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Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Base Logistics (BLOG) team members are giving rave reviews following a five-day Adventure Training exercise in B.C.’s Sea to Sky region. Eighteen military personnel and two DND civilian employees participated in Exercise Frozen Narwhal, a winter-themed training exercise from Feb. 27-March 3 in the snow-covered mountains and valleys of Whistler’s backcountry and surrounding area. “Our mission intended to provide an exhilarating and enjoyable exercise that also challenges the team while developing basic and advanced soldier skills,” said Sergeant (Sgt) Dave Newman of BLOG, who works as a Supervisor of Vehicle Maintenance at Work Point. “We pushed our limits and left with a perfect sense of camaraderie and self-esteem.” Adventure training is open to all Canadian Armed Forces members. It aims to enhance physical fitness, endurance and morale, to inspire leadership, and to test individual and group abilities under challenging conditions. The participants were housed in a dormitory of the Whistler Athletics Centre. Their daytime hikes and outdoor adventures took them to locations close to Whistler and further afield, including Squamish, Garibaldi Provincial Park and Duffey Lake. Corporal (Cpl) Emily Barnard of BLOG’s SMP section says BLOG’s trip to Whistler was the first time her unit had conducted Adventure Training in over 12 years. She hopes their latest adventure isn’t soon forgotten. “Hopefully, this starts a trend of continued adventure training endeavors for Base Logistics as most of the participants now truly believe this activity can be a key to unit success,” she said. Josh Barnswell, a civilian employee who works as a stores person at CFB Esquimalt’s warehouse Colwood 66, said one of his biggest personal challenges to overcome during the exercise was losing his fear of trying new activities such as ice climbing. “I tend to doubt myself sometimes, so I was trying to enjoy the experience as best I could. I ended up having an amazing time,” Barnswell said. Their activities included hiking, ice climbing, snowshoeing to the summit of Mount Tusk (a dormant volcano)...

[caption id="attachment_32315" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the CISM soccer team assemble for a training camp photo at the Gorge Soccer Association, March 30. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Following a host of delays, cancellations, and shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s Conseil International de Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Games soccer team finally returned to the field with a training camp in Victoria. Twenty-six military soccer players and nine coaching and support staff from military bases across Canada were reunited for the first time in over three years at their camp at CFB Esquimalt, March 27 to 31. Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Marcelo Plada, Head Coach, says the training camp marked a turning point for his team and its development since there is no substitute for in-person training sessions and games. “We have been introducing our players to the main pillars of our program where we emphasize mental performance, strength and conditioning, and everything has gone extremely well,” he said. “What we are giving back to the players is an idea of where they stand in terms of rankings and their chances of making this team.” LCol Plada says he could meet with his players only virtually and set strength and conditioning goals online. The training camp also served as a selection camp for upcoming competitions The team is preparing to compete on the world stage at the CISM World Military Games and World Football Trophy. Both competitions could be held as early as next year, but scheduling details surrounding both competitions have yet to be finalized. LCol Plada, a Weapons System Manager and a nationally-accredited A-License Coach, says he is well aware of the challenge his players will face on the field against more experienced opposition. “Many of the teams we will face have compulsory military service, meaning our players will compete against professional or elite-level experience.," he said. To help prepare better, LCol Plada and his coaching staff focused on developing mobility and mental performance, and conducted strength...

SISIP — At SISIP Financial, we have served the military community for over 50 years. We specialize in helping you set financial goals that align with your military life stage, providing advice and solutions for your investments and insurance. We also offer confidential support and financial counselling to help you achieve financial security when handling finances becomes stressful. Over the next two weeks, you will meet your Esquimalt SISIP team. You may have seen them on base or walked by them in the CANEX building. This week, we want to introduce you to our three Financial Advisors: Spencer, Shannon, and Jonathan. [caption id="attachment_32280" align="aligncenter" width="446"] Spencer Elliot[/caption] Spencer Elliot Spencer Elliot has been a registered Financial Planner since 2015 at CIBC Imperial Service and later with Scotia Wealth. He specializes in later career planning. A graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts (Economics), he also has a Personal Finance Planning designation. Spencer has an innate understanding of complex financial situations and takes a systematic quantitative and qualitative approach with his clients. When he is not focused on getting you to your end game, he is out climbing, hiking or camping. He has run 16 half marathons and hopes to do his first full marathon in October. He also loves reading and going to pubs. [caption id="attachment_32279" align="aligncenter" width="476"] Shannon Childs[/caption] Shannon Childs As a military spouse, Shannon Childs has firsthand knowledge of military culture and the unique challenges military families may face. Shannon spent 16 years at SISIP and over 18 years in finance and has her Personal Financial Planning designation and a strong accounting background, which makes her financial planning approach very robust. Shannon prefers in-person engagements and is quick to share her incredible knowledge of military resources and tips on everyday life. In her free time, you can find Shannon hiking with her two boys and exploring all the island has to offer. [caption id="attachment_32278" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Jonathan Mar[/caption] Jonathan Mar Jonathan Mar was born and...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — A retired naval commander continues his quest to unlock the mystery surrounding a 100-year-old Royal Navy (RN) ceremonial sword in his family’s possession. Commander (ret’d) Tim Addison, Vice President of the Naval Association of Canada, says the sword belonged to RN admiralty at one point. “The sword represents 60 years of consecutive service in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for myself and my father,” says the 68-year-old Ottawa resident. “The fact that we both carried it on parade at various times during our careers makes it especially cherished for me.” Addison was born in Victoria, and served in the RCN from 1972 to 2006 as a ship’s navigator, training officer, squadron staff officer and then Executive Officer of HMCS Huron and HMCS Toronto. He also worked at National Defence Headquarters. His curiosity surrounding the story of the sword began to mount long before his 34-year naval career ended. “It’s both the history of the sword and the mystery of its original ownership that I find most intriguing,” Addison says. “Most records, to my knowledge, for the sale of swords made before the Second World War literally went up in smoke [during the Battle of Britain bombings], so I can’t figure out who owned it.” Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) (ret'd) Herb T. Addison, Tim’s father, passed the sword down following retirement as LCdr in 1975. Herb served in the RCN starting in 1946 and held posts as Executive Officer of HMCS Jonquiere and HMCS New Glasgow. He passed away in 2002. Herb had purchased the sword from a junior RN officer for £15 (CAD$25) sometime between 1947 and 1950 as he attended officer training courses in the United Kingdom. The RN officer was the son of a RN Admiral who served in the Second World War. [caption id="attachment_32275" align="aligncenter" width="595"] 1989 Fleet School[/caption] “The sword is now an Addison family heirloom,” said Tim. “I’d love to find out who the original first owner was, what their history in the...

