Photo: Navy ships Arctic bound for DND operations

The HMCS Shawinigan takes part in a hoist rescue exercise with technicians aboard a CH-149 Cormorant in Koojesse Inlet off Iqaluit during Operation Nanook 2014. The Royal Canadian Navy announced Aug. 11 that HMCS Shawinigan is returning north for seven weeks of deployment with the HMCS Moncton to “conduct sovereignty and surveillance patrols” as part of this summer’s Operation Nanook and Operation Qimmiq exercises. While at sea, the Navy said, the ships will also be “partnering with Canadian Hydrographic Services, Parks Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, and the Arctic Research Foundation to conduct hydrographic surveys.” The Moncton is expected in Rankin Inlet on Aug. 29 and HMCS Shawinigan should be in Arctic Bay on Sept. 8 with a load of backpacks and school supplies to donate to the community. (PHOTO COURTESY ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY)