A/SLt Kim Wachockier  MARPAC Public Affairs Three Orca-class vessels (Cougar 61, Raven 56, Grizzly 60) took part in Exercise Gold Rush 2025. Training included towing drills, tidal narrows navigation, search and rescue exercises, and more. Memorable moments included a humpback whale encounter, partnerships with the U.S. Coast Guard, and stops in Ketchikan and Glacier Bay. - Three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Orcaclass vessels (Cougar 61, Raven 56, and Grizzly 60) recently spent the past weeks engaged in Exercise Goldrush 2025 (EXGR2025), a coastal training exercise conducted amidst the scenic and challenging waterways of B.C. and Alaska. The exercise united junior officers, sailors, Naval Reservists, Royal Military College (RMC) students, and Naval Experience Program participants for a dynamic, hands-on experience. Effectively operating together, EXGR2025 participants navigated narrow channels, conducted complex mariner deck evolutions, and honed real-world maritime skills to boost operability. In addition to providing opportunities for participants to engage in towing drills, tidal narrows navigation, person-overboard and search and rescue exercises, Goldrush 2025 also supported the new Naval Warfare Officer Professional Qualification (NWOPQ). As a result, Junior Bridge Watchkeepers can log up to 150 hours towards the 600-hour qualification requirement, in addition to the practical experience gained in challenging waterways. EXGR2025 was a voyage of many memorable encounters. In Ketchikan, Alaska, crews were welcomed by the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard with an invitation to the allranks mess, The Crow’s Nest. Glacier Bay saw each Canadian vessel joined by two U.S. National Park Rangers who shared their knowledge of the region’s history, ecology, and wildlife alongside RCN crews. Finally, a humpback whale stole the spotlight in the waters of the Pacific Northwest when it lingered alongside Cougar 61 for nearly two hours. The crew stopped both engines and followed marine wildlife safety protocols as the whale surfaced repeatedly, even rubbing...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Formation Fun Day returns to CFB Esquimalt on Sept 6, offering a free afternoon of food, entertainment, games, and family activities. New attractions debut this year, including a toddler-friendly soft play zone. The event fosters connection and belonging within the Defence Community by welcoming both newcomers and longtime residents. - The countdown is officially on for one of the most anticipated Defence community events of the year: Formation Fun Day. On Saturday, Sept 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Formation Fun Day will take over the Naden Athletic Centre at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. The event will unite military members, veterans, base employees, and their families for a free fair-style afternoon of food, entertainment, games, activities, and more. This year’s event promises to be a little different — in the best way. For Leah Pokocky, Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Special Event Coordinator, creating the 2025 Formation Fun Day experience meant listening first. “When in the initial planning stages, it was really important to me to reach out to our local Defence community to see what was enjoyed in the past, what might have been missing, and what they would be sad to not see again,” she says. As a result, the 2025 event is set to include new activities for the youngest children, along with more opportunities for older attendees to build meaningful community memories. Families with toddlers will find plenty to love this year, with Tiny Toes Soft Play Rentals introducing a fenced, concierge-supervised play space designed for children five and under. As Pokocky, a mother of an active two-year-old herself, puts it: “To find someone that safely engages your young child so you can actually finish your still-hot coffee... pure magic.” Entertainment will include That Bubble Guy’s smoke-filled rainbow bubbles; Vancouver Island’s largest...

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...