-ation is a common noun-forming suffix. When added to a verb, it often creates a noun that refers to the act or process of doing that verb.
For example:
* Operate (verb) → Operation (noun)
* Communicate (verb) → Communication (noun)
* Educate (verb) → Education (noun)
So, while "operate" itself is a verb, adding -ation to it creates the noun "operation", which refers to the act or process of operating.