Pacific Navy News

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The CFB Esquimalt Tritons made history on Sept 16 by winning the Commodore’s Cup for the first time after defeating the 19 Wing Comox Totems 28-20 at Colville Field.  The annual flag football game brings together the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), represented by Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), represented by 19 Wing Comox, in a friendly but competitive showdown for the Cup.  Since the inaugural matchup in 2022, the trophy has belonged to 19 Wing Comox, a streak that is now broken. On home soil for its fifth iteration, the Tritons secured their first victory against the RCAF after months of preparation and teamwork.   [caption id="attachment_361218" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Members of the CFB Esquimalt Tritons flag football team at Colville Field on Sept 16. Photo: Pte John MacKay, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] “We came up short a couple times early in the game, but the hard work that the fellas put in throughout the summer really came through,” said Lieutenant(N) (Lt(N)) Zachary Champion. “It really was a group effort all round.”   Next year, the Commodore’s Cup will take place at 19 Wing Comox for yet another matchup the Tritons are eager to claim once more.  

Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper The conversation on leadership at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt continues with Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Douglas Layton, who took command of the base on July 21. While new to the appointment, his perspectives are informed by nearly 25 years of military service and the many leaders, lessons, and experiences he encountered along the way.  Together, we explored themes that shape every level of leadership: character; morale; courage; integrity; fairness; and what it means to lead in the service of others.  Leadership, Capt(N) Layton explained, can be demonstrated by anyone willing to take responsibility, look beyond their own interests, and contribute to the success of the team.  “Leaders don’t only think of themselves first,” he said. “They’re focused on a task or mission, as opposed to what they can get for themselves.”  When asked whether there is a difference between a commander and a leader, he explained that “a commander holds an appointed position of authority, whereas a leader can be anybody.”  To Capt(N) Layton, decisiveness and consistency are two of the most important qualities he admires in leaders. However, he said, good leaders must also create space for others to contribute their input.  “It’s an important quality to force yourself to listen to other people’s perspectives before jumping into a decision.”  The balance between accountability and trust is not always easy, but it is central to building strong teams – as is courage and integrity.  While physical bravery may be the most visible form of courage, he pointed to the quieter kind required in daily leadership: the everyday courage and integrity it takes to make difficult decisions, have uncomfortable conversations, and do what is right even when it is unpopular.    [caption id="attachment_361196" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Capt(N) Douglas Layton addresses guests during CFB Esquimalt’s change of command ceremony on July 21. Photo: MCpl William Gosse, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] Morale  Good leadership and buy-in helps...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper “I really, really enjoyed my time.” - Frank Simpson reflecting on memories from his time in service to Canada - To Frank Simpson, the 14 years he spent in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) meant everything. During his time in service, he served aboard ships, travelled across the world, and worked his way toward a promotion. Despite the career he had built for more than a decade and a promotion within reach, Simpson said he was dismissed from the RCN in 1978 because of his sexuality.  Today, Frank looks back on his service with pride, even as he remembers the discrimination that brought it to an end. After his time with the RCN, he built a new career in hospitality and later spent 25 years with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). At 80 years old now, Frank’s life reflects both the lasting harm of the LGBT Purge and the determination it took for him to move forward.  Frank’s early life began in Germany, where he was born before arriving in Canada with his mother and stepfather in 1954. Growing up as an only child in North Saanich with few activities for young people in the area, Frank knew he wanted to leave and find a different path. He enlisted on Dec 2, 1964, and the following day began a five-day journey across the country to Cornwallis, N.S., for basic training.  “The level of discipline that was required was very, very difficult to learn at first,” said Frank. Still, he succeeded and found his place as a steward for officers. Frank’s first posting was aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Yukon. In 1967, he was selected to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Tattoo. One memory in particular stayed with him: a child approaching him after a performance to ask for his autograph.   [caption id="attachment_361172" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A photo of RCN veteran...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The RCN's 2026 Guaranteed Employment Opportunity (GEO) program gave naval reservists full-time summer employment and hands-on training at CFB Esquimalt. Participants developed seamanship skills through small boat exercises, day sails, operational taskings and training aboard RCN vessels. Sailors gained valuable experience, progressed toward qualifications and built connections to carry into their naval careers. - This summer at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, Canadian naval reservists from across the country gained hands-on experience and advanced their training through the 2026 iteration of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Guaranteed Employment Opportunity (GEO) program.   The GEO program provides members of the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) with guaranteed full-time summer employment during their first four years of service. Approved program participants can choose to remain at their home unit or pursue opportunities at other locations, including CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax. This year, CFB Esquimalt welcomed NAVRES boatswains to provide junior sailors with opportunities to progress through their training packages while actively gaining a wide variety of practical experiences.  [caption id="attachment_361146" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Participants of the 2026 GEO Program participate in naval knot identification. Photo supplied.[/caption] Throughout the summer, participants took part in a range of activities, from seamanship and naval history briefings to small boat training, sailing, and operational taskings. Practically, GEO program members developed seamanship through special operations rigid-hulled inflatable boat (SO RHIB) towing exercises; fast boating; wave mitigation; and more. Sailors also practised person-overboard (POB) drills; fueling, navigation; radio procedures; and high-speed sticking drills. The exercises provided opportunities for participants to gain signatures in their Pre Instruction Package (PIP), helping them progress through their training packages.  In addition to seamanship training, GEO program participants also experienced life at sea through a variety of base activities. Several sailors participated in day sails aboard ORCA-class training vessels, while others took part in naval history and seamanship briefings. The program also...