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[caption id="attachment_14072" align="alignnone" width="400"] PO1 Jonathan Sorensen leads his team in the tug-of-war competition. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The soggy conditions didn’t seem to faze members of the new Naval Fleet School Pacific who cheered, high-fived and bonded during their unit’s annual Sports Day on Sept. 23.The cool temperatures and light showers persisted for most of the day as approximately 400 personnel took to “the great outdoors” to compete in golf, soccer, ball hockey, softball, basketball, beach volleyball, tug-of-war and wild play tree trekking (zip line) competitions at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood.“The summer saw a lot of changes to the unit and it took a lot of hard work by many people, so this day was a much needed release for everyone and a way to come together as a big campus,” said Cdr Todd Bonnar, NFS(P) Commanding Officer.Cdr Bonnar was referring to the recent implementation of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Future Naval Training System (FNTS) that saw the reconfiguration of Fleet School Esquimalt and the Naval Officer Training Centre VENTURE into NFS(P). Despite the logistical challenges of the transformation, and the sports day’s weather, Cdr Bonnar said he was impressed with the turnout and that it was an indication of the “can-do” attitude of students and staff.OS Kendra Fitz-Gerald, a combat training student studying to become a sonar operator, said she was really looking forward to the event and getting out on the baseball field with her classmates.“It gets everyone together and out of the workplace setting for a day and is certainly a morale booster for us all,” she said.LS Josh Bear, who is studying to become a marine engineer, said the event was therapeutic and a good way to beat the stress of studying.“It gives you a complete...

[caption id="attachment_14069" align="alignnone" width="400"] Members of HMCS Winnipeg prepare to berth alongside Broadway Pier, San Diego, California, on Sept. 10, during the ship’s visit to the city for Fleet Week. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Christopher House, HMCS Winnipeg ~For six days this month, the crew of HMCS Winnipeg enjoyed the fun and festivities of Fleet Week San Diego.This celebration of the navy’s culture, history, and community is the city’s largest maritime event and provides a wonderful opportunity for the sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy to form new bonds and strengthen old ones with their American allies.The week alongside at the B Street Pier near downtown San Diego allowed the crew to take advantage of the city’s warm weather and many attractions, while also engaging in some community service work and attending Fleet Week ceremonial functions.Much of the crew took time to explore the city’s renowned Gas Lamp district, eating at many restaurants, and even going to see a Padres baseball game.While some ventured off to visit one or more of the famous beaches in the area, others enjoyed the live music, food trucks, and numerous shops that were on the street right beside the pier.The USS Midway Museum and San Diego Zoo were also popular attractions, and in the spirit of Fleet Week, were giving free admission to all RCN sailors in uniform. A few deserving enlisted personnel were also able to enjoy an appreciative luncheon at SeaWorld San Diego.Community service and volunteer work were also a large part of Fleet Week events. Not only did Winnipeg conduct tours of the ship for the public each day, some personnel went out into the greater San Diego area to help out around the city. Ten sailors took part in a Groundwork Project, creating a .25 acre...

[caption id="attachment_14066" align="alignnone" width="400"] One important lesson before sailing is knowing how to right an overturned sail boat. This was part of the Soldier On sail training experience.[/caption]WO M.Eric Venema, Soldier On ~Who the heck is Bob? What is he doing overboard?These were all thoughts going through the minds of eight serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from western Canada as they attempted their man overboard drills.Luckily “Bob” was a floating apparatus to simulate a person that had fallen overboard.Participants from Vancouver Island, the British Columbia interior, Alberta, and Manitoba earned a level 2 certification in sailboat operations during the five-day sailing camp held at Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) in Esquimalt from Sept. 7 to 12.Soldier On is a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports serving members and veterans to overcome their physical or mental health illness or injury through physical activity and sport. The program is a highly visible and integral component of the Department of National Defence’s commitment and priority towards providing a comprehensive approach to care for ill and injured members.Soldier On supplies members with equipment and coaches to meet their needs.They also provide members with a safe environment to challenge themselves, and to get inspired in ways they may not have thought possible. This re-introduction to an active lifestyle provides the member with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence in their abilities, and meet peers with similar challenges. Many ill and injured members credit Soldier On with helping them adapt to their new normal, and in realizing their full potential to “Soldier On” in their existing military career or in their new civilian life.Through the hard work of the CFSA in Esquimalt, and with the understanding of the association members, all of the attendees were put through their paces starting...

[caption id="attachment_14062" align="alignnone" width="400"] His Royal Highness Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, inspects the Guard of Honour at the B.C. Legislature Building on the first day of his tour of Western Canada. Photo by MCpl Chris Ward, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sixteen military families from Victoria were guests of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for a children’s tea party at Government House on Sept. 29.The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) facilitated the intimate hour-long late morning meeting with Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children Prince George, 3, and one-year-old Princess Charlotte on the lawn of Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia’s residence.Tea and coffee was served along with sandwiches and Hors d’oeuvres, and an abundance of fun games for the children included balloon animals, bubble blowing and a puppet show.“It was a surreal experience for me and one I will remember and cherish forever, right up there with getting married and the birth of my children,” said Tracey Delisle who attended the event with her husband MS Denis Delisle, from HMCS Victoria, and their two children Addy, 3, and Parker, 4.“I’m a submariner and Prince William is the Commodore-In-Chief of the Royal Submarine Service. He made me realize that we actually had a lot in common and he was at ease during our discussion,” said MS Delisle.Meanwhile Nikki Berti and her husband LS Christopher Berti, a marine engineer with HMCS Whitehorse, had an intimate royal experience after their 19-month-old daughter Gabriella got into a brief quarrel with Prince George over a balloon animal they both had their eye on.“Gabriella went to grab the balloon and Prince George got upset, and then the Duke intervened and told him it was okay and they should share,” said Nikki Berti. “Then the Duke went and got the balloon maker...

