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[caption id="attachment_6052" align="alignnone" width="300"] Liliane Lucarevsci, Human Resources Assistant with Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton’s Records Managment Office, was connected with her position through the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program.[/caption] Friends and co-workers gathered at the Wardroom March 19 to bid farewell to five participants of the Federal Internship for Newcomers program, (FIN) who found temporary employment at CFB Esquimalt.The FIN program is a pilot project between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Emploi et Développement social Canada (EDSC), which connects newcomers to Canada with employers in the Canadian job market related to their job experience.“When I was coming to Canada I wasn’t sure where I was going to work, if I would be able to find work in my field,” says Liliane Lucarevschi, one of five FIN program applicants who worked at CFB Esquimalt over the past six months. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lucarevschi has been working as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant with FMF Cape Breton’s Records Management Office since September 2013. “When I heard about the FIN program I signed up right away. I had all these job search boards and resources at my fingertips. After a while I was able to find administrative work, which was what I did in Brazil. It was perfect.”To be eligible for the FIN program local applications must first be screened by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre to test their experience and English aptitude. Following the application, participants are screened, and if they’re found to be suitable for government work they are invited to a panel interview. From there, managers screen pools of resumes, and offer suitable applicants positions. “I applied for the program in May and was offered a job in September,” says Lucarevschi. “I was surprised but excited at how easy it ended up being. The...

[caption id="attachment_6023" align="alignnone" width="300"] A commissionaire checks the identification of a contractor working in dockyard.[/caption] On any given weekday, about 1,800 people pass through the main gate of HMC Dockyard. These people are a mix of military members, civilian employees, contractors, visitors and delivery personnel. However, everyone who wants entry to HMC Dockyard, whether on foot or in a vehicle, must be cleared through an Entry Control Checkpoint.   Checkpoints are usually manned by Commissionaires. They require that personnel seeking entry into the Dockyard, or any other Controlled Access Zone, provide to them a valid photo ID. Recently, there has been a slight change to the way ID is checked. Commissionaires now require all personnel to show their ID in a way that enables them to confirm the expiry date on the document, and visually inspect the photo to confirm the identity of the holder. The practice of flashing  ID while slowly driving past the gate is no longer acceptable. Those unable to produce valid identification will be denied access. Although this may slow the flow of traffic, the result is a safer workplace. People are asked to have their ID at the ready prior to arriving at a checkpoint. Force Protection teams such as Military Police and/or members of the Formation Auxiliary Security Force may conduct random security measures such as vehicle and baggage searches. These random searches of personnel and baggage are authorized under Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations (DCAAR’s), which states: As a condition of being given access to any defence establishment, every person shall, on the demand of a security guard, submit to a search of his person or personal property while entering or exiting any such place or materiel or any restricted area within such place or materiel. Where a person refuses to submit to...

[caption id="attachment_6020" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon (left) and LGen (ret’d) Ken Foster (right) of the PPCLI unveil the PPCLI Centennial Commeorative Envelope from Canada Post.[/caption] In a well-attended gathering in the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture gunroom, Canada Post honoured the history of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).To celebrate the regiment’s 100th anniversary, a special edition envelope was launched. It commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the PPCLI. The unveil date was chosen because March 17 is the birthday of Princess Patricia, after whom the infantry was named. She was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and the youngest daughter of Prince Arthur, who was Governor General of Canada.“Canada Post is honoured to pay homage to PPCLI with this commemorative envelope on a day as significant as today,” said Kevin Pearson of Canada Post, who was on hand to make the presentation. “We believe it is a fitting way to honour the regiment, marking its 100 years of service, and believe it will bring the regiment’s proud and illustrious history to homes across the country.”A historic photo spans the length of the envelope, recalling the “Pats” early days with a placing of a wreath on the Regimental colour in February 1919. A row of images along the bottom capture the Regiment’s participation in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean and Afghanistan conflict, and a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.  The cancel mark features the letters and coronet from Princess Patricia’s royal cypher. The Princess’s two first names, Victoria Patricia are visible on both the stamp and the cancel shown as “VP”.On the backside is a synopsis of the regiment’s history. “This small gesture is part of the larger gratitude felt by Canadians everywhere,” said Pearson. “Anything we can do to recognize the service...

[caption id="attachment_6015" align="alignnone" width="300"] Five HMCS Regina sailors rock out “Takin’ Care of Business” for the Bachman Turner Overdrive tribute video contest. The winner of the contest will be featured on the Juno Awards March 30. Regina sailors are looking for more votes to pull them from second place to first.[/caption] Legendary Canadian classic rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this year. To celebrate this historic accomplishment, the 2014 Juno Awards have organized a contest where people can submit a tribute music video of themselves “Takin’ Care of Business” after BTO’s famous hit song of the same name. Contributing to the contest is HMCS Regina’s rock band Pile O Bones, with a special video of the band rockin’ it on the ship. Regina is currently conducting counter-terrorism and maritime security operations at sea off the coast of Africa during Operation Artemis. Band members are PO1 Joseph Scheubel (lead singer), PO1 Keith Muffty (bass guitar), PO2 James Ward (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Lt(N) Colin Pilkey (lead guitar and backing vocals) and LS Corey Pettipas (drums). Production of the tribute music video was a collaborative effort of the entire ship’s company, including the CH-124 Sea King Helicopter Air Detachment, who incorporated the aerial video shoot within their required training schedule. The video was also produced in a highly compressed timeline to meet the submission deadline of the Juno Awards contest.Pile O Bones “Takin’ Care of Business” tribute music video has garnered enough votes online to be in second place, but they need support to reach number one and win the contest. The winner will be announced during the 2014 Juno Awards broadcast at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 30. “Creating this music video has been a great experience for the...

[caption id="attachment_5985" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Dave Eason serves up hot food at the Nelles Block service line.[/caption] On Wednesday, diners at Nelles Block and Venture’s galley can stick their forks into some international cuisine. A special menu has been created by Base Foods staff to support International Day for the Elimination of Racism.“It’s a good opportunity to give people something new to try during their lunches, as well as a way to support a good cause,” says MWO David McLaughlin, Deputy Base Foods Officer. “Base Administration is committed to supporting causes like this, and we thought this would be a fun and unique way to throw our hat in.”The menu includes Szechuan Pork Stir Fry, Lahori Red Chicken Karahi, and Mexican Vegetarian Corn.“We tried to pick foods from all across the globe, instead of just one continent or country to give people lots to choose from,” says MWO McLaughlin. “It’s nice to be able to use the unique skills of Base Food staff.”The menu is also an opportunity for the cooks at Base Foods to showcase their cooking skills.“The cooks get a chance to make things they don’t get to make every day,” he says. “With the creativity involved in preparation and the unique choices for people dining at the mess halls, on top of supporting something we care about, it’s a win-win all around.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5982" align="alignnone" width="300"] Anissa Paulsen, Director of Exhibits and Visitor Engagement, stands beside the CFB Esquimalt dry dock model.[/caption] The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is making significant revisions to its naval gallery. The gallery is being revitalized to “celebrate the story of the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Anissa Paulsen, the museum’s director of exhibits and engagement. “The Naval Role in the Development of British Columbia is the working title for the new gallery, which will look at how the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy have both influenced the development and identity of British Columbia throughout history and today. During this project, the museum will explore ways to portray the experiences of current navy families within the context of Canadian naval history. Re-development will occur in three stages, with the first stage focusing on the early history and significance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock. The second stage will feature the first Canadian naval vessel - HMCS Rainbow – as part of a tribute to the anniversary of First World War. Part of the re-development plan is to include a more user-friendly approach to showcase local history so children and adults can engage with the exhibit. As a result, the third stage will include a “life at sea” section where visitors can better imagine life on board a navy vessel; for example, through an interactive display. The first stage of the gallery renewal is currently underway with plans to finish in June 2014. This stage will highlight the importance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock in the development of Esquimalt and the City of Victoria. “Our historic interactions with the water are critical to our identity as British Columbians today,” Paulsen said. “Esquimalt developed around the dockyard and the graving dock was huge part of that development.”The plan to...

[caption id="attachment_5979" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boatswain LS Rebecca Charlesworth makes an announcement on the ship’s communications system.[/caption] Life in HMCS Regina has its challenges. From stormy seas to the daily activities of Operation Artemis (the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) maritime security operation in the Arabian Sea region) crew members are kept busy. However, the one challenge not faced by the crew, in particular women aboard Regina, is their gender.  On March 8, Canada celebrated the United Nations International Women’s Day, and one only needed to look at the formidable women onboard Regina to see the accomplishments Canada has made in terms of gender integration in the Royal Canadian Navy, and more widely in the CAF. The meritocratic system allows women to pursue any role with equal consideration to their male counterparts. CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith is Regina’s Coxswain. As such, she mentors and provides leadership to crew members of all ranks. She is the highest ranking non-commissioned member on board – a commendable position that is still relatively rare for women. The first female Coxswain of a major warship was CPO1 Jan Davis, appointed 2004. CPO1 Graham-Smith’s ambition and industrious attitude helped her overcome the challenges faced when she first entered the CAF 33 years ago. At that time, women did not serve on board warships, in the air or in the field. She felt held back by the limited number of positions she could achieve. Despite that, a 19-year-old Graham-Smith informed her father that she would become a Coxswain in the navy. To which he replied, “That’s impossible, they don’t even let women serve on board ships. How in the world will you ever do that?”The answer? Dedicated work and progressive changes in policy. He is proud that she and the CAF proved him wrong. Canada’s developments throughout the mid to...

[caption id="attachment_5943" align="alignnone" width="300"] Seventeen civilians wave goodbye to the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy after being dropped off at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The civilians were on HMCS Protecteur’s Tiger Cruise when a fire broke out.[/caption] When United States Ship (USS) Michael Murphy arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on March 4, there were 17 passengers onboard who had been through a once-in-a-lifetime experience.They were all family members of HMCS Protecteur crew members, who had embarked on the ship for the “Tiger Cruise” transit from Pearl Harbor to Esquimalt, B.C. at the end of the ship’s two month Mid-Pacific Oiler deployment. As Mid-Pacific Oiler, Protecteur provided replenishment and re-fueling for allied ships in the Pacific. Having family members on board for the last part of a sail is a common practice with Royal Canadian Navy ships returning from extended operations, and one that family members appreciate.They were expecting to enjoy a leisurely journey, getting a glimpse of life at sea in the Royal Canadian Navy. Instead, they got a first-hand view of their loved ones in action, doing what they are trained to do, respond to a serious fire at sea. At around 10 p.m. on the second day of their journey, the lights suddenly went out, followed by a fire alarm and emergency pipe announcing the fire was in the engine room space. The engine room is the largest compartment inside the ship, and is filled with machinery, fuel lines, and high voltage electric cables.They were 340 nautical miles from land, and with no other vessels close enough to assist, the crew of Protecteur was on their own. They would have to solve this problem together, and their lives depended on it. Wade Keller, father of AB Sam Keller, said, “They mustered us with the...

[caption id="attachment_5939" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Rebecca Charlesworth and Stephanie MacLean reload a .50 cal heavy machine gun during a training exercise to trial the newly installed Herstal mount on the starboard bridge wing.[/caption] HMCS Regina is currently conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations at sea off the east coast of Africa as part of Operation Artemis. Op 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. Regina’s mission is to deter and deny terrorist and transnational criminal organizations from using merchant shipping lanes to smuggle weapons and illicit cargo, while simultaneously enabling the free and fluid movement of goods and services in the region.In general, Regina’s mission is similar to what previous HMC Ships such as Toronto have done in the region, although each ship has been assigned to different areas within the Operation Artemis Joint Operations Area. “We are taking valuable lessons learned from previous rotos and adapting them to the constantly evolving maritime operations picture in the area,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “Our presence also provides the Government of Canada with the flexibility and capability to respond to an emerging crisis in the region on their behalf.”Regina and its CTF 150 coalition partners are working closely to promote security, stability and prosperity in an area that spans over two million square miles in one of the world’s most important shipping routes for transoceanic commerce and trade.The Joint Operations Area includes the main shipping routes from the Far East to Africa, Europe and North America with one third of the world’s oil passing through the area and over 23,000 shipping movements each year.It also contains three narrow waterways, or chokepoints, where ships have...

[caption id="attachment_5936" align="alignnone" width="300"] Search and Rescue Technicians from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron discuss their plan of action on the ground as a Cormorant helicopter comes in to land on top of a mountain near Hope, British Columbia during an annual Search and Rescue Exercise.[/caption] 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from 19 Wing Comox and local Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) members conducted a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Abbotsford under the control of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria from Feb. 25 to 28. The team practiced their collective ability to respond to a plane crash.“This exercise highlights the importance of partnerships and interoperability within the SAR community. Collective search and rescue efforts between the Canadian Armed Forces, other government departments and volunteer organizations help promote education and training, which is fundamental to saving lives,” said RAdm Bill Truelove, Victoria Search and Rescue Region Commander and the commander of Joint Task Force Pacific.The squadron provided CH-149 Cormorant helicopters and CC-115 Buffalo aircraft. More than 70 members from the squadron and 19 Wing Comox participated, along with 35 CASARA members who provided aircraft and assistance in the exercise. Aircrews practiced homing in on emergency locator beacons, parachuting to crash scenes and evacuating patients from remote areas.Search coordinators were located at a command centre in Comox, deployed air and maintenance crews were in Abbotsford, while RCAF Cormorant helicopters, Buffalo airplanes and CASARA aircraft were launched to the Hope and Chilliwack areas of the Lower Mainland to conduct the exercise.Members of the local CASARA provided their own aircraft and local knowledge to assist 442 Squadron personnel. CASARA aircraft are used in a search role and CASARA personnel can be used as spotters onboard military aircraft.“When searching for an aircraft in a remote part of British Columbia, it is...

[caption id="attachment_5892" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Wounded Warrior Run B.C. team gathers at the Mile Zero monument in Victoria after running 600 kilometres and raising more than $10,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada.[/caption] After six days on the road and 600 kilometres traversed in running shoes, the Wounded Warriors made it home.The running team, including Wounded Warrior Run B.C. founder PO2 Allan Kobayashi, crossed the finish line Feb. 21 in Colwood.“It was a great experience. There were definitely some challenges but I’m proud of everyone,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We set out to raise some money for military members, and we surpassed even our expectations. I’m thrilled.”The event raised money for Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that provides programs and connections for military personnel suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other work-stress injuries.The run gained public attention as the miles wore on.“We got a phone call from the president of Wounded Warriors Canada, who said he’d been directly receiving phone calls talking about our run,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We were making waves, and word was getting out. It was huge for us.”The team shattered the fundraising goal of $2,500, raising more than $10,000.“The money just kept rolling in,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We had schools donating money raised through lunch funds and little kids emptying their piggy banks. It was a very emotional experience.”Setting off from Port Hardy Feb. 15, the team encountered high winds, knee deep snow, and driving rain. PO2 Kobayashi says with the warrior spirit in their hearts nothing could stop them, not even nature.“I was running my leg further up island and nature called. So I ran off to the side of the road and as I was finishing up I heard someone yelling at me from the support vehicle,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “I turned around and there’s...

[caption id="attachment_5889" align="alignnone" width="300"] Honorary Colonel Rick Hansen presents the Sacrifice Medal to Cpl Darryl Hansen.[/caption] The room buzzed with excitement, admiration, and inspiration when Canadian legend Rick Hansen entered the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) Feb. 26.Hansen, an Honorary Colonel for JPSU, stopped by the base during a visit to Victoria and made a few presentations.“It’s an honour to be a part of this unit, and by extension a part of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Hansen, who inspired the world during his Man in Motion tour, which saw him cross 40,000 kilometres across 38 countries, raising money for spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives. “People like you are what inspired me to become who I am,” he said to the crowd.HCol Hansen presented a medal to Cpl Darryl Hansen (no relation), who received the Sacrifice Medal for a deployment with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) to Afghanistan in 2008. While there he sustained a traumatic brain injury when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded.“It was a real honour to have HCol Hansen present the medal to me. He’s an inspiration to Canadians everywhere,” said Cpl Hansen. “My time in Afghanistan was life changing in many ways, and it means a lot to have those experiences recognized.”MCpl Brett Trimble was also called forward to receive his Canadian Forces decoration from HCol Hansen for 12 years service to the military.He also presented a quilt from Quilts of Valour, a local organization that provides handmade quilts to military service people and community members going through hard times. One quilt was presented to Cpl Hansen, and another to Victoria local Beverly Hamilton.“When you get down to it, organizations like the CAF are about helping people,” said Hansen. “Whether it’s helping their own recover from the effects...

[caption id="attachment_5886" align="alignnone" width="300"] Volunteers Blair Black (left), Cpl Chris Smith (middle) and OS Christina Blaskavitch (right) help pile up documents for the shredder.[/caption] Shredding paper has put $10,000 into caring for the elderly. The cash was raised at the 2nd Annual Shred a Thon for Broadmead Care, through document shredding on Saturday Feb. 22.Volunteers from Maritime Forces Pacific, Sea Cadets and Claremont High School dumped boxes of documents, magazines, old newspapers, and other paper products into a shredder for a donation.“Last year’s event had such a great reaction we wanted to give it another shot,” says Kathy Baan, Director of Development for Broadmead Care, a non-profit organization that provides housing, and social and health service for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Among the facilities run by Broadmead care are Nigel House, Harriet House, and the Lodge at Broadmead, where the event took place.“These are members of our community who have contributed to our country in ways many of us cannot imagine,” says Baan. “We want to do anything we can to get the community involved in giving back to them.”Money raised from the event goes directly to supporting social programs at Broadmead Care’s facilities, such as creative arts. These programs forge connections and create positive moments for residents suffering from cognitive impairments.“A lot of our residents suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Baan. “With art programs we’re able to engage them mentally, which can do wonders for the cognitive ability and emotional wellbeing. It really can change their lives, if only for a moment at a time.”Island Document Storage and Shredding was on site, filling ears with the sound of documents falling to the teeth of their churning machine.“People bring all kinds of things,” says Baan. “We’re happy to provide a place to get rid of it all...

[caption id="attachment_5844" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Commanding Officer RAdm Bill Truelove (centre), with Formation Chief CPO1 Paul Helston (left), and MARPAC Chief of Staff Capt(N) Mike Knippel (right) show their support for Pink Shirt Day.[/caption] What is bullying?Bullying is described as an act(s) or verbal comment(s) that could mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace.Sometimes, bullying can involve physical contact as well. Bullying can include, but is not limited to, repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of people. It has also been described as the assertion of power through aggression.Some examples of bullying are:•    Offensive jokes or comments•    Insults•    Belittling opinions•    Withholding necessary information or intentionally giving misinformation•    Excluding or isolating the target•    Physical abuse or threats of abuseBullying in the workplace is often more subtle, and harmful, than direct verbal and physical abuse. Bullying behaviours are toxic not only to the individual and their family and friends, but also to bystanders and the entire organization. What to do if you feel bulliedThere are a number of steps you can take if you are feeling bullied by someone at work. If you feel safe doing so, talk firmly to the bully about stopping the unwanted behaviour. You may wish to arrange a witness to be present for this conversation. Make sure you keep a factual journal with detailed descriptions of the events- including date, time, witnesses, and outcome. Ensure you keep copies of any written communication from this person.Keep job appraisals and performance reviews.If bullying persists, talk to a trusted supervisor, a union representative, the Good Working Relations Advisors, the Unit Harassment Advisors, General Safety Officers, or the Employee Assistance Program to make a plan of action, but do not retaliate.What...

[caption id="attachment_5839" align="alignnone" width="300"] Six Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels conduct a starboard turn in formation in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The PCT vessels in the formation are: PCT Orca, PCT Raven, PCT Renard, PCT Wolf, PCT Grizzly and PCT Cougar.[/caption] The waters off the coast of Victoria were host to a rare sight Feb. 14: seven Orcas sailing in formation.The Orca-class Patrol Craft Trainings (PCT) vessels set out from Esquimalt harbour before separating on different training missions.“It was a great opportunity for a little visibility within the Royal Canadian Navy,” says Capt(N) Bradley Peats, who rode in Orca PCT 55 for the morning. “There haven’t been this many Orcas on the water at one time in quite a while, so we weren’t about the pass this chance up.”Six of the vessels were performing Sea Readiness Inspections in preparation for various training missions, such as MARS III and MARS IV officer training, and the Command Development Course that prepares senior officers for command, and the Orca Class Engineer and Senior Boatswain’s Mate Course that trains Orca crews of the future.  “We want to make sure everyone can work as a team and this is how we do it,” says Cdr Malcolm Musgrove, Officer in Charge of minor war vessel Sea Training. “Everyone is certified, everyone has taken their courses and has their tasks, but we want to make sure they can take their training and use it to help each other.”The Sea Readiness Inspection ensure crews are prepared and able to respond to emergency situations through simulated fires, floods, and medical emergencies.“It’s a valuable tool, and gives crew the realism needed to drive a message home,” says Cdr Musgrove. “Though each individual has their specific training, with this they are able to work towards the whole.”During the morning,...

[caption id="attachment_5836" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Command Team of HMCS Regina serves sundaes to the ship’s company from the main steam line during weekly Operation Artemis Sunday’s Sundaes off the coast of India on Feb. 16.[/caption] The weekends just became a little sweeter for HMCS Regina as the ship has now started Sundae Sundays during the overseas deployment for Operation Artemis. Each Sunday evening, Regina’s Command Team serves sundaes with all the fixings to the entire ship’s company from the steam line. “Sundae Sundays provide a little taste of home for the ship’s company and it gives them something to look forward to every week,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “Sometimes it is small things that help make a huge difference in the ship’s morale during a long deployment such as Operation Artemis.”The importance of quality food services cannot be overstated in a Canadian warship at sea. Regina’s galley produces a diverse menu that contains a selection of healthy choices, as well as some “comfort food” to keep sailors both healthy and happy, especially on a long deployment. “Our cooks are doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone well fed and there is always delicious duff (desserts) available in all of the messes for those sailors who like to indulge their sweet tooth,” said LCdr Gordon Roy, Regina’s Executive Officer. “Well fed sailors are happy sailors and it is the least we can do considering how hard the crew has worked over these many months preparing for Op Artemis.” -Lt(N) Mark Fifield, Op ARTEMIS Roto 4 PAO

[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cpl Dominic Larocque will be competing in the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.[/caption] Cpl Dominic Larocque will represent Canada with pride at the XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in March.“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Cpl Dominic Larocque for making the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team,” said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Cpl Larocque’s drive and determination serves as an inspiring example for us all. This March I urge you to join me cheering on Cpl Larocque, and all of the men and women who will represent Canada as part of our Paralympics teams.” In 2007, Cpl Larocque was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he was wounded in an improvised explosive device attack. As a result, his left leg was amputated above the knee.Following an extensive rehabilitation period, Cpl Larocque was introduced to the Soldier On Program and to the sport of ice sledge hockey.“In 2010 I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver during the Paralympics. It really inspired me and I decided that I would like to be part of the national team in Sochi. I am extremely proud and excited that my dream has become a reality,” says Cpl Larocque.Military/sport connectionThere is a long relationship between sports and military service in our country. Canadians serving in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War often took part in games days and other official and unofficial athletic contests. This military/sport connection has continued in the post-war years. Not surprisingly, some of these ‘soldier-athletes’ have worn both a military uniform and an Olympic athlete’s uniform for our country.Paralympic GamesThe origins of the Paralympic Games are closely tied with military service. In the years after the Second World War,...

[caption id="attachment_5798" align="alignnone" width="300"] Runners (left) PO2 Allan Kobayashi and (right) Sgt Dan Bodden meet up with sponsor Dr. Richard McIlmoyle of Achieve Health for a health assessment just before commencing the Wounded Warrior Run BC.[/caption] Five Canadian Armed Forces members have undertaken an arduous journey this week, running from one end of Vancouver Island to the other in the name of mental health. PO2 Allan Kobayashi, creator of the Wounded Warrior Run B.C., began the initiative following his own personal struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “I did everything they told me. I went to therapists, support groups, psychiatrists, and doctors, but I never felt like it was enough,” he says. “Once I got involved with Wounded Warriors I found there was an organization looking to help people just like me, and I wanted to do what I could to contribute back.” The six-day relay style run across Vancouver Island started Sunday in Port Hardy and will end Friday in Colwood. “It’s quite a distance,” says PO2 Kobayashi before the run. “We’re all experienced runners, so I think we’ll be just fine.” That being said, PO2 Kobayashi isn’t looking to take any undue risks for the team. Runners will only be on the road during the day, and will be followed by support vehicles full of food, water, and medical supplies should any need arise. “The only thing we had to worry about was packing on a few pounds before we ran,” he says. “We’ll be shedding more than our fair share of weight running that far.” Money gathered through fund raising will go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada. Founded in 2006, Wounded Warriors Canada helps injured CAF members with...

[caption id="attachment_5795" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Chris Horsman demonstrates how to use fire fighting hose pipe. Filipino children took part in a tour of HMCS Regina as part of the ship’s outreach initiative in the community of Helping Land during a port visit to Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2.[/caption] The busy seaport of Manila, Philippines, was HMCS Regina’s third port of call during its Operation Artemis deployment; the city provided a welcome five-day break from operations at sea. While on shore leave, a number of Regina sailors participated in community outreach activities in Manila.Members of Regina’s crew accompanied Irene Hansen-Reeder, wife of the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, and Project Pearl (a non-profit organization focused on ending child poverty) outreach workers during a guided tour of Helping Land and a community school in the area. Helping Land is located on the outskirts of Manila and is home to hundreds of people who earn a living by recycling and re-purposing garbage from the city’s landfills. Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world with approximately 12 million people inhabiting an area roughly the size of Edmonton, AB, which in comparison, has less than one million inhabitants. Following the sailors’ tour of Helping Land, children from the community were bussed back to Regina, given a tour of the ship, and enjoyed lunch in the crew café. “It was obvious from their smiling faces they had a wonderful experience, and if the kids had half as much fun as we did then the day was a huge success,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “This day would not have happened without the outstanding efforts of the ship’s company who put their hearts and souls into this initiative.”The outreach activities continued until the end of the port visit when Regina’s Padre,...

[caption id="attachment_5763" align="alignnone" width="300"] The dive team of HMCS Regina conducts operations from the ship’s Sea King helicopter in the South China Sea.[/caption] HMCS Regina completed its last set of mission specific workups and achieved high readiness in the Pacific Ocean waters east of Guam while en route to its deployment on Operation Artemis. This achievement was the culmination of months of pre-deployment training. High readiness means a ship is capable of conducting the full-spectrum of combat operations. “Our deployment demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ capability to support our allies and gives Canada an opportunity to operate within a responsive international force,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “It also increases the RCN’s capacity to execute any number of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, regional military engagement, and international diplomacy.” HMC Ships undergo a period of sea training to either achieve standard readiness or high readiness. Standard readiness means a ship is capable of conducting core naval training and executing assigned Canadian Armed Forces continental and expeditionary missions that do not entail the possibility of high intensity, full spectrum combat. Regina’s mission work-ups were tailored to the specific operational scenarios and potential threats that the ship may encounter during Operation Artemis. Mission work-ups included enhanced navy boarding party training with greater emphasis on flag verification boardings and contraband search and seizure techniques, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training at sea. The ship’s company also underwent cultural sensitivity training to improve their ability to interact with the many diverse countries, cultures and people they will encounter. “Regina achieved mission high-readiness due to the outstanding dedication, hard work and positive attitude of the ship’s company,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “They took each challenge in stride and did whatever it took to get the job done.” Op Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the...

[caption id="attachment_5759" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sebastian Preston, 10, (left) and Owen Sparshu, 10, hold on tight during Wolf’s high speed manoeuvres.[/caption] In the deep, cold waters off the coast of Victoria a handful of lucky community members got a chance to hit the high seas in Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessel Wolf (PCT 59).The 16 passengers were on a short voyage as part of a Legion Foundation auction, having bid on and won tickets to sail during the organization’s Christmas fundraising dinner.“I thought it was such an interesting and educational opportunity I couldn’t resist,” says Bridget Preston, who won her ticket along with passage for three others with a bid of $400. “I’ve never had the opportunity to sail on a naval vessel, and I’ve lived in Victoria for so long I had to see it from this side.”“Day sailors” were treated to a sunny and relaxing ride on the waters near Dallas Road, Clover Point, and Discovery Island.They were also shown the speed and manoeuvrability of Wolf during some exercises.“I was surprised as how quick they are,” says Preston. “You wouldn’t think a vessel so large could go so fast and turn so quickly. It was a real joy to witness.”Preston was accompanied by her son Sebastian, 10, and his friend Owen Sparshu, 10. The two got out of school to get a peak at naval life.“It was super fun, I’ve never done anything like this before,” says Sebastian. “We got out of school, which is cool, and we got to see so much cool stuff on the ship. Now we want to join the cadets.”Lt(N) Les Gunderson, Officer in Charge of Wolf for the day sail, says such events are a great opportunity to show the community the other side of the navy.“It’s important we show people what...

Employees of CFB Esquimalt will see a sea of pink come Feb. 26 in support of Anti-Bullying Day.This marks the second year CFB Esquimalt personnel have lent their support to the National Anti-Bullying initiative. The CFB Esquimalt efforts, headed by Nora Johnson, Manager of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and MCpl Kyle Mitchell, one of the MARPAC Safety Representatives, are encouraging personnel to don pink shirts in solidarity with the victims of bullying.“Things went really well last year and I was pleased by the volume of participants, with nearly 500 participants,” says MCpl Mitchell. “This year we saw an opportunity to work more directly within our community by partnering with School District 62, specifically Belmont Senior Secondary School.“They were really responsive to the opportunity to work with. Bullying is a huge issue in schools, especially during high school, so this is a cause close to their hearts.”Belmont’s t-shirt campaign has gotten off the ground thanks to a donation from the Pacific Fleet Club. MCpl Mitchell and EAP approached the school about making their shirts available for sale around the base, further supporting the school’s anti-bullying fund raising efforts. The shirts were designed by Belmont students and will be available for purchase through EAP or MCpl Mitchell. Bullying isn’t unique to schools, as anti-bullying awareness applies to the workplace as well.“It’s not talked about as often because for some reason some people believe bullying can’t happen to adults,” says MCpl Mitchell. “In reality, bullying can occur in the workplace.  We want to make sure anyone who feels like they’re being intimidated or taken advantage of has the resources available so they can feel comfortable coming forward for help.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

