[2] The vessels are powered by four Jeumont ANR-53-50 alternators coupled to four Wärtsilä UD 23V12 diesel engines creating 7.2 megawatts (9,700 hp).

Two 360° rotating LIPS Z-drive azimuth thrusters on the Kingston class are driven by two Jeumont CI 560L motors creating 2,200 kilowatts (3,000 hp) giving the ships a maximum speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) and a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph).

The vessels carry an AN/SQS-511 towed side scan sonar for minesweeping and a remote-control mine hunting system (RMHS).

During the exercise, Saskatoon, along with sister ships Nanaimo and Brandon trained with naval reserve units, and United States Coast Guard vessels involving various scenarios focused on drug or immigrant smuggling, pollution detection, marine mammal sightings, shellfish poaching, illegal logging and criminal activities.

[15][16] On 25 March, a patrol aircraft spotted a boat in international waters, which when noticing the plane, dumped its cargo and fled.

[20] While taking part in the operation, Saskatoon intercepted a small vessel carrying roughly 660 kg (1,460 lb) of cocaine on 12 March in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard.

[21] On 6 April, Saskatoon moved to intercept a fishing vessel off in international waters, launching its rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) with United States Coast Guard personnel embarked.

Upon boarding the vessel, Saskatoon's crew retrieved eleven bales of cocaine, totaling 464 kg (1,023 lb) and arrested three people.

Scheduled to return to service in February 2020, Saskatoon received planned upgrades to its hull, galley, HVAC, and fire fighting system.