For five years, Smithston in Greenock, Scotland, flew under the flag of the RCN. From 1941-1946, working out of the former Smithston Poorhouse and Asylum, around 20 RCN officers and staff administered 3,000 Canadian sailors and 100 Canadian Wrens (members of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service).

[caption id="attachment_32264" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Esquimalt Tritons Womens Hockey Team[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The Esquimalt Tritons Women’s Hockey team remains upbeat about the silver linings of a memorable season. The team was eliminated in the semi-final round of the Canadian Armed Forces Women’s Hockey Championship, March 21-25, following a 2-0 loss to hosts and tournament champion, 8 Wing Trenton. “Despite the loss, I’m incredibly proud of this team because we fought hard and never gave up,” said Master Sailor (MS) Roseline Clark of HMCS Vancouver, defender and Assistant Captain. One of the most glittering silver linings for the season was the team’s 3-2 come-from-behind win over their Maritime Forces Atlantic rivals CFB Halifax to close out the round-robin phase of the tournament on March 23. [caption id="attachment_32265" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Some dramatic action by the Tritons on the ice[/caption] “We knew once we got on the scoreboard, we would gain momentum to score more goals against Halifax,” MS Clark said. “We needed that win and beating Halifax was a huge morale booster.” A convincing performance at the Canada West Regionals tournament buoyed the Tritons’ optimism heading into the tournament. The team went undefeated in Winnipeg and outscored the opposition 42-4 over four games. In the women’s semi-final clash in Trenton, Sergeant (Sgt) Heather Weaver of 8 Wing scored what proved to be the winner for the hosts midway through the second period. The Tritons opened the tournament with a 5-0 loss to Trenton, followed by a 7-0 loss to Valcartier. Trenton went on to defeat Halifax 2-1 in the championship game and capture this year’s women’s hockey crown.  MS Clark says some of the Tritons’ standouts on the ice this season included their top line of forwards: Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) Kayla LeTouzel, A/SLt Frédérique Gauthier, and Captain (Capt) Amanda Lauder. The trio scored all three goals in the victory over Halifax. The team also got some big help from several pick-up players from other bases in Canada West that MS Clark says...

[caption id="attachment_32258" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Military members battle for position during a two-day Grappling Camp at the Naden Athletic Centre on March 23. Credit: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Any casual observer who happened to stop by the upper gymnasium of the Naden Athletic Centre (NAC) on March 23-24 might have thought a Greco-Roman wrestling competition was underway. With accelerated heart rates and sweat dripping from every pore, 30 athletes from Esquimalt put their bodies to the ultimate test during a two-day Grappling Development Camp at the NAC. As music blasts from a giant tower speaker, 15 pairs of combatants sparred during an afternoon session. Their endurance, mental strength and every muscle were pushed to the limit as each tried to get the upper hand on their opponent while practicing their best head and arm locks, holds, submissions and takedowns. “It’s all about giving each competitor a full-body workout, letting them battle it out and applying their knowledge of what they have learned,” explains Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Lee Thibault, organizer. [caption id="attachment_32257" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Military members battle for position during a two-day Grappling Camp at the Naden Athletic Centre on March 23. Credit: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption] The athletes were preparing for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)-sanctioned competition titled Military Combatives, where grapplers across the CAF compete in regional and national competitions for the first time. PO2 Thibault, a Small Arms Instructor at Naval Fleet School Pacific and a five-time CAF Combatives champion, has been a tireless promoter of the sport for several years. Grappling is a form of submission wrestling and involves holds and takedowns without striking or punches. Every takedown is achieved by controlling the opponent into submission to score points. The equipment needed to participate is only gym shorts and a t-shirt. PO2 Thibault helped form the Esquimalt Tritons Grappling team in 2019 after Military Combatives was officially sanctioned as a sport by Personnel Support Programs (PSP). Slowly but surely, he says, the sport he loves is gaining...

[caption id="attachment_32252" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory author, Ted Barris[/caption] LCdr (ret’d) Paul Seguna — Award-winning author Ted Barris visited the CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum the week of March 20-24 to present his latest book. The dynamic and informative presentation was a lead-up to the annual commemoration of the loss of HMCS Esquimalt on April 16 and the Battle of the Atlantic in May. Ted’s latest title focused on Canadian military history – Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory – details the strategic overview and tactical aspects of this longest battle of the Second World War while telling the personal stories of those who experienced it. [caption id="attachment_32251" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory, book by Ted Barris[/caption] Ted toured the museum’s Battle of the Atlantic gallery in the company of one of the few remaining veterans of that epic conflict: Commander (ret’d) Peter Chance, after whom the gallery is named. Remarking on Peter’s wartime reminiscences, Ted underlined his focus on relating the individual experiences of war as something of critical importance, to which Peter responded with the succinct answer, ‘damn good!’. Ted presented the topic of his book to a full room at the museum on Friday. The attendees represented a broad spectrum of those interested in Canadian naval history. Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) Max Lucas, new to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and currently undergoing training at HMCS Venture, said the presentation was ‘excellent’. [caption id="attachment_32254" align="alignnone" width="595"] Author, Ted Barris addresses an audience during his last visit[/caption] “His knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic were unmistakable as he invited the audience into the lives of the men and women who lived through one of the most brutal and consequential events of the Second World War – The Battle of the Atlantic,” A/SLt Lucas said. He attended with a personal interest in the topic as his grandfather served in the RCN during the Battle of the Atlantic. “I believe the individual stories that...

[caption id="attachment_32236" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Under the supervision of Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) David Canning, CSC Project Director (DNMCP), MARPAC sailors familiarize themselves with the layout of the proposed Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) bridge design. Left to right: Sailor First Class (S1) Nicholas Campbell, S1 Isaac Priyanthan, (Obscured), Sailor Second Class Daniel Yaretz, and Lieutenant (Navy) Aidan De Boer.[/caption] Michael McWhinnie, Public Affairs Advisor, NPTG — By definition 'the future' is something that will never arrive. It is a term that evokes a sense of abstraction and of fantastical things that exist primarily in our imagination. And so it must have seemed to senior naval leadership as they used the term 'future fleet' during the first decade of the current millennium, when discussing the eventual and inevitable replacement to the Iroquois-class destroyers and the current workhorse of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) - the Halifax-class frigates. It’s only natural. With a planning horizon in excess of 25 years, none of those who initiated the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme could have reasonably expected to be in uniform to see those vessels enter service. And so it remained for the majority of RCN personnel. As the years have passed, CSC has continued to be a distant and abstract idea. Until recently, when a select group of sailors and officers stepped foot on the bridge of a Canadian Type 26 frigate (albeit a full-scale replica) for the first time. “You could sense the excitement amongst the participants,” observed Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) David Canning, organizer. “For most, it was the first time they encountered anything tangible connected to the CSC design process. Their eagerness to serve aboard this fast-approaching class of warship was evident.” [caption id="attachment_32238" align="aligncenter" width="595"] During the week of Mar. 6, LCdr David Canning led a Bridge Design Validation exercise at the Nixon Building, Work Point. Supported by a team of Department of National Defence managers, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Defence Industry representatives, the exercise allowed MARPAC sailors to provide feedback as they...

Paul Seguna, Royal United Services Institute Vancouver Island — Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Chris Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, attended the monthly Royal United Services Institute – Vancouver Island (RUSI-VI) luncheon at the Bay Street Armoury on March 8, during which he presented on: The RCN in the Indo Pacific Operations Overview. RAdm Robinson provided the audience of 46 RUSI-VI members – collectively representing hundreds of years of defence and security experience in its ranks – with a comprehensive overview of the Royal Canadian Navy’s operations in the Indo-Pacific region. He also discussed key considerations related to the Navy’s role in supporting Canada’s recently announced Indo-Pacific Strategy for the region. [caption id="attachment_32233" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Rear-Admiral Chris Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, addresses the Royal United Services Institute – Vancouver Island. Photo: Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Paul Seguna, RUSI-VI[/caption] His presentation was very well-received by the audience, given the current and future importance of the region to Canadian interests. The presentation is part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s ongoing outreach efforts to inform the Canadian public of the Navy’s activities and the importance of maritime security to our national well-being. RUSI-VI, an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization, is one of many Canadian and Commonwealth Royal United Services Institute branches. Members include retired and serving members, in all ranks, from the Branches and Elements of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other police forces, and members of the general public interested in defence and security matters. Monthly luncheon meetings, periodic webinars, and special events with speakers addressing the broad spectrum of defence and security-related issues are held to inform and promote discussion and engagement in these issues.

“Our intention is to house as many military members and their families as possible; our team is confident we can make positive impact during this housing crisis.” ~Lisa Church, Community Engagement/ Housing Manager, Esquimalt MFRC The Community Engagement Team is happy to announce the Esquimalt MFRC Housing Support Services Program. Due to the current housing shortage on Vancouver Island reaching a crisis point, our team is eager to begin sourcing housing for military members and their families.    [caption id="attachment_32230" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Do you have space to rent? Support the CAF and consider a military / family member! We are looking for houses, condos, apartments, suites, townhouses and homestays! Please send an email to housingsupport@emfrc.com[/caption] What is the intention of the new program? To locate affordable housing options for Military Members and their families. What is the process? Stay tuned for updates and announcements on the EMFRC social media platforms. Landlords interested in renting to a military member can email housingsupport@emfrc.com. The Community Engagement Team will forward an intake form to any interested landlords, who will then forward the completed intake form to the housing support email (above). The data is compiled, and a connection is made with a suitable military/family member. Military/family members looking for housing options will also complete an intake form and send it to housingsupport@emfrc.com. The intake forms are specifically designed to help make that ideal connection! What type of housing options will be targeted? We are looking for many housing options as everyone’s needs are different. We hope to secure houses, condos, apartments, suites, townhouses and homestays. What is a homestay? A homestay is a family home offering up a bedroom for rent. This could be beneficial as a stepping stone until more private housing can be secured.   [caption id="attachment_32229" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Are you Military / Family Member looking for housing? The Esquimalt MFRC Housing Support Services Team Can Help! Please send an email to housingsupport@emfrc.com[/caption] The Landlord will decide what they offer, such as: Furnished/not...

