The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will participate in 'Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026', a United States-led biennial field exercise taking place in and around Hawaii and Guam from June 22 to July 5.

During this exercise, Charlottetown will conduct anti-submarine warfare training, strengthening its ability to operate seamlessly with allies and partners. Land-based personnel in Guam, Hawaii, and Japan will enhance proficiency to detect, track, and engage threats across sea, air, land, and cyberspace, while contributing to planning and coordination efforts that strengthen interoperability and partnerships.

 Complementing these operational activities, members from 2 Wing Bagotville will participate in multinational Airfield Damage Repair training in Guam. This training will enhance and validate their ability to rapidly assess damage and restore critical airfield infrastructure, enabling the timely resumption of air operations in expeditionary and contingency environments. This training strengthens operational resilience, sustainment of airpower, and interoperability with allied and partner forces.

 Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2026 will bring together forces from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, demonstrating the strength of integrated multinational operations across the Indo-Pacific.

 CAF participation in this exercise is part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s contribution to promoting peace and stability in the Indo‑Pacific. As global geopolitical competition and military activity increase, close coordination with allies and partners remains essential. A stable region is critical to protecting global trade routes, supporting economic security, and advancing Canada’s long‑term strategic interests. This exercise strengthens long‑standing partnerships with like-minded nations, enhances combined military capability, and reinforces a shared commitment to regional security.

 “Participating in Exercise VALIANT SHIELD provides an important opportunity for His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown to strengthen interoperability and operate alongside our allies and partners in a complex, multi-domain environment. I’m immensely proud of the crew and their work so far throughout our deployment on Operation HORIZON, they’ve demonstrated professionalism, skill, and teamwork that will be required to contribute to this multinational exercise," Commander Jonathan Maurice, Commanding Officer HMCS Charlottetown