Defence on the Dock returns to Ogden Point

Kateryna Bandura
Lookout Editor

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Defence on the Dock is back with past favourites and new highlights.

Open-house-style and family-friendly, CFB Esquimalt’s signature event gives Vancouver Island a glimpse into life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and on the base, offering the public a chance to meet members of the Defence Team while interacting with various displays and presentations.

It returns to the Ogden Point Breakwater District (Cruise Ship Terminal) on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – featuring ship tours in HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Yellowknife for the first time since 2019.

“It has been a few years since we have hosted the event at Ogden Point so we’re really excited to return and to showcase what the Canadian Armed Forces is all about,” said Matt Carlson, Projects Officer with CFB Esquimalt Base Public Affairs. “We hope the community comes away from the event with a greater understanding of what the Base does locally, but also on a larger scale what the CAF does in serving Canadians.”

Other new features include an interactive cockpit display of a CF-18 fighter jet and a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter demonstration with Comox’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. The aerial SAR display takes place south of Ogden Point at 11 a.m.

The Base Commander for a Day contest is also back from 2019. Everyone 16 and under who attends Defence on the Dock can enter a draw for a chance to become honorary Base Commander. They will receive a special tour of the Base, take part in some fun experiences, and meet the people who make up the Defence Team.

Carlson said the crowd favourites from last year that are set to return include live music performances from the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Naval Tactical Operations Group’s rappelling demonstrations, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific)’s bomb disposal truck, Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) rides, Orca tours, and HMCS Venture’s Research and Design interactive exhibit.