Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) have returned to Victoria, B.C., after participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24), hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy from October 14-25, 2024, off the coast of Busan, South Korea.
Eleven members from FDU(P), alongside two support staff, participated in the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong, focusing on mine countermeasures and promoting collective deterrence. During the exercise, the teams conducted drills aimed at detecting and neutralizing mines to establish safe navigation routes, enhancing interoperability among participating nations and improving understanding of the mine warfare environment in the Korean theatre of operations.
Nations participating alongside FDU(P) on ROKS Cheon Wang Bong included the United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Philippine Navy. In total, 19 nations took part in MN-MIWEX 24, with dive teams operating on multiple ships throughout. The exercise also included a mine countermeasures symposium held prior to sailing.
This year, MN-MIWEX 24 was conducted under Operation HORIZON, Canada's mission to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative expands the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) opportunities to collaborate closely with partners and allies in the region, allowing Canada to play a more active role in strengthening regional security.
