Operation Nanook (1946)

Operation Nanook was a joint military exercise conducted by the United States and Canadian armed forces in the Eastern Arctic during the summer of 1946. Its primary objective was to assert Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago and assess the region's suitability for military operations. The exercise involved the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies to several locations in the Canadian Arctic, including Baffin Island, Cornwallis Island, and Ellesmere Island.

Operation Nanook demonstrated Canada's determination to exercise control over its vast northern territory following World War II, a period marked by increasing strategic importance of the Arctic due to its proximity to the Soviet Union and the potential for transpolar air routes. The operation also provided valuable experience in operating in extreme Arctic conditions, including logistics, navigation, and cold weather survival techniques. It highlighted the challenges of Arctic operations and contributed to the development of military capabilities adapted to the unique environment. Furthermore, it fostered collaboration between the American and Canadian military forces, strengthening their alliance in the face of Cold War tensions. The operation is often considered a significant event in the development of Canadian Arctic policy and military strategy.