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[gallery link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDctc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDciLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDguanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0wOCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] The Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force were prominent features in the 71st annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race on Saturday, May 24. HMCS Nanaimo was at anchor as the seaward mark boat, and HMCS Oriole returned to Swiftsure to compete with some of the fastest boats in her class.  The race start drew hundreds of spectators out on the sunny and thankfully windy Saturday morning. This year marked the 57th time Oriole has participated in Swiftsure. Its unique silhouette stood out among the competitors at the race line. The veteran vessel started the race from Clover Point at the front of the pack with full sails and a speedy clip. The 40 kilometre an hour wind pushed the 93-year-old sailing ketch upwards of 10 knots. “We had an awesome start and crossed the start line with the fastest boats,” said LCdr Jeff Kibble, Commanding Officer of Oriole, and a Swiftsure veteran. “Saturday saw good winds and Oriole made great progress despite battling to windward. The winds slowly died throughout the evening and by late Saturday night Oriole was becalmed. We withdrew at 11 a.m. Sunday with no chance of rounding the mark boat within the time limit.” LCdr Kibble has competed in Swiftsure 13 times, this being his fourth race as Oriole`s Captain. Only three of the 23 competitors in her class would finish the race, all of them struggling under light winds.  The Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre worked closely with the Swiftsure Race Committee to ensure search and rescue assets were ready to execute a fast response should need be, as well as implementing other safety measures for the race. Gathered crowds viewed an exciting search and rescue demonstration, which was a chance to see the working relationship between the Air Force, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Organization (RCM-SAR). A spectacular display was executed by the Air Force and partner organization showcasing the expertise and abilities...

 [gallery columns="2" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRW1waXJlLURheXMuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFbXBpcmUtRGF5cyIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTUuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNSIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTYuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNiIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] HMCS Nanaimo has always had a strong presence throughout many communities along the coast of Vancouver Island. This May provided opportunities to further strengthen those ties in Nanaimo and Victoria. Every year the City of Nanaimo celebrates Empire Days on the Victoria Day long weekend, a tradition that goes back 147 years, and includes the crowning of a May Queen to usher in the return of summer. Nanaimo and crew joined the festivities again this year attending the crowning of the May Queen, marching in the Empire Days parade, and hosting tours of the ship to the citizens of her namesake city. The end of the festival was marked by an on board reception with the ship’s company hosting the Empire Days Society, local politicians and the “Friends of Nanaimo”. Friends of Nanaimo are a group of loyal Nanaimo citizens that engage their namesake ship to ensure she is welcomed each time she visits while facilitating her participation in local activities. Nanaimo also partook in the 71st annual Swiftsure Sailing Race in the Strait of Juan de Fuca May 24 and 25, providing a platform for members of the race committee and guests at the start line. Nanaimo signalled the start of each race using its saluting cannon while forming the seaward mark of the start line at Clover Point. Four members of the Race Committee remained embarked once all five race classes had commenced, while the remainder of the guests were disembarked at Ogden Point. The ship then proceeded to Swiftsure Bank to act as a rounding mark race while also providing standby search and rescue support. Both of these events were successful from the standpoint of community engagement providing great opportunities for Nanaimo’s sailors to interact with the public and building community relations. MS Daniel Robinson, HMCS Nanaimo

[caption id="attachment_6758" align="alignnone" width="300"] Click image to animate[/caption] They might occasionally wear chaps and stirrups, but their crowns signify them as Calgary royalty.  Calgary Stampede Queen Danica Heath, along with Stampede Princesses Shannon Black and Stephanie Patterson, made good on their royal duties by visiting HMCS Calgary May 23 for “Cowboy Up”, the ship’s annual celebration. Before the evening’s shindig, the visiting royals toured Calgary with Executive Officer LCdr Josh Yanchus, getting a peak at the bridge, crew quarters, and naval life in general.“It’s great going on these kinds of visits because we get to experience so many new things,” said Heath. “I’d never been on a ship like this until today, and it’s very interesting getting a first-hand look at how sailors live day-to-day.” They also took the time to present Calgary Commanding Officer, Cdr John Wilson with a new white Stetson hat, a traditional symbol of Calgary’s western hospitality. “We have a special place in our hearts for the people of Calgary,” said Cdr Wilson. “Even just the little affectations, like the Stetsons we wear, the Coxswain’s sheriff badge, and the Calgary Stampede paraphernalia all over the ship helps us strengthen that connection. We love having visitors from the city know that we take our bond seriously.” The Queen and Princesses of the Calgary Stampede are positions dating back to the 1940s. Selected through a competition that includes interviews, presentations, and shows of riding skill, Heath, Black, and Patterson began their terms in September 2013, touring the world and singing the praises of Calgary and its Stampede. “To represent our city and meet people in our hometown and as far away as Germany has been amazing,” says Black, who has dreamt of playing that part since childhood. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” The visit was more than just an opportunity to shake hands and share a square dance. Each vessel in the Royal Canadian Navy has a special relationship...

Forty members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Fraser received a glimpse into naval life and operations during a visit to the base May 20. The Corps was accompanied throughout the day by members of the Royal Canadian Navy and shown a variety of units and vessels. Also touring the base was a group of 30 cadets from the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps, having recently arrived from a welcoming tour in Vancouver hosted by their Canadian counterparts.Their day began with a tour of HMCS Yellowknife, followed by a tour of Wolf and Orca, two Orca-class patrol training craft, and Fleet Diving Unit. But perhaps the highlight of their day was a tour of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg, having recently undergone extensive maintenance and upgrade work under the Frigate Life Extension/Halifax Class Modernization project. Cadets saw the warship’s new and improved combat and engineering systems, including a state-of-the-art damage and fire control system, the small arms locker and a demonstration of the various firearms used by members of the naval boarding party, including a C7 rifle and an MP5 submachine gun. The Corps’ Commanding Officer, Lt(N) Bryan Watson, enjoyed supervising the tour and expressed his pride in watching cadets mature. A graduate of RCSCC Fraser himself, Lt(N) Watson reminisced with a fellow cadet from his corps, SLt Smirnov, Winnipeg’s Dive Officer who was conducting the tour. “It’s fun watching them grow up from shy and timid kids to confident leaders who are comfortable giving a presentation to their peers and others,” said Lt(N)Watson.    Jamie Cook, MARPAC PA Office

 As the sun sets on the Red Sea, the officers onboard HMCS Regina can be seen climbing the ladders to reach the bridge top. They are not wearing their naval combat dress and this is not to reach a better vantage point.   They are formally dressed to honour a naval tradition.    Upon reaching the top, the off-watch officers take a pause to soak in the sights, snap a photo and enjoy the setting sun. This does not seem normal for a group of tenacious and driven individuals deployed in a warship on operations in the midst of transitioning from one mission to another. That is because this is not. The officers of HMCS Regina are honouring the age old of a tradition of wearing Red Sea Rig while having the unique opportunity of sailing in the Red Sea.   This harkens back to the 1800s when the officers of the Royal Navy were expected to wear full appropriate uniforms (think mess kit) to all functions. When they reached the Red Sea, they soon discovered heat and humidity made this quite impractical. In an effort to avoid heatstroke, the officers were allowed to remove their jackets. In the mid 1800s, when British Army personnel were stationed in India, cummerbunds were added, taking after the colourful East Indian kamarband, to enhance the informal look. Over the years this formal dress was adopted by many navies and even some merchant mariners around the world for use in warmer climates at sea. Some navies even allow people to wear miniature medals, as with mess kit; not so much the case with the Royal Canadian Navy where the short sleeve shirt is kept void of any decoration but rank. By 1920 the modern cummerbund was widely used with the pleats facing up to hold opera tickets for men whose tuxedos had no pockets. To add some colour to an otherwise predictable outfit, each branch in the CAF elected a different colour cummerbund.  “What makes...

May 29 the people of Vancouver Island are invited to God’s Acre Cemetery in Esquimalt for a candlelight  tribute to honour the service and sacrifice of Canada’s armed forces. The Candlelight Tribute, which takes place every year, honours fallen military members and the sacrifices of military personnel throughout history. This year a special focus will be given to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing. “We want to pass on the torch,” says Bob Haldane, Vice President of the Esquimalt Legion, which hosts the event. “It’s important for kids to remember the people who came before them, who fought for everything they have now. “With this special anniversary, it’s especially important to remember the events through history which contributed to the sacrifices of these men and women.” Every year the event hosts guest speakers, musical acts, and presentations. The Victoria Children’s Choir will be in attendance this year performing “How Can I Keep From Singing”, “A Song for Peace”, and the popular Second World War ballad “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”. “Getting so many generations in one place to remember the efforts and values of the past is really the goal,” says Haldane. “We have to open our hearts and our minds and remember the values that all humanity shares in our pursuit of peace, safety, and happiness.” Guests of honour include members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Merchant Navy, Peacekeepers, and veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War. Mayor Barb Desjardins will also be in attendance as well as Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, and Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. Following the presentations, those in attendance may place candles on the gravesites at God’s Acre. Last year over 1,000 candles were placed by the 1,000...

[caption id="attachment_6588" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bill Stewart shakes hands with RAdm Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, after receiving the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award.[/caption] “Eagles tend to appear when I perform the Travelling Song,” says Bill Stewart, Technical Data Specialist at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and member of the Ahousaht First Nation at a May 15 Sunrise Drumming event. “They embody the spirits of our ancestors, the “Old Ones”, who are keeping an eye on their people and watching over us,” he says. “I take it as a good sign.” During his early morning ceremony last Thursday, six eagles flew overhead, two coming within a few metres of the attendees. “They are always watching, showing us they care and are protecting us,” says Stewart, who was awarded the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award. The award recognizes significant achievements by people who represent under-recognized groups in the Department of National Defence (DND) such as women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and visible minorities. Stewart received the award due to his work as co-chair of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) and his efforts to promote cooperation and friendship between the First Nations and Defence communities. With a 90 per cent hearing impairment, Stewart has also worked with the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Group. “I was shocked when I found out I’d won the award. I don’t think it’s really even sunk in yet,” says Stewart. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and think we are all closer to understanding the values of one another. The work will continue for future generations.” Stewart’s advocacy work include a “Travelling Song” written and first performed by Stewart in 2008 in the traditional...

  [caption id="attachment_6585" align="alignnone" width="300"] PO1 Josh Barnes, Team Leader of the 2014 MARPAC Nijmegen team, raises funds during the team Boot Drive at the Dockyard Gate.[/caption] Lacing up his well-worn combat boots and hoisting his rucksack on his back, PO1 Josh Barnes is ready to take the 2014 Nijmegen March by its tulip-adorned horns.Having participated in the four-day 160 kilometre march three years in a row, PO1 Barnes is more than prepared to take on the role as this year’s Maritime Force Pacific (MARPAC) team leader. “It’s been an interesting experience seeing the team from this side of things,” says PO1 Barnes, who has acted as a marcher as well as 2IC for the team in the past. “I’m much more focused on the administration of the team - where we are in terms of training and seeing who among our candidates is ready for the march. Whereas the 2IC is focused on making sure everyone is happy, the team leader is making sure everyone is ready and being pushed to their limits.” PO1 Barnes takes over from CPO1 Chris Koblun, who participated in the Nijmegen March eight years in a row. “Last year, as 2IC, Chris acted as my mentor. I spent a lot of time talking to him about what it takes to lead a team,” says PO1 Barnes. “I’m so thankful for his experience. I picked up a lot of tricks and advice that has already proved invaluable.” Right now, PO1 Barnes is focused on narrowing down the potential candidates from the current pool of 26 hopefuls. With only nine positions available on the team everyone has their work cut out for them. “We started with 52 people, but once we got into marching 40 kilometres in our boots with a 35 pound pack people started...

[caption id="attachment_6579" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Miguelito Valdes played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in Havana, with the house band.[/caption] Three decades ago, 10-year-old Miguelito Valdes held his first musical instrument, a used trumpet supplied by his school. When he held it to his lips and pushed forth a burst of air, the noise was anything but musical. But his lack of skill would not deter him. This was the instrument he would master. Now, 29 years later, the Cuban-born trumpeter is a Leading Seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy, and a pillar in the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Behind the crisp black uniform and military style haircut, is a man with a rich musical history. “You start very young in Cuba,” he says, sitting amongst piled songbooks and sheet music, and surrounded by instruments in a small back room at the Naden Band headquarters. “It’s not like here where kids start lessons at 12 or 13 and play a few hours a week. In Cuba you play every day. It’s a part of your school day. If you were going into the arts it became a part of your life very quickly.” Formal training began at age 11 when he enrolled at the Paulita Conception Elementary School of Music, and ended at age 19 when he graduated from the Amadeo Roldan Provincial School of Music. “The arts are a way of life in Cuba,” he says. “I learned math, social studies, and all of the usual things you learn in school, but I was playing trumpet right alongside all of it.” Outside of school, he formed the group “Jelengue”, and at age 19 they recorded an album and toured for a number of years. He also played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in...

[caption id="attachment_6525" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Zachariah Stopa, MARPAC Imaging ServicesCapt(N) Bradley Peats explains the role of Orca class vessels to delegates of the NATO Assembly, during their visit to CFB Esquimalt on May 2.[/caption] Forty-five delegates from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which provides an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of NATO nations, visited CFB Esquimalt on Friday, May 2 to discuss security developments in the Asia-Pacific region and their significance for Canada. The delegation was led by President Hugh Bailey from the United Kingdom and Sub-Committee Chair Neemo Knip from the Netherlands. It was hosted by Cheryl Gallant, Conservative MP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamen-tary Association. The delegations’ visit to CFB Esquimalt began with presentations and discussions. Dr. Jim Boutilier, Special Advisor for International Engagement, led a discussion on the growing importance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the impact of strong navies in Japan, China and India on international foreign policy.  “The delegation members were suitably struck by the brittle maritime environment in East Asia waters,” Dr. Boutilier noted. “One of the challenges currently facing NATO is how to enhance ties and develop a stronger presence in Asia.”Since its creation in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a specialized forum for members of parliament from across the Atlantic Alliance to discuss and influence decisions on Alliance security. The Assembly facilitates parliamentary awareness and understanding of the key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, and supports national parliamentary oversight over defence and security. As stated by our Prime Minister, Canada’s economy floats on salt water, hence the growing importance of the maritime security of this region. Following the morning’s discussions, the delegates boarded two Orca Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels, and the vessels’ capabilities were showcased during a tour of Esquimalt Harbour....

[caption id="attachment_6532" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boris Martine repairs a bike inside one of the Vélofix Mobile ProShop vehicles.[/caption] With Bike to Work Week just around the corner, cyclists at CFB Esquimalt can look forward to getting their ride some on-the-spot love and care. The Vélofix Mobile Bike ProShop will be onsite at the base’s Bike to Work Week breakfast May 26 from 6:15-8 a.m., offering bike adjustments to event participants. Vélofix features all the amenities of a professional bike shop in the back of a van. Going wherever they’re called, the Vélofix team offers professional tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance. Chris Guillement, who founded Vélofix with Davide Xausa and Boris Martin in Vancouver in 2013, says, “Vancouver is a very bike-friendly town and we realized a lot of people would need some mechanical help when they wouldn’t be able to get it.  With Vélofix, people can get bike work done when and where they need it.” Cyclists can make reservations online at www.velofix.com to have the bike shop come to them. All the customer’s mechanical needs are met at their location, or the bike is picked up and returned later. “There wasn’t really anything like Vélofix in Vancouver, or anywhere we could find so we knew we were onto something,” says Guillement. “It’s been great, and we’ve grown so much in the last few years.” Vélofix now has franchises open in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. The Victoria operation has attracted some prestige, being co-owned by Simon Whitfield, former professional triathlete and Olympic Gold and Silver medalist. “It’s great having someone like Simon involved in our little enterprise,” says Guillement. “Obviously, he’s a big proponent of cycling and having his name and passion behind Vélofix has been amazing.” Guillement says he’s excited to have Vélofix showcasing its services at CFB Esquimalt’s Bike to Work Week Breakfast, which will take place in Naden’s CANEX parking lot. “We love supporting events like Bike to Work Week because it promotes the sport and...

[caption id="attachment_6518" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Kristina Gray, LS Gregory Fillmore and CPO Mick Golby (RN) (left to right). stand in front of USS NEW MEXICO not long after she surfaced beside Camp Nautilus.[/caption] Floating on a chunk of ice in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, United States Navy (USN) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always accommodate military schedules.From the waterborne “Camp Nautilus”, about 100 kilometres north of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, groups of USN and CAF personnel monitored submarine manoeuvering, surfacing, and logistics exercises from Mar. 17-27 during Submarine Laboratory Ice Exercise 2014 (ICEX14). “It was a very surreal experience working out on a huge piece of ice,” says Lt(N) Kristina Gray of Canadian Submarine Force Sustainment, an organization dealing with logistics and long-term planning for Canada’s submarine force, with a headquarters based at CFB Esquimalt. “When I got there all you could see was ice in every direction and a camp made out of plastic and plywood. It was strange.” During her time at Camp Nautilus, Lt(N) Gray worked as a Range Safety Officer, monitoring submarine movement beneath the arctic ice of their camp. Using a hydrophone suspended from the flow through holes in the 9-foot-thick ice, sensors tracked movement by USN submarines USS New Mexico and USS Hampton as they manoeuvred in the arctic waters. “The subs are moving together and conducting surfacing exercises so part of that is making sure their separation space is sufficient and everything is moving like it’s supposed to,” she says. “For things to go smoothly we had to make sure everyone was directed to the appropriate waterspace at all times. Without that information, things could get really bad.” While doing their work with ICEX14, Lt(N) Gray and her Assistant Range Safety Officer MS Gregory Fillmore of...

[caption id="attachment_6393" align="alignnone" width="300"] MS Keith Bruce sits next to a stack of ordnance recovered from an Improvised Explosive Device during Op Medusa.[/caption] It’s been seven years since the white Afghanistan dust coated his uniform, but MS Keith Bruce continues to remember his eight months service as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the war torn country. Many of those days were spent “outside the wire”, combing the landscape for booby traps, and when necessary, skilfully disarming bombs to put an end to their destructive role. From August 2006 to February 2007 he called the Kandahar Air Field (KAF) home, and members of the 2 Combat Engineer Regiment his family. While his regiment maintained a headquarters at KAF, he spent most of his time living in the surrounding territory. “I’d be on base for a day or two and spend a few weeks in the field,” he says. “The barracks were nice, but for most of the deployment we were sleeping on or in our vehicles, or on a cot beside. It was a rough go, but we had a job to do.” The job of EOD/IED technicians was a multi-faceted one. Besides the gruelling and dangerous work of disarming a bomb, they also conducted Post-Blast Forensics. This work had them investigating the scene of a detonation to try and glean as much intelligence about the device. This job took up much of MS Bruce’s time during Operation Medusa, the largest Canadian-led offensive in Afghanistan. “If a vehicle was damaged or destroyed, or someone was killed in a blast, we would investigate the area afterwards to try and find information,” he says. “Anything that could be used at the HQ to identify the bomb maker, or figured out the materials used would be catalogued by us and sent back.”...

[caption id="attachment_6390" align="alignnone" width="300"] Besides writing, Ed Brown has also taken up carving to honour his First Nations heritage. He stands proudly holding one of his own designs.[/caption] Local poet and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran Cpl (Ret’d) Ed Brown has hung up his uniform and taken up the pen. The 19-year veteran of the CAF recently self-published “A Soldier’s Fortune and Other Poems: Moving Past PTSD and Creating a Fun-Loving Life.” The book is a collection of Brown’s musings on his struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life in the military, and the personal effects of war. “I wanted to put my work out there as a way of showing others who suffer from PTSD that there’s help for them,” says Brown. “I came from a very old school of thought, that if you were hurting and needed help you just sucked it up and did your job. That isn’t healthy, and it isn’t right. If you need help you have to talk about it.” During his long and varied career, Brown served in all three branches of the military, seeing three tours of duty including the former Yugoslavia in 1994, Israel and Syria in 2004, and a support mission in Istanbul serving forces in Afghanistan in 2007. “I came back from Istanbul and I was angry. I was really angry,” he says. “After each deployment I came back with a head full of things I’d rather forget. Losing friends, having your life in mortal danger, the stress, the tension, the fear, it all just became too much.” Returning home that third and final time Brown took to drugs and drink to keep his demons at bay. His marriage and family life were in shambles, and he was a man on the verge of breaking. “I dealt with my...

[caption id="attachment_6387" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt Sandy Robinson works with the medical team on a patient in Afghanistan.[/caption]Captain Sandy Robinson is counting down the days to retirement, about 1,200 are left. Retirement is driven by her desire to now put her family first after 26 years of military service.“After I came back from Afghanistan, I knew the most important thing was family. I’ve since looked after my 85-year-old parents, and had a baby – I put all that on hold throughout my career, and I can’t wait to retire, get back to Esquimalt and be together.”She is currently posted at 14 Wing Greenwood as the 2IC of clinical services.Capt Robinson was posted from Esquimalt to the Kandahar multinational medical clinic from July 2006 through February 2007. Her rotation experienced the heaviest load of mass casualty events to date in Afghanistan.She says the medical team handled those casualties in a plywood hospital with attached trailers with extending walls, and nothing painted.“It was gross,” she says. “Plywood is porous; it was about 55 degrees outside, with the air conditioner inside bringing it down to about 40 degrees, and there were flies.”But, she adds, “It was the most professionally fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”She credits her medical peers, who all worked at the highest calibre, for the camaraderie and the satisfaction of being able to meet the challenge of handling multiple traumas that arrived through bay doors. Together, they provided reassurance and care to injured soldiers, and contacted family at home on their behalf to share information.“It’s like being on a baseball team, and practicing – and finally, there’s a game. But, you don’t know if you can do it. Afghanistan was the epitome of 20 years of training. I don’t feel like I ever have to prove anything to anyone – I’ve done...

[caption id="attachment_6311" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Chicoutimi crew members prepare the submarine for camber dives at Ogden Point.[/caption] HMCS Chicoutimi was under tow to Ogden Point April 16 to conduct a camber dive. This was a key moment in the submarine’s Extended Docking Work Period that began in 2010. The camber dive is an early stepping stone in Chicoutimi’s return to the fleet, expected later this year, as it advances through an extensive test and trial program. A camber dive verifies the submarine’s watertight integrity, as well as the functionality of communications and other key systems. Dives occur in protected harbours where the water is deep enough for the submarine to be fully submerged. Before returning to operational service, a submarine must be certified following the successful completion of alongside tests and sea trials. The submarine must also be manned with a qualified and experienced crew, and be deemed safe to sail, conduct trials, and execute operations in accordance with their readiness status. Chicoutimi will return to operational service with the Royal Canadian Navy once it completes its period of testing and trials required under the tiered readiness program. The submarine is expected to complete testing and trials by mid-2014.  

[caption id="attachment_6307" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Brandon South[/caption] Family, friends and the crew of HMCS Regina are mourning the loss of Leading Seaman Brandon South. LS South died in a Tanzanian hospital on April 21. The sailor was en route to Canada for a scheduled leave period from the ship, which is currently sailing in the Indian Ocean on Operation Artemis. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated. “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of LS South. His presence will be dearly missed by all the ship’s company of HMCS Regina,” said Cdr Daniel Charlebois, the ship’s Commanding Officer. The Canadian Military Police are working with authorities in Dar Es Salaam to investigate the matter. LS South joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2000.  He was serving with Regina on Operation Artemis as a sonar operator at the time of his death. “I am deeply saddened by the death of Leading Seaman Brandon South, which occurred while he was deployed overseas. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues, and we will ensure that support is provided for them during their time of need,” said LGen Stuart Beare, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command. Operation Artemis is the Canadian Armed Forces’ current participation in maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Arabian Sea, which demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with partners and allies to work together for peace and security in the maritime environment of the greater Middle East region.

[caption id="attachment_6282" align="alignnone" width="300"] A thumbs up from military and civilian technicians at 14 Wing Greenwood, as a CH-149 Cormorant with an Air Transportation Kit makes it way up the ramp into at CC-177 Globemaster III, April 17.[/caption] Aircrews from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) have deployed to Peru to take part in Exercise Cooperación III, a key Latin American multinational exercise. The exercise, which has a focus on disaster relief, is taking place from April 19 to May 2. This deployment highlights two milestones for the RCAF: it is the first time a CH-149 Cormorant has been transported by a CC-177 Globemaster III, and it is the first time a Cormorant has been deployed outside of North America. “This is the first time a Cormorant helicopter will be transported by a CC-177,” said Colonel Jim Benninger, commander of the RCAF Air Task Force. “Cormorant crews have demonstrated time and again they can help those in need at home, and through this exercise, Canadians can be proud to know we are demonstrating our ability to help those in need abroad.” The exercise will test the air-transportability of the helicopter in an expeditionary setting to simulate response to an international crisis. In addition to testing the air-transportablity of the Cormorant via the Globemaster, the RCAF will conduct air expeditionary training, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid delivery training. The Globemaster is from 429 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and the Cormorant is from 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia. Also participating in the exercise is a CC-130J Hercules from 426 Transport Training Squadron at 8 Wing, as well as crews from 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. As part of the Government of Canada’s Global Engagement Strategy,...

[caption id="attachment_6240" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Winnipeg took a big hit when fishing trawler American Dynasty stuck the port side of the vessel last spring.[/caption] After nearly a year of investigation, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has developed a picture of the events leading to the allision between United States fishing vessel American Dynasty and HMCS Winnipeg.According to the report released March 31, the board found that “a series of failures by crew and equipment led to the collision” on April 23, 2013. While the vessel was being towed to the Esquimalt graving dock, the vessel’s oiler took a call from the master, as the chief engineer was unavailable.  “At approximately 0816, the master transferred control to the engine control room. The oiler had never accepted control before, so he asked the electrician, who was also in the engine control room, about the procedure for accepting control.” The electrician then advised to push a transfer button on the propulsion panel, after which the vessel lost all electrical power. The emergency generator failed to initiate, and the bridge crew noticed the vessel accelerating from 1.6 knots to 5.0 knots and veering to starboard in the direction of Winnipeg. “Upon noticing propeller wash, the master attempted to call the engine room using the main phone, but the line was dead,” says the report. “The master then requested the first mate to go to the engine room and assess the situation. By this time American Dynasty was approximately 400m from Winnipeg.” Meanwhile, the tugs pulling the vessel also noticed the problem and attempted to correct course by towing the ship backward. They were unable to stop it when the winch on one of the tugs broke and American Dynasty pulled away. Below deck in the engine room, the chief engineer, unaware of the drastic...

[caption id="attachment_6221" align="alignnone" width="300"] PO1 Matthew Goodwin demonstrates proper lifting technique during a fitness class on the flight deck.[/caption] Who says you can’t eat healthy and get fit at sea? The ship’s company of HMCS Regina is leading the way in promoting health and fitness during its overseas deployment on Operation Artemis. Regina has implemented a number of initiatives over the course of the last four months, including diet and weight counselling, anti-smoking assistance, a Biggest Loser weight loss contest, and regular meetings of the ship’s fitness club. “We are reaching the mid-point of our deployment and we need to sustain our energy levels and stay healthy for the remainder of Operation Artemis,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “We encourage the ship’s company to make healthy choices in the hopes this will lead to an overall lifestyle change while they are on board the ship, as well as when they are back home with their friends and family. If I can do it, anybody can do it.” The ship’s Physicians Assistant, WO John Hancock, provides diet and weight counselling, as well as assistance to those who want to quit smoking during the deployment. Additionally, he runs the Biggest Loser contest on the ship, which is based of the popular TV show. Participants must weigh in at every fuel stop or port visit, and their weight loss is carefully monitored by WO Hancock. The winner of the contest will be named towards the end of the deployment, and will be decided by the percentage of weight lost by each participant vice the total number of pounds they lost. To help the ship’s company lose weight and improve their overall strength and cardiovascular conditioning, Regina started a fitness club where members can share tips on sports nutrition and engage in...

[caption id="attachment_6218" align="alignnone" width="300"] UrbaCity team Sparkle My World competes at a Challenge Station on Yates before being named 2013 Champions in the Brawn category.[/caption] In June, teams of brightly coloured contestants will sprint through the streets of downtown Victoria in the name of charity. The UrbaCity Challenge takes place June 8, and is a city-wide obstacle course that pits teams of two against each other in an Amazing Race-style event, with competitors completing various tasks, puzzles, and obstacles. Businesses and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can get in on the race through the new four person corporate challenge, or as a pair in the Brains, Brawn, and Ultra categories. “It’s a great opportunity for Victorians to get a look at their city like they’ve never seen it before,” says Priya Manhas of MAXIMUS Canada, the presenting partner for the event. “We want to put an emphasis on Victoria’s local culture, so all of our challenges will get participants up close and personal. With the CAF being such a large part of the community we hope the military represents as well.” Each team of two has a fundraising minimum of $100, while teams  of four must raise $400, with all money going directly to The Prostate Centre, a Victoria organization that provides direct support in relation to prostate health. “It’s important to MAXIMUS to support the community, so we wanted to reach out to a local organization,” says Manhas. “The Prostate Centre serves this community’s men and their families, and we wanted to do whatever we can to support them.” While the exact tasks for this year’s race are kept under wraps until the day of, Manhas says there is no end to variety. In years past, participants had to make a paper airplane together using only one hand each,...

[caption id="attachment_6215" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cannon Image Runner 3230 Multifunction device is one of many different devices that can be ordered through Base Information Services.[/caption] Base Information Services (BIS) has a great idea to save CFB Esquimalt money while improving efficiency. The plan is to switch out the single printer and the lone fax machine for a “Multifunction Device”. This piece of technology is a colour printer, scanner, copier and fax machine combined, with a hard drive to save files. Neil Grieg from BIS is heading the effort to convert both ships and shore units to the Multifunction Device, which will be leased with all maintenance included. “It’s such a simple solution to an expanding inventory of devices that cost electricity, and require different proprietary cartridges. By letting go of the idea of having a printer on your desk, and by taking an extra few steps, you are saving more money than people realize,” he says. Last year, BIS spent $80,000 on toner for the various devices in its office. The estimated cost savings of replacing eight printers with a Multifunction Device for three years is $22,770.87. The Canadian Armed Forces is required to conform to the Government of Canada’s Greening Initiative, which includes the Printer Reduction Strategy. The target is to achieve a ratio of eight people to one printer. The conversion has already started with HMC Ships Winnipeg, Regina and Vancouver, and in the shore offices of Formation Technical Authority and the Base Commander. “We used to have eight printers to 12 people and at any given time one would be out of supplies. Now we have one multifunction device on each floor instead of printers and it works great,” says Michael Morrison, Base Chief of Staff. “Having a multifunction device nearby makes it even easier to manage records...

HMCS Regina conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with United States Naval Ship (USNS) Joshua Humphreys off the coast of Somalia during Operation Artemis counter-terrorism and maritime security operations on April 2. This was Regina’s first RAS with one of its Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) coalition partners during this deployment. Although there were some differences with respect to how each navy performs this challenging evolution, this was offset by the high level of interoperability and familiarity between the United States Navy (USN) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). “The capabilities and professionalism displayed by USNS Joshua Humphreys were very impressive and the RAS went off without a hitch,” said Lieutenant-Commander Gordon Roy, Executive Officer of Regina. “All of the CTF 150 coalition partners and participating nations benefit from sharing each other’s knowledge and expertise of the unique operational and logistical challenges posed by the Op Artemis Joint Operations Area.” The RCN participates in numerous joint operations and naval training exercises with the USN and other allied navies on a frequent basis and this pays dividends during high profile overseas deployments such as Op Artemis. The long standing relationships established during these operations and exercises enhances mutual trust and confidence in each other’s capabilities and platforms. “Our ability to sustain these kinds of operations at sea over a prolonged period requires significant logistical support from ashore or from a RAS-capable warship at sea like USNS Joshua Humphreys,” said Commander Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of Regina. “Being able to RAS with one of our CTF 150 coalition partners keeps us in the fight so we don’t have to leave our designated area of operations to obtain fuel ashore in a foreign port.” -Lt(N) Mark Fifield, Op Artemis Roto 4 PAO

[caption id="attachment_6142" align="alignnone" width="282"] A national initiative has begun to increase the representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces.[/caption] A national initiative has begun to increase the representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Through a Director, Marketing and Advertising (DMA) recruitment strategy, the CAF is being showcased as an employer of choice for women. More than 50 military members have been featured in the women’s campaign so far, with over 30 providing personal testimonials to help the cause.   “Looking at the numbers of women in the CAF it has become a priority to reach out and let women know the military is a real and viable option for them,” says Peggy Thériault, Senior Marketing Advisor with the DMA. “We went out into the CAF community and found great role models to show women they too can thrive in the military.” One marketing avenue is the website www.realwomenreallife.ca. It is a partnership between DMA and HGTV and showcases how nine CAF women manage work and life goals. Local member, PO1 Shanna Wilson, Planning Chief at HMCS Malahat, offered her story to the recruiting initiative. “The first ship I was on hadn’t had any women before,” says PO1 Wilson in her entry at Real Women, Real Life. “It was just like having a bunch of brothers. As long as you give as good as you get you’ll be fine. There aren’t a lot of firsts for women left.” As a member of the Defence Women’s Advisory Group, PO1 Wilson has always had a passion for supporting the role of women in the Forces. “There’s definitely a thought in place in a lot of people that the military is primarily for men,” she says. “That just isn’t the case anymore.” The Real Women, Real Life website has proven...

[caption id="attachment_6137" align="alignnone" width="300"] - Capt (Ret’d) Peggy Sherwood[/caption] For Capt (Ret’d) Peggy Sherwood, an end to her military career has not meant an end to her humanitarian work. The 64-year-old nurse has signed on for a two-week trip to Pointe Noir, Republic of Congo, aboard the rail-ferry-turned-hospital Mercy Africa. “I’ve been doing this for almost my entire life. I wasn’t going to stop just because I’m retired from the military,” she says. “I’m still working as a civilian nurse, and this was just another opportunity to help people.” Sherwood has had a long career as a medical professional, both military and civilian. She went to school for nursing, obtaining post-secondary training through a London, Ontario, hospital before joining the army in 1971. She spent time in the army, navy, and air force, both reserve and regular forces, before retiring in 2009.“I’m very proud of my time in the military,” she says. “I spent a lot of time putting a lot of broken bodies back together, and doing whatever I could to help those in need. I will never forget my time there.” Her military career included a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, where she served in the operating theatre at NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Air Force Base. While working with surgical doctors treating wounded military members and civilians, Sherwood got a firsthand look at the after effects of war. “Treating kids was always the hardest, because there was no way they had any idea what was going on,” she says. “We always did the best work we could, but there are some things you don’t forget, things that remind you why you’re doing the work you’re doing.” After 36 years it was time for Sherwood to hang up her uniform and move to the next...

[caption id="attachment_6089" align="alignnone" width="300"] Crewmembers from HMCS Regina catalogue and destroy 132 kg of seized heroin on the ship’s quarterdeck.[/caption] HMCS Regina successfully disrupted a narcotics shipment during a patrol in its designated area of operations in the Indian Ocean on March 31, as part of Operation Artemis. Regina intercepted and boarded a dhow off the east coast of Africa and discovered over 100 packages of heroin weighing 132 kilograms in total.“This successful drug seizure is a result of the patience and perseverance displayed by the ship’s company of HMCS Regina throughout our participation in Op Artemis. It is also a credit to our collective capability to work together with our CTF 150 partners to respond in a timely and effective manner to threats to maritime security and commerce in the region,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of ReginaThe illicit narcotics were subsequently seized, documented and later destroyed at sea, thereby ensuring they would not reach their intended recipients.This was the first drug seizure for Regina as part of its maritime security and counter-terrorism operations at sea in the Indian Ocean. Operation Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. “I congratulate the crew of HMCS Regina, who have certainly earned this success,” said Commodore Daryl Bates, Commander of CTF 150. “They have worked tirelessly since taking over from HMCS Toronto in February. In conjunction with the recent efforts of warships from the French, United States and Royal Australian Navies, the Royal Canadian Navy has continued to prove that the national contributions to Combined Maritime Forces can have a real impact on terrorist organizations, by disrupting their lines of funding.” -DND

Lt(N) Jim Parker and his partner, Dr. Heather Cairns, have created a photographic experience of Africa, one they invite you to embark on. The couple recently produced Children of Africa. A photographic journey, an 80-page soft cover book documenting their many travels through the continent. They say their point-and-shoot photographic approach provides a raw and emotional experience for their audience, as opposed to a professional photo approach that can diminish the candidness of the shot. “It is not a flip-through book,” the authors state at the start of the book. “This story requires your involvement…If you allow yourself to be drawn into these photographs and all that they represent, you will experience the book in the way we had hoped.” The book tells two stories, that of the authors’ journey through many of Africa’s 54 countries, and that of its people. Fittingly, the forward is by Mende Nazer, a Sudanese author, human rights activist, and slavery survivor. At age 12 she was abducted by slave traders and bought by a wealthy family in Khartoum. She lived as a slave for eight years before escaping, and eventually getting British citizenship. This enabled her to travel back to her home in the Nuba Mountains.   In her honour, an international charitable organization was formed – the Mende Nazer Foundation, which works with communities to construct primary schools, wells and water purification systems in the impoverished and war-torn Nuba Mountain region of Sudan. In the forward, she tells the story of her “hardscrabble life.” A portion of the book profits will be donated to the Mende Nazer Foundation.   The genesis of the book started in 2008 when Lt(N) Parker took a sabbatical from teaching at a private school in Victoria, and deployed to Africa as a military observer with the United Nations....

[caption id="attachment_6083" align="alignnone" width="300"] Two Cadets from 136 RCSCC Amphion in Nanaimo, B.C., carefully piece together puzzle pieces during the trivia event as judge, WO Marriott watches.[/caption] The Naden Drill Shed was a-buzz with activity on the weekend of March 22 when 88 Sea Cadets from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba gathered for the Provincial Seamanship Competition.The annual competition saw the top eight Sea Cadet Corps from across Western Canada face off in naval knowledge, ingenuity, teamwork, and seamanship.“It’s always a great event and this year was no exception,” says PO1 Line Laurendeau, event organizer. “We’ve got some of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, and skilled sea cadets in Canada here.”Competitions included knot tying, naval history quizzes, relay races, and replica ship building.At the end of the competition, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 136 Amphion from Nanaimo took home top honours, including a trophy and bragging rights. PO1 Laurendeau says while there is motivation within the organization for a national competition, so far the regional event is as far as things go.“We’ve always wanted to do it, but it’s a matter of resources,” she says. “It would be great for the kids, and at the end of the day that’s who this is for. We’ll see what the future holds.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_6059" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of 3rd Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) await instructions for the dismount entry exercise where they roll off simultaneously into the water and swim to shore.[/caption] Edmonton-based soldiers spent three weeks on the island jumping from helicopters, zipping around the ocean in rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and earning their sea legs on Orca patrol training vessels.More than 300 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) were at Albert Head, March 9 to 28 for Exercise Spartan Trident. The joint training exercise, which included naval and air assets, helps prepare the army’s light infantry to operate within a joint construct in littoral areas and rugged terrain.    “Light infantry is all about mobility and our ability to adapt,” explained WO Todd McKee. “These training exercises give our soldiers a wider understanding on integrating navy, air force and army tactics into one.” This exercise had platoons rotating through various naval and air force platforms, such as helo casting from a Sea King helicopter, and recovery skills of a capsized inflatable boat, as well as numerous small boat operations in conjunction with the Orca training vessels.“This exercise has proven to be very successful with the comprehensive integration with both the navy and air force. It has exposed our solders to new skill sets within a Maritime environment. Being from Edmonton, we are used to operating within a prairie or mountain environment and have limited experience with maritime operations. This has been a great learning opportunity for these men and women,” said WO Mckee.Such training exercises enable the Canadian Armed Forces to display their capability and preparedness to undertake operations quickly and effectively in any and all regions of Canada or the world. -Kara Tibbel, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_6056" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of HMCS Regina assist an injured motorist during a traffic accident on a major highway in Tanzania on March 18 during a port visit.[/caption] While on leave in Tanzania March 18, members of HMCS Regina rendered assistance to an injured driver at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on a major highway.The crew members were travelling on Tanzania’s major east-west highway back to the port city of Dar es Salaam when they came upon the accident. A tractor trailer had collided with another vehicle. Damage was so severe the cab of the tractor trailer was crushed, pinning the injured driver in the vehicle. “The situation was chaotic when we first arrived on scene as the injured driver was in significant pain and distress,” said Cpl Wade McAllister. Military members took immediate action to control the scene, direct the rescue effort, provide first aid, and extract the injured driver from the vehicle. Some crewmembers assisted the injured driver, while the others pried the cab open so they could extract the driver. Once the driver was safely out of the vehicle, an individual, who identified himself as a physician, took over his care.Members directed everybody at the scene to return to their vehicles, and then resumed their trip back to their ship. “I am very proud of how they performed as a team under these difficult circumstances and their actions are a credit to HMCS Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy at large,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of Regina. “The Tanzanians watching us on the highway that day will always remember how the Canadians helped a total stranger in his most desperate hour of need.”Regina is currently at sea conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations off the east coast of Africa as part of...