Pacific Navy News

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...

Padre Marie-Eve Homier Welcome to the October instalment of From the Chaplain’s Desk, a series that showcases reflections from chaplains serving at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. Each piece offers personal perspectives from those who work closely with members of the Defence Team in times of challenge, transition, and everyday life.   – Daylight time shortens, the cold settles in. “Ah, it’s all downwards from here!” While this seasonal transition can put a damper on our morale, there may be a hidden gem of learning in the slow decrease of summer and coming of winter.   Trees begin to shed their leaves, revealing their essential structure: a network of branches that support an entire canopy. We, too, can ask ourselves: What gives me structure that underpins all my life’s commitments? Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, what drives me at my core?  In short, it’s a matter of following the breadcrumb trail back to what holds meaning for us: a robust sense of purpose that sustains us through the inevitable ups and downs.  Purpose is more than a goal or an ambition; it is the deep conviction that our lives and actions matter. When spirituality is combined with purpose, it creates what many call spiritual resilience: the ability to endure challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty while maintaining hope, meaning, and inner strength. While purpose is not a cure for life’s difficulties, it can serve as a protective factor. A strong sense of purpose contributes to a healthier mindset by helping people make sense of challenges and maintain perspective during difficult times. In this way, purpose can strengthen resilience before adversity strikes rather than merely helping us recover afterward.   Another great benefit of purpose is its ability to counter cynicism. In a world where disappointment, frustration, and adversity are unavoidable, it is easy to become skeptical or disengaged. Purpose reminds us that our efforts contribute to something larger than ourselves. It helps...