Community

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Republic of Korea Navy vessels and sailors arrived at CFB Esquimalt following the longest submarine voyage in South Korean history. Canadian and Korean sailors participated in bilateral exchanges, ceremonies, cultural events, and joint naval activities. The 14-day visit reinforced interoperability, international cooperation, and Canada’s Pacific defence partnerships. - After nearly two months spent crossing the Pacific Ocean, the longest submarine voyage in South Korean history has officially brought two allied navies together in Esquimalt.  On May 23, visiting vessels and naval personnel aboard ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a Dosan-ahn Changho-class submarine, and ROKS Daejeon, a Daegu-class frigate, arrived in Esquimalt as part of an international engagement with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). The two-week Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) visit will deepen the pre-existing partnership between the two navies and reinforce Canada’s continued role as a reliable international ally. The arrival of ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho was also historic with its 14,000-kilometre trans-Pacific crossing representing the longest voyage ever undertaken by a South Korean submarine.  The spirit of international collaboration was evident even before ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho reached Canadian waters. For the final leg of its journey from Hawaii to Esquimalt, ROKN sailors were joined by RCN sailors Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Brittany Bourgeois and Petty Officer 2nd Class (PO2) Jake Dixon as part of a bilateral exchange opportunity through Operation (Op) REGULUS. While onboard ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, the Canadian sailors participated in training evolutions, operational routines, and communications exercises with MARPAC using combined command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The experience offered a rare opportunity for direct operational integration between the two navies and reinforced the growing level of interoperability between Canada and the Republic of Korea.  “Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon and I were incredibly excited and honoured to sail aboard ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho as part of this exchange,” said LCdr Bourgeois. “This was a rare...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Jackie Carle, EMFRC Construction is underway on a new Work Point MFRC and Community Centre expected to open in late 2026. The new facility will provide expanded programming, wellness services, deployment support, and family resources. The project reflects years of advocacy to better support military families across Esquimalt and Greater Victoria. - After more than a decade of advocacy, planning, and community discussion, military families in Esquimalt will soon have a new dedicated space to connect, access support, and build community close to home.  Construction is now underway for a brand-new Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and Community Centre location on Anson Street in Work Point, with the facility expected to open in late Fall 2026. The project marks a significant milestone for military families across Esquimalt, Greater Victoria, and the surrounding region.  [caption id="attachment_336427" align="alignleft" width="300"] A final rendering of the new Work Point MFRC and Community Centre location.[/caption] On May 22, the Esquimalt MFRC (EMFRC) hosted an outdoor barbeque celebration for those in the Defence community and revealed signage for the new location alongside Maritime Forces(Pacific)/Joint Task Force(Pacific) (MARPAC/JTF(P)) and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt leadership.   “The event was an opportunity to formally announce this project and let our community members know about it,” said Jackie Carlé, Executive Director of the EMFRC. “We are so excited to be able to extend service delivery to the Esquimalt and Greater Victoria area. Families living throughout Esquimalt, Greater Victoria and beyond will now all be able to receive services and support in this fully accessible and inclusive new space.”  The new modular facility was officially approved in February 2024 by Captain(Navy) (Capt(Navy)) Kevin Whiteside, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, after years of identified need within the local military family community. According to the MFRC, demand for additional meeting and program space in...

Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper.   Defence Team members and community allies gathered at Clover Point for Red Dress Day in solidarity with MMIWG2S+ awareness. The event emphasized healing through movement, reflection, and community connection under the theme “Movement is Medicine.” - At Clover Point on May 5, members and allies of the Indigenous Community and the Defence Team gathered for the event, “Movement is Medicine,” in recognition of Red Dress Day — the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+). This event, coordinated by Caitlin Hancock of Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF), aimed to raise awareness of MMIWG2S+, support the effort to end gendered and racialized violence against Indigenous peoples, and encourage healing, reflection, and community support. Participants were invited to wear red, walk, run, or wheel in solidarity. Sergeant (Sgt) Nate (Nathan) Spence, a member of the Sandy Bay First Nation in Manitoba (Man.) and the Military Co-Chair of the Pacific region's Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG), opened the event with a land acknowledgement spoken in his Anishinaabemowin language. He then shared his own deep connection to Red Dress Day. “For me, this movement is not abstract,” he said. “It is not symbolic. It is personal.” His aunt, Charlene Ward-Lake, was murdered on Nov 1, 2007 — “a day forever engraved in my mind, my heart, and my soul,” Sgt Spence shared. He continued to share how the violence of that day did not end with her passing. It flowed through her loved ones, leaving Ward-Lake’s daughters without their mother and her grandchildren without their grandmother. Those left behind are now without Ward-Lake’s “laughter, her warmth, and the joy she brought,” Sgt Spence said. Instead, her family is left “with an absence that cannot be filled.” Sgt Spence continued, saying that within...

Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper.   Red Truck Beer Company partnered with CFMWS to create custom mess-branded lagers at CFB Esquimalt. The specially branded beers quickly became top sellers at participating messes. The initiative highlights how shared traditions and small community touches help strengthen morale and connection within the CAF. - Red Truck Beer Company is helping strengthen community at some Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt messes through a partnership with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS). The Officers’ Messes — Wardroom and Gunroom, along with the Junior Ranks Mess – Pacific Fleet Club, now each have their own branded lager — and the response has quickly grown beyond what many expected.  As part of the initiative, Red Truck completed a special tap takeover by designing and installing custom tap handles inspired by the crest and colours of each participating mess. The beer on tap is Red Truck’s Road Trip Classic Lager, described by the company as a traditional European-style lager made with all Canadian malts and Saaz hops. Since its launch, the re-brand idea has become something more meaningful for members of these spaces.  “We didn’t know how people would react to a beer change,” shared Kyle Murphy, Red Truck’s Vancouver Island Territory Manager. “Each group has their favourite kind of beer — it can backfire at times. We’re really happy to see how well it has been received.”  The response has been positive. In fact, the mess-branded lagers have become the top-selling beer at their respective messes, reflecting not only popularity in taste, but also the sense of pride and connection tied to having something uniquely their own.  “The price is right, and it represents the mess,” said Adolfo Gil, Junior Ranks – Pacific Fleet Club Mess Manager. “It’s been a huge success. For the first couple months, we couldn’t keep it in stock!”  This partnership also reflects Red...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper.   The Work Point Garden Club has relocated to a new site and is rebuilding plots for the 2026 growing season. Members say the club supports wellness, food security, connection, and outdoor activity within the Defence community. Volunteers, PSP staff, and RP Ops helped establish the new site with fencing, irrigation, planter boxes, and shared gardening spaces. - Tucked between community buildings and the rhythm of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt operations, the Work Point Garden Club is quietly growing something beyond vegetables and flowers.   The club has now entered a new chapter after relocating to a new garden site, where members are once again digging in, rebuilding plots, and cultivating community together. For those involved, the club has become much more than a hobby space. It is a place of connection, wellness, food security, and calm amidst the many demands of Defence life.   Open to military members, Defence Team employees, dependents, and Non-Public Funds (NPF) staff, the Work Point Garden Club offers allotment plots, shared gardening spaces, tools, and water access for members of all experience levels. Whether growing herbs for the kitchen, tending flowers, or learning how to plant their first seeds, members are welcomed into a collaborative and community-oriented environment.   For Commander (Cdr) Paula McHale, President of the Work Point Garden Club, gardening has long been both a personal passion and a meaningful outlet.   [caption id="attachment_336240" align="alignleft" width="600"] Trays of healthy seedlings being shared amongst members of the Work Point Garden Club. Photo: Sarah Linde[/caption] “Living in Esquimalt offers such an incredible opportunity to garden all year long,” said Cdr McHale. “I love to grow kale, garlic, potatoes, onions, zinnias, zucchini, herbs… It is so beneficial to spend time outdoors, and many people don’t have their own yards to garden in.”  The club’s previous site, located near the Work Point housing area, had become a cherished oasis...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper.  An annual memorial ceremony marks 81 years since the sinking of HMCS Esquimalt and honours 44 sailors lost. Story highlights what followed the tragedy, including U-190’s capture and role in Canadian naval training. Powerful examples of reconciliation show how remembrance often extends beyond loss and into shared humanity and legacy. - Almost 81 years after His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Esquimalt sunk within sight of the Canadian shoreline, members of the Defence community, local leadership, and island residents gathered in the Township of Esquimalt to remember the ship’s crew and reflect on something larger than the tragedy alone.  The annual ceremony marked the sinking of the Bangor-class minesweeper, torpedoed by the German submarine U-190 on April 16, 1945 — just weeks before the end of the Second World War in Europe.   Captain(Navy) (Capt(Navy)) Kevin Whiteside, Commander of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, shared that the ceremony remains one of the most meaningful events he attends.   “This is one of my favourite ceremonies to be a part of because of how much it means to this township, and this base,” said Capt(Navy) Whiteside. “Though the events of 1945 grow distant in time, their meaning does not.”  [caption id="attachment_335984" align="alignright" width="450"] Captain(Navy) Kevin Whiteside, Commander of CFB Esquimalt, speaks during the HMCS Esquimalt memorial ceremony held on April 16.Photo: Cpl Conor R.G. Munn, CAF Imagery[/caption] Mayor Barbara Desjardins, who has spoken at the annual remembrance ceremony for the past 18 years, emphasized the deep connection between the Township of Esquimalt and the vessel that carried its name.   “The loss of HMCS Esquimalt is significant to the township, not only because she shares our name, but because we recognize the sacrifice and the loss of those who served on her,” she said. “Behind each of these men lost were families; wives, sons, daughters, parents, friends, and...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Master Warrant Officer Robert James Kerr, Real Property Operations  The Engineers defeated the Bandits 4–3 in a thrilling overtime final to win the 2026 Beaver Cup. The tournament has united military members, veterans, and civilians for over 50 years of tradition. - Competition, camaraderie, and overtime action took over Wurtele Arena as Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt hosted the annual Beaver Cup hockey tournament from April 22 to 24.   Four teams, including the Bandits, Engineers, Sappers, and Pioneers, took to the ice in a tournament built on connection as much as competition. Players consisted of Real Property Operations (RP Ops) personnel; active and retired Military Engineers; and members from other units, mixed across the four teams.   “The Beaver Cup hockey tournament was originally initiated in order to maintain espirit de corps,” said Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Robert James Kerr, who noted that the tournament has existed for more than 50 years. “It initially started in the 1970s in Eastern Canada, and in the mid-80s out west.”   From 1996 to 2019, CFB Esquimalt and CFB Comox alternated hosting duties every second year. Since the pandemic, the tournament has been held solely in Esquimalt since 2024.  This year’s iteration of the tournament featured two days of round-robin play, with each team playing four games. The scores concluded with the Bandits topping the standings, followed by the Engineers, Sappers, and Pioneers. This set the stage for Friday’s medal games.   In the championship game, the Engineers defeated the Bandits in overtime to claim the Beaver Cup title 4-3.   [caption id="attachment_335970" align="aligncenter" width="828"] Beaver Cup champions, the Engineers (in red), and runner-up team, the Bandits (in black), pose for a group photo on April 24. Photo: Krista Morgan[/caption] “With a goal waved off in the final minutes of the third period, the finals...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Lindsay Chung, CFMWS The 2026 Navy Bike Ride returns May 30 to CFB Esquimalt with new national ambassadors and creative event elements. The in-person event supports military charities while bringing together community members, families, and cyclists. Registration is now open. - This year’s Navy Bike Ride (NBR) is getting a fresh burst of creativity, and Esquimalt riders will be among the first to experience it.  The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has announced the appointment of the first NBR National Ambassadors: Eric Chan, a Canadian artist known professionally as EEPMON, and Tanya Woods, founder of Project In-Kind The new national ambassador roles are intended to help grow awareness of the annual cycling event; inspire participation across Canada; and strengthen support for the three charitable organizations the ride benefits — the Navalis Foundation, Support Our Troops, and Soldier On — causes that directly support serving members, veterans, and their families.   “Our Navy’s strength lies not only in its operational excellence, but in the people and communities that stand behind it,” said Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN. “EEPMON and Tanya Woods bring leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to service.”   The annual NBR event offers a chance for local residents, Defence Team members, and supporters alike to come together in a positive, active way.   [caption id="attachment_335958" align="alignleft" width="571"] (Left to right) 2026 Navy Bike Ride ambassadors Eric Chan and Tanya Woods. Photo supplied[/caption] For Chan, the mission behind the NBR was an easy one to support. “The dedication of Canada’s sailors and the families who support them inspires me,” he said. “I’m excited to help grow the Navy Bike Ride and support the amazing charitable organizations that make a real difference in people’s lives.”  Woods echoed this sentiment. “The Navy Bike Ride brings Canadians together in such a meaningful way,” she said. “It’s an honour to help...

Lt(Navy) Kayvan Aflaki, Lt(Navy) Raymark Bancolita, and SLt Francesco Dinatale, Royal Canadian Navy RCN Naval Warfare Officers joined the Canadian Lifeboat Institution during the Pacific herring spawn to support SAR operations. Crews responded to real-world emergencies, including a high-risk nighttime medical evacuation at sea. Experience reinforced shared values of leadership, teamwork, and service across military and civilian mariners. - As Naval Warfare Officers serving aboard His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships Calgary and Vancouver, our careers have largely involved sailing Canada’s territorial waters in support of maritime security and sovereignty. For the first two weeks of March, our post would be aboard a different vessel and in a different role; we joined the Canadian Lifeboat Institution (CLI) as part of a crew assigned to provide search and rescue (SAR) support during the annual Pacific herring spawn.  Our platform was the Delta Lifeboat, operating under the command of John M. Horton, O.B.C., C.S.M.A. Mr. Horton, a British-born Canadian mariner and Royal Navy veteran, has been nationally recognized for his decades of volunteer rescue work with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the CLI. His work as an artist has similarly documented Canada’s maritime heritage.   Under Horton’s leadership, the Delta has assisted countless mariners across the Southern Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast. Each spring, however, the Pacific herring spawn brings a particularly intense operational tempo. Female Pacific herring deposit millions of eggs on eelgrass and kelp while males release milt to fertilize them, turning the water a distinctive turquoise. The spawn triggers one of the coast’s most important ecological events as seabirds, sea lions, and other marine life converge to feed. First Nations have relied on and managed the spawn for generations using sustainable practices to preserve the stock. With the arrival of commercial fishing fleets, the spawn has morphed into a far busier and more volatile scene, making a dedicated SAR presence increasingly important.   We were welcomed by the...

