Naval Security Team

The Naval Security Team (NST) (French: Équipe de sécurité navale, ESN) is a deployable Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) force protection unit tasked to augment fleet existing force protection measures in expeditionary or domestic environments. The NST also performs tactical and intelligence support and is also designed to give reservists more overseas opportunities.[1] It is primarily composed of Naval Reservists, with Regular Force members rounding out the team when required.[2]

Naval Security Team
Équipe de sécurité navale  (French)
A naval reservist from HMCS Star directing another NST member during workup training prior to deploying to Busan, South Korea, in 2017.
Active2016–present
Country Canada
Branch Royal Canadian Navy
RoleForce protection
Part ofMaritime Forces Pacific
Garrison/HQCFB Esquimalt
EquipmentDefender-class boat

Having only been established in November 2016, it is relatively small in size having up to 60 members.[3]

The NST reports directly to Maritime Forces Pacific at CFB Esquimalt.

Operational History

The NST was deployed in 2017 for the first time when escorting HMCS Winnipeg during its port visit to Busan, South Korea.[4][5]

Since then, it has also visited the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Fiji[6][7] and Greece. The Greek visit was organized to aide in the transfer of responsibility from sailors on HMCS Ville de Québec who were on leave.[8][9]

In June 2019, the first NST members to receive their qualification certification were sent on duty.[10]

References
  1. Russell, Nancy (February 12, 2018). "P.E.I. naval reservists step up for 'exciting opportunity' in Latvia". CBC News. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  2. Government of Canada, National Defence (2013-09-18). "Naval Security Team | Specialized Units | Royal Canadian Navy". www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  3. Pugliese, David (January 31, 2017). "New Canadian Naval Security Team prepares for deployment". Ottawa Citizen. Postmedia Network. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  4. Leaf, The Maple. "Naval Security Team safeguards ships in foreign ports – The Maple Leaf". ml-fd.caf-fac.ca. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  5. Navy, Government of Canada, National Defence, Royal Canadian. "The Naval Reserve Link: View Article | LINK - April 2017 | What is the Naval Security Team (NST)?". www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 2018-08-26.
  6. "Canadian Naval Security Team training with Republic of Fiji Navy". NavalToday.com. August 16, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  7. "Canadian Navy's Naval Security Team to conduct training with Fijian Navy". Naval Technology. Verdict Media. August 17, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  8. 2Lt M.X. Dery (October 5, 2018). "Naval Security Team Enhances Ship Protection on OP Reassurance". Canadian Military News. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  9. "Naval security team deploys". Lookout. Pacific Navy News. September 28, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  10. "First Naval Security Team to complete Force Protection Qualification". Lookout. Pacific Navy News. June 12, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
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