A/Slt Kim Wachockier MARPAC Public Affairs Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors from HMCS Nanaimo and members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) recently collaborated on a humanitarian training exercise. Exercise (Ex) SEA RANGER 2025 successfully took place last month with both groups sailing, training, and engaging with communities in and around Haida Gwaii. With stops in Masset, Skidegate, and Prince Rupert, the seven-day-long exercise aimed to improve the Defence team’s capacity to support remote Canadian communities in times of natural disaster. While in Masset, the Nanaimo was opened for public ship tours. A reminder of what the Navy uniform and the military means to Canadians, the afternoon saw families, teenagers, and service workers forming a steady stream of locals eager to explore the inside of a RCN vessel. 4CRPG Rangers and select Nanaimo crew members also leveraged the opportunity to practice marksmanship, weapons handling, and compass navigation in Masset. The two groups also participated in a successful training exercise at Taaw Tildaawee National Park that saw teams practising unfamiliar terrain movement, casualty evacuations, and a variety of response procedures. The exercise provided Nanaimo sailors and 4CRPG Rangers alike with the opportunity to practise adaptability in the context of real exercises shaped by the region’s geography. Following three days spent in Masset, HMCS Nanaimo departed toward Skidegate, where the vessel’s crew, 4CRPG Rangers, and Canadian Coast Guard visited a local heritage centre for a cultural presentation on traditional Haida canoe-building, history, art, and ceremony. A Skidegate community barbeque also united Ex SEA RANGER participants before the Nanaimo transported over thirty Rangers back to Prince Rupert. Importantly, Ex SEA RANGER continues to show that Canada’s northern and coastal communities are more than training grounds. Rather, they are real communities full of life, culture, and history.

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper There’s nothing like a much-anticipated 8:45 a.m. blast from an army howitzer cannon on a rainy Saturday morning. On June 21, CFB Esquimalt saw hundreds of Defence Community members, and locals supporting each other for the 19th annual Navy Run. The 2025 Esquimalt Navy Run took place at the Naden Athletic Centre, offering participants a well-organized morning of movement and community connection. With a scenic route that wound through the harbour and select sections of CFB Esquimalt, this year’s run included in-person 5 and 10km races in addition to an inclusive virtual race option. This hybrid format, first introduced in 2020, has remained a key part of the event’s success – particularly for deployed or remotely working Defence Community members. According to Race Director Gillian Larsen, the 2025 run saw the highest registration rate in several years with over 590 registered participants across Canada, nearly 400 of whom ran locally this year. One of the Navy Run’s celebrated community elements continues to remain its fundraising arm. The 2025 run raised over $3,800 in funds for Soldier On, a 2007-founded non-profit organization providing support for injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Another of the day’s highlights was the beloved Kids’ Fun Run, which saw young runners with beaming smiles racing their way through rain puddles on a kid-friendly track. In addition to cheer and water stations scattered across the race route to support participants, the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) kept racers’ spirits high through the rain with an upbeat selection of music. With high turnout, an ever-growing reputation, and over 50 event volunteers, the 2025 Navy Run continues to reinforce its status as a flagship summer event for the Esquimalt community. A huge thank you to our incredible 2025 Navy Run...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper No sun? No problem. Rain couldn’t slow the momentum as over 140 cyclists hit the trail for the 2025 CFB Esquimalt Navy Bike Ride (NBR) on May 21. A blur of navy against grey sky, riders pedaled through either an 18 or 36-kilometre route that linked five local communities (Esquimalt, Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, and Songhees Nation) together via the Galloping Goose Trail and Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) Rail Trail. The event began with a much-anticipated Kids’ Rodeo that set the tone for an inspiring day on wheels. Founded in 2016, the NBR primarily began as a means to unite Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) members, veterans, and civilians across the country in support of health, fitness, and community. As participation grew, so did the annual event’s ability to generate meaningful impact. The NBR functions as a national movement, with regional cycling events hosted across the country. 2025’s ride represents more than cycling and community-building— it’s about making a real difference. All funds raised by cyclists this year will support the Navalis Foundation, Support Our Troops, and Soldier On, organizations dedicated to the holistic well-being of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors and their families. Behind the scenes, organizing the CFB Esquimalt in-person NBR event took months of commitment. Matt Carlson, CFB Esquimalt Projects Officer and local NBR Director, was struck by the dedication of the volunteers involved. “My favourite part was working extensively with our CFB Esquimalt NBR Committee, which grew considerably this year,” he said. “Our members contributed greatly to the overall success of the event.” The growing team brought fresh ideas to life for 2025’s ride, including rider supports like free coffee and snacks, a secure bike valet, and local vendor booths all contributing to the event’s success. “While the rain did pour down on...

A/Slt DoHyun Kim HMCS Regina On May 23, HMCS Regina marked a leadership milestone with a Change of Command (CoC) ceremony held at sea. Presided over by Commodore David Mazur, Commander, Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC), the ceremony saw command pass from outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) Captain (Navy) Jeremy Samson to the incoming CO Commander (Cdr) Darren Sleen. Notably, the CoC also took place during a Family Day sail that united Regina’s command and crew with their loved ones. Promoted to his current rank during the ceremony, Capt (Navy) Samson honoured the expertise and courage of the ship’s company, expressing emotion over his departure. That sentiment resonated throughout members of the crew, many of whom described Capt (Navy) Samson as a sailor who understood the nuances of both commanding a warship and strong leadership. Prior to his appointment aboard HMCS Regina, incoming CO Cdr Sleen served as CO of HMCS Venture, the Naval Officers Training Centre. Well reputed for his ability to foster community Cdr Sleen arrives aboard Regina with a strong track record of camaraderie-building and leadership. Following the ceremony, both incoming and outgoing COs and their families gathered at the captain’s cabin to symbolically pass the torch. In addition to recognizing the responsibilities that come with command, both leaders acknowledged and paid tribute to the ongoing sacrifices made by their loved ones. As part of the Family Day sail that coincided with the CoC ceremony, sailors also got the opportunity to give loved ones a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of naval life. The occasion saw crew members guiding loved ones through Regina, sharing both operational insight and stories of the extensive teamwork needed to maintain a mission ready vessel. The event not only strengthened bonds between sailors and their families but highlighted the dedication and sacrifices that come with life...