The USS Ralph Johnson and HMCS Ottawa join forces in the South China Sea, showcasing their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In a powerful display of maritime collaboration and alliance strengthening, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) has joined forces with the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) for Exercise Noble Wolverine in the South China Sea. This wide-ranging fall exercise aims to enhance interoperability between allied navies and reinforce the commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Noble Wolverine Exercise 2023

Exercise Noble Wolverine, comprising multiple phases, encompasses a spectrum of activities, including maneuvering drills, small boat operations, helicopter flight deck training, and routine bilateral surface operations. One significant highlight of this exercise was the successful execution of a combined at-sea replenishment with the Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) – a testament to the seamless coordination between US and Canadian naval forces.

HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341)
HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) during exercise Noble Wolverine in the South China Sea. (Image source: DVIDS)

Commander Sam Patchell, the commanding officer of HMCS Ottawa, highlighted the importance of such joint exercises in building trust and interoperability. He stated: