The Canadian Forces took part, once again, in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises.
His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Ottawa, Regina and HMC Submarine Corner Brook departed their homeport of Esquimalt to participate in RIMPAC, according to the RCN news release issued June 15, 2026.
During this iteration of RIMPAC, HMCS Regina conducted a live-firing of the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile and HMCS Ottawa showcased its upgraded submarine detection system, the Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade. HMCS Corner Brook underwent an electronic warfare systems upgrade, enhancing its capability to detect and identify nearby ships and signals earlier, according to the Royal Canadian Navy.
More than 800 CAF personnel deployed. Royal Canadian Air Force assets include a CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft and two CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters.
RIMPAC 2026 is set to end July 30.
Roundup of RIMPAC coverage
I looked into the archives of my previous articles and pulled a few links on past coverage:
Flooding prevents Royal Canadian Navy AOPS from taking part in RIMPAC 2024
One of the Royal Canadian Navy’s newest ships is sitting in a U.S. port awaiting repairs because of flooding and mechanical problems. HMCS Max Bernays, one of the new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), is now in Pearl Harbor as specialists try to figure out how long it will take to be repaired, sailors have told this newspaper.
2018 RIMPAC wraps up: 1,000 personnel took part
Canada’s commitment to RIMPAC 2016: 1,500 military personnel and variety of ships
HMCS Victoria takes part in RIMPAC 2014
3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conduct training during RIMPAC 2014
HMCS Whitehorse ordered home after three incidents of misconduct during RIMPAC 2014
And my favourite …
David Pugliese investigated by military police for publishing details of news release on RIMPAC
This article was published in June 2013. The office of Defence Minister Peter MacKay requested an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service after I published details about RIMPAC provided to me by the U.S. Navy.
“MacKay’s office alleged that the information was the result of a leak, even though reporter David Pugliese identified on four occasions that the details came from a U.S. navy news release. According to documents released under access to information, MacKay’s office requested that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (NIS), which is called in for serious crimes or sensitive matters, track down how Pugliese obtained information, setting in motion a month-long probe.”
CFNIS concluded that, yes, the details published were indeed from a U.S. Navy news release.