Pacific Navy News

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. A multimedia performance at CFB Esquimalt honoured the service and sacrifice of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. The production explored the experiences of Black Canadians who served despite systemic anti-Black racism during the First World War. - One of the most selfless things a person can do is stand up and volunteer to fight for their country – it is an act of extraordinary bravery, honour, sacrifice, and loyalty. At the onset of the First World War, many Black volunteers were turned away when they offered to sacrifice their lives for us all.  The No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was formed in 1916 as a segregated unit, since many Black service members were not permitted to fight alongside their white compatriots. It was the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history, formed only after Black communities across Canada put pressure on the government and military officials.  While the contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to the war effort were invaluable – they cut the lumber that was used in the trenches, railways, and even aircraft – they faced systemic anti-Black racism throughout the war.  Following the end of the First World War, the unit was officially disbanded without recognition for their service or sacrifices on behalf of the Government of Canada.  - Government of Canada  - On June 4, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt became a space for remembrance and learning as audiences gathered for a powerful multimedia storytelling honouring the service and sacrifice of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Written and performed by B.C. storyteller, playwright, and musician shayna-adjowa jones, The Bugle Called and Forth They Went traced the story of Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion, formed during the First World War. This event was made possible by D.L. (Door) Gibson, Vice-President of the BC Black History Awareness Society and Project Manager for the No. 2 Construction Battalion’s Legacy in BC, with support of...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. More than 550 participants and supporters attended the 20th annual CFB Esquimalt Navy Run. The event featured a new Work Point race route, kids' activities, and a free pancake breakfast. Community members, military personnel, sponsors, and families came together to celebrate two decades of Navy Run tradition. - More than 550 participants and supporters filled Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt this weekend as the 20th anniversary Navy Run returned with a new starting location at Work Point. For the first time, event registrants took on a new scenic race route, a change that quickly became a highlight of the day. Set alongside a waterfront backdrop and the local Esquimalt community, the course brought both challenge and beauty as participants noted that the shift added fresh energy. “Watching everyone come together with a positive attitude and such good energy was a highlight of the day,” said Gillian Larsen, Co-Race Director of Navy Run and Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Manager Community Recreation. “We also had a special naval addition this year with the ringing of the bell to officially start the run – that felt really meaningful.” CFB Esquimalt leadership and community members also took part in the race, including Captain(Navy) (Capt(Navy)) Whiteside, Commander of CFB Esquimalt, and Mayor of the Township of Esquimalt Barbara Desjardins, reinforcing the strong connection between the base and surrounding community. On the course, both the 5K and 10K race options saw strong performances, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each category. (Podium finishers listed below.) Beyond the race itself, a free pancake breakfast was served by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC). This new addition to the event fueled participants and families with over 1,000 pancakes. The family-focused atmosphere was central to the Navy Run. A dedicated kids’...

NAVRES Public Affairs NAVRES is seeking Reservists to support the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre (CFLTC). Opportunities include instructional, course support, and administrative roles at CFB Borden and CFLTC Detachment Valcartier. Positions offer leadership development while helping train the next generation of CAF logisticians. - As the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continues to grow and modernize, the demand for high-quality, consistent logistics training remains essential to operational readiness. The Naval Reserve (NAVRES) is calling upon Reservists to support the continued delivery and expansion of this critical mandate.  NAVRES contributes directly to the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre (CFLTC) by providing permanent staff who play a central role in developing logisticians across all environments. These members deliver training in key occupations, including Financial Services Administrators (FSA), Food Services (Cooks), Human Resources Administrators (HRA), Material Management Technicians (MMT), and Logistics Officers (Log O). This mission relies on the availability of qualified personnel to instruct, mentor, and guide candidates throughout their training journey.  Instructing is more than the transfer of knowledge; it is the foundation upon which future operational effectiveness is built. Reservists bring valuable operational experience, adaptability, and leadership that enrich the learning environment. Their presence strengthens training continuity and ensures instruction remains grounded in real-world experience. Through mentorship and professional example, instructors shape the next generation of CAF members, directly influencing their readiness, confidence, and performance in operational settings.  NAVRES has been instrumental in strengthening CFLTC’s training capacity through sustained engagement, including the dedication of six permanent staff members: four Logistics Officers, one Cook, and one HRA. In addition, NAVRES continues to provide incremental personnel through short-term CFTPOs to meet evolving training requirements. This collaboration has significantly enhanced CFLTC’s ability to deliver training at both CFB Borden and CFLTC Detachment Valcartier.  This enduring collaboration highlights the strength of the Total Force concept, where Primary Reserve and Regular Force members work together to achieve...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Inaugural charity motorcycle ride brought together over 100 riders during PTSD Awareness Month. Event raised awareness of life after service and supported veteran-focused charities. - June marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of the invisible injuries that can affect Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, veterans, and their families after military service has ended.  For many within Canada's Defence community, PTSD and other operational stress injuries can impact daily life in ways that are often unseen. For CAF members and veterans, PTSD can manifest in many forms, including anxiety, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, or difficulty reintegrating into civilian life. Effects often extend beyond the individual, impacting families and support networks as well. While clinical treatment and professional support remain essential to the recovery process, community connection and peer support also play an important role in helping veterans navigate life after service.  This message was at the heart of the inaugural ‘Kickstands Up for Veterans’ charity motorcycle ride, held June 20 and organized by the League of Veterans Canada under the theme Life After Service. As such, more than 100 riders and approximately 120 participants, volunteers, veterans, family members, and community supporters gathered for the event, which began at the Veterans Food Bank before following a self-guided route across Vancouver Island and concluding at Barnes Harley-Davidson.  Created as a way to support veterans while raising awareness of the challenges many face after leaving the military, all funds from the event will be donated to two charities: Vancouver Island Service Dogs, and the Veterans Food Bank. Both organizations provide practical assistance to veterans facing challenges during their transition to civilian life.  "The League of Veterans Canada wanted to find a way to give back to the veteran community," explained Yance Sheehan, event organizer and CAF veteran. "Kickstands Up for Veterans came to be as a way to ride, raise awareness regarding PTSD, support two important causes, and remind veterans that they have not been...