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[caption id="attachment_31578" align="aligncenter" width="595"] RCN cooks mixing rum into a Christmas pudding.[/caption] Clare Sharpe, CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum — From the Archives: Stories from the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum At the heart of many longstanding holiday traditions in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is the desire to build camaraderie, ease loneliness, lift people’s spirits, and create a sense of togetherness. One well-loved practice in the RCN is making the youngest sailor ‘Captain for the day’ while temporarily demoting the highest-ranking officer. The custom, which can also involve senior personnel serving a festive meal to those of lower rank, has its roots in the Roman festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia is also the origin of many traditions now closely associated with Christmas, including lighting candles, feasting and gift exchanges. Another custom sees the youngest member of the ship’s company ringing in the New Year by ringing the ship’s bell 16 times, eight for the old year and eight for the new—the only time in the year the bell could be sounded more than eight times at once. Another old festive custom in RCN ships and shore establishments is decorating with wreaths and greenery. Even during wartime, RCN sailors celebrated the holidays at sea by festooning bulkheads and messes with foraged Christmas trees and boughs hoisted up the funnel and placed around the ship. In recent years, ship crews have decorated their vessels with Christmas lights and brought delight to their local communities with these dazzling displays. Often such ship light-up occasions were a chance for some friendly competition between ships and an opportunity to fundraise for charitable organizations. Also customary is a large loaf of bread pinned to the table with a bayonet as a central decoration of sailors’ mess tables in Canadian warships observing the full naval Christmas tradition. Beside the loaf would be placed a neatly printed inscription ‘The staff of life, at the point of death’. A drink that is still popular in many Christmas messes...

Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — Christmas cookies crumble onto HMCS Ottawa’s deck as seven daze-eyed children observe Sailor First Class (S1) Deryck Kent, a Marine Technician, in the Machinery Control Room (MCR). “This is what makes the ship run,” he says, pointing into a hole in the floor. Beneath – a propulsion system that can take the Halifax-class frigate up to 30 knots (56 km/h). A little boy bravely peeks into the void, his cookie in hand, and returns with a silent ‘wow’. While S1 Kent describes the ship’s pneumonic mechanism, Lieutenant (Navy) Luis Lemus, Ottawa’s Assistant Logistics Officer and event’s organizer, says the crew is excited to have the children onboard. “The aim was to make this a fun day,” he says. “Some of the kids might come from disadvantaged families, and today might be the only time they get a present.” Twenty-five children arrived here on Dec. 12 for an early Christmas celebration, courtesy of Esquimalt Lions Club. Thirty-five years ago, the Club helped HMCS Protecteur host a children’s Christmas onboard. Then HMCS Calgary took over the ropes. This year, the honour fell to HMCS Ottawa. Lin McPhee from the Esquimalt Lions Club says the Club cherishes opportunities such as this one. “It’s wonderful the Base steps up every year to help us continue this tradition,” McPhee said. “We can’t do it without them and it’s definitely a thrill for these children.” She reached out to elementary schools in the Victoria School District 61 for a list of presents, and then coordinated with the Base to get them delivered to the ship. The Ottawa was responsible for 50 per cent of gifts costs, acquired from the ship’s fund. Some presents already await under the Christmas tree in the Junior Ranks Mess; others will arrive with Santa. The ship opened up four spaces for the children to visit: the MCR, the After Section Base (ASB), the Bridge, and the Operations Room (Ops Room). Four groups of youngsters rotate throughout the...

[caption id="attachment_31584" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Master Sailor Dylan McGinn, Sailor First Class Nahom Beyene and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Trevor Moore of HMCS Regina deliver toys and gifts to Victoria General Hospital staff on Nov. 24. The gifts for patients in the Children’s Life Services Department were paid for through funds raised in the Dave Barber Charity Golf Tournament. Photo: HMCS Regina.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — HMCS Regina’s crew made this Christmas extra special for young patients at Victoria General Hospital. Sailors of the Halifax-class frigate stopped by the Children’s Life Department at the hospital ahead of the Christmas break to donate $3,600 in presents and gift cards. Volunteers delivered over 100 gifts for children, including toys, crafts, and colouring books. “Traditions like this matter, and knowing we support the community and help others in need allows us to reflect on our situations and realize how fortunate we are,” said Sailor First Class (S1) Nahom Beyene, a Weapons Engineering Technician and Fire Control Technician on Regina. He was the organizer of this year’s charity drive. The gifts were paid for with money raised through the ship’s annual charity event, the Dave Barber Golf Tournament. The tournament is named in memory of Master Sailor Dave Barber, a Fire Control and Radar Technician who worked onboard Regina before passing away from leukemia in 1997. This year’s nine-hole golf tournament was held on Aug. 30 at the Metchosin Golf & Country Club. S1 Beyene also delivered a cash donation to help the hospital staff when supplies of crafts, pencil crayons, markers and colouring books run out. Making the delivery to the hospital was the sweetest part of the journey, he said, especially hearing from hospital staff how happy the gifts would make the children. “Knowing what these children are experiencing and being able...

[caption id="attachment_31577" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Jake Douglas (Joiner in shop 122) assists during the setting of crush caps at FMF Cape Breton dry dock. Photo supplied.[/caption] Ashley Evans, Strategic Communications Officer, FMF CB/CS — On a rainy November afternoon, while filming interviews at the bottom of the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton’s (CB) dry dock, we noticed a group of Shipwrights working away at the opposite end. They were working to prepare the dry dock for the docking of HMCS Ottawa scheduled for Jan 4. The team was replacing ‘crush caps’ on top of keel blocks, steel blocks with wood caps that run down the centre of the dry dock bottom. These ‘crush caps’ take the settling and crushing force from the ship while docking, sparing the wood beneath. Replacing the ‘crush caps’ is more challenging than it may initially appear. The team used a Theodolite, a surveying instrument that measures vertical and horizontal angles, to ensure the blocks follow the same slope as the dock bottom. This slope directs water to the pumps located at the north end of the dry dock. The crush caps are used twice – once per side – and are then discarded. For every consecutive dry dock docking, the Shipwright shop replaces the blocks and re-secures the packing and caps to the keel block bases. The team recently adopted a new banding process, where the packing and caps are secured to the keel block bases using three-quarter-inch banding and duplex nails. The keel blocks are positioned based on a docking plan that ensures they are spaced to avoid underwater hull openings or equipment. After the keel blocks are set, the dock is ready for docking. “Docking ships is satisfying work for the whole shop; we all have a great sense of accomplishment at the end...

[caption id="attachment_31570" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg return home after 173 days at sea. Photo Corporal Tristan Walach.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff writer — A look at the Lookout Newspaper’s top news events of 2022: January CAF Members continue their support to federal, provincial and territorial governments as part of Operation Vector. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) unveil a navy-themed paint pattern for their sleds used at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games.  Naval Reserve Unit recognizes its 100th anniversary by unveiling a new morale patch designed by S1 Joseph Demayuga. [caption id="attachment_31571" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Illustration of a bobsleigh designed after HMCS Regina’s dazzle paintjob.[/caption] February CAF announces the implementation of modernized, inclusive French language ranks. Canadian Pacific Fleet announces HMCS Vancouver Boatswain S2 Jesse Roberts as its Sailor of the Year for 2021. HMCS Saskatoon and HMCS Yellowknife deploy in the international drug interdiction mission Operation Caribbe. March HMCS Brandon participates in United States-led cold-weather warfare Exercise Arctic Edge 2022 in Alaska. Wounded Warriors relay team concludes 800 km relay-style run on Vancouver Island to raise funds and awareness of support programs for military and first responders. CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum introduces Tatiana Robinson as its new curator following the retirement of Debbie Towell. April The first of four Sea-to-Shore connector barges designed to serve the needs of the RCN’s future Joint Support Ships is delivered to Esquimalt. HMCS Vancouver, HMCS Calgary, HMCS Brandon and HMCS Edmonton participate in Vancouver’s Fleet Week. HMCS Saskatoon marks RCN’s first-ever visit to Ecuador after arriving in Manta on April 18. May In separate Change of Command Ceremonies, VAdm Angus Topshee becomes Commander RCN, succeeding VAdm Craig Baines; RAdm Christopher Robinson succeeds VAdm Topshee as Commander MARPAC. Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) HMCS Max Bernays launched following a naming ceremony at Irving Ship Building in Halifax. Sailors from RCN and MARPAC commemorate the 77th anniversary of The Battle of the Atlantic with marching contingents and a ceremony...

From the Archives: Stories from the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum — Christmas 1943 was just another routine day at sea for the Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan during the Battle of the Atlantic. The festive holiday found the ship’s company and her Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) John Stubbs, bucking heavy seas while accompanying Convoy RA-55A somewhere northwest of Bear Island, Norway. The crew were tired, fed up, had not received any mail, and their nerves were stretched taut as they waited for a possible attack. On Dec. 23, 1943, Athabaskan left Kola Inlet with her sister escorts. They were tasked with shepherding a convoy of 22 merchant ships and sailed westbound to Loch Ewe, Scotland. As this group of vessels moved slowly north through the Arctic night into the Barents Sea, the sailors on board were unaware that the convoy was acting as a piece in a giant chess game. This strategic battle resulted in the sinking of the German warship Scharnhorst. Scharnhorst was one of the most dangerous German ships in the conflict, one of the Allies’ most wanted warships, and the last of her kind. In late December 1943, she was sunk in the Battle of North Cape after attempting to intercept two Arctic convoys. HMCS Athabaskan did not participate directly in Scharnhorst’s destruction; the ship may have been side-lined due to ongoing condenser problems. LCdr Stubbs was disappointed; he had confidence in his ship and crew and knew that Athabaskan could have contributed significantly to the battle. Yet, with the major enemy threat destroyed, men could celebrate a belated Christmas. In an account of this impromptu party by Len Burrows, author of “Unlucky Lady – The Life and Death of HMCS Athabaskan”, he notes: “….makeshift Christmas trees were put up in different places and simple gifts were...

Members of MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team, we hope your holidays are filled with joy, generosity, and memorable celebrations. CPO1 Lee, the Formation Chief Petty Officer, and I wish everyone a fantastic holiday season with friends and family, and applaud your resiliency and dedication in these demanding times. The lingering effects of COVID-19 have continued to affect our daily routines both at work and home; however, the MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team’s approach to the ongoing challenges reflects our determination and tenacity as an organization. Chief Lee and I are very proud of how you have adapted to provide safe working environments while sustaining operational effectiveness. To meet the Government of Canada’s objectives, we have continued to deploy ships and personnel to stay strong at home, secure in North America and engaged in the world. At home, our ships and patrol craft have maintained our presence in our local waters to safeguard against threats and improve working relationships with Indigenous, federal, and territorial governments. HMCS Ottawa in particular has been a regular sight in the waters close to home as it conducted exercises and trials. Our defence team, in conjunction with our Coast Guard partners, has helped make Canada a safer place to live by conducting over 2,500 search and rescue missions. In North America, as part of Op Caribbe, HMCS Saskatoon and Yellowknife, working in conjunction with partners, helped seize 872 kilograms of drugs in February. We have continued to be engaged in the world with Op Projection in the Indo-Pacific region, where our ships have conducted training, exercises, and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners. HMCS Vancouver and Winnipeg sailed to the international waters of the East and South China Seas in August conducting port visits throughout South East Asia and the USA. HMCS Vancouver moved on to Op...

The coming of a new year is often seen as a moment to pause and take stock – celebrating our accomplishments and reflecting on our challenges. As I look back over this year, I am full of appreciation for the work of the Defence Team here at CFB Esquimalt. Successful deployments in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific have seen us strengthening partnerships with our allies and partners abroad, monitoring United Nations Security Council sanctions, and disrupting illicit drug trafficking. These successes at sea and stability for families at home while loved ones are deployed would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our One Navy Base team here in Esquimalt. This year also saw us return to fulfilling our ceremonial duties in person, including Remembrance Day and respectfully marking the passing of our monarch, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We connected with our community through important outreach initiatives such as Defence on the Dock, Military Appreciation Nights, and local celebrations. I recognize that our participation in these events requires considerable effort, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to help share what we do with our community. As we move into 2023, be assured that the Base Chief Petty Officer and I are laser-focused on ensuring that we’re doing the right ceremonial activities for the right reasons and with the least footprint with which the mission can be accomplished so that extracurricular duties are reduced as much as possible. While there is a lot to be proud of, we are all aware that much work lies ahead. It’s no secret that our organization is in the midst of great change that will have implications for years. That change must be a positive one. Our No. 1 priority remains a shift...

To all members of the Royal Canadian Navy Team, Chief Petty Officer First Class Tom Lizotte and I wish you the very best this holiday season. This past year has been a busy and often challenging one. Despite those challenges, we have achieved a lot this year thanks to your hard work and dedication. The Chief and I cannot emphasize this point enough – we are extremely grateful for the tremendous work that you do to contribute to the Navy each and every day.  As you all know, we have been experiencing significant personnel shortages over the past few years and the pandemic has exacerbated the situation. When combined with the other challenges imposed by the pandemic, as well as cost of living increases and the demands of the troubling geo-strategic situation, we know that we have placed a tremendous burden directly on you and your families. Yet, you continue to rise to the occasion in service of Canada and your fellow Canadians. Know that our gratitude is heartfelt, and that addressing the personnel situation is our top priority. There is no quick fix, but we do have some exciting programs in the works, which we will be able to tell you more about in the New Year. We are determined that you will see meaningful and tangible progress on this front in 2023. For those of you in the Regular and Reserve force, the pride you take in wearing your uniform is evident and it is wonderful to see so many of you embrace the changes adopted back in September. And to our civilian employees, our successes this year could not have been realized without your direct involvement. No matter where you work, your commitment to getting the job done is second to none. Whether Regular Force, Reservist or civilian employee, the work you have done this year has been tremendous and you have demonstrated time and again that we are ready to Help, Lead, Fight. Please take this...

Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — During their Christmas decorating contest, the Naval Fleet School (Pacific) members dressed the school in the holiday spirit this past week. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Anthony Latka, Sailor First Class Charlotte Dennis and Marsha Hurrell, Administrative Assistant to the School’s Commandant, took charge of the festivities and formed a small committee to plan and decorate the school while bringing joy to their Unit. “We quickly planned a meeting to discuss what ideas we each had, and settled on our favourite three that would spread holiday cheer,” Hurrell said. The ideas included a door-decorating contest titled Operation Deck the Halls, ornament-making, and holiday bingo. The committee has put together two gift baskets as prizes; one will be awarded to the holiday bingo winner. All participants of the door-decorating and ornament-making contests will be entered into a draw for the second gift basket. Everyone was welcome to put up an ornament they made for the ‘family tree’ at the School, and the section with the winning door and winning ornament will each win a small prize.

[caption id="attachment_31478" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Ordinary Seaman William Bain, youngest sailor in the fleet, exchanges ranks with Commander Annick Fortin, Commanding Officer of Naval Fleet School (Pacific) in 2019.[/caption] — The holiday season is a special time in an HMC ship or base. Seasonal decorations have been popular for decades and include traditions such as raising an evergreen up a ship’s yardarm or festooning the upper decks with pine boughs and coloured lights. In modern times, there is often a competition to see which ship has the best decorations. The sailors’ Christmas celebrations became a relaxed routine, pranks and frivolity throughout the years. Today, a ship’s company’s holiday celebration includes a tradition where the youngest sailor changes places with the Commanding Officer for the day. They may even exchange tunics in a distant throwback to the ancient Roman custom of exchanging clothes and duties during Saturnalia. The honorary Commanding Officer for the day is often allowed to inspect the ship and issue orders, usually done in a lighthearted way. The celebration is capped by a lavish holiday feast consisting of turkey with all the trimmings, wine, plenty of side dishes, and a helping of duff, traditionally a Christmas pudding. For the sailors, the best part of the dinner is that it is served by the officers, done so as a thank you for the hard work and accomplishments of the previous twelve months. The holiday season can be a quiet moment for HMC ships as there tends to be a scheduled leave period. However, for the ships in the HMC dockyard, there is a tradition that occurs at midnight on New Year’s Eve when the youngest member, sailor or officer is tasked to ring the bell eight times for the outgoing year and eight times for the New Year. Bells ringing...

Rear-Admiral (retired) Ian Mack has been recognized for his unequalled contribution to Canada in the naval ship procurement sphere. Following his retirement from the Navy in 2007, Ian served ten years as the Director-General of Major Projects (Land and Sea) for National Defence. Since leaving the government in 2017, he has shared his international shipbuilding and project management perspectives and has authored numerous papers on related subjects. He made great efforts to set the National Shipbuilding Strategy in place and to promote the application of complex project management principles to naval ship procurement. His leadership and vision have contributed to revitalizing the Canadian shipbuilding industry and implementing the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship and Joint Support Ship projects. With the Canadian Surface Combatant project now well into the project definition phase, Ian’s work has set in motion the renewal of the Royal Canadian Navy for the next half-century.

[caption id="attachment_31464" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Petty Officer Blair Black poses with the precious cargo. Photo: supplied[/caption] Capt Christine MacNeil, HMCS Winnipeg PAO — Up in the fo’c’sle, among the hawsers, the capstan compartment, fenders, paint stores and other nautical items is something unusual. Something rarely found on a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel – a sealed whisky barrel. Full of single malt whisky from a distillery in Vernon, this barrel has been a silent passenger during HMCS Winnipeg’s six-month deployment on Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Operation Projection. This project is the brainchild of Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Blair Black, the Warehouse Supervisor on HMCS Winnipeg. Several years ago, PO2 Black sampled a bottle of Jefferson’s Bourbon called ‘Aged at Sea’. Enjoying the taste and intrigued by the name, he looked into the story behind the name and discovered that Jefferson’s had loaded whiskey barrels onto the ocean research vessel MV Ocearch, and the barrels travelled around the world while the ship’s company conducted research. According to Jefferson’s website, ‘the constant movement of the ocean and extreme temperature fluctuations as the ship traversed the globe completely transformed the whiskey’. Posted ashore at the time, PO2 Black could only think about what a neat idea it would be to have an RCN ship do something similar. As fate would have it, PO2 Black was posted aboard HMCS Winnipeg in 2022, where he floated the idea of aging whisky at sea to the ship’s fund committee. The idea was met with enthusiasm, and the team went to work exploring the possibility and the requirements to make it happen. Lieutenant (Navy) Travis Jensen, the ship’s Logistics Officer, liaised with Fleet Non-Public Funds (NPF) staff, who then verified with Formation Logistics Staff to determine if this was possible within the confines of the...

[caption id="attachment_31455" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Gerald Pash, Acting President of the Rotary Club of Victoria, presents Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson with a citation and honorary membership certificate.[/caption] Gerald Pash, Acting President, Rotary Club of Victoria — Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Joint Task Force Pacific (JTF(P)), was inducted as an honorary member of the 109-year-old Rotary Club of Victoria in a ceremony at the Union Club of B.C. on Nov. 24. “Appointing the Commander is a recognition of the contribution made to the building of this community by Forces personnel since the establishment of the Esquimalt Naval Base and Garrison,” said Gerald Pash, Club Acting President. For several decades, it has been the practice of the Rotary Club of Victoria to have the Lieutenant Governor and the Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific as honorary members. The appointment citation states the following: “For more than 175 years, leaders of the Sovereign’s Maritime forces, the Royal Navy, the Canadian Naval Service, and the Royal Canadian Navy have enhanced the business and social life of Greater Victoria. “Successive Commanders-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Pacific Station, Commanders of the Canadian Maritime Forces Pacific, officers commanding ships afloat and the shore establishment, today known as Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, have led thousands of men and women who have served Canada professionally and simultaneously contributed individually to this city and surrounding municipalities. “In recognition of that legacy, Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, is hereby named an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Victoria and is entitled to all the associated rights and privileges.” In addition to the citation, RAdm Robinson was presented with a membership certificate, lapel badge, and name tag. Following the induction, he spoke to the Club about current operations and the work to renew the fleet by introducing new...

[caption id="attachment_31452" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Petty Officer First Class Meghan Worsnop as she practices her violin on HMCS Montreal. Photo: Corporal Jadin Gaudett
, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician (OJE)[/caption] Capt Trevor Young, Public Affairs Officer, HMCS Montréal — Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Meghan Worsnop finds it easier to play her violin on the frigate than on solid land. Tucked away in a small room clad in metal pipes and endless wiring, PO1 Worsnop has claimed it as one of the only places on Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montréal she could find to play her violin in relative peace. “Dvořák is one of my favorites to play; he travelled the world, you know,” she says. Swaying in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, in a sea state that could turn even the strongest of stomachs, she cites the freedom she has away from the daily tasks of shore life such as commuting, cooking, and cleaning. PO1 Worsnop has served with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for 20 years and three months as a Marine Technician. She first joined after having been laid off from her civilian job. It had never occurred to her to join the military until she saw a job post for a Marine Electrician and gave the number a call. “A grouchy old man answered,” she said, “and he told me ‘you’ll never make it in the Navy!’ So, anyways, I applied in person and got the job right away.” She knew early on she had found her place. She loved the training style as it was more dynamic and interactive than she was used to in civilian jobs. “Serving in the Navy has given me a different perspective. It’s hard to imagine what I would be like otherwise,” she says. PO1 Worsnop loves Canada’s North, which she explored...

[caption id="attachment_31446" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Major (Maj) Patrick Levis. Photo supplied.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Military personnel and civilian employees from CFB Esquimalt took part in a wheelchair basketball lesson and game on Dec. 2 in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The recreational, non-competitive game organizers hoped it would shed light on the barriers facing people living with a disability and create a broader understanding of this pervasive issue. “When able-bodied people first jump into a wheelchair and see how difficult it is to control the ball, let alone play a game of basketball, they may consider how difficult it is to live in a wheelchair every day,” said Major (Maj) Patrick Levis, Military Co-Chair for the MARPAC Defence Advisory Group for Persons With Disabilities (DAGPWD) and the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. The game occurred in the gymnasium at the Naden Athletic Centre, where Maj Levis said everyone had great fun learning a new sport.  “The wheelchair basketball game was intended to be a fun and engaging event,” Maj Levis said. “But, we also hoped it would help educate about both visible and invisible barriers for people with disabilities.” Maj Levis knows first-hand about barriers and adjusting to life in a wheelchair. In 2019, he underwent cancer surgery which left him paralyzed in his right leg and quadriceps. Still, his paralysis hasn’t kept him from being an athlete. In April 2021, he represented Canada at the Invictus Games at The Hague. He competed in wheelchair racing, indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby. He also competed in the Canadian National Rowing Championship and Canadian National Wheelchair Tennis Championship in more recent months. Next spring, Maj Levis hopes to begin the qualification process for the World Para Rowing Championships in Italy and then – the 2024 Paralympic Games. He said the barriers he and other people with disabilities face can include anything physical or technological or result from a policy or...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Hundreds of teddy bears are now available at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) for the comfort of children, thanks to the generosity and kindness of one Victoria resident. Brett Delaney, who operates three seasonal pop-up stores in malls around the Greater Victoria Area, distributed approximately 2,000 teddy bears as part of Calendar Club’s support-a-local-charity initiative. “I can’t think of a better way to support military families,” Delaney said. “I know how difficult their lives can be, including the unpleasant reality of mommies and daddies being away or being constantly on the move.” MFRC is one of many teddy bear destinations: the 53-year-old also donates teddy bears to Victoria General Hospital and the Saanich Police Department. Delaney said that when Calendar Club began their campaign last year, he immediately thought children from military families would be the perfect recipients. He said his relationship with the MFRC is a long-term partnership. “The teddy bears have been so popular with the children and are much-loved,” said Jackie Carlé, Esquimalt MFRC Executive Director. “It is such a lovely gesture and so well-received by our families.” The MFRC distributes the teddy bears at its Children’s Deployment Workshops, ship departures, or to any child in a military family who needs extra comfort. Delaney’s father was an RCMP officer, and his brother, Lieutenant (Navy) Jason Delaney, is a Royal Canadian Navy member based in Ottawa. He spent some of his childhood years in Nova Scotia, living close to CFB Shearwater, and many of his friends were from military families. The father of one said he gets emotional when he sees photos of his teddy bears comforting others. “When I see photos of children from military families holding one of my bears and saying goodbye to mommy or daddy, or participating in a deployment workshop, I get all choked up,” he said. “Teddy bears are a great way to spread some joy.”

Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — The Western Region of the Naval Reserves (NAVRES) held a simulated training scenario of maritime drug interdiction operations for the first time ever. The Small Boat Exercise (SBEX) was held Nov. 19-20 in English Bay outside Vancouver. The exercise scenario followed the work performed in Operation Caribbe, a core operation that NAVRES sailors participate in several times annually in partnership with other nations. “The simulated training scenario provided our sailors with skills and training experiences that lend themselves to one of the flagship operations conducted by the Naval Reserve,” said Lieutenant (Navy) John Foster, NAVRES Western Region Public Affairs Officer. SBEX is a large-scale training exercise held two to four times per fiscal year. It sees sailors from all ranks and trades conduct simultaneous operations coordinated around a central exercise scenario with on and off-the-water components. “The purpose of this exercise was to provide real-life experience-based training and development for our sailors in a safe and secure learning environment, both on land and at sea,” Lt(N) Foster said. The training also enhanced the collaboration between the Navy and Army, as over 100 sailors and Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) members trained alongside the 39 and 41 Canadian Brigades. Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Matthew Luipasco, Recruiter at HMCS Tecumseh and the Exercise Coxswain, said exercises such as these greatly enhance the skills of Canadian sailors. “We can employ members in exciting real-world training while also offering them time to experience the world class city of Vancouver. The work-life balance of events like these are second to none,” he said. PO1 Luipasco said the exercise went well. “We could employ members in their specific occupations in a meaningful, real-world scenario that encompassed different layers of both operational and tactical planning and execution,” he said. The next SBEX will...

[caption id="attachment_31435" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Commander RCN (retired) Peter Chance cuts his birthday cake alongside Commander Mike Stefanson of HMCS Venture. Photo: LCdr Paul Seguna, RCN (retired) NAC-VI.[/caption] Paul Seguna, Naval Association of Canada – Vancouver Island — On Nov. 24, the Naval Association of Canada - Vancouver Island (NAC-VI) branch held its monthly luncheon meeting and celebrated the 102nd birthday of one of its members – Peter Chance, Commander (Cmdr) Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) (Ret’d), whose birthday fell coincidentally on that same day. Peter is a well-known and admired Battle of the Atlantic veteran who actively participates in naval affairs. During the event, Cmdr Mike Stefanson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Venture, addressed the audience on the newly established Naval Officer Training Group. Also during the event Commander RCN (Ret’d) Steve White, NAC-VI Branch President, presented Cmdr Stefanson with a kisbee ring from the previous namesake training organization.

[caption id="attachment_31429" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A Joint Command & Staff Program member experiences what it is like to spray a firehose off of the flag deck. Photo: Sub-Lieutenant Van Herpt.[/caption] Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — HMCS Ottawa conducted a day sail on Dec. 5 as part of the Environmental Learning Week of the Joint Command & Staff Program (JCSP). The program hosts students who will advance into positions where they will make decisions impacting naval units and sailors. JCSP includes a week of Elemental Learning Visits where the students get exposure to a wide range of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) strategic capabilities. The day sail was the Royal Canadian Navy’s contribution to the program, intending to expose the students to the naval environment. “Normally, day sails target a civilian audience, and we really try and maximize the cool factor of what the Navy does,” said Sub-Lieutenant Jonathan Boerger, Bridge Watchkeeper in HMCS Ottawa and Second in Command for the day sail. “However, given that this day sail was targeted to JCSP students who all have a military background, we needed to refine our day sail program to go beyond the ‘cool factor’ and get into the strategic impact that the Halifax-class frigate and the Navy can generate.” HMCS Ottawa hosted 125 JCSP participants: 90 Canadian students, 17 Canadian staff, 12 domestic students, and six international students. International students come from as far as Jordan, Malaysia and Kenya. SLt Boerger said the day was a great success. “For a lot of the guests we embarked, it was actually their first experience at sea; and they all left with smiles at the end of the day,” he said. The ship’s crew conducted tours and static displays alongside, while action station demonstrations such as a maneuvering demo and inbound missile threat were conducted in Constance Bank. Subject Matter Experts stations included opportunities to learn about diving, the Naval Boarding Party (NBP), firefighting, missile decks, foc’sle (FX), and the Bridge and Operations Room. JCSP participants observed...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — Hugs, kisses and heartfelt embraces were abundant on Dec. 5 when HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg returned home to CFB Esquimalt from lengthy deployments. The two Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigates, with a crew of 470 members, departed from Esquimalt on June 14. Their 173-day deployment included participation in Operations Neon and Projection, and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, among others. Hundreds of family members and friends lined A-Jetty with homemade signs and banners, and waved to their loved ones aboard as the ships pulled into Esquimalt Harbour. First alongside in Dockyard was HMCS Winnipeg. Master Sailor (MS) Thomas McDavid, Navy Cook, was also first to cross the ship’s brow and deliver the traditional ceremonial First Kiss of the homecoming. MS McDavid was bestowed with the honour after winning a lottery aboard, which determined who would be the first off the ship to kiss their spouse. MS McDavid’s First Kiss was with his his high-school sweetheart, Colleen McDavid. As they kissed for the first time in nearly six months, a great cheer rose from the crowd gathered on the jetty. “It’s so exciting to be home and it feels a little bit like the honeymoon stage all over again,” said MS McDavid. “It’s so wonderful to not be on a ship and be able to walk wherever I want to go instead of being in one place all the time.” Sailor Second Class (S2) Nathaniel Bourke, HMCS Vancouver’s Naval Combat Information Officer (NCIOP), was selected for his ship’s First Kiss. “It was really a big surprise for me to find out I had been selected for the First Kiss on Dec. 2 as this was also my birthday,” said S2 Bourke. He delivered it to his girlfriend Shelby Cavill and also delighted in the experience with the crowds. Commander (Cdr) Annick Fortin, Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer, said she was equally enthused to be back in Esquimalt and reunited with her husband Nicholas. It was Cdr Fortin’s...

[caption id="attachment_31425" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Winnipeg conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with JSS Izumo off the port side during Operation Projection while sailing in the South China Sea on September 29, 2022.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer— Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) will ramp up its presence in the Indo-Pacific region in 2023. The Honorable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, and Vice-Admiral (V-Adm) Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), announced the RCN would deploy three frigates to the region next year. The Minister and Admiral were on hand at Duntze Head on Dec. 5 to officially welcome HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg home. In a time-held RCN Admiral tradition, the pair saluted the two ships and their crews for a job well done as they sailed into Esquimalt Harbour and passed between the former naval battery and Fisgard Lighthouse. In her comments to media members at Duntze Head, Anand emphasized the importance of the deployment to the region. “We are very proud to have Canadian frigates in the region to participate in [military] exercises and operations with our partners and Allies as our goal in the region is to increase Canada’s presence and contribute to peace and stability,” Anand said. V-Adm Topshee said the announcement of a third annual mission to the Indo-Pacific region is a sign the RCN is ‘shifting the weight of its efforts’ in the region. As part of the shift, V-Adm Topshee said frigates of the Pacific Fleet would only participate in one NATO-led mission next year instead of the usual two. Anand emphasized the importance of maintaining a ‘free, open and inclusive’ Indo-Pacific. Because these are international waters, “there is no justification [for China] to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity,” she continued. The 180-kilometre Strait is part of the...

[caption id="attachment_31383" align="aligncenter" width="595"] As part of the Camber Dive, HMCS Corner Brook confirms the functionality of the systems in a dived state and returns alongside at Ogden Point (above).[/caption] Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — HMCS Corner Brook, one of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submarines, completed the well-anticipated Camber Dive in October. The trial marks a milestone in the next stage of its Tiered Readiness Program. “The dive tests are a major milestone as they mark the completion of all systems’ refit to dive the submarine successfully,” said James Charsley, Project Manager - Submarines from Babcock Canada (Babcock). The trials were held Oct. 18-20 by HMCS Corner Brook’s crew and Babcock, the main contractor for major RCN submarine refits and upgrades. It began with a ‘cold’ move of the Corner Brook to Ogden Point for dived trim and incline trials, followed by the Camber Dive to test its watertight integrity, sonar, and other key systems. “The Camber Dive portion gives the crew the opportunity, in a controlled environment, to do initial testing on an array of systems that can only be tested once the submarine is under water,” said Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Nelson Harvey, National Submarine Search and Rescue (SUBSAR) Coordinator at Canadian Submarine Force (CANSUBFOR) HQ. Some of these systems are but are not limited to, the underwater telephones, escape systems, sonars, submerged signal ejectors, and high-pressure air systems required to surface the submarine. The tests at Ogden Point are the first step in getting the crew and the submarine ready for seagoing operations following the submarine’s extensive refit and upgrades, which began in 2011, CPO2 Harvey said. He said the mountain of work to get the submarine to this point is quite extensive. “Before the Camber Dive, the crew and the submarine undergo a lot of training, culminating in simulated sea time alongside known as a ‘Fast Cruise’. This training runs the crew through exercises such as floods, fire, electrical failures, and casualty extraction,” CPO2...

WO Samuel Breton, Western Detachment Warrant Officer, CFPU — For the last year, the Canadian Forces Postal Unit at CFB Esquimalt has been working with Fleet Mail Office (FMO) Victoria, the Canadian Fleet School (Pacific) and other stakeholders to enhance our service accessibility at CFB Esquimalt. We wanted to streamline deliveries, offer better service hours, and make our service available to a broader group of customers. Major (Maj) Johnston, Canadian Forces Postal Unit’s (CFPU) former Commanding Officer (CO), referred to us Posties as the ‘personal supply chain for soldiers’. This vision played a key role in the review of how we conduct business at the Base. With the support of Maj Weaver, our current CO, and the blessing of the Base Command and Base Chief, we could now deliver significant changes. We focused on providing better support for those we serve. With the transition to Retail Point of Sale (RPOS) 2.0, we relocated our retail office to Naden. We are now in the same building as the accommodations, dining facility and cafe, across the street from the Base Orderly Room and other admin services. Available parking and an adapted lift removed all accessibility challenges we previously faced. We are now meters away from our customers, offering a wide range of Canada Post services, postal box rental and general delivery. Our team also handles morale mail addressed to our deployed sailors, aviators and soldiers. Our office can now serve members of the public, Department of National Defence employees, military members and their families. This change will help us serve the Defence community better as we adapt to the growing popularity of e-commerce.

Mark Nelson — The term close up may refer to a flag hoisted to the full extent of a halyard, with the head of the flag touching the block; e.g., ‘Flag Romeo close up’ indicates a ship is ready to participate in a replenishment at sea (RAS). When a signal flag is not close up, it may be at the dip, meaning it is placed halfway up the flag hoist, indicating an action is about to occur; e.g., ‘Flag Romeo at the dip’ means the ship is preparing for replenishment at sea. The dip can also describe a person who is about to do something. For example, ‘Are you going for a run?’ Response, ‘I’m at the dip’. Close up might also be used as a verb in an order made via a pipe over the ship’s broadcast system or a verbal order, meaning for sailors to proceed to a place of duty, i.e., ‘Cable party, close up!’ Closed up can be used to describe a sailor performing a duty; i.e., ‘Bloggins is closed up on the helm’. The same term is used to describe a sailor who is competent, alert, and professionally deporting themselves; i.e. ‘Since his QL5 course, Bloggins is really closed up’. A similar term is switched on, which can be used to describe someone competent and alert. All about can also be used to describe a clever, snappy, and efficient sailor. Seamanlike is used to positively describe anything befitting a seaman (now referred to as sailor) or indicating competent seamanship, i.e. ‘Bloggins tied the bowline quickly, in a good seamanlike manner’. The United States Navy refers to a closed up sailor as ‘A.J. Squared-away’, a mythical sailor known to be perpetually well-organized. Squared away is a phrase used in most nautical contexts and indicates that a space...

Lt(N) Donald Den, HMCS Malahat PAO — Amongst the many headstones at Royal Oak Burial Park, one lone gravestone stands out in the corner of section O, plot 10. This is the final resting place of Commander (Cdr) Rowland Bourke, Victoria’s sole recipient (and one of only four in the Navy) of the Victoria Cross, the British Commonwealth’s highest military honour awarded to recognize bravery in action. Before all Remembrance Day ceremonies were held on Nov. 11, a small contingent of sailors from HMCS Malahat, Victoria’s Naval Reserve Division, gathered here to pay respects to the fallen war hero and fellow Naval Reservist. “We come here every year to recognize the contribution that Cdr Bourke made, and to honour one of our own,” said Cdr Cameron Miller, Malahat’s Commanding Officer, at the gravesite. “That contribution he made is even more meaningful when you consider he was there in the First World War, and went back again for the Second World War.” Born in England in 1885, Cdr Bourke emigrated to Nelson, B.C, in 1902. When the First World War broke out, he enlisted in the Canadian Forces but was rejected by all three arms of service because of his poor eyesight. Undaunted, Bourke travelled back to England at his own expense and was able to enlist in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, which did not consider his eyesight a concern. During operations in the Zeebrugge Raid in April 1918, Bourke commandeered a small boat to HMS Brilliant, which was under heavy fire, leading the rescue of 38 officers and enlisted men. Bourke was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for this heroism. Then in May, less than two months later, Bourke took command of another motor launch in the same operation following the retreat of HMS Vindictive during the same operation...

[caption id="attachment_31394" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Cody Robertson (centre) discusses risk mitigation measures for an ORCA sail with Lieutenant (Navy) Titus Villegas (far left).[/caption] LCdr James Cantafio, NTD Cdr, NFS(Q) — Naval Fleet School Quebec (NFS(Q)) conducted the latest Coastal Operations Planning (COPS) course on Sept. 19-29, with a focus on effectively applying the Operational Planning Process (OPP) in the naval environment. WHAT IS COPS? COPS is essential for naval officers to conduct and support coastal operations and to plan effectively. It is part of the Naval Training Division (NTD) mandate to deliver operationally-focused and performance-based training. This recent session focused on the first of three courses. WHAT IS COPS I? COPS I applies the effective use of the OPP at the tactical or unit level for mission planning. Although OPP is often used at the strategic and operational level, it is a standard military tool that can be adapted to plan unit-level domestic exercises such as Diving Exercises (DIVEX) and ORCA-class vessel exercises or in response to Operation Lentus. Lieutenant (Navy) Titus Villegas, Course Director and Chief Instructor for COPS, said having COPS I provides potential for future Class A or B Reserve Service employment as a notable bonus. “COPS I exposes candidates to the operational side of our business and the risks we mitigate in order to conduct our operations,” he said. Lt(N) Villegas, a seasoned Reservist Naval Warfare Officer (NWO), said the COPS programme prepares candidates to perform their local function in Training or Operations Officer positions at their respective units. “The course also introduces the candidates to the resources and professional expertise within the Naval Reserve and at NFS(Q), who are more than happy to help them in their exercise planning,” he said. Depending on the time of the year and availability, the number of candidates on...

[caption id="attachment_31396" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photos: Chief Petty Officer Second Class Jean MaCusiselin, Cox’n[/caption] Lt(N)/ Robert Newton, Executive Officer, Naval Security Team — The Naval Security Team (NST) deployed to Halifax, N.S., from Oct. 22 to Nov. 4 to provide waterborne Force Protection for the US Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and NATO Allies from Germany, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands. NST deployed four Defender-class small boats to Halifax with 42 personnel to provide the vessel escort upon arrival and departure and around-the-clock on-water security for the duration of the visit to Halifax. NST primarily comprises Naval Reservists specializing in Harbour Defence and Force Protection roles. However, this deployment saw the integration of 26 brand-new Regular Force members that were awaiting training here in Esquimalt. These new members conducted six weeks of pre-deployment training, after which they obtained the basic NST qualification of Weapons Operator. On completion of pre-deployment training, NST deployed to Halifax to conduct in-area training five days before the arrival of the visiting ships. This training included the establishment of a Controlled Access Zone (CAZ), vessel interception, and Use-of-Force training. Many logistical requirements were needed to carry out the Operation successfully, and it was no easy task. Pre-deployment training with brand new sailors, shipping four boats, equipment, and personnel across Canada, and setting up an Operations Center with accommodations for 42 personnel in Halifax was just the beginning. With the support of Joint Task Force (Atlantic) (JTF(A)), CFB Halifax, Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) Public Affairs, and the hospitality of Naval Reserve Division HMCS Scotian, we were able to complete our mission successfully. As a busy port city, Halifax is called upon by some of the world’s largest shipping lines to connect Canada to more than 150 countries. It is also home to the East Coast fleet (MARLANT) and numerous cruise lines that bring tourists worldwide. That said, during these five days, space had to be made to park the Aircraft Carrier. It is anchored within the harbour...

[caption id="attachment_31406" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lana Fine helped educate the audience in an interactive training seminar held at the Chief and PO’s Mess. Photo: Leslie Eaton, Lookout Staff.[/caption] Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — To educate the Defence and surrounding community on opioid overdose identification, prevention, and treatment, MARPAC Health & Wellness Strategy (MHWS) held a Naloxone Training workshop at CFB Esquimalt as part of the National Addictions Awareness Week, Nov. 21 to 25. The Naloxone Training session was organized by the Addictions-Free Living Working Group of the MHWS and presented by AVI Health & Community Services. “We hope the training helped to facilitate open discussions around the topic of substance use and addictions to decrease the stigma associated with it,” said Andrea Lam, Health Promotion Specialist, PSP and the Health Promotion Representative for the Addictions-Free Living Working Group. During the workshop, more than 60 participants learned about the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how to differentiate between a stimulant and an opioid-induced overdose. Participants also learned how to administer Naloxone, a fast-acting, lifesaving drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose from substances such as fentanyl. Each participant received a Naloxone kit to take home. Lana Fine, a Health Promotion Educator with AVI Health & Community Services, and her team shed light on harm-reduction strategies and the severity of the opioid crisis, including the impact on Vancouver Island. She provided helpful and tangible information on how people can come together to help one another while sharing insight from outreach workers who work directly in the community with those impacted by substance use disorder. Lam said she was pleased with the turnout. “It shows people are making this a priority and are open to learning more and talking about substance use and addiction, and how it impacts our community,” she said. AVI Health & Community Services is a non-profit located on Vancouver Island with a mission to promote health, dignity, and well-being for all people affected by substance...

[caption id="attachment_31404" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailors First Class Kasra Helali and Will Bartlett replace a panel on the horizon bar. Photo: Sergeant Ghislain Cotton.[/caption] Kateryna Bandura, Lookout Editor — Have you ever wondered what kind of tasks the Combat Systems Engineering (CSE) department aboard HMCS Vancouver may perform while deployed? To start, the CSE team is responsible for almost all the equipment that distinguishes a warship from any other ship of similar size. They maintain the radars, weapon systems, sonar, missiles, and military communications equipment. “It’s a very broad range of equipment, which requires a broad range of skill sets,” said Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Riley Monsour, Vancouver’s Combat Systems Engineering Officer. Recently, Vancouver’s CSEs conducted an investigation and disassembly maintenance of satellite communications, held within a dome structure. LCdr Monsour said the overall communication suite has several layers of redundancy to maintain internet connectivity. “If it is lost completely, we are able to use our HF Radio system to communicate via voice and send messages, similar to the pre-internet era,” he said. The dome was recently undergoing repairs due to a leak that caused salt water to get in; LCdr Monsour said even a small amount of salt will result in crystallization and could lead to grinding and could further result in many components needing replacement due to the impact it can have on antenna functions. The technicians took the system apart to identify the extent of the damage and to preserve the components that could be salvaged. During the maintenance, the Weapons Engineering Technicians – Communication Maintainers listen for the sound of grinding and make sure all antenna equipment is dry. If the antenna dome heater has collected condensation, desiccant packs need to be replaced and the breaker has to be reset. “Hopefully, we will never have to do it again,” LCdr...