2025.

The ship participated in a series of comprehensive activities aimed at enhancing Canadian Armed Forces presence in the Northwest Passage, ensuring Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) readiness, and provided support to the Canadian Army and Canadian Rangers personnel. HMCS William Hall took part in Frontier Sentinel 25 which included maritime exercises conducted with French, German and Danish navies in the Labrador Sea.

Subsequently, HMCS William Hall transited to Pond Inlet, where they participated in Vignette Arctic Ghost with the Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Airforce (RCAF), and Royal Canadian Military Police (RCMP) with the goal of improving interoperability with intergovernmental agencies.

Moreover, HMCS William Hall transited to Coral Harbour and Rankin Inlet, NU, to conduct community outreach with the northern region of Kivalliq. This highlights the RCN’s commitment to the regions of the north and included several activities such as Christmas toy and school supply donations, ships tours and participation in the Annual Trade Show in Rankin Inlet.

“Over the past few months, the crew of HMCS William Hall has done exceptional work maintaining presence in Canada’s Arctic as part of Operation NANOOK.  By working with key government and international partners, the crew has contributed to maritime domain awareness, deepening regional understanding, and enhancing our joint operational effectiveness in the North. Additionally, they have supported and fostered relations with regional and Indigenous governments, who are our key partners maintaining our sovereign and secure Canadian Arctic. Welcome home, and Bravo Zulu on a job well done.”

Commodore Jacob French, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic

“The officers and sailors of HMCS William Hall are proud to have represented the Royal Canadian Navy in furthering our knowledge of the Arctic and contributing to the continuation of an Arctic presence. The operational experiences gained over the past two months will remain with the members of HMCS William Hall and will assist with future operations in the North.”

Commander Scott Kelemen, Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship William Hall

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Operation NANOOK is the CAF’s signature northern operation and is a combined, joint, interagency, and multinational operation designed to provide a visible presence in the North and to demonstrate Canada’s ability to respond effectively to safety and security incidents in the region. The operation delivers Arctic experience, develops partnerships, and improves the readiness of its participants. Operation NANOOK features multiple subordinate-operations under its umbrella. 

• Participation by the RCN in Operation NANOOK represents Canada’s ongoing contribution and commitment to helping ensure the Canadian Armed Forces’ readiness to operate in the North and improve interoperability with mission partners. The RCN has deployed sailors and vessels since the operation began in 2007.

• The CAF permanent presence in the North is anchored by Joint Task Force North (JTF-N) in Yellowknife, along with 440 Transport Squadron RCAF, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters and a Company of reserve infantry. Team North has approximately 300 personnel, including two JTF-N detachments in Whitehorse and Iqaluit.

• The CAF s represented by over 1500 Canadian Rangers across 60 communities in the Arctic, where they perform surveillance patrols and, when requested, support Search and Rescue (SAR). The Canadian Rangers play a critical role in Arctic security by supporting CAF operations in the North, maintain a CAF presence in Northern communities, and represent a vital source of local knowledge. 

• Canadian Forces Station Alert (CFS Alert), located on Ellesmere Island, NU, is the most northerly, permanently inhabited location in the world, with a population comprised of CAF, Department of National Defence (DND), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and other contracted personnel. CFS Alert maintains intelligence facilities to support Canadian military operations, supports SAR, and provides support to ECCC researchers. 

• The CAF Arctic Training Centre in Resolute Bay, NU, provides a permanent location for training and operations in the High Arctic, including the Canadian Army’s annual Northern Exercise.