The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is set to carry out a large-scale small boat training exercise in Prince Edward Island this weekend, with activities centered in Charlottetown Harbour and Wood Islands.
Dubbed Exercise SCARLET SURGE, the drill will run from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, and will involve over 100 sailors from across Canada. The operation is being hosted by HMCS Queen Charlotte, the naval reserve division based in Charlottetown.
Queen Charlotte Armoury. Source: Tony Webster
In addition to RCN personnel, members of the 33 Field Ambulance and 37 Service Battalion will also take part, bringing a joint-forces element to the training event. According to the Navy, the exercise will include small boat operations, simulated first-aid scenarios, and coordinated maritime manoeuvres designed to strengthen inter-unit coordination and emergency response skills.
“The impact to the community is low, however we would like to advise that there will be more activity within both Charlottetown and Wood Islands Harbour during these dates,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Spencer Lee in a public statement on Wednesday.
Key Training Locations & Dates:
- Charlottetown Harbour: Friday and Sunday (various times throughout the day)
- Wood Islands Harbour: Saturday, April 26 – Simulated casualty scenario from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The RCN is encouraging local residents to observe and engage with the activity, emphasizing that these exercises are an opportunity to connect with Canada’s naval and reserve forces. Community members may notice increased military presence on the waterfront, particularly during embarkation, disembarkation, and medical training segments.
Exercise SCARLET SURGE forms part of the Navy’s broader effort to maintain operational readiness and build reserve force capability through realistic, community-integrated training events.
Canada Defence Journal 