Consolidated by Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper.  From the archives of 2002 comes a story that continues to resonate more than two decades later — one shaped by the honest curiosity of children and the candid reflections of a sailor at sea. In this March archival piece, ‘Children’s important questions: HMCS Vancouver responds,’ young Canadians wrote to sailors deployed on Operation Apollo to better understand life at sea. Their questions, heartfelt and often profound, offered a glimpse into how young minds view concepts of service, separation, and sacrifice. Thousands of such letters were received, carefully read by those serving aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver. Among the ship’s company during this time was then Lieutenant(Navy) (Lt(Navy)) David Patchell, whose thoughtful and unfiltered responses revealed the shared humanity between sailors deployed abroad and families waiting at home. Today, this Lookout contributor from more than two decades ago serves as a Rear-Admiral (RAdm) in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force Pacific (MARPAC/JTFP), making this archival story not only a snapshot in time, but part of RAdm Patchell’s ongoing impact upon the Canadian Defence community. As we revisit this archival story, the Lookout is inviting children from the public and Defence communities to submit their own questions to sailors for a modern retelling. - Children’s Important Questions: HMCS Vancouver Responds Editor's note: This article appeared in the March 11, 2002 edition of the Lookout and was written by then Lieutenant (Navy) David Patchell. We picked a few of our favourite questions to feature. Since leaving Victoria on Oct. 29, 2001, HMCS Vancouver has received thousands of letters of support from Canadians. It seems as though the vast majority of these letters are from children. It breaks my heart that I do not have the time to...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Contributions by Robert Fisher, Historian, and the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum An upcoming public ceremony on April 16 will mark 81 years since the sinking of HMCS Esquimalt, the last Canadian warship lost in the Second World War. The ship was torpedoed off Halifax in 1945, resulting in the loss of 44 sailors, many to exposure while awaiting rescue. The annual remembrance honours those who served and underscores the lasting impact of war on Canadian communities. - Each year, remembrance asks something of us. It invites us to pause, to reflect, and to carry ourselves with knowledge of the sacrifices and stories that might otherwise fade with time.   At 10 a.m. on April 16, remembrance will once again take shape as members of the Defence community and public are invited to gather in honour of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Esquimalt, the last Canadian warship lost to enemy action in the Second World War. Organized by the Township of Esquimalt and supported by Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, the ceremony will mark 81 years since the ship’s sinking and pay tribute to the sailors who never came home.   HMCS Esquimalt was a Bangor-class minesweeper, one of many vessels tasked with the vital and often dangerous work of keeping sea lanes safe during wartime. Armed with a 12-pounder gun, anti-aircraft weapons, and depth charges, Esquimalt was built for the constant vigilance required during the Battle of the Atlantic. The ship’s crew, comprising seven officers and 64 sailors, included many members of the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR).  On the morning of April 16, 1945, Esquimalt was conducting an anti-submarine patrol just five miles off Chebucto Head, near Halifax. The war in Europe was nearing its end; for many, the worst seemed to be over.   But at 6:30 a.m., that sense of distance from danger changed. A torpedo fired from German submarine U-190 struck Esquimalt’s starboard...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper In April 1943, the first edition of what would eventually become the Lookout Newspaper rolled off the press. It was titled the Gangway, an independent, weekly publication that reported on West Coast Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) news, edited by RCN personnel prior to publication. Volume 01, Number 01 was sold for 10 cents per copy, right here in Esquimalt. The first issue of the Gangway was published entirely in black and white ink. The pages of this first edition told stories of a West Coast rescue; paid tribute to sailors who gave their lives for our country; noted a change in command; showcased heart in everyday moments of service; and provided comic relief for those in the Defence community that needed it. Over 80 years later, in 2026, the Lookout Newspaper still tells stories like these. In many ways, the final print issue of the Lookout, dated March 23, 2026, is very similar to its first 1943 issue. At the same time, it could not be more different. Created to inform and connect sailors during a time of rapid growth for the navy, the Gangway quickly became an important link between those serving and the community around them. With the 1950s came an interesting change; the Gangway had been renamed to Dockyard News, and a few sparing splashes of red ink began to appear on pages marking special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s. In addition to Defence community stories, political illustrations; local pageant results; festive comics; religious poems; and advertisements began to share space with stories of Canadian heroism, war, and memory. By 1964, Dockyard News had been renamed one final time to what it lives as today: the Lookout, a simple word that instantly reflected the vigilance and awareness required when spending time at...

The Lookout Newspaper and Creative Services Team - With more than 80 years of publishing, the Lookout has told thousands of stories, from major naval events that have defined Canada to quieter moments of service that capture the spirit of our local Defence community. As we close the final print chapter of the Lookout and move towards a digital-only publication, some members of our current team chose a piece from the past 82 years — a quote or memory that stayed long after the page was printed. Some made us laugh, others made us proud, many made us cry, and a few reminded us why history matters. Without further ado, here are some reflections from the stories that stayed with us. - ARCHANA CINI, DIGITAL MEDIA AND MARKETING COORDINATOR "I have never been a religious person, but flipping a big stack of paper open to this line did feel like fate: 'O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.' It felt so fitting for the Lookout’s ever-changing trajectory. This poem is from a 1964 story that to me, represents precious family history, a reminder to cease worrying, and holds a little bit of magic at once." 1964: Pacific Command Lookout Volume 09, Number 22. "THE STAR STILL SHINES" by Chaplain C.F. Waite Men, for centuries have been fascinated by the stars. It is not hard to see why: by their beauty, if not by anything else; by their arrangement in patterns. The silent stars take us back to that first Christmas and the wise Matthew who studied them closely. These "wise men from the past" believed that heavenly bodies had a great deal to do with human lives. They knew the moon affected tides; that without...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Sgt Dan Jacklin raised $2,250 for the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre through an onboard ice cream stand aboard HMCS Regina. The initiative, which began as a morale booster, has raised over $13,000 for various charities since 2017. The donation reflects both community generosity and personal gratitude for the EMFRC’s support to military families during deployments. - What began as a simple way to brighten a sailor’s day at sea has since turned into thousands of dollars raised for charity. On March 3 at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC), Sergeant (Sgt) Dan Jacklin presented a $2,250 donation to the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) — proceeds from an ice cream stand he currently runs aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina. Sgt Jacklin, the ship’s Senior Meteorological Forecaster, has spent nearly a decade scooping ice cream for his shipmates during deployments, turning a small morale booster into a now longstanding charitable tradition. Sgt Jacklin took over the effort in 2017 from Sgt Michael Foulkes who was posted off the ship later that year. Since then, over $13,000 has been raised for various causes. “I mostly do it because I enjoy it,” said Sgt Jacklin. “People onboard often really look forward to having a break from the ship’s routine, no matter how small. Sometimes getting a Häagen-Dazs or Melona ice cream can do it.” Sgt Jacklin’s military service spans nearly four decades. He first joined the Army Reserves in 1987 with the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada before transitioning to the Regular Force in 2007. In 2012, Sgt Jacklin later transitioned into the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a Meteorological Technician, a role that eventually brought him back to sea in support of naval operations. Over the years, Sgt Jacklin has brought the ice...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The NDWCC at CFB Esquimalt raised over $111,000 through donations and fundraising events from Sept–Dec 2025. Defence Team members participated in creative initiatives, including a Chili Cook-Off, to support local charities. Funds will remain on Vancouver Island to support programs addressing health, well-being, and community needs. - Hundreds of charitable donations from Defence team members across Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt culminated into something powerful on Feb 17 — more than $111,000 in funds presented to community charities on Vancouver Island. The National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) is an annual opportunity for Defence team members to support causes close to their hearts. Through the NDWCC, members can donate to more than 86,000 registered charities across Canada, including organizations with strong ties to the military community. At CFB Esquimalt, the NDWCC ran from Sept 11 2025 to Dec 31 2025, with staff and volunteers across the local Defence team contributing countless hours to help plan and run associated activities. Generosity came in many forms, from individual donations to creative fundraising events organized across the base. For Matt Carlson, CFB Esquimalt’s NDWCC team leader, one word best captures the months-long charitable journey: resilience.   “Our campaign faced challenges early on as well as throughout its duration, yet our Defence team members continued to show up — giving their time, their energy, and their resources to help strengthen the community around them,” said Carlson. This year’s campaign theme, Give a little. Change a lot!, served as a reminder that meaningful change often comes from many small acts of generosity. As such, Carlson noted that coordinating a campaign of this scale often comes with its own challenges. “The toughest part of managing a campaign this large is balancing competing priorities while everyone is already carrying heavy workloads,” said Carlson....

Dear Lookout Readers and Members of the Defence Community, As many of you are aware, if you are a reader of the print version of this newspaper, you are reading one of the last editions of the Lookout that will roll off a traditional press. Effective April 6, 2026, the Lookout Navy News will transition to a predominantly digital publication from its past paper format. This decision, made in close consultation with the Lookout team and PSP Esquimalt, was not taken lightly. The final print edition on March 23, 2026 will come almost 82 years to the day that the first newspaper arrived at Canadian naval shore facilities in Victoria, decades before Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt was formally named. While the broader circumstances driving this shift stem from the well-known challenges facing legacy media, particularly newspapers, it remains a sombre and significant moment for a storied institution woven deeply into the fabric of the Base and the lives of past and present members. We are acutely aware of the potential impacts this change may have on our loyal readers, many of whom hold the ink and feel of newsprint as fundamental to the Lookout's identity. We know many of our readers appreciate the feel of newsprint and the ritual of picking up a physical paper. That tradition has been an important part of the Lookout's identity, and we're grateful for the loyalty and connection it represents. At the same time, evolving habits in how people consume information present us with an opportunity to modernize while building on the strengths that have carried us through eight decades. This transition is about growth — not loss. In 2026, the Lookout moves toward a digital-first model that prioritizes accessible, timely, and engaging storytelling through our website, e-editions, and social media. This shift...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Defence Team members at CFB Esquimalt gathered at Work Point’s Nixon Gym on Jan 21 for a free guided yoga practice in recognition of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the session encouraged DND staff to 'take a moment for mental health'. PSP instructor Allison Jones shared how yoga supports resilience, stress management, and community, while mental health resources were available on site to reinforce ongoing support. - On Jan 21, Defence Team members at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt were invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect during a free guided yoga practice held in recognition of Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day. Hosted by MARPAC’s Mental and Social Wellness Working Group, the midday session took place at Work Point’s Nixon Gym and welcomed both civilian and uniformed Department of National Defence (DND) staff to ‘take a moment for mental health,’ the theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day 2026. Participants stepped away from their workday and into a calm, supportive space focused on movement and mindfulness. With yoga equipment provided on site, attendees enjoyed a welcoming guided practice led by Personnel Support Program’s (PSP) Allison Jones. The practice emphasized gentle stretches, mind-body-muscle connection, and breathwork designed to help support overall wellbeing. “Mindfulness and yoga can support the mental health and wellness of Defence team members by helping them stay present and focused, even in busy or demanding environments. Through movement and breath, yoga encourages mindfulness — paying attention to purpose in the moment,” said Jones. “It also helps build a sense of community and gives people tools to reset, manage stress, and feel more grounded, both individually and as a team.” Bell Let’s Talk Day is dedicated to opening conversations about mental health and reducing stigma across Canada. This...

