Thank you, Mr. Opitz, Mr. Chair.
In addition to the practical work that's done in places like the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa, we have contributed practically to naval operations exercises, counter-narcotics in the Caribbean, and in training as well.
You mentioned RIMPAC, which is the largest military exercise in the Pacific. It involves some 1,400 Canadian sailors, soldiers, infantry, and members of the Canadian Air Force. The exercise this year involved 22 nations and some 25,000 personnel overall in the week-long exercise.
Canada this year played a very important leadership role in the exercise. Rear-Admiral Lloyd was the deputy commander of the total exercise. Brigadier-General Mike Hood was the air component commander. Other key command positions were held by Canadians, including then Commodore Pete Ellis, who commanded the amphibious task force. Captain (Navy) Dermot Mulholland was the sea combat commander, and Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne Joy was the commander of the maritime patrol and reconnaissance air group.
We figured very prominently in the exercise. It provided an outstanding opportunity for Canadian Forces personnel to train with our key allies and to rebuild, and build upon, the trust and confidence that other countries have in Canada's ability.
I note that one of the highlights I witnessed at RIMPAC was the successful sinking of a decommissioned American vessel, a warship, by HMCS Victoria, our west coast submarine. This was an important milestone in the operationalization of our submarine fleet. Again, it is a tribute to the members of the Royal Canadian Navy for their work, their diligence, and their desire to make a difference in the world.