[caption id="attachment_32226" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, and General Wayne Eyre, Chief of Defence Staff, present a Command Commendation Award to Chief Petty Officer First Class (ret’d) Mark Anthony Chambers at MARPAC Headquarters, March 15.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_32225" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, and General Wayne Eyre, Chief of Defence Staff, present a Command Commendation Award to Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Chris Maier at MARPAC Headquarters, March 15. Photos: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption] Peter MallettStaff Writer — Two recently-retired Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) members are the latest recipients of a Command Commendation by General (Gen) Wayne Eyre, Chief of Defence Staff. Gen.Eyre was on-hand at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) HQ on March 15 to personally recognize and thank Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Chris Maier, formerly of Naval Fleet School Pacific, and Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) (ret’d) Mark Anthony Chambers, a former Coxswain of HMCS Calgary. “You are both being recognized today for the importance of what you have accomplished here and your time-consuming work,” Gen. Eyre said after presenting the awards. The Chief of Defence Staff Commendation recognizes activities and accomplishments beyond the demands of regular duty. It includes a signed certificate or scroll and a gold bar insignia bearing three maple leaves to be worn by serving members in their uniform. Mark Anthony Chambers Chambers retired in May 2022 after serving 33 years in the RCN. Gen. Eyre credits Chambers for his ‘strategic outlook and exemplary efforts’ that directly contributed to Calgary’s record-breaking drug seizures during their counter-terrorism, maritime security and global security operations. “A remarkable leader, CPO1 Chambers enhanced the cohesion of the crew during the unique challenges presented throughout the deployment and fostered a culture that furthered Calgary’s global strategic impact,” Gen. Eyre said. Chambers was Calgary’s Coxswain from February to August 2021, while the Halifax-class frigate was deployed to the Indo-Pacific region. During the drug-seizing efforts in Operation Artemis, the ship...

The team of 39 divers from Canada and four other nations arrived at Lake Sheridan on March 6 to challenge their extreme cold-weather diving skills. The training was part of ICEDIVEX 23, a five-day training exercise led by the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)).

Spencer Elliot, BA PFP, SISIP Financial – Financial Planner — Saving for your future is beneficial in theory yet daunting in practice. Starting somewhere is important. Below are two popular savings ‘vehicles’ intended for long-term savings: Registered Savings Plan (RSP) The Registered Savings Plan (RSP) is a tax-deferred investment account that allows you to grow your investments tax-free. You reduce your income tax by the amount you contribute to your RSP, likely receiving a tax credit at the beginning of the year. If you withdraw an amount from the RSP, either before or at retirement, that amount becomes taxable. Your goal should be to contribute to the RSP when your income is high and withdraw when your income is low (such as during retirement), as you will be in a lower tax bracket and will not get taxed as much on it, if at all. You can also invest your RSP in mutual funds, the Global Industry Classification Standard, and savings. Consult with your financial planner for the best option for you. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is an investment account that complements an RSP and pension, but it can be beneficial for saving for large purchases like a down payment for a house. It is not a tax-deferred account or a savings account, but you still get tax-free growth, and withdrawals are not taxable. Many retirees use this type of account for emergencies as accessing it will not affect their overall income tax payable at the end of the year. Your financial situation should dictate which investment account to use, but most Canadians should take advantage of both savings plans. A financial plan will maximize not only your savings but your after-tax income at retirement. Visit SISIP Financial to speak to one of our advisors. We are here to help you create budgets, develop a solid plan and stay on track to make your goals a reality. We are located in the CANEX Building and by phone...

[caption id="attachment_32201" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Silvio Barbon, Instrument Technician at FMFCB, works with 84mm Carl Gustaf Recoilless rifle sights for the Canadian Armed Forces. Photo: Ashley Evans, FMFCB.[/caption] Ashley Evans, Strategic Communications Officer, FMF CB/CS — You may have wondered why a particular yellow door at the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton (CB) is always closed. What exactly goes on behind those large doors right before the Electronics Shop on the left-hand side of the main walkway through the production floor in D250? Well, the door leads to the Instrument Shop, and behind it – Silvio Barbon, Instrument Technician from Shop 161, recently worked on a project for the Army. This project saw him convert 84mm Carl Gustaf Recoilless rifle sights from one National Stock Number to another, upgrading their capability. The project requires a dust-free environment to service and repair optical instruments. If dust enters the reticle (the spot where your eye focuses), it obscures the view. The reticle must be clean to allow a clear image and the maximum amount of light through the device. Hence, the big yellow door remained ever-closed. Barbon used the C1 Open collimator, an optical tool used to set the focus of an optical scope to a specified distance, to set the focus and eliminate parallax (displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object) before repairing, cleaning, and testing the product. Simon Higgins, Shop 161 Work Center Supervisor, said the most rewarding part of this project was knowing some sights may end up in Ukraine. “The most challenging part,” Higgins said, “was getting the focus right, with no parallax, and setting center after mounting.” This project averages approximately 100 hours of work for an outturn of about 30 sights conversion, repair, testing, and packaging. Shop 161 completed this project with the help of FMF Group 7, responsible for material acquisition, procurement, and supply, who brought in the items for repair and then returned them to the national supply system. The FMF Cape Breton...

[caption id="attachment_32198" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Nigel Brodeur presents during the unveiling of the Naval Monument.[/caption] CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum — One Canadian family has the special distinction of having three successive generations hold positions of key significance to Canada’s Navy. That family is the Brodeurs, whose members – Louis Philippe Brodeur; his son, Victor Gabriel Brodeur; and Victor Gabriel Brodeur’s son, Nigel Brodeur – constitute a true Canadian naval dynasty. To celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Brodeurs to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canada as a nation, the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum has launched an online exhibit on its website. The online display features a comprehensive gallery of personal photos from the Brodeurs’ history – some never before seen outside family circles – as well as photos that document their professional and career firsts and achievements. The text was written for the museum by Dr. Richard Gimblett, the former Command Historian for the Royal Canadian Navy. In it, he captures the pivotal roles played by all three members of the Brodeur family in the development of a navy made in and for Canada. Together, the three generations of the Brodeurs have been highly important and influential, with their consecutive achievements spanning most of the first century of the Royal Canadian Navy. Each generation has a part in the RCN’s growth and direction: Louis Philippe Brodeur, who was Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier’s first Minister of the Naval Service, brought the RCN into being and laid the groundwork for Canada’s organization of its naval defence; His son, Victor Gabriel Brodeur, was in the very first cadre of naval cadets to join the service in 1909. He served at sea and ashore through the two World Wars and rose to become the first Franco-Canadien to make flag rank;...

[caption id="attachment_32195" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Acting Sub Lieutenant (A/SLt) Damian McCracken (third from left) poses for a selfie with Chilean Navy counterparts during his exchange.[/caption] A/SLt Damian McCracken — Recently, a longstanding exchange has resumed after it was paused during the pandemic; several Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) students at HMCS Venture have had the opportunity to sail with the Chilean Armada. Earlier this year, I was lucky to be on one of these exchanges where, for three weeks, I learned as much as I could from the Chilean sailors and officers. I arrived at Punta Arenas, at the southernmost tip of South America, with few expectations. I hoped to improve my coastal navigation and general watchkeeping skills since the area was considered geographically challenging. I learned a lot in this regard, but the most significant benefit of my trip for me may have been the exposure to a navy that is both very similar to and different from ours. The Chilean Armada, like the Royal Canadian Navy, has strong British roots. Many of their traditions descend from the Royal Navy, and their shipboard life is quite similar to ours. However, the overall organization of the Armada is quite different. They fulfill the role of the Navy and the Coast Guard; sovereignty, hydrographic surveys, Search and Rescue, and even the maintenance of aids to navigation are all responsibilities of the Armada. Their size reflects this broad jurisdiction, as the Armada has over 25,000 personnel. Many of their members are posted long-term to remote bases, which have particular functions. For example, I visited a naval base on Isla Dawson, which existed primarily to dispose of munitions. Over 100 personnel lived there full-time with their families. It takes consistent resupplies from ships in the Naval Zone to keep these bases running. Chile has built many...

[caption id="attachment_32191" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor First Class (S1) Anna Cocquyt stands next to the ship's bell of HMCS Max Bernays, which proudly bears the bell rope she created.[/caption] Lt(N) Anastasiya Karakoy, UPAR, HMCS Max Bernays — From the outside looking in, service in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) may appear highly regimented, with little room for creativity. However, the uniformity of military life often eases to allow for the creation of some truly remarkable artwork in support of naval tradition, which in turn forms a piece integral to the identity of the RCN. A streak of artistic creativity recently appeared onboard HMCS Max Bernays through the artwork of crewmember Sailor First Class (S1) Anna Cocquyt. S1 Cocquyt is currently a Boatswain onboard HMCS Max Bernays, Canada’s newest Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS). The ship needed a decorative rope created for its ceremonial bell, and S1 Cocquyt jumped on the opportunity. “Something that has surprised me when I joined the Navy was how much the military celebrates the arts,” she said, commenting that the military encourages members to create and submit artwork to be displayed and celebrated. The artwork includes morale patches, 57mm Gun art, hammerhead war paint, and decorative rope work for ceremonial bell ropes and paddles. A London, Ont., local, S1 Cocquyt joined the RCN in 2016 at HMCS Prevost to challenge herself by getting out of her comfort zone and seeking new experiences. The past seven years have taken S1 Cocquyt far beyond the borders of North America. With two major international exercises, two medals and three deployments under her belt, S1 Cocquyt has had some remarkable experiences while working in the RCN. “I thought joining the Navy was an opportunity to experience things that ordinary jobs can’t provide, and boy was I right,” S1 Cocquyt says. “Seven years later, I have made a million memories and have achieved more than I ever believed of myself at the beginning of this journey.” Among S1 Cocquyt’s many remarkable adventures in...

[caption id="attachment_32188" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Master Sailor Jeffrey Horan is the recipient of the Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter (2022-2023) Award. His award was presented by Commodore David Mazur, Commanding Officer Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Dave Bisal, Fleet Chief, in a ceremony at HMCS Calgary’s Shore Office on Feb. 14.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Master Sailor (MS) Jeffrey Horan, a hard-working Marine Technician of HMCS Calgary, is the latest Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter Award recipient. “He has demonstrated outstanding technical acumen, readiness to tackle unique challenges, advanced administration and development of subordinates under his charge,” said Commander (Cdr) Adriano Lozer, Calgary’s Commanding Officer. Cdr Lozer said due to personnel constraints, MS Horan has been the only Master Sailor in the Marine Systems Engineering department and has therefore taken on more excellent administrative and leadership responsibilities for a significant number of junior technicians. While presenting him with an award covering the final quarter of the fiscal year (2022-2023), Cdr Lozer described MS Horan as someone who routinely takes on more responsibility and goes above and beyond what is expected of him. Cdr Lozer noted that MS Horan ‘scrupulously’ developed a training regime to aid all Marine Systems Engineers (MSE) members under training to complete their objectives while offering mentorship and guidance to them. Receiving the award and recognition from the command team came as quite a surprise to MS Horan, who says his main intention was to influence his coworkers during difficult times positively. “It’s nice to know that my hard work has not gone unnoticed,” he said. “It is also important to point out the amazing individuals and mentors who work just as hard and are just as deserving of this award, so, I personally want to thank all for your hard...

2Lt Naman Sharma, Base Transport — We see Canadian Forces Registrations (CFR) on our local roads all the time and an even greater amount of clandestine rental vehicles operating under DND’s purview, but where do they come from? Base Transport at Work Point 1365 holds nearly 750 combined CFR 'green' and 'blue' fleet vehicles. 'Green fleet' refers to anything in a Standard Military Pattern (SMP), typically requiring the DND 404 licence and a secondary qualification to drive, and will always have a CFR. 'Blue fleet' refers to anything civilian-patterned, typically only requiring the DND 404 license and may or may not have a CFR. The fleet is also augmented by rental vehicles to support the Fleet at large. They’re further organized into General Purpose Vehicles (GPV) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) based on their specific functions, such as Snow & Ice Control (SNIC) or carrying dozens of troops to Fleet School. They’re maintained by our partners, with whom we share our compound, the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) personnel of Base Maintenance, to form the Transportation and Electrical-Mechanical Engineering (TEME) section of CFB Esquimalt. Base Transport fulfilled over 5,600 requests for various kinds of runs in 2022, with many of those being long-term and multi-vehicle requests, for a total of 4.3 million kilometres driven in the year. Some of our most significant contributors to these numbers are the National Freight Run (NFR) that goes from CFB Esquimalt to CFB Edmonton, hauling Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB), operational parts, ammo – just about anything goes, and is connected from there on to the rest of Canada; ammo runs from Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point down to the ports of the United States for joint exercises; and local traffic completing mail runs between various detachments in Victoria and Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Sailors and navy enthusiasts can acquire one-of-a-kind treasures at this year’s Massive Marine and Outdoor Garage Sale. “Nothing is too strange for the Massive Marine and Outdoor Garage Sale. Whether you have a boat or are an outdoor enthusiast, there will be something for you,” said Brittany Vis, the Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC) Executive Director. Attendees can see hundreds of items for sale, including boats, engines, kayaks, fishing, camping and recreational gear, navigational tools, winches and lines, boat clothing, onboard engines, and many other items. A springtime tradition in Victoria now returning for its 19th year, the Massive Marine and Outdoor Garage Sale will benefit the MMBC this year. Trotac Marine, a local marine technology and equipment supplier and one of the event’s title sponsors, is running their own garage sale during this event, and will donate 50 per cent of individual proceeds to help support the MMBC to continue operations and assist with running its school and public programs. The annual garage sale returns to Ogden Point Pier on March 25, 9 a.m. to noon. The garage sale has a $5 entrance fee and a $10 Early Bird (8:40 a.m.) entrance fee for dedicated bargain hunters looking for first dibs on second-hand treasures. Sponsors for this year’s event also include Victoria Harbour Authority and CFB Esquimalt. For more information, including vendor rental rates, visit the MMBC website at mmbc.bc.ca/garage-sale/.

Ryan Cane, Senior Manager Recreation Program and Community Services — What are you doing Saturday, March 25th? The Level Up virtual conference is an exciting event designed specifically for teens from the military community in Canada. This year’s conference will be the second annual event, and it promises to be an engaging and interactive experience for all attendees. The conference will feature a range of workshops, speakers, and networking opportunities, all focused on helping teens develop valuable skills and connections. The workshops will cover topics such as leadership, career exploration, mental health, and more. Speakers include Dr. TA Loeffler and Spencer West. Dr. Loeffler brings 35 years of expertise in leading people through significant life-changing experiences to every facet of her work. Her adventures have taken her to 52 different countries and all seven continents. She has completed 6 and four-fifths of ‘The Seven Summits’, the highest peaks on all seven continents. In 2020, Dr. Loeffler was named to the ‘90 Greatest Canadian Explorers’ list by Canadian Geographic. Both obstacles and triumphs have marked the life of visionary and activist Spencer West. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at age five, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate in a world set against those with disabilities. Spencer is a global keynote speaker, content creator, and activist. He is known for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and wheelchair and opening for Demi Lovato on a World Tour. “One of the unique aspects of the Level Up virtual conference is that it provides a safe and supportive environment for teens with a military background to connect with each other,” says Isabelle Werlen, Personnel Support Programs National Recreation Manager and conference organizer. “This can be especially important for teens who have...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — When a Second World War veteran and former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) maintenance crew member was asked about his secret to living a long healthy life, his words were few but to the point. “Never give in, keep moving, keep going forward,” Albert Middleton said. “Also, don’t smoke – it’s bad for you.” The party-goers inside the Oak Room at Victoria’s Veterans Memorial Lodge, a Broadmead Care Home, raised a toast to Middleton’s good health and longevity as he, one of Canada’s oldest military veterans, celebrated his 108th birthday on March 11. The occasion gave many attending time to reflect on his remarkable life and longevity. When Middleton was born in England in 1915, Sir Robert Borden was Prime Minister of Canada, the Panama Canal had just been built, the Spanish flu pandemic had yet to sweep the globe, and a new technology called ‘radio’ was still in its infancy. Middleton arrived in Toronto in 1929 as a war orphan when he was 14. His ‘never give up’ attitude helped him make his way through the Great Depression, the war years, and life, says his daughter Darlene Van Raay. Van Raay says he always told her you need only three things for happiness: something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love. “That pretty much sums it all up,” she said. In 1943, at the height of the Second World War, Middleton enlisted in the Air Force. On Sept. 21, 1943, he joined the RCAF as a General Serviceman. Initially stationed in Lachine, Que., he was then sent to England where he served for most of the war. After the war, he continued his military service as an Air Force Reservist and later worked as a security guard while also operating a 65-acre hobby farm near Brantford, Ont., which he purchased in 1956. Much later in life, Middleton returned to England and lived there for more than 20 years. At 90, he...

[caption id="attachment_32170" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the Greenwood Bombers gather at center ice for a group photo in celebration of their CAF Old Timers National Championship victory at Wurtele Arena, March 17. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The Greenwood Bombers were crowned Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Old Timers Hockey Champions. The team required double overtime to defeat the Ottawa Olde Generals with the final score of 4-3 in the tournament championship game at Wurtele Arena on March 17. “It feels great to be National Champions and it couldn’t have happened without great team work,” said Warrant Officer (WO) Wayne Belair of the Greenwood Bombers. WO Wayne Belair converted his snap shot into a goal 52 seconds into the second overtime period to give Greenwood the win. Ottawa appeared to have won the title with 3:09 remaining when Sergeant Brad Westerman scored with a wrist shot to give the Olde Generals a 3-2 lead. But then Greenwood’s Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Michael Pastuck converted a centering pass to tie the score with 52 seconds remaining. WO Belair and Ottawa’s Captain Stephane Guillemette won game MVP honours, while the Tournament MVP Award went to Greenwood’s MWO Andrew Glessing. Ottawa outshot Greenwood 52-32. Greenwood defeated Kingston 4-2 to win their semi-final game on March 16. Goaltender shines in loss Esquimalt Tritons were removed as contenders for the gold medal after losing in the semi-finals on March 16. The ‘Gold and Navy’ hoped for a win after their undefeated run and tournament title at the Canada West Regional Championships in Cold Lake, Alta., last month. The team built on their games in the round-robin but lost to Kingston, Ottawa and Greenwood. Esquimalt then came roaring back to life in their semi-final game against Ottawa before eventually falling 2-1 in double overtime. The Tritons resurged during the semi-final game thanks to the stellar play of Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Randy Collens, Tritons’ goaltender, said Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Rob Tibbetts, Tritons...

Ashley Evans, FMF Cape Breton, CFB Esquimalt — The concept of Health Breaks was introduced to me about ten months ago when I joined the MARPAC Mental Health and Wellness Strategy Working Group. It struck a chord immediately. Making intentional 'me' time during breaks felt like an important message to include in our monthly newsletters at the Fleet Maintenance Facility, and the response has been quite positive. As the saying goes, "put your oxygen mask on first". When we take care of ourselves and prioritize our mental health and physical wellness, we fill up that proverbial bucket and have more to give in all other areas of our lives. I wanted to reframe breaks as a time of attention spent on our well-being, both physically and mentally. This can look like taking a short walk, listening to a meditation or podcast, drinking a hot cup of tea, eating a healthy snack, listening to music, colouring, or stretching. The options are limitless, and we have taken to offer suggestions that take between 1–15 minutes in our monthly newsletter.  I was recently invited to Shop 144C Electrical where the team was gathered outside stretching before their workday – a ritual they’ve continued every morning for over four years. Their breath could be seen on the cold air just as the sun was coming up. Stretching is beneficial to their bodies as they prepared for the physical demands of their job; I couldn’t help but recognize how beneficial the silence and fresh air may have been for their mental well-being as well. Their Work Centre Supervisor Brian Mason, shared that the stretching is of great benefit to the team. “It reduces injuries and increases morale,” he said. Health breaks are truly vital. Taking a few minutes to yourself to breathe, collect your thoughts, and have a sip of water can make a valuable difference not only to you but also the work you are doing. Starting with a stretch at your desk or a walk...

Sgt Denis Byrne, Canadian Scottish Regiment Mountaineering Team — On Feb. 10-13, four of eight Canadian Scottish Regiment (CSR) Mountaineering Team members participated in a technical ice climbing training clinic in Lillooet, 200 kilometres north of Vancouver. The Canadian Scottish Regiment Mountaineering Team is a self-directed effort at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers [...]

