Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper On July 23, Commander (Cdr) Donna Crosman succeeded Cdr Nicolas Bruzzone as Commanding Officer of Base Administration (BAdm).  Cdr Bruzzone’s tenure emphasized people-first leadership, logistical excellence, and modernization of key base services.  Cdr Crosman, a lifelong military member, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead.  - From a poetry reading to lighthearted memories, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Change of Command (CoC) ceremony for the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Base Administration (BAdm) Branch was one to remember. The CoC was held on July 23 at Work Point’s Nixon Gym. Presided over by Captain(Navy) Kevin Whiteside, Commander (Cdr) of CFB Esquimalt Base, command was passed from outgoing CO, Cdr Nicolas Bruzzone, to incoming CO, Cdr Donna Crosman. The ceremony united military and civilian members of the Defence Team, along with family, to both honour Cdr Bruzzone’s service and celebrate Cdr Crosman’s arrival. Cdr Bruzzone’s career reflects both global reach and local leadership, with time served in Canada, Chile, and at sea. A logistician, he has supported Canadian naval operations and base functions for nearly two decades. “Over my tenure, I laughed with many of you, got to know some of you, and cried with a few of you,” said Cdr Bruzzone during his speech. “What we have in this country really is worth fighting for.” During the ceremony a poem composed by Cdr Bruzzone, Through Every Storm (featured below), was recited, and illustrated his sentiment on his branch’s solemn commitment to duty and service. To Cdr Bruzzone, some of his most noteworthy accomplishments during his time as BAdm CO includes: implementing a genuine, people-first mindset; reopening the Wardroom galley for meals; and modernizing the Lookout Newspaper and Creative Services. When asked what he would like to leave with Esquimalt’s BAdm Branch as he passes command, Cdr...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper NAVRES sailors completed a challenging two-week Naval Warfare Officer training phase in the Gulf and San Juan Islands, navigating tight channels and complex waters.  This year’s sea phase was staffed entirely by reservists, providing opportunities for leadership development and real-world navigation training.  - Strategically complex waterways, tight channels, and high-traffic zones create challenging navigation — and important training conditions for members of the Canadian Naval Reserve (NAVRES). In July, the Gulf and San Juan Islands functioned as a classroom for NAVRES sailors to develop their skills during a Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) Basic Pilotage Sea Phase. Offered by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), this course gives students critical exposure to demanding pilotage challenges. It blends academic instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for the realities of naval operations at sea. Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Evan Park, OIC, was inspired by the crew’s enthusiasm and dedication to teamwork. “Every student sailor showed a real eagerness to learn, contribute, and grow together as a crew over the two-week sea phase,” he said. “I was genuinely impressed.” Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Benjamin Lenner echoed Park’s feelings. “Having the opportunity to lead, support, and develop junior leaders was a privilege. The students and support staff alike worked to ensure an excellent training environment. Great memories and friends were made.” This year’s sea phase was unique as it was staffed entirely by NAVRES personnel. Notably, it provided opportunities for the crew to work through training packages while also supporting Bridge Watchkeepers. A major highlight was the Formation Navigation exercise, which took training vessels from Bedwell Harbour through Plumper Sound, Navy Channel, and Active Pass. Normally reserved for senior Fleet Navigating Officer candidates, this scenario pushed students to apply advanced navigation skills under pressure. The sail also included an overnight nested anchorage...

A/SLt Kim Wachockier MARPAC Public Affairs HMCS Nanaimo visited its namesake city for Canada Day, offering public ship tours and participating in local celebrations.  The event marked the vessel’s final stop in Nanaimo before transferring to the East Coast.  Sailors connected with the community through ceremonies, speeches, and shared stories of service aboard the ship.  - His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Nanaimo spent the Canada Day long weekend alongside in the city of Nanaimo, offering public tours and participating in community events. Notably, the visit marked the ship’s last port call to its namesake city before an upcoming transfer to Canada’s East Coast. It also represented an opportunity for the RCN to strengthen community ties, share stories, and honour a longstanding connection between ship and city. The visit officially began with a private ship tour for the Nanaimo Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson. Public tours took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., during which Nanaimo’s senior leadership took part in the City of Nanaimo’s Canada Day ceremony at Maffeo Sutton Park. The event featured a blessing by a Snuneymuxw Nation Elder, local performances, and cultural showcases. Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Tyson Babcock, the vessel’s Commanding Officer (CO) also gave a brief address on stage, inviting members of the public to tour the ship and celebrate with its crew. The July 1 program concluded with a reception for the Friends of Nanaimo, a civic group with longstanding ties to the ship. The reception featured Canadian cuisine, an informal awards presentation, and speeches from LCdr Babcock, Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Kronis, and Mayor Leonard Krog. The public tours welcomed curious visitors. For many visitors, it was their first time stepping aboard a Canadian warship. Children climbed ladders, asked questions about naval equipment, and posed for photos. Sailors...

A/SLt Do Hyun Kim HMCS Regina Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell assumes command of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific from RAdm Christopher Robinson.  RAdm Robinson led key domestic and international missions, including COVID-19 response and deployments across multiple naval operations.  RAdm Patchell brings global experience and a vision for continued investment in the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet.  - Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) held a Change of Command Ceremony (CoC) on August 5 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Duntze Head, marking the transfer of leadership from Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Christopher Robinson to RAdm David Patchell. The ceremony included a land acknowledgement from Mary Ann Thomas on behalf of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG), music by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and a speech from Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) James McCorriston, Formation Chaplain. Additionally, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the RCN, RAdm Robinson, and RAdm Patchell each gave formal addresses to the audience. RAdm Robinson became the commander of MARPAC and Joint Task Force Pacific ( JTFP) in May 2022. His leadership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic sustained critical domestic and international operations. He oversaw Operation (Op) LENTUS along with the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) nationwide natural disaster relief efforts. Internationally, RAdm Robinson directed deployments across Ops PROJECTION, NEON, HORIZON, RENDER SAFE, CARIBBE, and LIMPID. Under his command, HMCS Max Bernays was commissioned and integrated into the Canadian Pacific Fleet as the first Harry DeWolf-class vessel on the West Coast. HMCS Protecteur was also integrated to enhance fleet support. “As I pass the watch, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together,” said RAdm Robinson in his farewell message. “Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to Canada and each other.” Following his address to the...