Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper.  

  • Foreign service attachés from 20 nations visited CFB Esquimalt as part of a west coast defence tour
  • Delegation received briefings from MARPAC leadership and toured Royal Canadian Navy operations and facilities
  • Discussions highlighted Canada’s maritime strategy, global partnerships, and the importance of western ports

–

The west coast tour for foreign service attachés made its way to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt on May 12 and 13 for a closer look at Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) operations and the evolving maritime region. 

“It’s been a fantastic tour,” shared Örjan Ström, Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) Defence Attaché. “So well planned.” 

Foreign service attachés pose for the luncheon group photo with family members alongside RAdm David Patchell, Commander of MARPAC/JTF(P) on May 13 at CFB Esquimalt. Photo: Avr Rebecca Mainardi, MARPAC Imaging

Part of an annual program designed to showcase defence and regional capabilities that align with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Government of Canada priorities, this year’s tour spanned one week. As such, it began in Calgary before moving through Banff and Vancouver and then Vancouver Island. The attachés came from 20 nations along with 13 accompanying spouses. 

The visit to CFB Esquimalt included a morning gathering at the Admiral’s Residence, where Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force(Pacific) (MARPAC/JTF(P)), and his wife Christian Patchell welcomed attachés and their spouses for presentations and discussions followed by a luncheon at the Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess.  

“These tours are important. They [attachés] can have a better understanding of our challenges and a better understanding of Canada,” said RAdm Patchell.  

RAdm Patchell also shared insight regarding some of the discussions around the future of maritime growth and the importance of western ports. “Prince Rupert is the fastest way to get goods from China to Chicago,” he said. “We’ll see what Prince Rupert looks like in a few years.” 

While last year’s tour itinerary focused on the northern region of Canada and this year’s the west, next year’s program will shift to the east.