CFB Esquimalt Holiday Greetings

CFB Esquimalt Teammates,

It is with gratitude and appreciation that we wish you a warm and healthy holiday season. Most importantly, we hope that all have opportunities to connect with your friends and loved ones, even for a short rest.

As the end of 2024 approaches, we pause and reflect on the many achievements of the Team. We see your hard work and dedication to keep the Base running every single day, and we deeply appreciate it. In 2024, the Base supported the busy operation schedule of the Fleet. Internationally, we’ve participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise by Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix, HMCS Max Bernays, HMCS and Vancouver. This was followed by successful deployments into the Indo-Asia Pacific with HMCS Vancouver, and now HMCS Ottawa, and their helicopter air detachments.  Domestically, our fleet has supported tremendous Force Generation and Task Group Exercises in our local waters.

Not only have we supported operations, but we’ve also fostered and strengthened our connections, both with our local communities and with each other as members of the Defence Team. Through various ceremonies, days of recognition, and events such as the National Public Service Week BBQ, the Victoria Class Cup in support of the Esquimalt MFRC, Healthy Workplace Month, Go by Bike Week, the Royal Canadian Navy Bike Ride, the Navy Run, CAF Appreciation Nights, Remembrance Day, and so much more, we came together as a team to laugh, to recognize others, to improve our metal health and fitness, and to remember the sacrifices of those who have come before us. As part of our collective group effort to give back to our communities, this year we surpassed our local National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign goal of $80,000 raising over $115,000. We would like to highlight the exceptional work of the campaign administrative team and ambassadors who have supported, drafted, and executed creative efforts to support the Campaign – it makes a lasting difference, and the positive impact that this has on the most vulnerable within our local communities cannot be overstated.

Everyday, we continue to see the diverse, hard-working Defence Team at CFB Esquimalt embody and demonstrate the Base motto, ‘Portare per omina’ – ‘Support for All’. From the most senior leadership to the most junior members of our team, every one of us are critical in making this happen, and we owe our successes to you. We said in our Holiday Message last year that it has been exciting and encouraging to see everyone exemplify the teamwork and community spirit that we are known for at the Base, and we continue to be energized and emboldened by the immense amount of pride that we see in the Defence Team.

We recognize that for many this season may be difficult for a variety of reasons, and we encourage everyone to extend grace and kindness to each other. Your dedication and resiliency as members of the Defence Team of CFB Esquimalt continue to amaze and encourage us and it is amongst one of many reasons why it is an honour to be your teammates as Base Commander and Base Chief Petty Officer. We cherish the time and friendships that we have created with members from our surrounding Indigenous communities, the Township of Esquimalt, surrounding local municipalities, and most importantly, with you, our valued Defence Team members.

As we move into the holiday period, we urge everyone to spend quality time with those you care about. Look after yourself, take time to rest and recharge, and take care of each other – please endeavour to check in with your colleagues and shipmates as you can. Whatever holiday you celebrate, in whichever way you choose, from our families to yours, we wish you Happy Holidays and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Yours Aye,

Capt (N) Kevin Whiteside 

Base Commander

CPO1 Susan Frisby

Base Chief Petty Officer