Last week, colleagues, family members, and loved ones were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of CPO2 Gilles Duquette.The 54-year-old Base Accommodations Officer and 29-year member of the Royal Canadian Navy was found dead in his home in Work Point’s Married Quarters Jan. 28.While the exact circumstances of CPO2 Duquette’s death are under investigation, the Defence Community has come out in support of his wife and two children in their time of need.“I’ve put a team in place to provide his family with our full support,” says Cdr Wes Golden, Base Administration Officer in a branch-wide email. “They, like many of us, are struggling to make sense of this tragedy. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn his passing with them.”CPO2 Duqeuette served on a multitude of ships including HMC Ships Kootenay, Annapolis, Vancouver, Huron, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.He was also the veteran of two deployments. In 1989 he deployed to Syria on a United Nations’ mission and in 2002 deployed on Vancouver to Bahrain as part of Task Force South-West Asia.Plans are being made to honour his life and achievements.“He was an exceptional sailor and warrior, and enjoyed a distinguished career in the RCN,” said Cdr Golden. “We will, respecting his family’s wishes, remember him as the warrior he was. We will miss him dearly.”-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5703" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naden band practices with the University of Victoria Symphony in preparation for their Feb. 7 concert.[/caption] A long anticipated collaboration between the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Wind Symphony, will come together next week for the first time in history. The two groups have been great acquaintances in the musical industry for a long time, but have never performed together quite like this.“This is going to be such a unique experience and a night people will remember for a long time,” says Eugene Dowling, Canadian Tuba professional, Juno Award Nominee and conductor of the UVic Wind Symphony.On Feb. 7 at the university’s Farquhar Auditorium the two bands unite to raise awareness of the Naden Band Scholarship, established in 1994. PO2 Robyn Jutras, a recipient of the Naden Band Scholarship in Music Performance, returns to the stage as a bassoon soloist. “It is very exciting having a previous recipient of the scholarship and former UVic graduate play on our stage again. It is great to have her give back to the scholarship for future recipients,” said Dowling. Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Director of Music and Naden Band Conductor, is thrilled to produce an evening of music of such aptitude and raw talent. “I know this night will be inspiring to all. Not just for listening pleasure but also for the musicians in the audience and University of Victoria students performing along side us. A lot of people are unaware that the Canadian Armed Forces is the largest employer of musicians in Canada. This night will showcase the level of professionalism the Canadian Armed Forces can offer for music enthusiasts seeking a respectable, professional future in music.”One of the awaited works on the program is the massive reproduction of David Maslanka’s...

[caption id="attachment_5700" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Tipper family work an assembly line to build sandwiches to give to the homeless.[/caption] Beyond texting, playing video games and Facebook chatting, it seems unlikely a sixth grader would care about the greater world around them. But that myth is dispelled with 11-year-old Emily Tipper, daughter of a military member, and one of the city’s youngest humanitarians.For the second year in a row she has rallied friends and family to feed the homeless over the holidays. On Dec. 23, 2013, she hand delivered 300 homemade lunches to those in need of a full belly. She achieved this feat by collecting and recycling pop bottles and soliciting donations from Thrifty Foods and Country Grocer. It all started with one conversation that left an indelible mark. “I remember asking a man laying on someone’s door step what he has to eat on Christmas and he told me the homeless don’t have enough money to buy food for Christmas, and that they try to see what they can get at shelters,” Tipper said. “This made me really sad and I wanted to help.” She secured 150 lunches in her first year, and doubled that number last Christmas. Each bag contained one sandwich, two cookies, two oranges, a bottle of water, some candy canes and a book.With a car brimming with paper bags, she started her endeavor in Sooke and made her way through Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt and downtown Victoria. With the help of family and friends each bagged lunch was distributed directly to someone in need. “I even got to know some of the homeless people. At first I was a little scared but once I started talking with them I realized they were just like you and I, just not as fortunate.” Left over lunch bags were...

[caption id="attachment_5654" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of HMCS Toronto’s naval boarding party board a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Arabian Sea region on Jan. 17 during Operation Artemis.[/caption] The crew of HMCS Toronto made yet another drug bust after intercepting a suspicious vessel in the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Artemis. Roughly 40 nautical miles off the coast of Tanzania, navy personnel boarded the vessel and found 265 bags of heroin weighing in at 280kg. Cdr Mathew Bowen, Commanding Officer of Toronto, credited the allied nature of Operation Artemis to the success of the seizure. “It is the ongoing collaboration with our multinational partners that enabled us to achieve a positive outcome in seizing illegal narcotics during our latest boarding,” he says. This latest seizure brings the total narcotics seized by Toronto to a staggering 8.5 metric tonnes in 12 months, including seizures of cocaine, heroin, and hashish. The seizures have all been a part of Operation Artemis, the Canadian Armed Forces’ current participation in counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea. Toronto has been deployed on Operation Artemis since January of last year; it has been a busy year for the Halifax-based patrol frigate. In March the crew seized 500kg of heroin valued at $100 million. A series of interdictions between May and June resulted in the seizure of an additional seven tonnes of narcotics including heroin and hashish. Then in October the crew made another bust, uncovering a shipment of 180kh of heroin off of Cape Horn. According to Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, Toronto’s highly successful deployment has struck a heavy blow against narcotics smuggling. “I commend the crew of the HMCS Toronto,” says Nicholson. “Their tireless work with our allies in the Combined Maritime Forces has lead to the interception of tonnes...

[caption id="attachment_5651" align="alignnone" width="300"] Centre Ice puck drop at the Save-on-Foods arena during the Defence Team Appreciation Night where the Victoria Royals and the Kelowna Rockets played their second of a two game series on Jan. 18. In front (left to right): Kelowna Rockets team captain Madison Bowey and Victoria Royals team captain Jordan Fiansoo face off. In the rear row (left to right): PO1 Ian Biller; navy mascot Sonar; Sailor of the year LS Dale Armstrong with daughter (and puck dropper) Naomi Armstrong; Director of Civilian Human Resources at CFB Esquimalt Michael Holt; Base Commander Capt(N) Luc Cassivi; Victoria Royals representative Darren Parker, and Victoria Royals mascot Marty the Marmot.[/caption] The Victoria Royals hit the ice of the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre last Saturday Jan. 11 against the Kelowna rockets, and from the stands the Defence Community cheered them on.The event marked the 2014 Defence Team Appreciation Night, where the “Boys in Royal Blue” offered discounts, prizes, and activities to the community they hold so dear.“Victoria is a military town. It always has been and always will be,” says Darren Parker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the Victoria Royals. “We want to honour the connection and heritage while giving something back to our fans in the community.”For CAF Appreciation Night the Royals offered 250 complimentary and discounted tickets to military and civilian defence personnel, 50/50 raffles, interactive displays and a bit of military flair.The Royals wore special Defence Team Appreciation Night jersey during the game, which were auctioned off to raise money for the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).“Organizations like the MFRC are the lifeblood of the military community. It’s important to support something which supports so many people,” says Parker. “The jerseys also serve to highlight the connection our players feel towards the military, and they...

When was the last time you took the stairs instead of an elevator? Or parked at the back of the lot and walked the extra 100 feet to the door?As small as it may seem, just walking those extra couple feet contributes to a person’s overall health.To get base employees into the “active living” mindset, the MARPAC Health and Wellness Team is launching the Base Administration Active Living pilot project from February to April. Everyone is invited to the launch party at the Naden Athletic Centre upper gym at 8 a.m. There will be prizes and a short active living demo to get people moving. Active Living champion Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, along with the BAdmo, Cdr Wes Golden will discuss the benefits of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for both the individual and their family. Each Base Administration employee will be given a log book to track their daily routine; the goal is to encourage change. A person should be active 30 minutes a day and every child at least one hour. The ultimate goal is to have families active every day of the week.Maryse Neilson, Health Promotion Director for Personal Support Programs, and Chair of the Active Living Working Group, says the families of civilian and military employees play a vital roll in the well being of those on the Defence Team, and therefore should be included in the project.“A healthy, happy family at home is a stronger and healthier front line,” she says. “It has been proven that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can give a person more energy, a clear mind and a longer life expectancy, reducing the chance of developing dementia or other life threatening conditions.”The idea is to create attainable goals that drive people onward to a healthier life. For those struggling to get...

[caption id="attachment_5617" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Winnipeg prepares to leave the drydock.[/caption] On Thursday, Nov. 28, HMCS Winnipeg emerged from the Esquimalt Graving Dock repaired and ready to take on the challenges of trials and an operational programme that commenced in the New Year.  Its five week and five days in the graving dock was related to damage sustained during the allision with “American Dynasty” in April. Winnipeg had just moved to dockyard from Victoria Shipyards Limited, having completed a docking work period, and was in the midst of its post docking extended work period when the allision occurred.  “American Dynasty” struck Winnipeg on the port bow causing it to strike the jetty, which resulted in further damage to the starboard side, starboard quarter and stern flap. On Oct. 25 it entered the graving dock to allow Victoria Shipyards Limited to conduct structural repairs suffered during the allision.     Concurrent to these repairs, Winnipeg received maintenance on its sonar, various underwater sensors, and completed a thorough cleaning of the props. Victoria Shipyard’s staff rectified damage to areas on the starboard side, just outside of the oparations room and the main cafeteria, while Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton had repaired the damage done to the port side and transom prior to entering the graving dock. In total, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and Victoria Shipyards Limited replaced nine vertical structural beams that form the structure of the ship, nine longitudinals that form the horizontal frames of the structure of the ship, three bulkheads and five sections of shell plating. As well they had to repair two sections of deck and three shock mounts.While the allision of April 23, 2013, setback Winnipeg’s original timeline for commencing sea trials, the exceptional flexibility and superb coordination between the Formation, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton, Victoria Shipyards...

[caption id="attachment_5614" align="alignnone" width="300"] Changes to the base clinic operations will soon include the ability to book sick parade appointments online.[/caption] In the New Year, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members may notice a few differences at the Canadian Force Health Services Centre (Pacific) (CF H Svcs C(P)), colloquially known as the Base Medical Clinic.To increase the efficiency of unscheduled appointments, all unscheduled appointments will be moved to Care Delivery Unit (CDU) 3 in the Clinic’s main building, as opposed to being done separately under the previous Urgent Care model.The change comes following the Defence Reduction Action Plan (DRAP), a nation-wide restructuring program that imposed new funding pressures and resulted in the loss of several Public Service employees.“We had to look closely at how we deliver primary care to ensure it was as efficient as possible,” says LCol Joane Simard, Commanding Officer of CF H Svcs C (P). “Through collaborative consultation and review, we saw changes could be made so we took the steps toward the course we thought will optimize access to care and decrease wait times.”To this effect, CDU 1 and 3 staff swapped locations within the Clinic. CDU 3 and the old Urgent Care Clinic have combined into a Duty CDU to align support to the Fleet and look after unscheduled appointments.LCol Simard wants to assure people that there will be no noticeable difference in care at the Base Clinic, aside from some patients going to a different area of the facility to see their physicians.“We are still providing the same level and quality of care by the same physicians,” she says. “This is an efficiency and consolidation process rather than a restructuring.”Changes are also on their way for how CF H Svcs C (P) handles its day-to-day appointments. Currently, CAF members arrive at the hospital at 7:30...