Latest News

[caption id="attachment_32105" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Steel Spirit is always looking for new and emerging artists with and without art experience, from every background and every age. For more information visit: www.thesteelspirit.ca.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The Steel Spirit Gallery is making broader brush strokes by expanding its reach to Western Canada. The next in-person gallery will feature works of Master Corporal (ret’d) Elena Vlassova, a Canadian Armed Forces Image Tech. The exhibition will take place in St. Albert this Fall, says Barbara Brown, founder of Steel Spirit and a former paramedic. “I am absolutely honoured and excited to be spearheading this project in Alberta to help showcase the work of first responders and military members,” she said.   Steel Spirit, founded in 2017, showcases the unique artwork of currently serving military, veterans and first responders. It previously held annual in-person galleries in Eastern Canada and developed a strong online presence with digital galleries since the COVID-19 pandemic.   Steel Spirit’s St. Albert Gallery is now hunting for all types of art submissions from local artists in the Edmonton area. Submissions may include paintings, sketches and drawings to photography, stained glass, sculpture, wood carvings, airbrushing, metalwork, pottery, poetry and everything in between. “The Steel Spirit is open to members with all levels of experience,” Vlassova says. “The gallery focuses more on the members than anything else, and we take pride in giving people the opportunity to try new things and express their personality and experiences.”

[caption id="attachment_32101" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Aaron Grainge, PSP Canadian Forces and Canadian Coast Guard Fitness and Wellness Liaison; and Lorraine Lafrenière, CAC Chief Executive Officer.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — A new Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub is ready to help Canadian Armed Forces coaches and athletes contend with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) launched the Hub as part of its National Mental Health and Sport Project on Feb. 16. It is designed to overcome stigma and guide conversations about mental health, offering training and resources for coaches of elite and amateur athletes to develop mental health literacy and positive practices to improve performances and well-being in sport. “Coaches recognize the power of their role and they are asking for tools and support to positively impact young people – as well as practise self-care,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, CAC Chief Executive Officer. The project aims to address the number of athletes from diverse communities across Canada who are experiencing anxiety, depression and other worsening mental health symptoms as health and safety restrictions ease and they return to the playing field. Lafrenière is a leader within a network of sport partners in Canada that collaborate to manage the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Approximately 60,000 new coaches join the NCCP each year. She says the need for the Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub is urgent. Aaron Grainge, a Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Canadian Coast Guard Fitness and Wellness Liaison based at CFB Borden and a spokesperson for the project, believes in the merits of the Hub. “I have had many CAF athletes tell me that having a training program and reporting to a coach each week during the height of the pandemic and lockdowns was one of the main things in life that...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — A new Remote Mine-hunting and Disposal System (RMDS) may soon make jobs safer and easier for Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) dive teams. Kraken Robotics, a marine technology company based in St. John’s, Nfld., has been awarded a $50-million contract to produce an RMDS system for the Department of National Defence (DND).  The underwater drone technology is intended to help the Canadian Armed Forces support Naval Mine Countermeasures operations with allies and in United Nations peace operations. “RMDS would dramatically enhance readiness and survivability in mine-threat environments while reducing the risk of potentially losing ships and lives to a sea mine,” said Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) George MacLean of the RCN is Directorate of Naval Requirements office and RMDS Project Director. The RMDS system includes the ability to detect, identify and adequately dispose of a sea-mine threat from a safe distance using Autonomous and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology to depths of 200m. Since Canadian warships regularly deploy overseas to locations where mine threats are high, the technology is a potential game-changer for deployed vessels. LCdr MacLean believes RMDS will greatly enhance safety for Canadian and allied ships currently deployed and supporting such missions as Operation Reassurance in Eastern Europe. How it  works The RMDS system consists of two classes of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). A Lightweight AUV is designed for long-range deep water at depths of 100-200 metres. It has a long-life battery, making them capable of covering larger areas and can be launched from a ship’s crane or the shore. Meanwhile, the Operator Portable AUVs, equipped with Kraken’s AquaPix synthetic aperture sonar, is designed for shallow water operations at shallower depths of 10-100 metres. The system may be deployed by as few as two operators from a ship, a small boat or from the shore. When a mine is identified and determined that it needs disposal, a second ROV, the Sea Fox Mine Disposal System, is deployed to dispose of the mine at a safe distance...

Ashley Evans, Strategic Communications Officer, FMF CB/CS — Not every day you see a Bofors 57mm rapid-fire gun turned inside out, but if you walk past the Above Surface Weapons Work Centre in Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton’s (CB) D250 building, that’s exactly what you’ll see. In March 2021, HMCS Regina’s big gun was removed for an 18-month overhaul as part of the five-year Tiered Readiness Program. The timing was ideal as the warship has entered its scheduled lifecycle refit. An overhaul of the Halifax-class frigate’s weapon is as complex as you might think. Upon completion, 8-10 workforce members in work centre 162A will have put in approximately 1,100 – 1,500 work hours. Various team members have also been involved across 13 other work centres: 163 Fire Control, 142 Quality Control, 234B and 211 Engineering, 125 Chemical Cleaners, 143 NDT, 164 Machine Shop, 111 Labourers, 122 Shipwrights, 113 Welding, 112 Boiler Shop, 124 Riggers and Crane, and 123 Paint and Graphics. During this overhaul, the gun is wholly disassembled; everything is stripped out and run through various tests to check for damage and cracks, including non-visible cracks inspected in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). “This is a complete teardown,” said Tim Christy, FMF Work Centre Supervisor for Surface Weapons Shop (162A). “We will then assess and repair  all compromised parts.” This five-year overhaul thus far includes the replacement of aged-out hydraulic hoses and complete assessments of the breach-ring assembly, magazines, cassettes, and hoist system. The Breach-ring assembly, made of 50-60 parts, holds the firing components. Work completed on the magazines, cassettes and hoist system is predicted to take over one hundred hours alone as the team manually tests the movement of the parts required to load and balance ammunition. Following the repairs completion and before re-instalment onboard HMCS Regina, Work Centre 162A will complete Set-to-Work assessments to ensure all systems are working and tested to the best of their ability in-house, including checking for hydraulic leaks and alignment, essentially proving the big gun...

[caption id="attachment_32085" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Naval Warfare Officer Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Michael Greer and his wife Angela show off their riding equipment at their home near Brentwood Bay. The couple is preparing for a ten-year motorcycle trip around the world in a charitable initiative to raise money for orphanages in several countries. Credit: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — A local retired Naval Warfare Officer and his wife sold their house, car, and 90 per cent of their worldly possessions to embark on the trip of a lifetime. “As the departure date gets closer, it’s getting real, and we are both very excited as the countdown continues,” said Angela Greer. Angela and her husband, Lieutenant-Commander (Ret’d) Michael Greer, plan to take their 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally motorcycles worldwide to support their newly-created Twonie Project, a charitable initiative to benefit disadvantaged children. The initiative will see the couple ride around the world while supporting organizations, including Child Impact International, a non-profit organization committed to making a difference in the lives of children and people in poverty.  The pair has been avidly riding motorcyclists for decades. “For the next ten years, we will be travelers,” Michael said. “That is much different than being a tourist because we will be interacting with people, experiencing their culture first-hand and having all sorts of adventures.” The inspiration for the Twonie Project came when Michael visited a few orphanages in Mexico and Bolivia. The state of dis-repair in these orphanages prompted the couple to spend their retirement years helping. They will cover their costs through Michael’s pension and retirement savings so that all the money they raise goes toward the Project. “We are well aware every moment isn’t going to be a smooth ride and there is some element of danger, but we will have a great adventure to look back on,” Michael said. Michael joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1999 and retired this February as a Canadian Submarine Force HQ member in Esquimalt. “I served around...

DND — March 8 is International Women’s Day! To celebrate, all Defence Team members, nation-wide, are encouraged to attend national and local events of their choosing.Discussion Panel: Equity, Leadership, and the Impact of Grassroots Efforts in Defence To mark International Women’s Day, the Defence Champion for Women will host a hybrid, in-person / virtual discussion panel, on women’s grassroots efforts and contributions to the Defence Team. Defence Team members can join from anywhere in Canada via Microsoft Teams. Panelists include diverse military and civilian members of various ranks and positions, who are recognized as leaders in their communities and who make a difference to the Defence Team. Date: March 8, 2023Time: 1100-1200 ESTLocation: Virtual (Microsoft Stream) and in-person at the Carling Campus Building 5 RotundaModerator: Defence Champion for Women,  Major-General Bourgon, CMM, MSC, CD Panelists: • Emma Moon, Human Systems Integration specialist promoting inclusive equipment• Captain Stephanie Clubine, Edmonton DWAO Military Co-Chair• Lieutenant Dorin Adenekan, Humanitarian, and mental health advocate• Master Corporal Emily Reiman, Aerospace Control Operator at 4 Wing Cold LakeNational Virtual Event: Speed Mentoring Sign up online for this year’s virtual speed mentoring event! Defence Team members can join from anywhere in Canada via Microsoft Teams. Date: March 8, 2023Time: 1300-1445 ESTLocation: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)More information is available on the Defence Team Intranet (accessible only on the National Defence network) and the event website: International Women’s Day 2023, Events for the Defence Team at canada.ca or bit.ly/3y4JyoE

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Badminton and squash athletes from CFB Esquimalt have added to Esquimalt’s impressive list of 2023 Canada West regional sports titles. The Esquimalt Tritons teams recently claimed three Canada West badminton and two squash gold medals in regional tournaments held concurrently at the Naden Athletic Centre, Feb. 20-24. Both events were the first Canada West tournaments for badminton and squash since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly three years ago. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="595"] CFB Esquimalt Tritons squash and badminton team members pose together. Way to go teams![/caption]   Badminton titles Tritons players captured three of eight badminton titles in their Canada West regional tournament, which included 45 competitors. The Tritons’ winners included Sailor Third Class (S3) Van Nyugen of the Canadian Submarine Force and Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/Slt) Roger Quach of Naval Fleet School (Pacific). S3 Nyugen won the Open Doubles title by defeating Edmonton 21:12, while A/Slt Quach scored a 21:17. S3 Nyugen also claimed the tournament’s Open Singles Championship with a 21:11, 21:19 victory over his doubles partner, A/SLt Quach. In the Masters Singles championship, Sailor First Class (S1) Jian Hua Guo defeated Edmonton’s Sergeant (Sgt) William Woods 21:10, 21:9. Lieutenant (Navy) Mikail Uddin, Badminton Team Captain and Base Orderly Room Officer in Charge, praised all winners and competitors for their sportsmanship, dedication to practice and hard work. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="595"] CFB Tritons Badminton team members: CPO2 Nathan Allen, Pte Yu Lie, SLt Roger Quach, S1 Jason Chan, S3 Van Nguyen, S1 Jian Hua Guo, Lt(N) Alex Uddin[/caption] Squash titles Esquimalt’s two squash victories were won by Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Timothy King and Captain (Capt) Min Suk (Tony) Kim of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. CPO1 King faced Corporal Jason Sheardown from CFB Winnipeg, while Capt Kim faced Capt McIntosh from Cold...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — While the world’s climate clock counts down the time left to limit global warming, Elin Kelsey, PhD, refutes this fear-based hyperbole. Kelsey, a science and environmental scholar, writer and public speaker, is far from a climate change denier but says the problem-oriented approach to the environmental crisis is all wrong. “Climate doomism is a bigger threat than climate change denial,” Kelsey says. “Many already believe it’s too late to fix the problem; but as the eminent climate scientist Dr Michael Mann says, it isn’t. Our climate crisis is also a crisis of hope.” That was the crux of Kelsey’s argument in her presentation for the MARPAC Health & Wellness Strategy (MHWS) on Feb. 21, titled Climate Emotions and Evidence-Based Hope. Kelsey is the author of Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical for Solving the Environmental Crisis (Greystone Books 2020) and a co-creator of #OceanOptimism, a Twitter campaign to crowd-source marine conservation solutions that has reached over 100 million shares since its launch in 2014. Kelsey is alarmed with the ever-increasingly negative narrative about the plight of planet Earth. “If you tell people climate change is unstoppable, they will disengage from the problem,” she says. “These beliefs not only impact our emotions but our ability to deal with this critical issue at a critical time.” All is not lost, says Kelsey, while pointing to countless evidence-based examples of efforts to reverse the destruction trend. For example, sea otters, nearly wiped out on B.C.’s coast by the 19th century, are experiencing a recovery in populations. “The key to not feeling discouraged is charting evidence-based progress in real time,” she says. “If you know what has changed, you can have a more empowered attitude.” Kelsey says mass media news outlets and social media cause people to...

[caption id="attachment_32071" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) divers retrieve unexploded ordnance from the site of HMCS Thiepval sinking.[/caption] Dear Lookout Editor, I read your “From the Archives’ feature on HMCS Thiepval, written by Clare Sharpe in Lookout Vol 68, #5, with great interest. The history of this intrepid HMC ship is storied and worth revisiting time and again as it remains a prominent part of our West Coast military history. Some may not know the propeller from the ill-fated Stuart-MacLaren expedition, recovered by HMCS Thiepval, is on display on the bottom floor of the Naden Wardroom. Additionally, as HMCS Thiepval foundered on that uncharted rock in what is now aptly named Thiepval Channel in the Broken Group, her crew salvaged her deck gun onto what is now also aptly named Turret Island and can be viewed on display in front of the Ucluelet town hall. Why do I have such an interest in this particular shipwreck, you might ask? Well, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out an omission in Clare’s otherwise excellent recounting of Thiepval’s story. In 2012, the wreck of the Thiepval was taken on the charge of the Department of National Defence as an “Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Legacy Site”. This classification is given to former DND/CAF-owned establishments on which there are still explosive remnants of war - usually decommissioned ranges and proving grounds. Naturally, DND takes these sites to remediate them before returning them to local governments. As Thiepval sank in 1930 whilst on patrol (as Clare points out, most likely to dissuade smugglers), she sank with a whole load of ammunition. Since the wreck is sufficiently remote, this wasn’t an issue until 2012, when the wreck became encompassed in the Pacific Rim National Park. The wreck came under additional scrutiny in 2016 when it became a popular recreational diving site, and further pressure was subsequently applied to DND to clean up the site. Normally, DND contracts commercial UXO remediation companies to do this sort of work, but due to the complex nature of this particular task,...

[caption id="attachment_32063" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Nancy Prevost-Maurice, an Education Specialist with Royal Roads University, studies a copy of the institution’s View Book 2022-23.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — More than 70 community organizations and businesses plotted a course for fun and good health at the MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo on March 2.    The Expo made its return to the Naden Athletic Centre after a three-year absence due to the health and safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The excitement was visible with attendees stretching down to Ontario Drive in hopes of being one of the first 400 visitors to receive free food vouchers and a chance to win large door prizes. Over 1,000 military and DND civilian employees attended this year’s event. It featured interactive display booths by local non-profits and businesses representing health and wellness, recreation, sports, fitness, outdoor activities, hobbies, crafts, Base clubs and more.  A popular feature of the Expo were door prizes offered up by vendors including tools, speakers, massages, gift cards and gift baskets, coffee makers, and more! Free food samples were also made available to patrons with giveaways and prizes available at the booths, too. Food trucks, Greek on the Street and Kattia’s Kitchen satiated patron appetites and quenched their thirst with complimentary beverages. Serious Coffee was also on-site offering free coffee and tea to all attending. Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Royal Roads University were the title sponsors of this year’s event. WestJet airlines also provided the Defence community with a prize draw for a free trip to any of its destinations in Canada. Now that the Health and Wellness Expo is complete, the Lookout and PSP Special Events teams are ramping up for the Ship-to-Shore Industrial Tradeshow scheduled for Aug. 1. [caption id="attachment_32062" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sawyer Brock and Brennan Wilson, Milwaukee Tools Account Managers, get ready for a duel with their high torque impact wrenches. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout.[/caption]

Lt(N) Mikail Uddin, Base Orderly Room OIC — Through the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)’s initiative to effect positive change, a space is available for all personnel to leverage their opinion and create a difference. The Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group (DVMAG) was created to assist Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) in identifying and addressing issues that impact people of various ethnic groups within the Formation. “If the goal is meaningful change, we need all of you to be engaged,” said Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Alan Ng, Headquarters Commanding Officer, Canadian Submarine Force, and a member of the DVMAG Committee. The DVMAG meets every month. The program aims are two-fold: identifying barriers to employment equity and diversity, and advising the Department of National Defence and CAF leadership on advancing strategies on recruitment, retention and training. The group works on several initiatives, including outreach and recruiting activities involving visible minority communities. Petty Officer First Class Kanwar Nijjer, Military Co-chair for DVMAG, and Mr. Andrew Au, Civilian Co-Chair, invite the Defence community to attend a virtual session on March 16 from 10–11:30 a.m. PST, dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Dr. Gunderson will speak about ‘micro-interventions’ – ways of challenging racism and bias at the moment as micro-aggressions appear. Please direct inquiries to the DVMAG+ account at p-esq.dvmag@forces.gc.ca.

[caption id="attachment_32051" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Radar, the Esquimalt Military and Family Resource Centre’s (MFRC) mascot[/caption] Kate Bandura, Lookout Editor — Radar, the Esquimalt Military and Family Resource Centre’s (MFRC) mascot, looks forward to a good boogie woogie with you! On March 11, all military and veteran-connected families are invited to celebrate families of all kinds and honour military-connected children at the ‘We Are Family’ dance, hosted by the Esquimalt MFRC. “This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the military-connected community, a chance to have fun and meet other families,” said Jackie Carle, Esquimalt MFRC Executive Director. “It is about families of all types having fun together and being recognized for their support.” She said the dance is about celebrating family in all its forms. The evening will include disco dance lessons, prizes, activities, a hot and cold buffet, and a photo booth. Carle said this is not a fundraising but rather a ‘friend-raising’ event, adding that Lisa Church, Community Engagement Manager, and the MFRC Community Engagement team, designed this dance to make everyone feel welcome. “Our amazing group of Community Engagement volunteers will be there to ensure everyone is well-cared for and has a great time,” she said. The cost is $38 per adult, while children can attend for free. Registration is online at cfmws.ca/esquimalt/events-activities/events/mfrc-we-are-family-dance. Disco attire is encouraged!

[caption id="attachment_32047" align="aligncenter" width="595"] “My mantra for this year’s race is: My Race, My Pace” Chief Petty Officer First Class Stan Budden, Navy Run Ambassador and Unit Chief of Naval Fleet School (Pacific).[/caption]   Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Being named the 2023 Navy Run Ambassador has given Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Stan Budden the cause to reflect on his miraculous journey. Each June, the Navy Run is a marquee event on the CFB Esquimalt social calendar that sees hundreds of military and civilian runners take to Esquimalt roadways. CPO1 Budden meets the basic criteria for Navy Run Ambassador: a dedicated military member (Unit Chief of Naval Fleet School [Pacific]), a father of three, and an avid recreational runner who enjoys a healthy lifestyle. But there is much more to CPO1 Budden than meets the eye, explains Laurel Koslowski, Navy Run Race Director and Acting Manager of Community Recreation at Personnel Support Programs (PSP). “His journey to become an avid runner and his lifestyle changes to promote his own health and the health of others has been inspiring to many,” Koslowski says. “We look forward to running with him and others who may be beginning their journey this year.” CPO1 Budden says he’s delighted with the prospects of being a liaison with the running community, military community, and the greater community of Victoria. After all, the sport has changed his life. A road to wellness Chief Budden’s physical transformation began five years ago. “I had been unhealthy for much of my adult life; I eventually realized time has come to do something about it,” CPO1 Budden says. When he flips through photos of himself from 2018 and earlier, he admits recognizing himself is hard. He has lost close to 100 pounds since then. “Making a journey like this is not simply about weight loss,” he cautions. “[Focusing on weight loss] trivializes the full scope of my transformation.” His change to wellness only happened with help from his Chain of Command...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Twenty seven candidates have completed a battery of testing at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) to determine if they have what it takes to become Clearance Divers. The results are expected within the next three months. “Testing is very physically and psychologically demanding because when they are physically and mentally stressed, we can truly see what they are made of and if they have what it takes to be a Clearance Diver,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Mike Allport, Training Officer at FDU(P) and Clearance Diver Assessment Centre (CDAC) OIC. The military members from bases across Canada were rigorously tested at CDAC in Colwood earlier this month. The FDU(P) holds an annual assessment to create new Clearance Divers. “It is essentially an arduous job interview,” Lt(N) Allport said. The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Clearance Divers belong to a highly trained diving and explosive ordnance disposal specialist trade. Clearance Divers provide the RCN and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with specialist warfare capabilities, domestically and internationally. Clearance Diver capabilities include: locating, identifying and neutralizing underwater mine threats; explosive ordnance disposal of surface and sub-surface conventional unexploded ordnance or Improvised Explosive Devices (IED); and underwater force protection components for the CAF and other government agencies. The CDAC is competitive; in previous years, it was open only to Ship’s Divers, Port Inspection Divers, Search and Rescue Technician (SARTECH) divers, or Combat Divers. Now, all non-commissioned members in all three branches who meet the eligibility criteria can apply. The CDAC team of assessors included 11 from the Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) and two from the Department of National Defence Experimental Diving & Undersea Group (EDUG) in Toronto. The candidates were divided into two serials; the first group was tested from Feb. 4-9 and the second from Feb. 11-19. If you are interested in...

[caption id="attachment_32037" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Naval Reservists dock their four RHIBs for a break in the action on Bowen Island, at the Western Region Small Boat Exercise in Vancouver on Feb. 11.[/caption] Lt(N) John Foster, PAO, NAVRES Western Region; with contributions from Lt(N) Donald Den, PAO, HMCS Malahat — Put 100 Naval Reservists from four provinces together to accomplish a training mission, and you will get enormous energy and enthusiasm. A two-day small-boat exercise (SBEX) in Vancouver brought together more than 100 sailors and five boats from seven Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs) on Feb. 11-12, including HMCS Chippawa (Winnipeg), Discovery (Vancouver), Malahat (Victoria), Nonsuch (Edmonton), Queen (Regina), Tecumseh (Calgary), and Unicorn (Saskatoon). The exercise also included partners from the Maritime Pacific Fleet Naval Intelligence. Captain (Navy) Janet McDougall, NAVRES Western Regional Captain, said the SBEX tested the sailors’ ability to operate in various maritime scenarios. “They are excited to be here, they are excited to practice their trade and meet Naval Reservists from other units,” she said. The exercise involved maritime drug interdiction operations, navigation, boat handling (including towing vessels), intelligence gathering, and communication. One of the exercise’s primary goals was to evaluate the sailors’ ability to work effectively in small boats. Sailors worked on land from HMCS Discovery in an Operations environment and in teams on the water aboard four Rigid Hull-Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) (with the fifth RHIB acting as opposing force) to achieve the scenario objectives. Each team was responsible for different aspects of the exercise. They were tasked with navigating through a series of challenging scenarios, including pursuing and boarding suspicious vessels. The team expanded the Area of Operations to Howe Sound. On land and on water, multiple senior Non-Commissioned Members and Officers instructed junior sailors, consistently giving feedback and providing guidance in correctly approaching and handling each scenario. Sailor Third Class (S3) Alexandra Schurtenberger, a Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIO) from HMCS Tecumseh, said she had a great time during the SBEX. “I got to apply everything I learned....

[caption id="attachment_32032" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan, the CAF’s Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture, speaks to members during a town hall at CFB Halifax on Jan 27. Photo: Corporal Sarina Kuzma.[/caption] Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff — The command team for the group tasked with leading the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) cultural transformation was recently in Halifax for workshops, group discussions and town halls with sailors and other local CAF members, while also highlighting current initiatives and work that has taken place over the last two years. The Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) organization was stood up in April 2021. Under the leadership of Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan, CPCC has been working since then to understand the factors that drive and shape CAF culture, and the work needed to modernize the institution. News coverage may focus on instances of inappropriate sexual behaviour or harassment and how the CAF is changing its response to those situations, but LGen Carignan explained CPCC’s work is all encompassing and relevant to all CAF members. “A key message for all is that culture is every one of us, and one of the biggest ways our culture impacts us is simply how people treat each other every day,” she said. The CPCC organization is unique, she added, because of its sole focus on culture, taking work that was once happening piecemeal across Department of National Defence and steering it all under one umbrella. The group’s early work keyed on extensive research and consultation, and those efforts will be ongoing. For instance, the recent sessions in Halifax explored differences in identity for members in various roles, and how that shapes both individual careers and the larger CAF culture. But even with the continuing nature of the work, LGen Carignan noted many initiatives and changes have already been established...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — All six CFB Esquimalt Tritons teams now get a shot at becoming Canadian Armed Forces national champions. The Esquimalt Tritons volleyball players added to Esquimalt’s gold-medal haul for 2023 by capturing Canada West men’s and women’s regional titles in Cold Lake, Alta. The men’s Volleyball team avenged an earlier 2-1 (best-of-three sets) loss to Cold Lake in round-robin play to score a tight 25-17, 25-23, 27-25 victory. The Esquimalt Tritons men’s team defeated the hosts from 4 Wing 3-0 in their championship on Feb. 13 while on the same day our women’s team beat Edmonton 3-1 to also win their gold medals. Sailor Third Class (S3) Jacob Thompson, Tritons Men’s Team Manager and a Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP) with HMCS Winnipeg, said the hosts kept them on their toes from opening serve and throughout the championship match. “Having previously lost our only match of the tournament against them in the second game of the round-robin, we had a pretty good understanding of what we were up against in the final,” said S3 Thompson. “Yet, we were able to stay disciplined during long rallies by playing our positions by the book and inched our way closer and closer towards victory.” The team relied heavily on two players with CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) Military World Games experience. Corporal Kristofer Faucon, Team Captain and setter, captured the championship game Most Valuable Player honours while Sailor First Class Brandon Rivera, outside hitter, was named tournament MVP for his stellar play. The Tritons women went undefeated over five games in Cold Lake. Kiana Deland, Team’s Coach and a civilian fitness instructor for Personnel Support Programs (PSP), said the team was equally excited with their Canada West crown. “It’s been years since our women’s volleyball team has won this title,...

[caption id="attachment_32018" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor Second Class (S2) Isiah Laxamana, a Boatswain currently posted to HMCS Brandon, became the Pacific Fleet’s first recipient of a morale patch celebrating the Centennial of Canada’s Naval Reserve.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Sailor Second Class (S2) Isiah Laxamana, a Boatswain currently posted to HMCS Brandon, became the Pacific Fleet’s first recipient of a morale patch celebrating the Centennial of Canada’s Naval Reserve. Commodore (Cmdre) David Mazur personally presented the morale patch on Brandon’s forecastle on Feb. 21 to 12 crew members who hail from reserve divisions across the country. “We have one navy team that includes regular force and reservists, full and part-time,” Cmdre Mazur said. “Our [Kingston-class] vessels like Brandon were at one time 100 per cent crewed by reservists, so it was very important to recognize the reservists who do important jobs aboard the ship today and present them the first morale patches [in the Pacific Fleet].” The morale patch features silhouettes of a male sailor and a Woman’s Royal Canadian Naval Service member from the Second World War, and a male and female sailor of today’s Naval Reserve. It was designed by Sailor First Class (S1) Joseph Dimayuga, a former reservist with HMCS Discovery, who has since become a regular force member. The patch will be distributed to reservists in Esquimalt and further afield in the coming weeks. S2 Laxamana, of Calgary Naval Reserve Unit HMCS Tecumseh, said he was delighted to be the first recipient. “I have been a reservist for quite a while, so it feels nice to be part of a historic moment and honour and continue the Naval Reserve’s traditions,” he said. The Naval Reserve will celebrate its milestone with commemorative events throughout the year. On Sept. 23, Canadians will witness formal celebrations when 4,000 sailors will be on parade at its 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across the country. ******* The Government of Canada authorized the organization of a force to be called the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer...

CFMWS — Military Family Services is hosting a virtual career fair for military and veteran spouses and partners on Feb. 28 from 1-3 p.m. EST. The event will occur on the Military Spousal Employment Network (MSEN). “Given the current labour market, this is an ideal time for military spouses and partners to go after that dream job”, said Augustina Charles from the Military Family Services Employment Team. “As equal opportunity employers, our network partners are looking to connect military spouses and partners with opportunities – and not just in their communities, but with remote work options as well.” The Network hosts a permanent job bank with more than 190 positions in B.C. that Network recruiters are looking to fill. This is in addition to new opportunities added to the Network daily. Recruiters will be looking to fill many jobs in military communities across the country along with work-from-home opportunities. These national employers have agreed to offer military spouses equal and fair access to employment opportunities within their organizations. While the virtual career fair will have 13 employers participating, the Network is also pleased to announce three new employers recently joining the Military Spousal Employment Network. These new employers will bring additional diversity to the types of jobs available on the Network: NTT, a business, technology and learning development is looking to fill customer service roles in Ont., N.S., N.B., Que., and Alta. VON is a healthcare firm looking to fill administration, client service and fundraising positions in Ont and N.S. CATSA, a security agency, seeks to fill communications, HR, finance, legal, procurement, security, project development and IT positions in Ont., Alta., Man., Que., and N.S. Both NTT and CATSA have remote work opportunities. Growing steadily, the Military Spousal Employment Network has had more than 5,800 users since it launched in 2018....

Members of the Naval Reserve participate in a National Dive Exercise at HMCS Quadra in Comox, B.C. at the end of January. Check out these photos. Photos: Master Sailor Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services.

Today’s navy is much the same as yesterday’s in that hungry sailors have to eat. Today, sailors eat a hearty bowl of soup at morning stand easy. In the days of sail, they might have had to rely on chewing a fatty piece of salt pork. Growlies is a nickname for any tasty food cooked by a navy chef. Also known as a good bit of scran, a hungry sailor might go around the buoy for a second helping if the meal is good. A voraciously hungry group of sailors can be called gannets, aptly referring to seabirds known for their notoriously insatiable appetites and ability to swallow a fish whole and have it visible as it settles in their gut. Gut wrenches is a nickname for cutlery, i.e., knife, fork, spoon. Sometimes a ship’s cook might go by the nickname gut robber, although the etymology of that term is vague. The term vittler describes the ship’s cook responsible for ordering and storing food, and is derived from the word victual, pronounced as ‘vit-l’. Victual became part of the English language around the 1300s and was derived from the old French word ‘vitaille’, which means food. The original spelling in English was ‘vitaylle’. ‘Vittles’ is a variant spelling of victuals, a word commonly heard as American slang. Other commonly used terms originally derived from the days of sail, when the dining fair was not as palatable as it is today. Chewing the fat is a term commonly used to describe people gossiping, making friendly small talk, or being involved in a lengthy informal conversation. Legend has it this term was first used to describe sailors who would chew on salt-pork fat while they relaxed and conversed. Although no reliable historical references are related to this practice, this explanation remains a...

Are you a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member or considering joining? Learn what the CAF has to offer in return for your service to Canada.  Explore the full range of benefits, services, and more available to you.  The CAF Offer web pages on Canada.ca can help you understand the following:  pay rates  allowances healthcare information leave options  pension plans benefits You can also explore information about benefits, such as: education professional development relocation family support and more! Aspiring CAF members may be surprised to discover everything the CAF offers. For example, you may be eligible for a complete, no-cost post-secondary education upon joining. The CAF recognizes the unique contributions made by military members and their families. To help you save time finding the information you need, The CAF Offer will remain a comprehensive, up-to-date resource on policies, programs and practices designed to support members and their families.  Bookmark The CAF Offer on Canada.ca today!The CAF Offer: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/the-caf-offer.html

SLt Pierre-Charles Rousseau Harvey — When you think ‘Navy’, do you think frigates, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels? Don’t forget submarines and the logistics team who supports them! To celebrate the Royal Canadian Logistics Service’s 55th anniversary on Feb. 1, the logisticians [...]

DND — Defence science and technology, led by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), is helping the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) understand, monitor, reduce and mitigate its impact on the marine environment during operations. DRDC is taking a multi-disciplinary, multi-pronged approach working with partners in industry, academia [...]

[caption id="attachment_31959" align="aligncenter" width="596"] 102-year-old Cdr (ret’d) Peter Chance pilots a Cessna 172 Skyhawk single engine aircraft on Feb. 13. Photo: Paul Seguna.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Centenarian Commander (Cdr) (ret’d) Peter Chance is on ‘cloud nine’ after piloting over of Vancouver Island last week. The 102-year-old Second World War veteran spent approximately 45 minutes at the controls of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk on Feb. 13. “The entire experience was absolutely superb and the most exciting thing that has happened in my life in quite some time,” said Chance. “My heart was racing with excitement and anticipation, before, during and afterwards.” His time at the plane’s controls was conducted under the watchful eye of pilot and flight instructor Cdr (ret’d) Darren Rich. A former naval engineer, Rich agreed to donate his time as a flying instructor for Chance. The Victoria Flying Club, stepped forward to donate the aircraft and fuel. At an altitude of 2,500 feet, their flight path took them over Salt Spring Island and the Stuart Channel. Chance got the opportuinity to practice common flying maneuvers after takeoff from Sidney International Airport, including turns, climbs, and descents, Rich said. “It was such an honour to do this flight and Peter was so energetic and having the time of his life,” said Rich. “I got him to autograph my flight logbook and the experience is one I will cherish forever.” Peter’s dream Chance, who lives in Sidney, previously enjoyed a 30-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy, which included service during the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War. During the war, Chance served in various warships, including HMCS Skeena, HMCS Seacliffe and HMCS Gatineau. These were anti-submarine warships used to attack German submarines. On his 102nd birthday in November 2022, Chance had mentioned to his long-time friend Lieutenant-Commander (ret’d) Paul Seguna that he had loved piloting planes during his days as a naval officer. Chance had previously flown a Tiger Moth as...

[caption id="attachment_31954" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Edmonton. Photo supplied.[/caption] MARPAC — His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Edmonton deployed on Feb. 13 from its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, to conduct drug interdiction on Operation Caribbe. “We continue to strengthen our international relationships and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to address security challenges in the Americas. HMCS Edmonton is proud to be a part of Operation Caribbe along with our partners nations to enhance regional peace and security,” said Lieutenant-Commander Tyler Smith, Commanding Officer, HMCS Edmonton, in a statement. Friends and family were present to send off Royal Canadian Navy sailors on Canada’s 17th year of contributing to Operation Caribbe – supporting U.S.-led Enhanced Counter-narcotics Operations. Along with Canada’s partner nations, HMCS Edmonton will help disrupt drug trafficking and organized crime in South and Central America. As part of Canada’s broader commitment to engagement in the Americas, Operation Caribbe is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This annual operation directly supports the CAF mission to defend against security threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and defence and security partners. Operation Caribbe is Canada’s contribution to U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Under this operation, CAF ships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the U.S. mission to suppress drug trafficking in international waters.

[caption id="attachment_31936" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Team members from Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton talk to visitors at their booth during the RCN hiring fair at HMCS Discovery.[/caption] Ashley Evans, Strategic Communications Officer, FMF CB/CS — A small Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) team climbed aboard the Swartz Bay Ferry on Feb. 5 to share the story and purpose of FMF at HMCS Discovery. Ryan Solomon, Group Manager 5 at FMF CB, said the event was a great success. “Some of our displays are a direct representation of the quality workmanship present within our facility,” he said. As a mixed civilian and military workforce supporting the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), FMF CB showcased a few unique talents within the facility. The FMF booth at the RCN Job Fair displayed a 3D printer and a virtual welding machine. The team was all smiles as they welcomed attendees throughout the day, passionate about sharing the FMF story while watching a few brave individuals attempt the FORCE test. “There was such positive feedback about our display, which we’ve worked hard on,” Solomon said. Sharing the diverse work of the FMF were Elaine Yan, Electrical Engineer; Sailor First Class Sero Deo, MarTech; Master Sailor Jose Villano, WEng; Ryan Solomon, Group Manager 5; and Jaden Prigione, Electronics Apprentice. All were thrilled to share their career journeys thus far. Also in attendance was the Naval Pacific Training Group, showcasing developments and advances in the training available to recruits. Thank you to everyone who made the day a success and shared their own FMF story with pride! BZ! [caption id="attachment_31939" align="aligncenter" width="595"] RCN CH-148 Cyclone on display for visitors of the RCN career fair at HMCS Discovery on Feb. 5[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_31932" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain Nathalie Butler[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — The gruelling physical challenge of traversing the length of Vancouver Island over eight consecutive days seems daunting. Captain (Capt) Nathalie Butler is up to the task. A Dental Officer from the Naden Dental Clinic, Capt Butler is one of two new fleet-footed volunteers on this year’s eight-member WWRBC. “I knew I would be a good fit for the team, given my love of running and passion for giving back to the military community,” she said. The team of five will embark on a relay-style run along the Trans-Canada Highway from Feb. 26-March 5 and will cover more than 600 km between Port Hardy and Victoria. WWRBC is now in its tenth year. Capt Butler said the team’s mission is to raise public awareness of mental health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), along with providing financial support for programs that benefit affected military members and first responders. “PTSD and mental health issues affect everyone, so increasing awareness about their profound effects on military members and their loved ones will increase support and encourage others to seek help when they need it,” she said, adding that her work at the Base Dental Clinic gave her a fair degree of insight into the profound effects PTSD and operational stress injuries have on her patients. Capt Butler took up distance running seven years ago, has competed in the local race circuit, and routinely runs 50-60 km per week. She is fully aware her next challenge is much more significant because it involves covering distances of up to 20 km per day for a string of eight consecutive days with little recovery time. “I have been told by other participants this relay is truly an inspirational and challenging experience and there is no other running event like this anywhere,” she said. Capt Butler is still determining what to expect regarding the physical demands of her task but is excited about the challenge. Equally...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Three Esquimalt Tritons teams crushed all competition on the ice and hardwood on the way to Canada West regional titles. The women’s and senior men’s hockey and men’s basketball teams went undefeated in Canada West regional competitions while earning berths in upcoming Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) National Championship tournaments. [...]

[caption id="attachment_31917" align="aligncenter" width="595"] This photo has been digitally altered for operational security. Royal Canadian Navy members of HMCS Yellowknife work alongside members of a United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) during a search of a seized panga during Operation Caribbe, March 6 2022. Photo: MARPAC Imaging Services, Canadian Armed Forces photo.[/caption] Kate Bandura, Lookout Editor — What measures should a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel (MCDV) crew put up to deter a potential attack from pirates? This is the type of simulated operations seven Naval Reservists from Quebec trained in during a specialized course using the Naval Bridge Simulator at HMCS Venture last December. “This course is teaching potential Operations Officers (OpsO) to react fast to an evolving situation,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Titus Villegas, course director and lead instructor. “It refreshes the core skills of an OpsO, which will set the students up for success when they assume the position on ship.” Titled ‘Coastal Operations Planning – Part II’ (COPS II), the course is designed for prospective Operations Officers on the Kingston-class vessels and explores equipment such as sensors and radars used during coastal operations. It caters towards Naval Warfare Officers (NWO) in the Primary Reserves who already have significant time at sea. MCDVs go to the Caribbean Basin for drug interdiction operations. They support the navies in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and train them in anti-piracy, and conduct training in countering illegal activities in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. The platform was originally designed for Naval Reserve Sailors. Lt(N) Villegas said about a decade ago the MCDVs were amalgamated into the Regular Force fleet; combined with the pandemic, the COPS courses lost visibility. Reserve trainees come to Esquimalt because many resources are not organic locally. “We needed simulators such as the one in HMCS...