Latest News

This photograph is believed to have been snapped on Sunday, Aug. 5, 1934, at the commencement of a church parade with the Royal Marine Band of HMCS Norfolk. Pictured here, they are leading members from their own cruiser followed by ratings of HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Skeena to attend a worship and prayer on the grounds of St. Paul’s Naval and Garrison Church on Esquimalt Road. This religious event capped off the British flagship’s successful visit to Victoria in celebrating what turned out to be the inaugural run of Navy Week in Esquimalt leading up the Second World War. This action photo is the last known image of Dockyard’s main gate before its demolition in the late 1930s – it has no known provenance. Challenge: Do you know anything about this picture or the events surrounding it to change any of my strong circumstantial case (detailed above) into a direct evidence case beyond a reasonable doubt? If you have any information on it, email me: gary.restell@shaw.ca ––––

[caption id="attachment_28474" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Left: MCpl Elena Vlassova with her Steel Spirit exhibit at Barrie City Hall. Right: Steel Spirit artist Lee-Ann LeMesurier stands with her artwork on display at Barrie City Hall.[/caption] MCpl Elena Vlassova, an Image Technician with the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre, and Lee-Ann LeMesurier, a full-time reservist, are both members of The Steel Spirit, which showcases artwork by military, first responder, and frontline healthcare workers. Both had their work on display last fall at Barrie City Hall in Ontario. “That made me extremely happy,” says MCpl Vlassova. “It made me inspired to paint more. It gave me the confidence that my art is presentable. I am very grateful for this opportunity to have my life enriched with [these] shows.” Her art is acrylic painting on canvas of mostly old-style architectural buildings, a passion that began during her studies at the Architectural Academy in Russia. She also paints portraits in watercolour. Lee-Ann LeMesurier is a multi-medium artist, working with prints, sculptures, watercolour, and found objects. Her pieces are about self-exploration. “[Art] is definitely a necessity for many of us, whether we like to admit it or not,” she says. She adds, it’s a different experience when art is shared, but having your art displayed is not what defines an artist. For her, art is meant for everyone – all ages and all skill levels – and can be a good way to heal. “I think having an outlet for everybody is important,” she said. “No matter who you are, or what your background, or what you’ve been through, art has a place for you.” The Steel Spirit is a platform for artwork submissions by Military, First Responder, and Hospital Practitioners. They are always looking for new and emerging artists with and without experience, from every background and every age. For more information or if you would like to be involved, please visit: www.thesteelspirit.ca ––––

[caption id="attachment_28473" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by Cpl Laura Landry[/caption] Trident Newspaper –– The PO2 Craig Blake Memorial Fitness Challenge is a short distance “sprint” triathlon held at MacDonald’s Beach near 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, in September.  The event is organized to honour the athletic achievements of avid cyclist and triathlete PO2 Craig Blake, the first Canadian soldier to fall in Afghanistan. The goal of the event is to bring people of all fitness levels together to strive to do their best through friendly competition. With HMCS Fredericton deployed on Operation Reassurance while the 2021 Fitness Challenge took place at home in September, members of the ship expressed interest to Race Director Kevin Miller from Personnel Support Programs (PSP) in supporting the event while at sea. Coordination began immediately, with Sports Officer MCpl Kerri Shultz tasked to come up with a plan to make it happen. It was decided to use a rower, stationary bike, and treadmill on board for the challenge. The 300m swim, 6.5km bike, and 2km run of the PO2 Craig Blake Memorial Fitness Challenge were replaced with a 1000m row, 6.5km bike, and 2km run on the stationary fitness equipment.  A mandatory one minute break was used to ensure transitions were done safely and allow time to adjust the equipment to fit each competitor.  Participants could sign up for the individual category where they would complete all three activities, or in the team category where each member completed one leg of the event in a relay format.  “Overall, we had a great time organizing the event and we were pleased with the turn out. It definitely boosted the morale on board and gave everyone something to train for during the deployment. I loved seeing fresh faces back in the gym and on the cardio equipment,” MCpl...

There will be approximately 3.5 million fewer plastic shopping bags going into landfills across Canada this year thanks to CANEX. Canada’s military store has made the switch to reusable shopping bags as of Jan. 17. This aligns with the federal government’s plan to eliminate plastic waste in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  “This decision is part of our commitment to continue to make CANEX - Canada’s Military Store, a preferred and sustainable destination for members and families of the CAF community,” says Frank Rocchetti, Senior Vice-President, CANEX.  Many municipalities and stores have already eliminated single use plastic bags.  This is the latest step by CANEX in its ongoing green effort. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, CANEX eliminated printed flyers and single use posters in stores.  Several CANEX outlets eliminated plastic bags back in November 2021 in a pilot project. CANEX made two million in-person transactions last year.  Each one averaged almost three single use plastic shopping bags. That saves approximately 21,000 kilograms of plastic ending up in landfills across Canada. CANEX stores will be selling reusable shopping bags to members. These will include Soldier On and Support Our Troops bags.  Fifteen per cent from each bag sold goes directly to those charities. ––––

[caption id="attachment_28471" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by Corporal Lynette Ai Dang[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– HMCS Calgary sailed out of dry dock Jan. 8 following completion of its Intermediate Docking Work Period performed by Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMFCB) Cape Breton. The short work period, part of a five-year Tiered Readiness Program, was necessary to perform required preventative and corrective maintenance and to test the ship’s engineering and combat systems following its return home in August from a lengthy deployment. It entered dry dock Nov. 10, receiving a short-distance tow from C1 Jetty by three Queen’s Harbour Master tugboats. Before draining the dry dock of water, allowing the ship to settle on large blocks on the floor, Fleet Diving Unit Pacific clearance divers inspected the hull for any damage or significant wear and tear. The work performed during the Intermediate Docking Work Period is similar in nature to a car’s routine maintenance inspection at a local garage, but on a much grander and sophisticated scale, says Lt(N) Si Tian, the ship’s Acting Marine Systems Engineering Officer. “This dry docking period is part of a ship’s normal lifetime maintenance cycle and ensures Calgary meets required readiness for operations,” says Lt(N) Tian. “Surveys of the ship’s systems were also performed to prepare the plan for its upcoming extended work period.” Calgary will undergo a more comprehensive refit in 2023. The work The lion’s share of the preventative and corrective maintenance was performed by FMFCB’s production and engineering shops, with assistance from the ship’s company and outside contractors.  The ship’s gas turbines, ancillary and auxiliary systems, and the two main electrical switchboards and its multiple breakers were tested. Repairs were made to some leaking valves, a regulator malfunction in the ship’s freshwater system, and the ship’s diesel generators that supply electricity when at sea....

Every year, the Mental and Social Wellness Working Group of the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy (MHWS) supports Bell Let’s Talk, a campaign that aims to encourage a national conversation about mental health. The goal of this annual event is to help end stigma associated with mental health issues and to support mental health initiatives around the country. On Jan. 26, join the Working Group in supporting Bell Let’s Talk Day by talking, tweeting, posting, and texting about mental health. By doing this, we work towards normalizing these important conversations and reducing the stigma of mental health issues. The theme for this year’s campaign focuses on “continuing to support yourself and others”. It would be an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our daily lives, but it has also highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing our mental health and wellness. Bell Let’s Talk 2022 will continue to focus on taking action while considering the unique circumstances we are still facing, and that now more than ever, mental health matters and every action counts. The MHWS is excited to welcome Tyler Simmonds, Award Winning Canadian Film Director and advocate for mental health, in support of Bell Let’s Talk as part of the MHWS Speaker’s Bureau Series. Tyler will be joining the MHWS on Thursday Jan.  27 from 10 – 11:30 am, PST, via Zoom with the goal of reducing stigma surrounding mental health and normalizing connection and seeking support. –– Mental Health Resources CFB Esquimalt has an abundance of resources that you can access if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues. Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) 250-363-2640 or 1-800-353-3329 Chaplains 250-363-4106 (24hr) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Peer Referral Line: 250-363-7968 24 hour line: 1-800-268-7708 Member Assistance Program (MAP) 24 hour line: 1-800-268-7708 CF...

[caption id="attachment_28469" align="alignnone" width="595"] An HMCS Winnipeg sailor pins a medal on his child.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– An Alberta grandfather of eight grandchildren, three of which have parents serving in the navy, believes children of deployed sailors deserve a medal for their service and sacrifice. Medals For Children is an initiative launched by Earl Phillips, with the idea germinating after a family deployment update call with HMCS Calgary last spring. Someone asked about medals for children, an idea he liked, which prompted him to provide miniature medals to the crew. When HMCS Winnipeg sailed, Phillips saw the opportunity to provide medals to them as well, and immediately contacted the ship to measure interest. The reaction was favourable.  So, when HMCS Winnipeg returned from its deployment in the Indo-Pacific region on Dec. 16, 2021, a box of 120 shiny blue and bronze medals were waiting on the ship’s main deck to be distributed.  The medals acknowledge the patience, heroism, and bravery of HMCS Winnipeg crew members’ children during their four-month deployment, he says. Phillips designed and ordered the medals from an online distributor in B.C. at a cost of approximately $12 each. He used his own money and that of two corporate donors in his home town to pay the bill. Both sides of the medal are coloured in blue and bronze. The front features a child’s hand reaching toward the hand of an adult; the reverse features the name of the ship – HMCS Winnipeg, and the dates of its deployment. It also includes a red and white ribbon. He then worked with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Esquimalt to hand out the medals at Winnipeg’s homecoming. “Children of deployed sailors are also making a commitment and sacrifice for the security of our nation by being separated...

[caption id="attachment_28468" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The crew line the deck as HMCS Montreal sails away on deployment.[/caption] Ryan Melanson Trident Newspaper –– The Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic Fleet has begun its first deployment of the New Year, with HMCS Montreal departing Halifax Jan.19 to join NATO colleagues in Northern Europe as part of Operation Reassurance. As has become the norm due to the pandemic, ship and crew, along with the embarked CH-148 Cyclone Helicopter Air Detachment, slipped away quietly without a large gathering at the jetty, having said goodbye to their families days earlier before beginning a hotel quarantine to reduce the risk of COVID-19 cases. But despite these  not ideal conditions, and the extra stress brought on by the worsening pandemic, Montreal’s Commanding Officer said he’s impressed by the high spirits among his ship’s company, who have all been looking forward to completing the isolation and testing requirements and getting down to business. “The crew is ready to go and all of us want to get on with it. There’s been so much preparation leading up to this point, and now the crew is eager to get going out the door and get this mission started,” said Commander Chris Devita. The majority of the team came together on board Montreal last August, and have since been working nonstop, bringing a ship that hasn’t sailed in more than two years up to the required readiness levels. “We started as a group of individuals, and now we are truly a cohesive ship’s company. I’ve never been more proud - these folks have dug deeper, found success where it wasn’t always expected, and they’ve shown a great positive attitude all along.” Another round of COVID-19 testing followed after the ship after it left its homeport, and despite the rise in cases attributed to...

