HMCS Winnipeg’s busy week

HMCS Winnipeg alongside Ogden Point for Defence on the Dock.

SLt Wilson Ho, HMCS Winnipeg ~

This is You Day Sail

HMCS Winnipeg embarked over 200 guests Sept. 14 from Royal Roads Alumni and the Achieve Anything Foundation’s “This is You” program, for a first-hand experience of life on board a Halifax-class frigate.

The “Achieve Anything” Foundation organizes hands-on experience events with the navy and other agency/industrial partners that are improving gender diversity in their workplaces, and also promoting equal opportunity in all of their jobs.

Despite heavy fog obstructing the scenic views of Esquimalt and Victoria Harbour, guests were invited to tour the ship, including the operations room, the bridge, and the machinery control room. In addition, guests were given the opportunity to try on boarding party equipment and test their skills in a smoky firefighting simulator.

During lunch on the flight deck, the fog surrounding Winnipeg lifted.  Although overcast, the increased visibility allowed guests to see the demonstration of the ship’s full manoeuverability, which included full speed runs, crash stops, and high speed turns.

Once back alongside Esquimalt Harbour, the President of the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club presented two books to the crew. In closing, Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Mike Stefanson, had a few words.

“Thank you for coming out and sailing with us today, and letting the sailors show you our home; this is not just our ship, but your ship as well.”

Defence on the Dock

The next day, overcast weather didn’t dampen the spirits of many Vancouver Islanders as they participated in Defence on the Dock, hosted by CFB Esquimalt. HMCS Winnipeg was open for tours at Ogden Point and welcomed 3,300 eager guests.

Defence on the Dock is a showcase event where members of the public are invited to interact with both military and civilian personnel from CFB Esquimalt, and to also view and experience the equipment that the air force, army, and navy personnel use on a day-to-day basis.

Winnipeg also hosted a reception for distinguished guests, community, municipal, and government leaders during the evening. At the reception, the Commander MARPAC, RAdm Bob Auchterlonie addressed the attendees. In addition to thanking everyone for their continued support, he emphasized the importance of inviting the local community to see up close and in person what the military and civilian personnel all across CFB Esquimalt do to support the Canadian Armed Forces. 

Staff College Day Sail

Students and staff of the Joint Command Staff Program (JCSP) partook in a day sail onboard HMCS Winnipeg Monday, Sept.16. Students of the Joint Command Staff Program included senior officers from the Belize Defence Force, the Royal Australian Navy, the Peruvian Navy, the United States Navy, the Royal Navy, and the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Joint Command Staff Program’s aim is to prepare senior officers for command and staff appointments in both national and international settings. 

Staff and students of JCSP toured the ship, including the operations room, the bridge, and the machinery control room.

After the tours, Winnipeg conducted a full manoeuvrability demonstration. The Naval Tactical Operations Group showed the JCSP guests their ability to board a ship, stealthily climbing onboard Winnipeg’s quarterdeck and securing the flight deck.

Throughout the day, a CH -148 Cyclone and a CH-149 Comorant conducted multiple flypasts of the ship, displaying both helicopters’ capabilities, and demonstrating the strong strategic interoperability between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy.