ESQUIMALT, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/11/13 -- A Task Group Exercise will take place from February 11 to 21 off the coast of Hawaii with personnel from Canada and the United States participating in joint operations designed to build and strengthen interoperability and effectiveness between Canada's three military services and our Allies. The exercise will also support the United States Navy Submarine Command Course, a training course for naval officers preparing to take command of a submarine.

"One of Canada's responsibilities as a maritime nation is to ensure that we are interoperable with our maritime partners, including the United States," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "The Task Group Exercise ensures that the Royal Canadian Navy remains an effective allied maritime force."

Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Ottawa and Algonquin will meet at sea with United States Ships Chafee and Port Royal, and United States Naval Ship Guadalupe, along with three Los Angeles Class Nuclear Submarines. The ships will be joined by a Canadian CP-140 Aurora Aircraft from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron, and by CH-124 Sea King helicopters from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. Commodore Scott Bishop, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, will have a key leadership position during this Task Group Exercise as the Commander of anti-submarine warfare.

"The Royal Canadian Navy has a significant part to play in fostering cooperation and understanding at sea, especially with our neighbours to the south," said Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific. "Exercises such as the Task Group Exercise help improve naval interoperability, while also ensuring readiness if called upon."

"I am honoured to have been asked to participate as the anti-submarine warfare commander," said Commodore Bishop. "Combining work-up training, multi-ship exercises, and anti-submarine warfare scenarios provide a great opportunity for sailors and officers, new and seasoned, to develop and improve warfare skills."

Mock scenarios are staged to make training more realistic. Exercises during the Task Group Exercise will also focus on force generation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and seamanship.

The Task Group Exercise serves to strengthen the skills of our sailors, soldiers, and airmen and women by preparing them to react to potentially dangerous situations. Its purpose is to hone each unit's operational skills, enhancing Canada's maritime contribution to global security.

Note to Editors / News Directors: For additional information on the exercise, please contact Maritime Forces (Pacific) Public Affairs at 250-363-5789. For more information on the Royal Canadian navy, please visit: http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/0/0_eng.asp