DND –– Looking for a fresh opportunity to enhance your career and grow your repertoire of professional skill sets?  Become a Conduct After Capture Instructor. March 11 is the application deadline. Why become a Conduct After Capture Instructor? As a Conduct After Capture Instructor, you will develop a unique set of skills that will benefit the Canadian Armed Forces and help you gain professional development opportunities. You will be part of a unique, small team environment conducting resistance and resilience training. While COVID-19 restrictions may impact the ability of the training centre to conduct activities as planned, at this time all potential instructor candidates will undergo selection and screening in April. This is to ensure that only those with suitable abilities will move on to the instructor course in the fall. What can candidates who are selected for the instructor course expect? The Conduct After Capture Level C course is one week. Candidates will conduct practical conduct after capture training. The screening process is open to minimum ranks of Cpl/S1 (for non-commissioned members (NCMs)), or Lt/SLt (for officers). All candidates must be occupationally-qualified, and NCM candidates must have successfully completed their Primary Leadership Qualification course. The Conduct After Capture Training Centre will hold virtual recruiting sessions on Jan. 20 and 27 at the following times: French at 1000 hrs (EST) English at 1100 hrs and 1400 hrs (EST) To register, CAF members must send an email expressing their interest to Conduct After Capture  Recruiting: ++CAC.Recruiting-Recrutement.DPD@CDA-ACD@Kingston (DWAN access required) or CAC.Recruiting@forces.gc.ca. The training centre will send instructions on how to join a briefing using the WebEx Meet mobile app. Visit the CAC TC intranet site (Accessible only on the National Defence network) for more information about eligibility criteria, forms and important dates, and please refer to CANFORGEN 133/21. To submit an application or for any questions contact: ++CAC.Recruiting-Recrutement.DPD@CDA-ACD@Kingston (DWAN access required) or CAC.Recruiting@forces.gc.ca. ––––

DND –– Look no further! General Wayne Eyre and Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire have launched their new virtual Coffee Talk series. These hour-long, informal sessions provide a small group of Defence Team members (up to 15 per session) an opportunity to share a virtual coffee with the CDS and CAF CWO and to discuss issues, both big and small. The Coffee Talk series offers participants a forum to highlight issues, propose solutions, and learn about the CAF Command Team’s goals and priorities in a relaxed, psychologically-safe environment. These sessions also provide the CDS and CAF CWO with perspectives from a wide range of voices within the Defence Team and will help nuance their understanding of the issues that are top-of-mind for military and civilian members. The sessions will operate under Chatham House Rules to enable the free exchange of ideas. The first Coffee Talk will take place in a virtual format via MS Teams on Monday Feb. 7 and Defence Team members are invited to participate. To attend, send your name, your organization, what it is you do, and any other information about yourself you would like to share to: +Internal Communications internes@ADM(PA)@Ottawa-Hull no later than Tuesday Feb. 1. ––––

DND –– Available to all civilian employees and military members, this informative and attractive electronic calendar is a highly visible reminder of hundreds of multicultural and religious holidays, festivals, and observances occurring throughout the year, nationally and internationally. Learn about the different holidays and special events celebrated or commemorated in the many cultures across the globe, as well as here in Canada. Simply scroll over a date for a short description of the commemoration. Special diversity and inclusion commemorative events at National Defence are also included in the calendar. Download the calendar into your Outlook, as a PDF or bookmark it and consult it throughout the year. https://www.multiculturalcalendar.com/ecal/main.php?lang=en&s=ste-DND&year=2022&id=3 ––

Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– It was big, bright, and chalked full of lights. A giant 18-wheeler transport truck from Base Transport’s Special Purpose Vehicles section helped light up the holidays for area children and families attending three different holiday parades in Victoria. The float appeared in the 39th Peninsula Co-Op Santa Lights Parade on Nov. 27, IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive, Dec. 4, and the Esquimalt Light Parade on Dec. 5. Christopher Shipway, Special Purpose Vehicles Supervisor of the Transport Electrical and Mechanical Engineering unit, says creating a float for holiday parades has become an annual tradition for his unit. Over the years, thousands of Christmas light strings have been amassed. “Yes, there is room for more lights,” says Shipway. “Best guess is there are currently around 70,000 lights in our possession, depending on how you count them.” Putting the float together is no easy task. Shipway says it took approximately 1,100 volunteer hours by several staff members and their families and friends to get the job done.  The wooden structure used to display the lights was created with assistance from Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton tool cribs, shops, and shipwrights. The effort also received support from Real Property Operations Pacific and Special Events coordinator Christine Farrington. After the Christmas break there was the less-enjoyable task of removing the lights, carefully storing them for next year, and then tearing down the wooden display, which took a week for volunteers to accomplish, says Shipway. ––––

