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[caption id="attachment_1162" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="His Honour Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, Capt(N) Craig Baines, paddle across Esquimalt harbour to A Jetty in a First Nations dugout canoe with eight First Nations paddlers."][/caption]Through the misty spray churned up by Firebrand’s hoses, a wooden craft slowly approached A jetty last Friday. Propelling it through the harbour were 10 men of varying ages and strength, each pulling a brightly painted paddle through the water. As the black vessel, with a hand carved eagle mounted at the stern, pulled alongside A jetty, onlookers were able to see more clearly just who had arrived. The paddlers were Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, Base Commander Capt(N) Craig Baines, Inspector Steven Ing, George Taylor and the Le-la-la Dancers. The guests were here to co-celebrate National Aboriginal Day and National Public Service Week with hundreds of DND employees. The Le-la-la Dancers performed a series of ceremonial dances, including the Chief’s Peace dance. This dance symbolizes the trust between the local First Nations and the Canadian Forces, a dance few outside the First Nations community witness. After the dances, LGov Point took the podium to address the crowd. “We have every right to celebrate. We have every right to be proud of who we are; never forgetting our culture, but ever so willing to share that which we remember, and that which we know,” said LGov Point. “I believe these celebrations must continue not only because we have survived as a people, but because we’re going to march into the next century as a growing and thriving part of this country. We’re going to make a contribution to this country that will mark us as Canadians above and beyond.” LGov Point reflected on a tumultuous past and described his vision for a better...

[caption id="attachment_1157" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Lt(N) Rick Kappel relaxes in the zodiac, with FGS Rottweil in the background after diving for mines in the Baltic Sea."][/caption]Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) made history when they deployed a clearance diving team on board the German mine hunting ship Rottweil for Operation Open Spirit, held May 10-25.   The operation involved locating and disposing of Second World War legacy sea mines in the Baltic Sea, where thousands of mines still pose a hazard to shipping.   Nearly 80,000 mines were laid mainly by German and Russian forces during the First and Second World Wars to deny freedom of movement on the seas. Tens of thousands are still unaccounted for. The annual operation was led by the Estonian Navy this year, with several navies participating, mainly from the Baltic region, but was the first time for Canada. This was also the first time a Canadian Clearance Diving Team (CAN CDT) worked side by side with German Minentauchers (Mine Divers) to conduct Naval Mine Countermeasure (NMCM) clearance operations. The experience not only provided valuable operational exposure for the team, but under the spirit of “partnership for peace”, also a significant stride forward in building a professional working relationship between the two countries’ navies.   The German mine hunting ships are state of the art. They are designed to minimize magnetic and acoustic signatures that can trigger “influence” mines to detonate. Rottweil also employed hull-mounted sonar and an autonomous underwater vehicle that uses side scan sonar to map the sea bottom. Upon recovery of the vehicle, German and Canadian underwater divers analyzed the information and classified contacts. Mine-like contacts were investigated by diving on their position and confirming their origin. More than 200 dives were collectively conducted by the two teams during the two-week operation; 15 mines were...

  [caption id="attachment_1105" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The Guard of Honour, 440 strong, marched through the Township of Esquimalt in the Freedom of the City Parade."][/caption]Ominous clouds and warm drizzle couldn’t dampen the mood at the Freedom of the City ceremony last Thursday. Adults, children, and retired service members lined the rain slick sidewalk to get a view of the assembled guard of nearly 500 Canadian Forces personnel as they marched down Esquimalt Road with colours flying, bayonets fixed, and the drums of the Naden Band pounding. The ceremony was in recognition of the centennial of the Township of Esquimalt, and the relationship between the township and the Canadian Forces. Assembled forces gathered on the steps of Esquimalt Municipal Hall where they were stopped by Police Chief Jamie Graham of the Victoria Police Department and asked to identify themselves before approaching municipal hall, as the tradition dictates. Capt(N) Craig Baines, Base Commander for CFB Esquimalt, identified their intention to exercise their right of Freedom of the Township, and approached the doors of the municipal hall, striking them three times with the pommel of his sword to gain audience with Mayor Barbara Desjardins. Desjardins then inspected the guard of 100 CF personnel before approaching the podium to address those gathered. “During these past 100 years, the fabric of Esquimalt and that of our military partners have been one and the same. I could not think of a better partner for us to celebrate our centennial year with. Our township is proud of you, our region is proud of you, our province is proud of you, and our nation is proud of you,” she said. Desjardins then read the Freedom of the Township Proclamation, granting the military freedom to march the streets of Esquimalt in full regalia. Capt(N) Baines then addressed those assembled. He spoke of the close relationship Maritime Forces Pacific has with the Township of Esquimalt. “We’ve been through two world wars together, we have seen numerous conflicts, and through all of...

[caption id="attachment_1092" align="alignnone" width="199" caption="Jim Duberry just won gold in the Canadian Master’s Badminton Championships in Ottawa."][/caption]Back in 1965, 33-year-old Sgt (Ret’d) Jim Duberry picked up his first badminton racket and birdie while posted in Newfoundland. It wasn’t long before he was hooked. Forty-seven years later, and now at age 80, he won gold in the Canadian Masters Badminton Championships in Ottawa May 7-12.   “I think the secret of the game is to continue to play as long as you can. I love playing because it’s so social and a great way to exercise cardio,” he says. Competing in the 75-79 age category, Duberry was a tough match for his opponents just days before his 80th birthday. First up he contended with Canada’s first astronaut – 77-year-old Maj (Ret’d) Ken Money, and was victorious with a 2-3 game win. Then he won three games against 77-year-old Japanese Tosh Uyida, advancing to the finals against competitor Jim Carnwath. “I have lost to Jim for the past 15 years. If someone told me I would win against him I wouldn’t have believed it. Jim is a very skilled player,” he says. Duberry considers himself a late starter in the game, but practicing almost 365 days this year made up for it, and he won the game against Carnwath. “Jim has been playing since he was about eight years old. He was surprised when I beat him, and I was surprised to win. He congratulated me.” Each year Duberry embraces the badminton season, travelling to competitions all over, venturing as far as Brisbane, Australia, with birdies in hand. “September to April is badminton season and each year I play in the Victoria Masters, Port Alberni Masters, Vancouver Masters and Ogopogo Masters in Kelowna. He won bronze in the World Senior Games at...

[caption id="attachment_1088" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Senior military staff were on hand last week to witness the change over of leadership at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC)."][/caption]Amidst grey skies and the rocky outcrop at Duntze Head, with musical accompaniment from the Naden Band and a sail past from submarine HMCS Victoria, the reigns of command for Maritime Forces Pacific were passed from one leader to the next. Friends, family and distinguished guests gathered to bid farewell to RAdm Nigel Greenwood, and welcome RAdm Bill Truelove as he accepted command of the most senior naval position on the West Coast last Monday. Among the assembled dignitaries were representatives from the Esquimalt and Salish First Nations, visiting officers of allied fleets, and the LGov of British Columbia, Steven Point.   During the change of command ceremony, the Guard of Honour offered salutes to the official party, consisting of RAdm Greenwood, RAdm Truelove, and LGov Point, as well as presiding officers VAdm Paul Maddison, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and LGen Walter Semianiw, Commander of Canada Command. During his final address, RAdm Greenwood drew upon the sentiments of truth, duty, and valour. “The truth of it is, I feel like a very lucky guy,” said RAdm Greenwood. “To be here, to have had this experience with the Navy, all the way from cadets, to Royal Roads, to my present position.” To RAdm Truelove he said, “Our careers have intersected at different times. I know you’re going to be warmly welcomed, well respected, and you’re going to have a heap of fun in this position.” For valour, he focused on HMCS Victoria. “It’s such a pleasure to see Victoria sailing out of this harbour, on cue, and that’s how it’s going to be from this day on. In my mind Victoria represents our navy: small, powerful, deployable and potent.” Following his address, those gathered watched as RAdm Greenwood issued his last order, and CPO1 Paul Helston hauled down the Admiral’s distinguishing flag and presented it to...

I am one of the two per cent of people who survive pancreatic cancer. It has a 98 per cent mortality rate.

Teams from HMC Ships Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Protecteur, Algonquin and Ottawa hit the pavement in an Amazing Race.

Melting ice will likely open up new maritime routes to Europe for Chinese exporters.

[caption id="attachment_951" align="alignnone" width="300"] Combating piracy and oil theft in Nigeria[/caption] Royal Roads University, the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, and Maritime Forces Pacific will be holding the biennial Maritime Security Challenges conference in Victoria, B.C. from Oct. 1-3, 2012. One of the conference panel discussions will focus on security issues in the Gulf of Guinea. This article explores key maritime concerns in this region and discusses some of the political and economic factors that make improving security in the Gulf of Guinea such a challenge. More information on MSC 2012 can be accessed at www.mscconference.com Much has been written about Somali piracy and its threat to the international shipping industry. However, there is also a growing piracy problem on the other side of the African continent, in the Gulf of Guinea. According to the International Maritime Organization, 2011 marked a peak year for pirate activity in the region, with 64 reported attacks, a 28 percent increase from 2010. The waters off Nigeria are particularly risky: Africa’s most populous country and top oil producer is home to a strong network of criminal organizations that have increasingly targeted ships carrying valuable cargo. In coming years, shipping traffic off the coast of Nigeria is projected to increase, as world demand for its oil grows. The risk of hijacking, however, could discourage international shipping vessels from approaching Nigeria’s ports. Improving security in Nigerian waters will not be easy. It will require coordinated action among naval and coast guard fleets to fend off pirate attacks. It will also require taking action against land-based criminal groups, and the government corruption that allows them to thrive. In addition, a long term strategy against piracy and organized crime must include measures to address the extreme poverty and inequality that have driven Nigerians to pursue illicit activities....

[caption id="attachment_947" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="CPO2 Richard Boileau on board HMCS Protecteur Remembrance Day 2011 in San Diego."][/caption]CFB Esquimalt is mourning the loss of a submariner after a recreational diving incident on the Victoria Day long  weekend claimed the life of HMCS Victoria’s coxswain CPO2 Richard Boileau. On May 19, 47-year-old CPO2 Boileau was scuba diving with two friends in the Saanich inlet when he experienced complications underwater that resulted in his death. “As a core member of the command triad and the submarine community, he will be missed both professionally and personally,” said HMCS Victoria’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Christopher Ellis. CPO2 Boileau came to serve in Victoria Nov. 18, 2011, as a last minute replacement on the eve of the submarine’s sailing work ups. “Even though he had been away from subs for a few years he stepped up to the challenge of being the senior sailor. He had such a positive influence on the crew through his mentorship,” says Cdr Ellis. “He was fair and just. He was a man of integrity. With the dynamic manning of Victoria, he was a catalyst in making sure members, many from out of area, got integrated into the team, so they were welcomed and not overcome by the demands that were placed on them. He will be missed.” On Sunday, Cdr Ellis recalled the crew to inform them of the tragedy in person. “It was hard to deliver that message. Because of his key role and because we are such a small unit; his absence will be felt.” Before taking on the role of Victoria’s coxswain, CPO2 Boileau served as the Logistics Coordinator in HMCS Protecteur, and prior to that as a cook in HMC Ships, Vancouver, Regina, and Victoria in 2003. “He was an avid diver and had been for years....

[caption id="attachment_943" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Coast Salish carver John Marston's work as he poses with it."][/caption]Aboriginal Week was the perfect occasion for Base Commander, Capt(N) Craig Baines to launch an initiative to honour First Nations people, their heritage and their connection to CFB Esquimalt. On May 23 at the Wardroom, he unveiled an Aboriginal display cabinet full of art. Among the spectators were the Chief’s of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, the Songhees Nation drummers, spiritual advisors and several First Nations artists and their guests. The unique display, a project managed through Public Works and Government Services Canada, includes the work of Aboriginal artists from various Nations including Esquimalt, Songhees, Cowichan, and Haida. While some pieces have been gifted to the base, the majority are on loan in what will be a rotating display showcasing work of local Aboriginal artists. Coast Salish artist John Marston of Ladysmith brought five pieces to display including sun and moon masks, a canoe box and two bentwood boxes. “When I heard about this display I wanted to be a part of it. I felt it was a good initiative to support,” he said. Marston has been carving since age eight and learned from his artist parents. His sun and moon masks each took five to six weeks of full-time carving to complete. Clarence Dick Jr, an artist from the Songhees Nation, carved a cedar panel of sea creatures he made especially for this base exhibit. “This piece is called The Life Cycle. It shows the whale chasing after the sea lion and the sea lion chasing after the salmon. I’m happy to be a part of this exhibit,” he said. Other pieces include two eagle masks more than 100 years old from the Haida Nation, on loan from Mary-Ann Thomas of Esquimalt Nation; a toggling...

