Pacific Navy News

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Humans of CFB Esquimalt is a series dedicated to the people who form the West Coast Defence community. It captures unique stories of service, identity, learning, and living from both civilians and military members who work and move through the base. If interested in sharing your story, please email archana.cini@forces.gc.ca. - For Sailor 1st Class (S1) Dongwon Shin, his decision to join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was rooted in values carried with him since childhood: honour, service, and a desire to protect the people around him. Born and raised in South Korea, S1 Shin spent his early years surrounded by the love of his family and a curiosity for understanding how things worked. His father, an electrical communications engineer, passed down both technical knowledge and a love for working with his hands. At 16 years old, S1 Shin moved to Canada, settling in Calgary, Alta, where he completed both his high school and post-secondary education. While South Korea’s education system emphasized competition and achievement, S1 Shin found that Canada encouraged exploration and individuality. “I don’t think I would be as happy if I had stayed in my homeland,” said S1 Shin. “Here, I’ve found that you can explore yourself more and find out where you would like to fit.” When an economic downturn led to widespread layoffs in Alberta’s aviation industry, S1 Shin’s path unexpectedly shifted following his own layoff. Rather than standing still, he returned to school to study electrical engineering while also submitting an application to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). On Aug 16, 2018, S1 Shin joined the RCN. “I remember saying it all the time as a kid; ‘I want to be a soldier. I want to protect,’” said S1 Shin. As a young boy, learning about Canada’s role in...

Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper. Outgoing Base Commander Capt(N) Kevin Whiteside reflects on three years leading CFB Esquimalt and the leadership lessons that shaped his career. He shares insights on courage, character, morale, culture, and why investing in people remains his greatest priority. As he departs, Capt(N) Whiteside leaves the Defence Team with a message of gratitude, optimism, and confidence in the future. - Before Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt bid fair winds and following seas to Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Kevin Whiteside on July 21, we sat down with Capt(N) Whiteside in the run up to his Change of Command ceremony. Earlier this year, the Lookout launched a series exploring leadership through themes of courage, character, and morale. Though these concepts define so much of military service, definitions and details can often change from leader to leader. We’re interested in understanding these definitions and details. As such, it seems fitting that our conversation continued with the outgoing Base Commander, whose three years leading CFB Esquimalt have been defined as much by people as by projects and missions. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are experiencing a level of investment not seen since the Second World War. New ships, submarines, housing, training facilities, infrastructure, and equipment are defining the future of the institution. Yet, as Capt(N) Whiteside reminds us, investment alone does not solve every challenge. It creates opportunity — and opportunity requires leadership. “It sounds cliché: it’s a great time to be in the Navy and the CAF,” he said. “If there is something frustrating for a member of the team right now, they need to talk to somebody about it. Three years ago, I couldn’t use the word ‘guarantee,’ but now I can almost guarantee whatever is frustrating is being talked about and a plan is being developed to improve it. I...

LCdr Linda Coleman, MARPAC Public Affairs RCN cyber specialists joined allies from five nations during RIMPAC 2026 to strengthen multinational cyber readiness. Participants trained through realistic cyber scenarios focused on collaboration, information sharing, and defending critical networks. The exercise reinforced international partnerships and highlighted the importance of cyber capabilities in modern operations. - More than 30 cyber specialists from six nations gathered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaiʻi, for advanced cyber warfare training conducted during Exercise (Ex) Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Participants from Canada, Australia, the United States, Germany, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea worked together in a Persistent Cyber Training Environment to enhance multinational cooperation and cyber readiness. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was represented by Lieutenant(N) (Lt(N)) Charles Mottet, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) Gavin Flannigan, Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Nicholas Fenton, Master Sailor (MS) Steve Gosling, MS Chris Harris, Sailor 1st Class (S1) Alexander Reed, and S1 Jeff Tsang. The exercise provided an opportunity for Canadian personnel to strengthen professional relationships and exchange expertise with allies and partners. [caption id="attachment_353526" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Persistent Cyber Training Environment personnel from Australia, United States, Germany, Canada, the Philippines and Republic of Korea pose for a photo during RIMPAC 2026. Photo: Leading Seaman Shaun Chatfield, Royal Australian Navy[/caption] Conducted during RIMPAC’s harbour phase, the training immersed participants in realistic cyber scenarios requiring integrated multinational teams to respond to simulated threats. “This exercise is designed to challenge personnel in a dynamic environment, requiring them to coordinate responses, share information, and solve complex cyber threats collaboratively,” said CPO2 Flannigan. “By working together in these scenarios, we gain valuable experience operating across national boundaries while improving our collective ability to defend critical military networks and systems.” A key objective was to identify best practices...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. CFB Esquimalt officially welcomed Capt(N) Douglas Layton as Base Commander during a Change of Command ceremony on July 21. Capt(N) Kevin Whiteside reflected on three years of leadership, highlighting the strength of the Defence community and its people. RAdm David Patchell praised both leaders as CFB Esquimalt prepares for continued growth, modernization, and future operations. - Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt welcomed a new Base Commander during a Change of Command ceremony held on July 21 at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Square. Presided over by Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Joint Task Force (Pacific) (JTF(P)), the ceremony marked the transfer of command from Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Kevin Whiteside to Capt(N) Douglas Layton. The event united military and civilian members of the Defence Team, veterans, local leaders, and community partners to both recognize Capt(N) Whiteside’s leadership over the past three years and welcome Capt(N) Layton to the role. In his farewell address, Capt(N) Whiteside looked back on three years as Base Commander, describing the role as “the professional honour of a lifetime.” While he highlighted accomplishments ranging from new infrastructure and housing initiatives to strengthened Indigenous partnerships and environmental stewardship, he repeatedly returned to what he believed mattered most: people. [caption id="attachment_353523" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Outgoing Base Commander Capt(N) Kevin Whiteside converses with a guest during the July 21 Change of Command ceremony. Photo: MCpl William Gosse, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] “As I look around this parade square today, one word comes to mind,” said Capt(N) Whiteside. “Community.” He also offered words of encouragement to his successor. “Doug, I cannot think of a better person to be taking the lead of Canada’s finest base,” he said. “This team and this community will rally with you every step of the way.” Presiding over the...