[caption id="attachment_28453" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Fredericton arrives home in Halifax on Dec. 18 after an Operation Reassurance deployment. Photo by Cpl Cheryl Clark[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper –– After a five-month deployment on Operation Reassurance serving as the flagship to Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), HMCS Fredericton returned to Halifax on Dec. 18. While its primary role was as the SNMG1 flagship, Fredericton also kept busy with maritime security patrols and multinational exercises as part of Operation Reassurance, in support of NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. In September, Fredericton took part in Dynamic Mariner 21-2, a multinational exercise held off the north coast of Scotland. “Fredericton acted as a multi-role point defence platform, participating in myriad simulated combat scenarios while at sea,” said Commander Drew Graham, the ship’s Commanding Officer. “The main value of these exercises is to provide sailors with the experience they need against real fighter aircraft and submarines, which they can bring home and spread throughout the fleet. The sailors learned how to cooperate with other navies and their sailors, creating organizational knowledge that is not soon forgotten,” he says. Other activities during Fredericton’s deployment included the Flag Officer Sea Training program off the southern coast of England and Passing Exercise training with various Baltic States. Due to a fire on board ship on Nov. 18, Fredericton had to pull out of Flotex Silver, the Royal Norwegian Navy’s exercise off the coast of Norway. “The crew fought the fire in accordance with their training, and fortunately no one was injured. It was in a tough place to fight a fire and we were in some rough weather, so the task of fighting that fire was challenging. The crew performed extremely well,” said Cdr Graham. Damage from the fire consisted mainly of...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is looking for stories and art from Victoria’s military community for its upcoming Queer at Sea exhibit. Queer at Sea: Tales from the 2SLGBTQ+ Community will open May 17 at the museum’s new Douglas Street location and runs through the summer. The goal is to showcase the stories and artwork of 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people from CFB Esquimalt and beyond, says Brittany Vis, Maritime Museum of B.C. Executive Director. “It is important that navy 2SLGBTQ+ people are represented so their contributions can be acknowledged and celebrated.” She adds much work remains in the military and throughout society to eliminate discrimination. The exhibit will showcase historical accounts of discrimination and intolerance against 2SLGBTQ+ people in the military. She points to archival records from 1920 of the discharge of a Boy Seaman for engaging in sex with fellow male crew members. He was declared unfit for service because of “mental deficiency.” Vis notes there is also the infamous story of the murder of Aaron Jenkins in 1958 by his same-sex lover Leo Mantha. “While these stories are difficult, we do plan to discuss them in the exhibit and share this history of our navy,” says Vis. “To counteract these difficult stories from the past, we would also love to feature stories from today to demonstrate how times have changed, and also to illustrate why further work still needs to happen.” Share your story or art Vis encourages military and civilian employees at the base to share their experiences of what it is like to work for navy and Department of National Defence and to consider any photos or objects that might help tell their story. Stories can be shared in several ways including: a written...

[caption id="attachment_27487" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant Junior Grade Kyle Luchau, a United States Navy sailor on exchange with HMCS Harry DeWolf, at work on the ship’s bridge.[/caption] Royal Canadian Navy –– When HMCS Harry DeWolf finished its historic circumnavigation of North America on Dec. 16, 2021, one member of the crew headed home with a duffle bag full of memories and one-of-a-kind experiences. United States Navy sailor Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Kyle Luchau joined the ship in mid-August, although his journey began many months earlier when he applied for the inter-navy exchange “on a whim.” “I heard about the chance to travel through the Arctic, and without hesitation I put my name forward,” says LTJG Luchau, noting that he didn’t have high hopes of being selected. “Then one day I was requested in my Executive Officer’s cabin where I saw he was on the phone. He asked me one question: ‘Do you have a valid passport?’” Soon after, LTJG Luchau was on his way to Ottawa for a quarantine period, then travelled to Iqaluit, Nunavut, to meet the ship. In addition to strengthening working relationships between the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy, sailors such as LTJG Luchau who are selected for the exchange program become familiar with the other nation’s operating systems and standard operating procedures. During his time on board, LTJG Luchau worked to master the systems of the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, and participated in both Operations Nanook (the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature northern exercise) and Caribbe (Canada’s participation in U.S.-led counter-narcotics operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean) as part of the ship’s company. He took up duties expected of a naval warfare officer: standing watches, attending briefs and lectures, studying, and aiding the Defence Research and Development Canada’s scientists launch a new...

