by Adam Chan January 30, 2026
A Canadian defence vessel previously based at CFB Esquimalt that has now moved to Halifax has started its seven-week deployment in the Caribbean Sea as part of a multi-national security operation.
HMCS Yellowknife departed on Thursday to contribute to Operation CARIBBE, a U.S.-led multi-national project that focuses on countering drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Department of National Defence (DND) says HMCS Yellowknife will help prevent illicit drugs from reaching Canada, and North America as a whole, by stopping them on the water.
“HMCS Yellowknife will work to lawfully disrupt the movement of illicit trafficking vessels through boarding and maritime interdiction operations working with partner nation surface assets and maritime patrol aircraft,” said the DND in a statement.
The DND adds that Operation CARIBBE is carried out specifically with the United States Coast Guard, and is not part of any other U.S. operation in the region.
Since Operation CARIBBE launched in 2006, the joint operation has disrupted or stopped more than 123 metric tons of cocaine, according to the Department of National Defence.
Last year, two Halifax based ships – HMCS Harry DeWolf and HMCS William Hall – stopped more than 2,200 kilograms of cocaine as part of Operation CARIBBE.
“Canada’s contribution to Operation CARIBBE underscores our strong commitment to working alongside regional partners to combat the flow of dangerous narcotics throughout the Americas,” said Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic.
“The deployment of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Yellowknife demonstrates our nation’s resolve to this mission, reinforcing collaboration with allies to disrupt illicit networks and enhance security across the region.”
HMCS Yellowknife is a Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel that’s designed for both surveillance and patrols, according to the DND.
“The crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Yellowknife is proud to represent Canada on this mission and contribute to a safer maritime environment,” said Lieutenant-Commander Jeffrey Smith, Commanding Officer of HMCS Yellowknife.
“Having recently returned from Operation REASSURANCE, Yellowknife is ready to work in close coordination with partner nations to detect and interdict vessels engaged in illegal trafficking.”
Source: CHEK News