Operation Nanook hits Labrador: An inside look as soldiers train for the north

Operation Nanookis meant to show that the Canadian Armed Forces can operate in the country'smost northern regions and a look inside the temporary operations camp at Voisey'sBay, Labrador makes itclear thatit's no easy task.

"A few hiccups but we'll be able to achieve the aims we wanted to achieve when we started the excercise," said operations officer CaptainBruno Cyr, who has to keep the troops supplied and moving around.

"That's part of the exercise is learning how to move so we'll learn from there and next time it will be even better."

The operation saw its share of kinks. Weather delayed the arrival of most of the troopsfor a couple of days and a broken helicopter windshield meant training scenarios couldn't go ahead as planned.

'You eat pretty good' Trying out an army ration in Voisey's Bay

7 years ago

Duration 2:09

CBC Videojournalist Jacob Barker learns a bit about army life when he is offered a ration at Operation Nanook base camp in Voisey's Bay.Location: Voisey's Bay

That leftsoldiers with time on their hands but there was no shortage of activities.

"There's a lot of things. Mostly it comes to your imagination, whatever you can imagine or think up as a game. The sky is the limit, I guess," said Master Cpl.Marcel Richard while playing cards,

"Not everything's going to work out and you have to adapt. It's part of the training and you do the best you can with what you have."

Back on track

Though not every scenario went ahead as planned, eventually things did get on track.

"It's very important training," Master Cpl. Graham Townsend said as he learned how to put a stretcher in a helicopter.

Troops train during Operation Nanook

7 years ago

Duration 1:18

Master Cpl Graham Townsend gives us the lowdown on "How to put a stretcher in a helicopter familiarization" training in Voisey's Bay during Operation Nanook.

"When one of our buddies isinjured, when one of our friends is really, really hurt, we have to make sure we can control ourselves to properly get them to the level of care that they require."

Really proud

Though most of the troops taking part were from other parts ofAtlantic Canada,there were some locals.

"It really helps the Labrador coast for them to show up here," Canadian Ranger Maria Emelia Merkuratsukof Nain said.

"To see [Canadian Armed Forces members] in real life, to see them in person makes us really proud."

The Rangers, a reserve unit that opertes in remote areas, provides a lot of local knowledge for soldiers taking part in the training exercise.

Merkuratsukbecame a ranger because her father was one. She embraces the role.

"I feel like keeping them safe [is] keeping us safe," she said.

Namesake vessel

The navy, along with a Labrador namesakealso played a role in the operations. The HMCSGoose Bay was helping out moving troops and supplies around.

HMCS Goose Bay visits Voisey's Bay

7 years ago

Duration 2:47

The HMCS Goose Bay is one ship assisting in operations for Operation Nanook, the CAF's largest Northern training exercise.

"Roads lesser travelled for the navy," Lt. Amanda Jayne said as the boat pulled into Voisey'sBay."But very excited to be in this spot."