[caption id="attachment_14055" align="alignnone" width="400"] Cmdre Buck Zwick addresses Vancouver crew members on the flight deck Sept. 14, prior to the ship sailing for Australia.[/caption]SLt Deason, HMCS Vancouver ~HMCS Vancouver has just concluded another leg of its journey across the Asia-Pacific region with Kakadu.Upon completion of RIMPAC, Vancouver continued on to Guam, meeting up with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Ship (JMSDS) Fuyuzuki before continuing the transit west for Darwin, Australia, in order to participate in Kakadu.With 19 nations participating this year, Kakadu is Australia’s largest international maritime exercise.Vancouver and JMSDS Fuyuzuki arrived together off Darwin following a replenishment at sea exercise with Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Success, Australia’s battle tanker.After refuelling, Vancouver came alongside briefly to embark stores prior to proceeding to anchor as final plans and preparations for the exercise were made.While at anchor, liberty boats shuttled crew members into town to stretch their legs and enjoy the local tourist attractions. Notably, Vancouver participated in the Kakadu sports day event, winning the volleyball and squash titles.Kakadu is named after Australia’s vast northern national park, known internationally for its saltwater crocodiles and rugged terrain.The 12-day biennial exercise, which began in 1993, aims to build and strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability through a series of graduated training activities, live weapon firings, and structured tactical free play periods.Kakadu enables the Royal Australian Navy and regional maritime forces to engage in unique multinational maritime training activities, ranging from constabulary and surveillance scenarios to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment.Participating ships and aircraft conducted training exercises including anti-submarine warfare, close quarters manoeuvres, flight operations, and main armament shoots along Australia’s northern shores.Upon completion of the exercise, Vancouver returned to Darwin for a rest and maintenance period, where members of the ship’s crew had the opportunity to repair, re-focus and prepare for the next phase of...

[caption id="attachment_14046" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of the Auxiliary Fleet gather for a group photo at Dockyard, Sept. 28, prior to their 70th Anniversary celebration. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members of the Canadian Forces Auxiliary Fleet (Esquimalt) received congratulations, high praise and sweet birthday cake during their unit’s 70th anniversary celebration on Sept 28.Following a barbecue at the Work Point Gunroom, Rear-Admiral Art McDonald kicked off the lunchtime event’s awards ceremony by noting the vital importance of the Auxiliary Fleet in Maritime Forces Pacific’s day-to-day operations.“In my time in the navy I’ve had 10 years of operating out of this harbor, and I’ve had the chance to see the fantastic work you are doing day-in and day-out. What you have been doing collectively as a unit over 70 years is amazing; it has enabled RCN [Royal Canadian Navy] operations over that time.”The Auxiliary Fleet is an operational support branch of the navy that is responsible for port management, ship assist, coastal towing, fuelling operations, moorings, defence research, and environmental response and training.Incoming Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch Commanding Officer, Cdr Andy Muir said recognizing the Auxiliary Fleet for its work is something most sailors feel strongly about.  “This is a day for the entire base to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of the Auxiliary Fleet,” said Cdr Muir. “They are the personnel who get our ships out to sea; they are the unsung heroes, the men and women who are there 24/7 to support RCN operations.”During his address, Doug Kimmett noted the 70th anniversary event should have taken place in 2015, but the unit was so busy with port operations the ceremony was put off until this year.  The Auxiliary Fleet was founded in 1945 and has seen sweeping changes since, both in its size and...

[caption id="attachment_14051" align="alignnone" width="400"] HCapt(N) Mandy Farmer inspects a member of Alpha Platoon during Base Divisions. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Eight months ago, Accent Inns President and CEO Mandy Farmer, 43, was aboard a Harbour Air flight high above CFB Esquimalt when she peered out of the plane’s starboard window and had a revelation.“I looked at the massive, amazing piece of property below and I was drawing a big blank,” says the Royal Canadian Navy’s newest Honorary Captain. “My family has been living in Victoria for three generations, I’m passionate about Victoria, but I’m looking down at this base and saying to myself this is really the heart of the city and I don’t know much about it.”About an hour later she received a phone call from the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific’s office asking if she was interested in the role of Honorary Captain where she would serve as an ambassador for the base in the community. The notion of being connected to the navy was of interest, and she readily said yes to the query. About six months later, during a summer camping trip in Powell River, came the phone call she had hoped for.  The navy informed her she had been selected to fill the role vacated by HCapt(N) (Ret’d) Cedric Steele.“I was thrilled, overjoyed and to be honest I was also very nervous because I want to do a good job,” she says.By all indications doing a good job is the norm for HCapt(N) Farmer. In 2008, she took the reins of the family-run business from her father. In 2015, Accent Inns and her company’s other holding, retro-themed Hotel Zed, employed a staff of over 200, had revenues of more than $20 million and saw a 34 per cent revenue...

[caption id="attachment_13999" align="alignnone" width="400"] Civilian ammunition technicians in training (Left) Ed Cawley, Michelle Chowns, Tervor Marcotte, Scott Mathieson, Alfred Nelson and Kala Chaulk display a 100 mm Shield Practice Rocket at Rocky Point Ammunition Depot. They are joined by Rocky Point Commanding Officer Maj Jean-Luc Rioux (fourth from right) and Material Processing Officer Makr Field (third from left). Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff writer ~A unique apprenticeship program at Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Rocky Point will ensure there’s a cache of civilian ammunition technicians for the future.These highly specialized tradespeople are responsible for the maintenance, storage and cataloguing of an estimated 260 types of ammunition, plus the safe shipment to military units throughout British Columbia, and the loading of ammunition onto and off of Royal Canadian Navy warships.Currently, 53 civilian staff, including 30 ammunition technicians, two military Ammunition Technicians and two military Ammunition Technical Officers are employed at the depot.  Most of the civilian ammunition technicians work in the Ammunition Maintenance Facility or in the 23 long-term storage magazines, which are located on 500 acres on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.The earth-covered bunker-style magazines, which look like a series of small grassy hills, were built to ensure the force of any potential explosion would be directed upward, not outward. This means if one were to explode, the others would be safe.“There are two sides to storage; we have new ammunition arriving off contract and we have the ammunition we get back from ships and military units.  In either case, we are required to make sure they are in working order and can be stored safely,” explains Rocky Point Materiel Processing Officer Mark Field. “The other aspect is  periodic inspections, and scheduled maintenance.  It’s up to us to make sure nothing is going wrong with the material during...

[caption id="attachment_13996" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo by MCpl Alexandre Paquin, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]DND ~The ongoing care, support and well-being of ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, veterans and their families, is a high priority for the CAF, Department of National Defence (DND), Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Government of Canada. Whether our personnel are on the road to recovery, rehabilitation, returning to military duty, or transitioning to civilian life, the CAF is dedicated to assisting them through their challenging journey.All CAF members need to be aware of changes to VAC income support benefits that will take effect Oct. 1, 2016, as many personnel have questions about what this means for them and how they can apply to receive such benefits. This change will affect all veterans as well as ill and injured CAF members who may be medically released in the future.As announced in Budget 2016, funding for income support benefits for veterans in VAC’s Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB) program will be raised from 75 to 90 per cent of a veteran’s pre-release salary. Additionally, the benefit will be indexed so that it keeps pace with inflation. While VAC’s ELB income support benefits will increase, it is important to note that CAF Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits will not. It will remain at 75 per cent of a veteran’s pre-release salary and existing benefits will not be affected. Therefore, in order to be considered for the additional benefit, people must apply to VAC.Note that the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) administers the CAF LTD policy on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Manulife is the insurer. As the employer sponsored group disability plan, CAF LTD is first payer for benefits and remains among the best LTD plans offered in the country.Veterans or those medically...

[caption id="attachment_13993" align="alignnone" width="400"] A view of the 1890s shell store houses located on Esquimalt Harbour’s Cole Island. Photo courtesy of Province of B.C. Heritage Branch[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A historical ammunition depot, located on the tiny, rocky outcrop in Esquimalt Harbour called Cole Island, is being restored.More than 150 years ago, the remote island was chosen to house ammo because of its distance from the naval hub, and was named after Edmond Picoti Cole, master of HMS Fisgard. By the end of the Second World War the depot was no longer required.The island has been undergoing a transformation since 2006 when it was recognized as a National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.Prior to that point, the 150-year-old buildings had fallen into a state of disrepair as the area was visited by partiers, vandals and those wanting to dump their refuse.The two brick and timber buildings at the heart of this phase of restoration were built around 1859 and once housed shells and other ammo.The Province of British Columbia, the custodian of the Cole Island,  and Parks Canada are pumping $200,000 into the renovation, with upgrades being carried out under the guidance of B.C.’s Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations Heritage Branch.The branch is currently researching what the two buildings looked like by sifting through old navy correspondence, reviewing 1940s era RCAF aerial photographs, and hearing from residents and employees who frequented the site through the Friends of Cole Island network.“We want to find out how far the balconies, which were used to load ammunition, extended into the water and what the buildings looked like from the seaward side,” says Richard Linzey, Heritage Branch manager. “We have begun to mobilize and get on the island to do the work, so any new...

[caption id="attachment_13990" align="alignnone" width="400"] Members of HMCS Uganda and HMCS Quebec Veterans Association pose for a group shot during a tour of HMCS Ottawa, Sept. 16, 2016. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~They reminisced, raised a tot of rum and then said their heartfelt farewells as members of HMCS Uganda and HMCS Quebec Veterans’ Association held their final reunion at the Base from Sept. 16-18.Fourteen veterans and 16 of their family members travelled from across Canada for one last weekend to recall their days aboard the Colony-class light cruiser that was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in October 1944 as HMCS Uganda and then renamed HMCS Quebec during its recommissioning in 1952.Their weekend in Victoria included a tour of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, lunch at the Esquimalt legion, a tour of HMCS Ottawa, dinner at the Wardroom, a church service at St. Andrew’s Chapel/Christ the Redeemer and then a traditional Up-Spirits where a toast was offered to each sailor.While aboard Ottawa the veterans marvelled at the evolution of naval warfare.“It’s surprising how far the level of technology for armaments has advanced,” remarked 91-year-old AB (Ret’d) Hugh Murray of London, Ont., who joined the RCN at the age of 17 and served as a gunner on Uganda from 1944 to 1945. “The 3.5 mm guns aboard Ottawa can fire 220 shells per minute while the guns we used could fire about 14. It’s quite a contrast.”Uganda was not only the RCN’s flagship but the only one to serve against Imperial Japan during the Second World War.  Murray said the ship took on enemy fire multiple times and was attacked by Kamikaze pilots on three separate occasions. Other moments that stood out for him included the vessel’s participation in the bombardment of Truk Island during...

[caption id="attachment_13987" align="alignnone" width="540"] Members of the then named Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, now the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Service, pose outside their headquarters in Ottawa in 1996. The organization is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Photo courtesy of CFMWS[/caption]CFMWS ~This year, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is celebrating 20 years of unrelenting dedication to helping Canadian Armed Forces members and their families with services that are tailored to handle many unique aspects of the military lifestyle.It was on Sept. 3, 1996, that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence implemented a VCDS Instruction that launched the provision of Personnel Support Programs through a Non-Public Property (NPP) delivery model.Prior to Unification of the CAF, virtually all NPP activities were controlled and managed at the local level.  However, the idea of a common system of NPP control and administration was recommended back in 1966 in a study conducted by Rear Admiral C.J. Dillon. Years later, the concept of delivering morale and welfare programs through a combination of Public and NPP resources was introduced and approved. These defining actions opened the door to a concerted morale and welfare program delivery in the CAF and greatly impacted the direction that led to the birth of the present thriving model that is in place now.By merging PSP services with those offered by CANEX, SISIP Financial and NPP administration, the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA), the precursor to today’s CFMWS, was created. Later, administration of Military Family Services and Casualty Support Management were added to CFMWS’ mandate to become a unified organization and the service provider of choice for the military community.In the 20-year span of CFMWS’ existence, more than just the name has changed; however, its mandate has remained constant throughout. To echo the...

[caption id="attachment_13984" align="alignnone" width="400"] HeroWork volunteers swing their pick axe and shovels while performing landcaping work as part of their Radical Renovation of the Rainbow Kitchen on the grounds of the Esquimalt United Church. Photo by Tom Gore, HeroWork[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Military personnel and civilians worked side-by-side battling wet and muddy conditions during the opening weekend of a massive renovation project at Esquimalt’s Rainbow Kitchen.The $500,000 ‘Radical Renovation’ being carried out by local non-profit charity HeroWork, at the Esquimalt United Church facility on Admirals Road, kicked off on the evening of Sept. 16. The community-driven building project is similar to an old-fashioned barn-raising or the quick-turn-around home rebuilding work done by Habitat for Humanity. It uses large numbers of volunteers to get large-scale construction projects done quickly.The kick-off began with volunteers marching from the Canteen Road parking lot to the job site with a police escort and musical accompaniment provided by the Naden Band. After a warm welcome, some words of encouragement by organizers and stakeholders and a complimentary fully-catered barbeque, approximately 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began work on the first phase of the project. Some of the initial work performed included a massive landscaping project on the church’s grounds, stripping the roof of its shingles and gutting portions of the inside of the building.“The level of assistance we received from CFB Esquimalt was amazing,” said HeroWork founder and executive director, Paul LaTour. “The fact that they all showed up on a Saturday morning with smiles on their faces when it was pouring rain, got soaked to the bone and covered in mud, but continued to work, helped us move the project forward without any major delays.”The project’s military liaison, Lt(N) Colin Dudeck, said the enthusiasm and encouragement from organizers and stakeholders made the unpleasant weather...

I remain very pleased to continue on in the role of Chair for your 2016 National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).  It is inspiring to be part of such a dedicated team of volunteers and donors! Having had the opportunity to serve as your Chair for two full campaigns, I can tell you from experience that it is immensely rewarding to be part of such a worthy effort.Although we remain part of the overall Federal Government charitable campaign (GCWCC), DND has rebranded to National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) to better identify with our very own National Defence community and the close ties we have with the charities we support in our local communities where we reside, volunteer and raise vital funds annually.Our primary goals for the 2016 NDWCC will continue to be all inclusive canvassing, ensuring that our defence community receives accurate and helpful information regarding our workplace campaign and increasing levels of participation through both volunteerism and donations.Of course we must also remember to celebrate our successes and share the stories of individuals who have been helped – many of whom are now giving back and nurturing that continuous circle of caring and philanthropy.  It is so important to take time to reflect on how each of us is touched, directly or indirectly, by charitable community, social, and health organizations.  Your participation, whether through the United Way of Greater Victoria, Healthpartners, or your individually chosen charities, continues to make substantial and fundamental improvements for so many lives on a daily basis.I encourage all of you to think about how you might support your charitable campaign. We hope to see you participate in some of the many fun events that will occur over the course of the next few months, such as Dress with a Difference Fridays, the DND/Royals...

[caption id="attachment_14022" align="alignnone" width="400"] HMCS Charlottetown’s Chiefs (from left to right) CPO2 Kent Ellerbeck, CPO2 Robert Embree, CPO2 Dave Skinner, ship’s Coxswain CPO1 Anthony Greig Bishop, CPO2 Mathew Boniface, CPO2 Kevin Reid and MWO Mike Windsor participate in the 22 Push-up Challenge on the flight deck during OP Reassurance in the Mediterranean Sea. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imagery Services[/caption]Lt(N) Bill King, HMCS Charlottetown ~On Aug. 19, our Defence Minister, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, posted a video to his Facebook page showing him doing 22 pushups as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the high suicide rate among Canadian and American Armed Forces members, veterans and first responders.Statistics gathered in the United States in 2013, revealed that an average of 22 veterans committed suicide each day. Here in Canada, we lost 160 veterans to suicide between 2004 and 2014, more than the total number of Canadian Armed Forces members killed in Afghanistan.The challenge – film yourself doing 22 pushups a day for 22 days and nominate others to do the same.The Commanding Officer and crew members on board HMCS Charlottetown were challenged by friends and former shipmates to support the cause while deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. In a video of almost half the ship’s company doing pushups on the flight deck, Commander Andrew Hingsten said, “The 22 Pushup Challenge is intended to raise national awareness of the high number of veteran suicides, and the associated mental health issues. Unfortunately, these issues are all too real in our line of work. I looked for 21 friends to participate, but I found so many more.”

[caption id="attachment_13829" align="alignnone" width="240"] Tyrone Pile[/caption]Danielle Pope, Pearson College ~Tyrone Pile is accustomed to leading. He served Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy for more than 35 years in various capacities, from Commander of the naval frigate HMCS Regina, to Rear-Admiral and Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific.While the military lifestyle left Pile and his family used to moving locations rather than staying in one place (17 moves, to be exact), he finds a surprise twist in his new position at Pearson College as he will be working very close to home.Since marrying his Metchosin-raised wife, Debra in 1980, Pile and his family have bounced between various locations across Canada with the hope to someday settle down on Vancouver Island. Now, as Pearson’s Vice President of Operations and Administration, he’s set his anchor firmly in a most favoured location.His career started near Pearson back in 1975 when he left the small gold-mining town of Geraldton, ON, to attend Royal Roads Military College (now Royal Roads University) in Victoria. His interest in engineering was overtaken by a love of writing, history and the humanities, leading to an Honours Degree in English and graduation from Royal Military College in Kingston, ON, in 1979.He believed great lessons sat waiting in those history texts, but it would be a decade before Pile returned to school on a navy scholarship, earning his Master’s Degree in History at the University of Victoria.“A lot of wisdom can be gained in trying to learn from those who’ve learned before you,” he says. “Integrated learning includes learning from the past.”In his new role, Pile will report to the President and be responsible for finance, operations, human resources, revenue generation and legal matters at Pearson College.“What I see at Pearson is tremendous potential,” he says. “It’s a talented, committed and resourceful...

[caption id="attachment_13825" align="alignnone" width="400"] Ensign Yusuke Hara meets Commander Clive Butler during a CrossPol exercise while Vancouver transits in company of Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Fuyuzuki.[/caption]HMCS Vancouver arrived in Darwin, Australia, last week to take part in Exercise Kakadu 2016, Australia’s largest international maritime exercise.The ship began its transit to Australia last month following participation in RIMPAC off the coast of Hawaii. While en route they stopped for a port visit in Guam before completing the transit alongside Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Ship Fuyuzuki, participating in joint training along the way.Kakadu aims to strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability and will see Vancouver showcase advanced surface gunnery capabilities designed to better protect sailors and warships operating in littoral waters.There are 19 nations taking part in the exercise from Sept. 12-24: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tonga, United States of America and Vietnam.Upon completion of Kakadu, Vancouver will embark on WestPloy 2016. This deployment will further allow the ship to engage in a variety of training opportunities with foreign navies while also visiting several countries in the Asia-Pacific region before returning to Esquimalt at the end of the year.

[caption id="attachment_13822" align="alignnone" width="400"] RCN Halifax-class frigate HMCS Calgary steams alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis during RIMPAC 2016. Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sierra D. Langdon[/caption]Lt(N) Stuart MacDonald, SCC Battle Watch Officer ~RIMPAC 16 provided an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to achieve an historic first by assuming the role of Sea Combat Commander (SCC), embarked in HMCS Calgary with its integrated command suite, from July 11 to Aug. 2.During the world’s largest maritime exercise, the SCC led by Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Director New Capability Introduction, and supported primarily by Canadian Fleet Pacific staff was given the responsibility for defending the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis from surface and sub-surface opposed units, as well as planning and executing offensive strikes both on the surface and in the air.“It was an honour to fulfill the role of SCC and act in the capacity of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-One for USS John C. Stennis,” said Capt(N) Boyd.The SCC had the opportunity to assume the role of Commander Task Group 170.1 consisting of nine ships divided in two separate Surface Action Groups, from several countries including the U.S., Australia, Korea, Singapore, Chile and India.Over the course of the exercise French and Indonesian warships were also attached, along with other allied nations, swelling the number of ships to 15, all integrated into a single Carrier Strike Group supporting Stennis.Unlike Destroyer Squadron staff, which conduct their leadership from the Carrier, the smaller-in-numbers RCN staff would further be challenged by being separated from Stennis to execute its role as SCC from onboard Calgary.The command suite integrated into Calgary through the Halifax Class Modernization refit provided multi-function consoles and large screen tactical displays. They allowed SCC and the Battle Watch Officers and Chiefs to maintain full situational awareness...

[caption id="attachment_13818" align="alignnone" width="400"] A display of E.J Hughes sketches and the finished painting entitled Armoured Car, painted in 1946, are on display at the Ashton Armoury Museum. Hughes was a Second World War artist and the painting pictured above shows an armoured car receiving maintenance by a Royal Canadian Dragoons’ member. Photos by Jazz Campbell[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sketches from renowned Canadian artist E.J. Hughes have returned home to the Ashton Armoury Museum in Victoria after being on display in July and August at Frameworks art gallery in Duncan.While Hughes was best known for his land and seascapes, these 20 sketches are from his brief career as a military artist during the Second World War.Hughes’ conceptual sketches, which he envisioned in Kiska, Alaska, the site of the Battle of Kiska, were a popular attraction in Duncan says Museum Director Ted Leaker.“People were astonished because they never thought they would see something like this,” he says. “One attendee said they never really understood how Hughes got to his final product, so these sketches reveal how he developed his concept on canvas.”Born in 1913, Hughes was a gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery during the first years of the Second World War. He then served as one of Canada’s official war artists between 1943 and 1946, sharing with Canadians the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.After the war, Hughes became better known for his non-military paintings, including his painting of Lake Okanagan that fetched over $402,000 at an auction in 2007.“Many visitors to the museum were surprised to learn he also did military paintings, but this work is well known in Canada’s military communities,” says Leaker.The collection was donated by HCol (Ret’d) F. Roseborough of 11 Field Ambulance Victoria. The museum is open to the...

[caption id="attachment_13814" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photos by Shelley Fox, Lookout[/caption]There was much to see at the Industrial Supplier Trade Show Sept. 15 at the Naden Drill Shed. For example, a Titan boat, 10 metres in length, with the entire cockpit suspended on high speed wave impact technology produced by Shockwave was a huge draw. Not to mention the virtual reality demo from Racerocks 3D and so many other examples of modern technology on display. Show-goers also enjoyed Serious Coffee, and a free lunch from two food trucks. Attendance was high, with more than 900 DND employees making it out to the event.Click here for more photos of the event!

[caption id="attachment_13810" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo taken for a Naval Security Team recruitment poster, Sept. 7 on HMCS Edmonton. Photo by Cpl Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~In an effort to enhance the safety and security of its ships and personnel while on deployment, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is developing a new capability called the Naval Security Team (NST), designed to support specific missions.The NST will be composed primarily of naval reservists and will include a full-time command team to ensure personnel, training, and equipment are available for deployment.“The NST starts with a command and support cell, and then has other teams attached, like Lego blocks, as the mission dictates,” explains Commander Jeffrey White, Officer-in-Charge of the NST concept. “These attached layers will include a security or force protection section, a tactical boat section, a mobile repair team and intelligence support.”The team’s task will include port force protection and host nation liaison, along with support and intelligence requirements in foreign ports.After selection, the team of approximately 30 to 50 personnel will be trained to meet specific mission requirements. For most force protection missions, this will include use of force, rules of engagement training, more advanced weapons training, small boat tactics, communications, deployed logistics and liaison skills.Cdr White says the force protection burden placed on a ship’s company when deployed can be challenging to maintain over time and reduces the availability of personnel to support other tasks, such as maintenance.“NST seeks to support and help address this deficiency by providing an extra layer of force protection,” he says. “This capability requires short-term commitments that fit well into the lifestyle of part-time reservists, allowing our Naval Reserve to fulfill another role in the defence of Canada.”During the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, a small group...

[caption id="attachment_13804" align="alignnone" width="400"] After two years at Maritime Forces Pacific, CPO1 Mike Feltham (right) has handed over his post to CPO1 Gilles Grégoire (left), with Rear-Admiral Art McDonald (centre) presiding over the event. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~CPO1 Gilles Grégoire had one reaction back in July when he learned he was heading to Victoria to become the new Formation Chief.“I was ecstatic,” he says. “I never had a vision of ascending this far. I am a man whose big goal in life when I joined the navy was to become a Petty Officer in a warship. I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity.”Like his predecessor CPO1 Feltham, Chief Grégoire always knew from a young age the navy was for him. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 at the age of 17, serving as a Naval Weapons Technician.During his 30-year career he served aboard HMC Ships Terra Nova, Yukon, Mackenzie, Annapolis, Fraser, Halifax, Ville de Quebec, St. Johns and Toronto.  In shore postings the native of Campbellton, N.B., served extensively at the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School with duties including Halifax-Class equipment instructor and senior instructor, and Naval Weapons Training Chief.He graduated from the Non-Commissioned Officer Executive Professional Development Program at Royal Military College of Canada in 2013, earning a certificate of Military Studies.  In 2014, CPO1 Grégoire was appointed Coxswain of  HMCS Toronto where he carried out his duties in support of our NATO allies as part of Operation Reassurance.For the past 13 months CPO1 Grégoire served as Chief Warrant Officer for the Chief of Force Development organization in Halifax, a unit responsible for developing future capabilities required to produce strategically relevant, operationally responsive, and tactically decisive military forces.He hopes his extensive experience will serve the Formation well.“Having that breadth of...

[caption id="attachment_13770" align="alignnone" width="400"] Ab Renaud (left), Ted Hibberd and Reg Schroeter strike a pose for their 1948 RCAF Flyers players card photograph. Photos Courtesy of Tim Schofield[/caption]Alexandra Baillie-David, Air Force PA Office ~There are many things that Alzheimer’s disease has taken away from former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Flyer Ted Hibberd, such as the once-familiar faces of his family and friends, and memories going back to his young adulthood. But there’s one thing the 90-year-old Ottawa native has always remembered: his gold-medal win at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland.Hibberd was recruited as one of only two players without previous military experience. Hibberd and Pete Leichnitz had been too young to enlist during the Second World War, but were selected because the Flyers needed talented amateur players. They were enrolled in the RCAF and became instant Aircraftmen First Class.Before their time with the RCAF, Hibberd and Leichnitz played with the New Edinburgh Burghs of the Ottawa Senior League. Two players who were former members of the air force and one who was a former army member also came from the Burghs.Hibberd was a forward and, standing at 5’5”, was speedy and agile – just the kind of player the Flyers needed.The Flyers’ legacyInitially, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) was not going to send a hockey team to the Olympics, a decision some felt was “anti-Canadian.” At the time, changes to the International Olympic Committee’s rules had placed strict limitations on who was considered amateur enough to compete, and CAHA did not have a team that qualified. That was until Squadron Leader Sandy Watson, a senior RCAF medical officer and hockey fanatic, made a strong case for the Flyers. He managed to persuade the CAHA that the team, the Allen Cup winner in 1942, was a capable alternative.However, many Canadians were unsure of this last-minute team of RCAF airmen. It was clear from a number of devastating losses in December 1947 that, despite the individual skill...

[caption id="attachment_13762" align="alignnone" width="400"] Members of the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia and the Royal Canadian Air Force Association visited 12 Wing Shearwater Aug. 10 to learn more about the Block 1.0 and 1.1 phases of the CH148 Cyclone helicopter at 12 Air Maintenance Squadron. Photo by Cpl Felicia Ogunniya, 12 Wing Imaging Services[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident ~After recently celebrating a number of milestones surrounding the Maritime Helicopter Project and transition to the CH-148 Cyclone, officials at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, invited an outside group for a progress briefing and static tour of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) newest aircraft on Aug. 10.Personnel from the Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility (HOTEF) hosted members of the RCAF Association and the Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia for the briefing, which was delivered at the wing’s Maritime Helicopter Training Centre by Captain Bryan Langille.Visitors were given an overview of maritime helicopter roles in the modern era, the advanced capabilities of the Cyclone, including its upgraded engines, night-vision compatibility, and advanced sensors and radar, and were briefed on the transition progress thus far.They viewed a number of photographs and video clips of the aircraft flying at sea during trials with Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montreal, and then went out to the hangars to see the Cyclones and tour the interior of the helicopter.Four Cyclones are currently housed at 12 Wing, with two of those being the upgraded 1.1 Block version of the helicopter. Two more of the original six Cyclones delivered are currently with Sikorsky, receiving the Block 1.1 upgrade.In terms of testing the helicopter, Major Travis Chapman, HOTEF commanding officer, said his crew has made significant progress in evaluating shore-based and shipborne operations.After a break from flying for a new training course, the crew will be back out...

[caption id="attachment_13758" align="alignnone" width="400"] Stock photo[/caption]Military Family Services ~Voilà Learning, in partnership with Military Family Services, is offering free online homework support to military children needing assistance with their French homework.Registration is required when enrolling children to validate that they are from a military family. Once registration is complete, a code is emailed to parents allowing children access to the Voilà Learning Virtual Immersion Campus. Children find the customizable avatar-led virtual support of the campus appealing, as the world they work in resembles a typical école.Further, their questions are answered in real-time by professional teachers in a virtual group setting.The homework help is available to children of military families between ages five and 18. Support is available in a variety of subjects on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. EST.Voilà is a not-for-profit organization that unites hundreds of certified French teachers from school boards across Canada and the United States. The organization also unites hundreds of members, teachers, educators and school principals with a common goal: to encourage students in their acquisition of the French language, and to help parents meet the needs of their children studying in a French program.To view a video detailing how the service can be of benefit to your military family and/or to register in the Virtual Immersion Campus visit the Voilà Learning website:http://voilalearning.com/en/

[caption id="attachment_13755" align="alignnone" width="400"] Members of the Aquarius Dive Club gather off Tyee Cove in preparation for their participation in the Gorge Cleanup.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Aquarius Dive Club is calling on experienced divers and general volunteers to assist in its annual cleanup of the Gorge Waterway.The community-driven waste-removal project is an effort to preserve wildlife habitats and the beauty of the scenic waterway that stretches from Admirals road to its source, an inlet of Victoria Harbour near Tillicum Road.This year’s cleanup takes place Sept. 17 and volunteers are asked to assemble at Waterfront Crescent beside Selkirk Green Park no later than 10 a.m.The cleanup is in its 16th year and organized by the Burnside Gorge Community Centre.The base’s dive club is entering its fourth year of involvement in the cleanup and the man overseeing it, MWO Mario Robillard, says the cleanup is all part of a larger effort called the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up to rid shorelines across the country of harmful waste.“For over 16 years, thousands of Victoria-based volunteers have removed tonnes of waste from local marine areas and shorelines while preserving wildlife habitats and restoring the beauty of the inner Gorge Waterway,” said MWO Robillard. “You don’t have to be a diver to partake in the effort, anyone who is interested in making a difference is encouraged to get involved.”General volunteers are  to bring rubber boots and gloves as only a limited number will be supplied by organizers.Divers participating in the cleanup will be required to report the type and amount of debris on an online survey map, part of the Aquarius Dive Club’s role in Project Aware, a global initiative by divers to protect underwater environments from harmful refuse.“Members of Aquarius and divers around the world are seeking a permanent reduction of refuse in sensitive...

