Canadian Ship Dismissed from RIMPAC 2014

By The Maritime Executive 07-16-2014 01:25:00

A Canadian naval ship is headed home from the world’s largest naval exercise, Rim of the Pacific or RIMPAC, after allegations surfaced of drunkenness and sexual misconduct by its sailors.

One crewmember’s misbehavior in San Diego led to a public arrest. This was one of three incidents by other Canadian sailors that forced the ship’s departure. Local police have not confirmed if the other incidents happened aboard HMCS Whitehorse or in the City of San Diego.

Navy commander Vice-Admiral Mark Norman ordered HMCS Whitehorse to return three weeks early from RIMPAC 2014 taking place in the United States. The ship arrived back at its port at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C. on Monday. The vice admiral has also now called for a review of the ship's policies and procedures.

Navy sources insist that the incidents didn’t involve sexual assault or other serious crimes, but the action taken should serve as a warning for future behavioral misconduct.

According to the National Post, the Navy made a statement noting that the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has lost confidence in the ship’s ability to meet its current mission due to personal misconduct while in port. The Navy also pointed out that such personal misconduct is “contrary to the Code of Service Discipline. These allegations are under investigation and as such we are not in a position to discuss the specifics.”

HMCS Whitehorse is largely crewed by reservists.