HMCS William Hall to Depart Halifax May 14 for Operation CARIBBE

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall is scheduled to depart Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 14, 2025, to join Operation CARIBBE, according to National Defence. Operation CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led counter-narcotics activities under the Joint Interagency Task Force South.

National Defence states that Operation CARIBBE focuses on detecting and interdicting illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The Canadian Armed Forces support these efforts by providing naval and air assets and by collaborating with international partners.

According to National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces have participated in Operation CARIBBE since 2006. This year’s deployment of HMCS William Hall follows the involvement of HMCS Harry DeWolf, which National Defence reports assisted the United States Coast Guard in seizing 750 kilograms of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea on March 1, 2025. That operation also included support from Colombian air and maritime forces.

Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, said the operation involves partnerships with allies, particularly the United States and the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked in HMCS William Hall.

Commander Scott Kelemen, Commanding Officer of HMCS William Hall, stated the ship and crew are prepared to support international partners with drug interdiction operations in the region.

National Defence identifies HMCS William Hall as a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel designed for missions such as surveillance and interdiction operations.