[caption id="attachment_13751" align="alignnone" width="400"] CFB Esquimalt and CFB Comox Urban Search and Rescue teams conduct training with the Whitehorse Fire Department, Watson Lake Fire Department and Yukon Government Community Services. Photo by MCpl HJL MacRae, 4 Wing Imaging[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~As last month’s deadly earthquake in Italy unfolded, participants in Operation Nanook in Canada’s far north were once again reminded why their earthquake preparedness drill was so important.While the recovery operation was unfolding in Southern Europe following the magnitude 6.2 earthquake that flattened three medieval towns in central Italy in the early morning hours of Aug. 24, 8,200 kilometres away in Whitehorse, Glenn Cooper, CFB Esquimalt’s Urban Search and Rescue Team Lead, was in the midst of training Yukon government officials about what to do in their community if an earthquake stuck.“The real earthquake happened on day three of our training and one of the first things we did as instructors was put up video clips during our instruction to show the importance of being properly prepared,” said Cooper. “It was significant for us both in terms of having properly trained rescuers, but also for the average citizen of being informed and having a properly stocked family emergency kit.”This is the first time Op Nanook focused on a seismic event, with the entire exercise involving 850 federal, territorial and municipal government employees and officials. Cooper’s team of seven personnel from Esquimalt were tasked with responding to a simulated earthquake situation in Haines Junction, Yukon, located 130 kilometres west of Whitehorse.Here on base, Cooper’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, part of Real Property Operations, are not first responders during an earthquake, but rather experts on the safe rescue of victims trapped inside buildings that have collapsed.USAR draws their expertise from members across the Formation, “from supply techs to electricians”...

[caption id="attachment_13748" align="alignnone" width="300"] The main component of the JBF Machine Company of Germany’s shredding machine in Dockyard’s Base Logistics Building. The 2,425lbs machine is capable of shredding non-operational military uniforms in seconds. Photo by Peter Mallet, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Base Clothing Stores is counting on a monster-sized shredding machine from Germany to cut costs, free up storage space, and improve efficiency.For now the machine and its mechanical teeth are lying in wait on the ground floor of Dockyard’s Base Logistics building. When the machine becomes operational on Sept. 12 it will be able to quickly shred military CADPAT clothing deemed beyond economical use.Manufactured by the JBF Machine Company of Rahden, Germany, the 2,425-lbs textile shredding machine stands approximately six feet high and four feet wide.“I call it the Behemoth,” says Clothing Stores interim supervisor Paul Lavallee. “In the end there will be significant savings for the department in the operational movement of scrap clothing at the base.”Lavallee said the new shredder will vastly improve the speed at which staff process tattered non-re-issuable CADPAT clothing for disposal.The two-level machine has a giant hopper at the top where the clothing is fed, with the engine and grinders located below. After the unwanted material goes through the shredding process it is placed in a large dumpster and then disposed of by waste contractors.Base Clothing Stores supplies all dress and work-related operational clothing for military personnel at the base. Their first-floor reception room is normally bustling with clients looking for quick solutions to their uniform requirements, so providing prompt service is of utmost importance says Lavallee.“Since the majority of our time is spent engaging customers over the counter, it’s going to be a great time saver for our staff to have the shredder,” said Lavallee.But shredding clothing wasn’t always the way. In...

Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~A 91-year-old naval veteran who had a treasured coin stolen from his car during a recent move in Cornwall, Ont., received an unexpected visit from the Deputy-Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on Sept. 2 at the Cornwall Legion.Six years ago, Edgar Hughes received the coin from the commanding officer of HMCS Fredericton in honour of his service on D-Day. On the day the allies stormed the beaches of Normandy, Hughes, just 19 at the time, was a gunner aboard St. Croix, one of the Royal Navy’s merchant ships. After the Germans launched three shells at the convoy St. Croix was sailing with, the young Hughes set up a smoke screen that saved the lives of hundreds of sailors.The story of the veteran’s stolen coin came to the attention of the RCN after media reports on the crime. RCN Deputy-Commander, Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, decided to personally travel to Cornwall to present Hughes with a replacement coin, as well as other gifts including navy books and ball caps. The items all came from the ship’s company of HMCS Fredericton, of which RAdm Couturier was once a commanding officer.“We saw the article about Edgar Hughes and read about how much the coin meant to him, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to replace it for him,” said RAdm Couturier. “It’s important to recognize the hard work of our veterans and express how much gratitude we have for them.”Hughes knew the RCN was coming to the Cornwall Legion to pay him a visit, but was surprised by the fact they were coming to replace the coin, and that an admiral had come from Ottawa to present it to him.“I’m so happy,” he said. “It’s so wonderful for you to have come down. I’m...

[caption id="attachment_13706" align="alignnone" width="400"] The Vancouver Aquarium dive research team takes an underwater look at HMCS Annapolis. Photo courtesy of Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The search is on for a few marine biologists and scientists from B.C.’s academic institutions to take a seat in a submersible and survey two vessels and one airplane deliberately sunken to create artificial reefs off the B.C. coastline.The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) plans to recruit and send researchers to the murky depths of Halkett Bay, Princess Margaret Marine Park near Sidney, and Stuart Channel off Chemainus to validate their efforts in regenerating marine life with these unique habitats.Researchers will climb into a Stingray 500 submersible provided by Vancouver firm Aquatica Submarines and Subsea Technologies. The submersible seats three and provides astonishing underwater visibility through its acrylic spherical hull.“It will give us a chance to deliver undisputed evidence to confirm the net gain man-made reefs provide in the areas of limited natural complex marine habitat,” says Howard Robins, President of ARSBC. “There are still those who claim reefing ships are nothing less than dumping garbage in the ocean, but this mission will demonstrate that the repurposing of surplus ships, derelict vessels and aircraft does provide benefits for successive generations of marine life.”British coastal freighter, G.B. Church was ARSBC’s first man-made reef, sunk in 1991 off Sidney. It was built in Goole, England, in 1943, and served in the Second World War as a supply ship for the allies in Europe.A Boeing 737 donated to the Reef Society by Qwest Air Parts Inc. was sent to the bottom of Stuart Channel off Chemainus in 2006. The plane was mounted on 11-foot-high cradle support system and lowered by crane into the Georgia Strait.Seventeen months ago the former Royal Canadian Navy...