Kelley Stark, MARPAC PA His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays returned home on Dec 19 after a four-month deployment spanning the Arctic and Indo-Pacific under Operations LATITUDE, HORIZON, and NEON. The ship made Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) history by reaching 81° North, the furthest north ever sailed by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel, reinforcing Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. - His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays sailed into its home port on Dec 19, marking the end of a four-month deployment that spanned the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions under Operations (Op) LATITUDE, HORIZON, and NEON. The crew and their loved ones were thrilled to be reunited. Even the weather seemed happy to see them together as the sun came out on a rather rainy day just as the crew disembarked. Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Joint Task Force Pacific ( JTFP), was on the jetty to welcome them home, stating, “It is a crew of exceptional sailors supported by absolutely amazing families,” he said. “They’re home in time for the holidays for a well-deserved break.” The Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) made history during Op LATITUDE by reaching 81° North, the farthest north any Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel has ever sailed. This milestone demonstrates Canada’s growing ability to operate in the High Arctic, and reinforces our sovereignty in a region of increasing global importance. “It is incredible. It is barren. It is breathtaking,” said Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Nadia Shields. “It is ice as far as the eye can see, and I would say that the Arctic is something that we definitely need to protect.” Following its time in the Arctic, Max Bernays sailed to the Indo-Pacific, visiting ports in Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper From ship namings and deployments to international exercises, 2025 showcased the operational readiness and global reach of Canada’s West Coast Navy. Sporting championships, remembrance events, wellness initiatives, and cultural celebrations highlighted the people, families, and partners behind the Defence community. Drawing from more than 100 stories, this year-in-review reflects a collective narrative of service, resilience, and pride across CFB Esquimalt and Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). - From the docks of Esquimalt to deployments far beyond Canada’s shores, 2025 was a year defined by momentum on the West Coast. Across Canada’s Pacific Fleet, sailors, civilians, and families came together for moments that showcased readiness, resilience, and community. In 2025, the Lookout covered more than 100 of these important stories. Together, the highlights below form a broader story of service, connection, and pride between our West Coast, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and Defence communities. JANUARY His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Protecteur is named at Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver All eight Orca-class training vessels sail together for the first time during Photographic Orca Deployment Exercise 2025 (PODEX25) Exercise Roguish Buoy unites Canadian combat divers with Naval Reserve and Latvian divers FEBRUARY The Royal Canadian Logistics Service (RCLS) marks its 57th anniversary of service Annual Wounded Warrior Run raises over $235,000 in funds for traumaexposed organizations, professionals, and their families B-Jetty officially opens at HMC Dockyard Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Tritons men’s basketball team secures the 2025 Canada West Regional Men’s Basketball Championship and the CFB Esquimalt Women’s hockey team secures the 2025 Women’s Hockey Canada West Championship Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) performs with Katy Perry at the 2025 Invictus Games MARCH The Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Health and Wellness Expo empowers local Defence community with a tailored showcase of products and services Victoria residents gather...

Kelley Stark, MARPAC Public Affairs MARPAC hosted its first Menopause Symposium on Nov 21, creating an open space to discuss women’s health and workplace impacts. Four expert speakers addressed physical, emotional, and hormonal health, dismantling stigma while offering evidence-based guidance on treatment, advocacy, and exercise. Defence leadership emphasized that supporting menopause awareness strengthens both member well-being and overall CAF operational effectiveness. - Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) first Menopause Symposium took place on Nov 21 in a step towards fostering awareness and support for women’s health in the workplace. Menopause impacts not only individual well-being in life, but also team dynamics, productivity, and retention — yet it remains one of the least discussed phases of life. By creating space for education and dialogue at the workplace, MARPAC is leading the way in breaking stigma and promoting inclusivity. The event was filled with attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, highlighting that menopause continues to be a topic that resonates beyond the demographic of middle-aged women. Captain(Navy) Mike Stefanson, Champion for the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO), opened the event, reminding audiences that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all key to operational success. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me and the Admiral,” he said, encouraging people to lean on the DWAO team when needed. The first speaker, Susannah Stewart, a pelvic health physiotherapist in Victoria, gave a talk titled Menopause 101. She explained that menopause can happen for many reasons, including surgery or medical treatment, and that it also affects gender-diverse people. There are over 130 symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, brain fog, and anxiety. She also shared that hot flashes could signal risks for heart disease or dementia. Stewart stressed the value of pelvic physiotherapy and addressed hormone therapy. Next, Shirley Weir, women’s health advocate...

Lieutenant-Colonel (hon) John Ducker The Bay Street Armoury will be renamed the General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Currie’s birth. Currie rose from BC militia volunteer to commander of the 100,000-strong Canadian Corps, leading key First World War victories including Vimy Ridge and the Hundred Days Offensive. The renaming honours his legacy as a military leader and educator whose influence shaped both Canada’s armed forces and its identity. - The weekend of Dec 5 and 6 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of General Sir Arthur William Currie (1875-1933), a soldier, educator, and British Columbian whose leadership helped define Canada’s role in the First World War. To mark this historic moment, Victoria’s iconic Bay Street Armoury will be formally renamed as the General Sir Arthur Currie Armoury, honoring both his legacy and deep British Columbian roots. Originally born near Strathroy, Ontario, Currie first moved to Victoria in 1894. He was not a career military officer by either upbringing or profession; rather, Currie began his working life as a schoolteacher and businessman. During this time, joining the local militia was an excellent way to expand one’s social and business connections — however, military discipline and study genuinely fascinated Currie. He quickly distinguished himself amongst peers with a remarkable capacity to think clearly, learn rapidly, and lead by example. With no formal military academy training in his background, Currie rose through the ranks by his own merit, intelligence, and determination — qualities that would come to reflect Canada’s own growing confidence on the world stage. During the First World War, Currie served first as a brigade, and then as a divisional commander, demonstrating a consistent commitment to both strategic preparation and the protection of soldiers’ lives. In 1917, he became the first Canadian-born officer to command...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The Naden Band’s 47th annual Holiday Show returns to the Royal Theatre this Dec 8 and 9, featuring festive music and a long-standing Salvation Army toy drive partnership. Behind the scenes, the show takes nearly a year to plan, with new arrangements, scripts, and production elements crafted to surprise audiences. - The Victoria holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the return of one of the region’s longest-running musical traditions: The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) annual Holiday Show. Now in its 47th iteration, the beloved community event returns to the Royal Theatre this Dec 8 and 9, transforming the stage into a festive showcase of music. More than an incredible showcase of some of the RCN’s finest musicians, the show is also a major part of the Salvation Army’s annual toy drive. As such, ticket prices range from $10 to $15 per person with an unwrapped toy. Military members are also able to access balcony seating for $7.50 alongside a toy donation. The toy drive collaboration has been a partnership between the Salvation Army and Naden Band since the first Holiday Show in 1978 — nearly half a century worth of toys for children. “Our relationship with the organization is now 47 years, and we know how much they appreciate what we can bring to the table,” said Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Cindy Hawchuk, Production Supervisor (Vocals). “I love that the community is also aware of this partnership and show, and that they come back year after year to support.” This year’s production will feature a lively and heartwarming program of holiday favourites arranged to feature the ensemble’s musicians, including vocalist PO2 Hawchuk. “We don’t want to give too many secrets away though — you must come to one of our two...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The 25th Annual Concert of Remembrance took place Nov. 8 at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, bringing together hundreds in honour of Canadian veterans. The event featured performances by the Band of the 5th (B.C.) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). Proceeds benefited the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) and Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS). - Hundreds of Vancouver Island residents recently gathered at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre to remember Canadian veterans through music and movement. A night of respect and reflection, the annual Concert of Remembrance returned on Nov 8 to honour our Canadian veterans and service members. The concert was co-presented by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society (CHAS) and the District of Oak Bay, bringing together the Band of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). An annual tradition since the CCPA’s founding in 1998, the Concert of Remembrance celebrated its 25th show this year. The event opened with remarks from Kevin Murdoch, mayor of Oak Bay, and Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Philip Sherwin. The night then took audience members through the realities and vulnerabilities of service with the Band of the 5th performing over ten compositions introduced by Master of Ceremonies Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) (retired) Gerald Pash. To Captain (Capt) Daniel Moses, Director of Music Band for the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, music has often played the role of an ultimate morale booster. “Music and song are crucial to being human, and that is even more apparent during times of duress. Think about the military action in Ukraine and how music, dance and song bound the Ukrainian people together against their oppressors,” said Capt Moses. “It was the same during the Second World War,...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Reading can become an act of remembrance when sacrifice is honoured through story and reflection. Discover powerful books to read that preserve the voices of Canada's veterans, from memoris to historical accounts. - The service and sacrifice that shapes Canada lives not only through monuments and medals, but also within books. Reading, like remembrance, invites reflection. Whether told through the lens of history, fiction, lived experience, or artwork, the books below preserve the voices of our veterans. Together, they ensure that their sacrifices continue to shape our understanding of duty, peace, and what it means to serve. They are told by our veterans, historians, and storytellers alike. Importantly, the suggested material below reminds us that war and service extend far beyond the battlefield. They travel into our homes, hearts, communities, and collective history. They will never leave. This Remembrance month, Canadians are encouraged to read and revisit the layered reading list below as a powerful act of remembrance. And No Birds Sang by Farley Mowat: A powerful Second World War memoir by a Canadian infantry officer grappling with loss and the human cost of war. A History of Women in the Canadian Military by Barbara Dundas: A sweeping exploration into over a century of women’s service in the Canadian military from the 1885 Northwest Rebellion to today. A Sailor’s Life by Peter Godwin Chance: A naval memoir chronicling over three decades of service in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recounted by one of the country’s most distinguished sailors. Warriors & Nations: Voices from the Original Peoples by Jean Miso: A collection of Indigenous veteran narratives from across Canada on the intersections of service, identity, and community from the Boer War to the present day. The Naval Service of Canada 1910‑2010 (ed. Alec Douglas): A comprehensive centennial...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper After battling years of life-threatening infections, Royal Canadian Dragoons member Blair Edwards received a life-saving stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor. The Edwards’ story highlights the vital role of Canadian Blood Services and encourages all Canadians to donate blood, plasma, or stem cells. - When Leah Edwards’ youngest son Blair was admitted to hospital with a life-threatening infection, her family’s understanding of service and sacrifice took on a new meaning. Blair Edwards, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) based in Petawawa, has served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since 2018. His older brother, Kyle, joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 2017 and is currently standing sentry for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a deployment aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa. Their grandfather, a retired Chief Warrant Officer, also served in the Air Force. For the Edwards family, service has always run deep — but nothing could prepare them for Blair’s medical battle. In 2018, just three days into his military journey, Blair was hospitalized with the first of many Staphylococci infections. These infections would rear up during both his Soldier Qualifications (SQ) and Developmental Period (DP) Level One training. Eventually, he was able to successfully complete his soldier qualifications (SQ) while battling both pneumonia and an active infection. After a challenging four years, Blair then lived through an incredibly difficult 2023 surgery to remove two spleens (only one of which was natural) and narrowly survived post-surgery septic shock. Now, the only potential path to cure Blair was a complete stem cell replacement. On April 30, 2024, Blair received a life-saving stem cell transplant thanks to an anonymous donor. "The initial stage of the process seemed almost anti-climactic as Blair recieved high doses of chemotheraphy in the weeks preceding...

A/SLt Kim Wachockier, MARPAC Public Affairs Twelve students from Camosun College’s Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program toured HMCS Vancouver on Sept 17 to explore life aboard a Halifax-class ship. The visit gave students firsthand insight into naval operations, seamanship, and technical systems aboard a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate. The partnership fostered learning, inclusion, and awareness of marine and defence career opportunities for women and Indigenous Peoples. - Twelve students from Camosun College’s Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program stepped aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver on Sept 17 for a guided tour of life on a Halifax-class vessel. Intended to prepare participants for a career in the marine sector, the Camosun Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program is a fully funded training opportunity for women and Indigenous Peoples that teaches seamanship and navigation skills. It also allows them to earn Transport Canada recognized certifications throughout the program. By opening Vancouver’s doors and hatches to students, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) fostered awareness, interest, and respect for naval service while simultaneously building relationships with the next generation of marine professionals. Once onboard for the guided tour, students were eager to experience the naval environment studied in the classroom, explore living quarters, and learn how an RCN frigate operates. The visit began inside the ship’s hangar, where Lieutenant(Navy) Joey Dooley welcomed the group of students, explaining the use of embarked helicopters during deployments. Lt(Navy) Dooley then brought students onto the deck to showcase equipment specific to Halifax-class frigates. These included Vancouver’s missile systems, Bofors 57mm rapid-fire gun, and its ammunition. Here, students also received the opportunity to handle a non-live round. Once within the vessel, Lt(Navy) Dooley gave students a look into Vancouver’s living quarters, showcasing bunks and other spaces where RCN sailors spend months at sea. The tour then shifted to...

Rick Hansen visited CFB Esquimalt a “Difference Maker” medal to PO1 Cliff Rose who is taking action to change the world.

Twenty-five years after starting his Man in Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen is once again on the road. This time on a tour aptly called Many in Motion.

Base Construction Engineering (BCE) employees had a “whale” of a day April 26 when they celebrated a milestone reached by the Canadian Military Engineer Branch – their 109th anniversary.

Good news is on the horizon for commuters who use the soon-to-end Blue Boat internal shuttle.