[caption id="attachment_939" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Larry Gollner displays some of his vivid paintings at his studio in Cobble Hill."][/caption]Seventy-four-year-old Brigadier General (Ret’d) Larry Gollner never imagined people would buy his art, even though he’s an honourary  member of the oldest fine arts club west of the Great Lakes - the Victoria Sketch Club founded in 1909. Over the years more than 30 paintings have left his studio, tucked under the arm of a new owner, destined for display on a solitary wall. “To be quite frank, it is satisfying and motivating when people actually buy your art,” he says. “It’s a compliment and recognition.” The Sketch Club allows only about 40 artists at a time, with noteworthy artists Emily Carr, Samuel McClure and Max Maynard on the register at one time. For the retired soldier, art didn’t become a passion until he borrowed some of his wife Christine’s supplies on a whim nearly 20 years ago. Christine attended the Emily Carr Art and Design Institute, and is a widely recognized artist. Canvas, brushes and paint were only a few strides away in their home. Gollner dabbled in the genre after hours; it was the military that had his full attention.   Retirement and a nomination into the club propelled him to fully explore his talent. “I moved into the true creative side – which to me is abstract painting,” he says.  “I got into abstract painting because I appreciated the amount of planning required. I figured early on I would never be good at painting apples. I don’t have the talent, or the patience to do that. Abstract just suits me better.” He starts by cutting out strips of coloured paper. Next, he makes models followed by producing a small mock up on paper, then on board. “When I am satisfied...

[caption id="attachment_861" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="RAdm Nigel Greenwood officiated a citizenship ceremony at Duntze Head which saw 58 people become Canadian citizens."][/caption]In the bright sunshine at Duntze Head last Thursday the Navy hosted a citizenship ceremony welcoming 58 new Canadians. RAdm Nigel Greenwood served as the guest presiding officer administering the Oath of Citizenship ceremony. Last October the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced that recipients of the Order of Military Merit would be added to the list of people able to administer this ceremony. RAdm Greenwood was admitted to the Order of Military Merit at the Officer level in 2004 and then promoted to Commander of the Order in 2010. A quintet from The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific played as candidates from 22 countries and their families arrived. Under the guidance of Clerk of the Ceremony Monica Ujimoto, RAdm Greenwood administered his role. “I am proud to be here today representing Canada and welcoming you as new citizens,” said RAdm Greenwood. “Your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strength. As new Canadians you can serve this country in your own way, and each of your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strengths. Together we can build a society which, to many, is considered the best in the world,” said RAdm Greenwood. Representatives from each of the three levels of government welcomed the new Canadians. New Canadian Terence Mitchell of Grenada said, “It is a blessed day to be Canadian. I am extremely proud. I feel fabulous.” Many in the group included families. Nine year old Miles Packham from London England and his parents Richard and Andrea were among the groups of families. “This is a great opportunity. I love Canada and now I am a part of a great country.” All new Canadians were encouraged...

[caption id="attachment_856" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="While on Operation Artemis LS Matthew Briggs and LS Mark Hoyles, hold the slider board to commit the ashes to the sea onboard HMCS Charlottetown during the Battle of The Atlantic and a Committal of Ashes at Sea ceremony in the Gulf of Aden on May 6, 2012."][/caption]On the morning of May 6, over two-thirds of the crew of HMCS Charlottetown gathered on her flight deck to commemorate Battle of the Atlantic Sunday while sailing in the Arabian Sea.   Despite the fact that the day was very hot and humid, almost every member of the ship’s company not on duty volunteered to take part in the event.  All departments and all ranks played a role in the preparation for and execution of the morning’s commemoration.   During the ceremony, respects were paid to six former sailors whose ashes had travelled with Charlottetown from Halifax to the Arabian Sea. Those whose remains were reverently committed to the sea included: AS Robert Gordon Boehk, PO2 Garth Trevor Crawford, LSRP2 Edward Cameron McLean, PO1 Norbert Joseph Steele, Lt(N) Charles Edward Vennall and CPO2 Paul Walker. Following naval tradition, the names of each of the 24 Royal Canadian ships lost during the Battle of the Atlantic were read aloud, followed by the ringing of the ship’s bell.  It is worth noting that a former Charlottetown is included among that number.   There was a palpable sense of peace and reverence amongst those gathered, especially during the moments of silence which solemnly punctuated the ceremony.  However, in those very same moments, below decks, HMCS Charlottetown was alive with activity as Osprey (the codename for her Sea King helicopter) and the operations room continued to search the seas in support of Combined Task Force-150.   While taking time to remember the...

[caption id="attachment_853" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Cycling enthusiast RAdm Nigel Greenwood encourages the Defence Team to "Get Rolling" during Bike to Work Week."][/caption]This year more than 7,000 cyclists will lace up their runners, strap on a helmet and ride their bicycles to work joining in the 18th annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week May 28 to June 1. Join the masses this year. It’s a win, win situation – it stimulates mental and physical health, saves on gas, reduces emissions, and provides an opportunity to win some of $30,000 in prizes. “This year we hope to have 1,000 new cyclists and this would mean we will accomplish our goal because many of them will continue to ride after the week,” said Frank Hudson, Executive Director of Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society. “Last year we cycled over 265,000 kilometers in total. If you were driving a vehicle 61.2 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions would have gone into the air. The purpose of this event is to get people to try using a bicycle as a viable means of transportation to and from work.” Hudson says that putting on Bike to Work Week removes a lot of the barriers that people perceive there is to riding a bike. Throughout the city 20 celebration stations are set up offering free refreshments from Booster Juice, Starbucks Coffee and Cobs Bread and many local bike shops set up tents where people can get their bike safety checked. “We have 29 corporate sponsors and 49 community sponsors. There is a ton of community support. It costs a quarter million dollars in cash and in kind to put this event on.” Cyclists can register as individuals or teams. “Our team leaders are invaluable champions of the week. They get people within their own work sites to sign...

A small boat in the vicinity of the Canadian warship was suspected of illegal activity, and the ScanEagle Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) was being sent to investigate.

The focus of Navy transformation Bound II is a move towards a quote one-navy unquote model, where the Navy’s core mission processes, including training, readiness and new capability introduction, are realigned around new pan-naval authorities.

Tactical manoeuvre and live fire scenarios.

“What I enjoy most about being in the Navy is the things that I have been able to participate in,” says Hawco. “The places in the world that I have been able to see, I know if I worked at a civilian job I wouldn’t be able to see half of them.”

As the coxswain of the Patrol Craft Training Section, he tells his sailors, “There are three reasons why you go to the gym. You owe it to yourself, you owe it to your family and it’s the right thing to do for your job.”

Before sending HMCS Winnipeg across the harbour to Victoria Shipyards for its rotation in the Frigate Life Extension program, a team from Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) had to ensure it could be safely docked in the PWGSC drydock.

Effective May 1, Dockyard and Naden will each have 10 prime parking spots available for carpoolers who join the base program. The base will create more as needed. Saving gas and time, and treading a bit lighter on the environment are all good reasons to fill your car seats says the Base Chief of Staff, Michael Morrison.

[caption id="attachment_476" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Larry Sullivan from Rogers' Chocolates, and RAdm Nigel Greenwood officially launch the navy chocolate bar.[/caption] The product launch of the Roger's Chocolate bar with the Navy wrapper. Please click here if you are interested in purchasing a ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY MILK CHOCOLATE BAR

Traumatic Brain Injury: Listening to the symptoms Two individuals suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with the same level of severity. Yet their recoveries are markedly different.  Why? A TBI can occur when a person experiences sudden brain trauma.   Although a blow to the head is a common cause, injury to the head is not the determining feature of any brain injury. Over the years, scientists have been studying the factors that play a role in TBI recovery. Dr. Donald Stuss and his colleagues, originally at the University of Ottawa and later at the University of Toronto, have focused primarily on the impact of TBI on behaviour.   The journey for Dr. Stuss started some 30 years ago in his clinical practice. He noticed that patients who appeared to have returned to normal abilities on standardized psychological tests continued to complain of problems.  He reviewed the evidence on where brain damage was most likely to occur after TBI. He found that frontal-temporal regions of the brain were most likely to be injured, regardless of what the mechanism of brain damage was. Once he started to focus on tests particularly sensitive to these regions, the lingering problems the patients were describing were clearly evident.  The frontal lobes, which constitute some 23-33% of the entire brain, were once considered as one functional entity.  However, with the help of funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Dr. Stuss has identified at least four functional regions within the frontal lobes. One region is important for drive and activation. Damage here results in significant slowing of behaviour. If damage occurs in another area of the frontal lobes, the patient may have notable personality changes. In still another region, decision making, planning and monitoring of behaviour may be affected.  And damage in the very front, just above...