[caption id="attachment_32153" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Major (ret'd) Nick Holyome trains on a stationary bike during an Invictus Games training camp at the Naden Athletic Centre Feb. 7. Holyome will compete in cycling, rowing and wheelchair rugby at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Sept. 9–16. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The healing power of sport inspired two local military athletes to compete in the Invictus Games for a second time. Sergeant (ret’d) Patrick Gordon and Major (ret’d) Nick Holyome planned to participate in the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, but circumstances beyond their control scuttled their plans. The 2020 Games were postponed due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and weren’t staged until 2022. Now, Gordon and Holyome say they are enthusiastic about going again as part of Canada’s team in Düsseldorf, Germany. To prepare for the competition, both men participated in Team Canada’s week-long Invictus Training Camp in Victoria, Feb. 6–10. Both Gordon and Holyome sustained long-term injuries during their military service in Afghanistan. Holyome says sports can be a powerful prescription for military members experiencing mental health concerns. “The Invictus Games are a visceral example of why having a little bit of competition in a team environment can really have a positive impact on people,” he said. The healing power of sport helped him improve his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) trigger symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Holyome began his military service in 1992 and retired as a Reservist in 2019. His injuries occurred during four tours of Afghanistan while working as an Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Army. In 2015, he was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression. “I repressed thoughts and memories [about Afghanistan], tried to tuck them away in a little ball and hoped they wouldn’t come back, but the experiences left a permanent mark,” he said. He discovered the joy of Nordic skiing during his recovery. Holyome will compete for Team Canada in cycling, rowing, and wheelchair rugby. Gordon says getting a...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Neither rain, snow, nor sleet could keep the Wounded Warrior Run BC (WWRBC) team from delivering on their promise. The eight-member team’s task was an eight-day relay-style run across Vancouver Island, covering more than 600 kilometres. Their mission: to raise awareness and funds on behalf of Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) for programs that benefit military members, veterans and first responders who are experiencing Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This year’s annual trek was made more exhausting by multiple snowstorms, howling winds and sub-zero temperatures for a good chunk of the event, said Captain (Capt) Jacqueline Zweng of the Regional Cadet Support Unit, WWRBC Director and run participant. “Although the weather didn’t slow our runners down, it certainly added a level of complexity that we aren’t used to,” Capt Zweng said. “These were the worst weather conditions I have seen in my seven years of participating in the event.” The team's other members from the Base included: Captain (Capt) Natalie Butler, runner; Capt Jacqueline Zweng, Race director; Master Sailor (MS) Amver Cinco of the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), runner; Matt Carlson, a civilian employee with the Base Commander’s Office and Support Team Runner; and Chief Petty Officer Second Class John Penner, a Divisional Commander of Naval Fleet School (Pacific) and the team’s photographer. On March 5, the team completed their gruelling mission. A large crowd of supporters gathered to cheer them on at the finish line at Market Square in downtown Victoria. Their well-wishers included Del Manak, Victoria Police Chief, and Marianne Alto, the Mayor of Victoria. Other supporters included Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Capt(N) J. Jeffrey Hutchinson, Commander, CFB Esquimalt. The first leg of their run from Port Hardy to Woss on Feb. 26 set the tone for this year’s event as a late winter snowstorm, and near-zero visibility greeted runners at the start line. Several days of below-seasonal temperatures were followed by a torrential rain,...

[caption id="attachment_32139" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Master Sailor Thomas Eustace and his brother-in-law David. Photos: SLt Murdock-Finegold.[/caption] SLt Lyann Murdock-Finegold, HMCS Winnipeg — On Feb. 16, HMCS Winnipeg was honoured to welcome over 100 guests, family and friends onboard for Family Day to experience a day in our life at sea. The faces with the big round eyes of little ones and their keen interest made the day for Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Benjamin Miller, the face behind the Voice of Winnipeg, which comes across the public address system. The Voice of Winnipeg provided information about the day’s schedule and ‘salty dits’ about the ship and naval traditions to the guests throughout the day. From the Navigation and Seamanship Brief for the Exit and Entrance of Esquimalt Harbour to securing specials and closing up the watch, guests could glimpse the hard work and dedication of the crew. Lieutenant-Commander James Ahlstrom, Executive Officer of HMCS Winnipeg, expressed how gratifying it was to see family and friends onboard and appreciated the ability to show our guests what we do at sea. With lots of experience from OP Projection ’22, the crew conducted tours spanning the entirety of the ship. Our Naval Boarding Party and Ship’s Dive Team fought to be the favoured station and were, more importantly, available to take photographs with aspiring members. Unfortunately, for both teams, the excitement of the Bridge was voted best station. The Captain’s and Executive Officer’s chairs were particularly popular with younger guests, a couple of which were daring enough to sit and imagine what it would be like to command a warship. Master Sailor (MS) Tom Eustace, a Senior Engineering Watch Keeper, brought his brother-in-law David for the day sail. David found the entire experience educational, and MS Eustace enjoyed getting the family to see what he does at sea. David relayed how proud he is of his brother-in-law’s accomplishments, thanking the crew of HMCS Winnipeg for their service and for welcoming him onboard. Interrupted by 1000 stand easy, guests were introduced...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The Senior Tritons continue their quest for a National hockey title this week on home ice at Wurtele Arena. CFB Esquimalt is hosting this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Old-Timers' Hockey Championships, March 13-17. The tournament brings together four regional champions from bases across the country. Following their Gold Medal Game victory last month, Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Rob Tibbetts, Tritons team captain and forward, said his players are optimistic they can continue the pace at this week’s National Championship tournament. “This is an amazing group of players we have assembled and utilizes a mix of veteran leadership, speed and goaltending,” said CPO2 Tibbetts, the Coxswain of HMCS Corner Brook. Esquimalt won their berth in the CAF Nationals convincingly after outscoring their opposition 38–5 during the Canada West Old-Timers' Regional Championship in Cold Lake, Alta. In regional play, CPO2 Tibbetts says standout performances by many players blessed the Tritons, including forwards Master Sailor Martin Charlebois and Master Warrant Officer JF Bordeleau goaltenders Petty Officer Second Class Randy Collens and Major Dustin Matheson. The goaltenders allowed just four goals over four games against Edmonton, Winnipeg and Comox. To track all the action at the tournament, including updates and scores, award winners and more, follow the Facebook pages of CAF Sports and the Naden Athletic Centre. Tritons Men fall at Nationals The Tritons Open Age Men’s Hockey team recently had their dreams of a National Championship dashed after competing in the Men’s Hockey CAF National Championship at CFB Wainwright, Feb. 27-March 3. They opened their campaign on a strong note with victories over Valcartier and Greenwood but suffered a 10-3 loss to Petawawa to close out round-robin play. Their quest for gold ended with a 5-4 double-overtime loss to Valcartier in the tournament semi-final. Following their season-ending loss, Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Curtis Gillies, Esquimalt Team Manager and Assistant Captain, congratulated his players for their efforts this season and their opponents for a well-deserved win. “Valcartier were...