[caption id="attachment_27484" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Civilian contractors and crew members conduct ice operations alongside HMCS Harry Dewolf during Cold Weather Trials near Frobisher Bay on Feb 20. Photo by Corporal David Veldman, Canadian Armed Forces Photo[/caption] Master Sailor River Leggat HMCS Harry DeWolf –– Sailing as a profession is a paradoxical career. On one hand we all love to travel, but on the other hand we all can’t wait to get home. Sailing the circumnavigation of North America in HMCS Harry DeWolf was a wholly different experience - thrilling and unique with vast views. As a Naval Communicator, more specifically the Information Systems Administrator, I am the one that either steals your bandwidth or resets your passwords. I’ve been with the ship since the shore office was barely assembled with a handful of folks, through to breaking ice for the first time and now through spinning a yarn around North America. Circumnavigation was our watchword throughout the beginning of the shore office days, and all eyes were fixed on it. Going through the north was an amazing experience. The scenery and raw nature around us as we sailed from hamlet to hamlet was awe-inspiring. The sights of fleeting glaciers and wildlife such as walruses and polar bears were frequent reminders of our changing world and how nature tries its best to adapt to it. We visited Beechey Island and saw the final resting place of a handful of sailors from the Franklin Expedition. Their graves stood in mute testament to the severities of sailing through dangerous waters. We even had a close encounter with a polar bear, with whom we had a quiet (and somewhat rushed) farewell, before we respected their space and made our way back down the mountain to safety. We visited many hamlets and heard the residents’ stories,...

DND –– On Nov. 21, 2021, DND announced an effort to improve conditions for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who require specifically designed maternity or nursing clothing. These new changes allow pregnant and nursing CAF members to be reimbursed for the purchase of clothing that is designed to fit their needs. Previously, some pregnant and nursing CAF members used larger men’s sized shirts to accommodate their needs. Or they wore maternity clothing at their own expense. This approach was inadequate and is now being addressed through this reimbursement direction. This change aims to ensure that members who are nursing and/or are pregnant are accorded the respect and accommodation they deserve as they continue to fulfil their work obligations. Expecting Regular and Reserve Force members* will be provided maternity t-shirt funding assistance. The funding assistance for maternity t-shirts is to be provided to each entitled member two times during a pregnancy, for a total reimbursement of $250. Regular and Reserve Force members* who have returned to work and are continuing to nurse will be provided with the nursing t-shirt funding assistance. The funding assistance for nursing shirts will be up to $165 within a fiscal year. Members can now file their claims with their designated units, provided they have the receipts as their proof of purchase. No physical inspection of the items will be conducted at any time. Clothing must be in the environmental colours, or in black, neutral, or white. *Regular and Reserve Force members who have completed basic training are entitled under the policy to receive reimbursements. ––––

[caption id="attachment_28443" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo credit: nationalww2museum.org / German Federal Archives[/caption] Guy Black Recipient, Medal of Civil Merit (Republic of Korea) –– This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid in 1942, when the allies tested the enemy with an amphibious landing on the French coast. Almost 5,000 Canadian soldiers took part in Operation Jubilee, and only 2,200 made it back.  The Normandy battle in 1944 saw the lessons learned from Dieppe put to good use, but Canadian war dead tallied over 5,000. The Korean War followed five years after the end the Second World War. Today, it is seldom remembered but the valor of our Canadian veterans shines brightly with the people of South Korea who have not forgotten the 516 Canadian service men who died defending their country. The Government of France and the Republic of Korea would like to thank Canadian veterans for liberating their countries. The National Order of the Legion of Honour and Ambassador for Peace Medals are available to eligible veterans. If you are a Second World War veteran who participated in the campaign to liberate France from D-day June 6, 1944, to the end of August 1944, or Dieppe in 1942, you may be eligible for France’s highest award. The Korean government is looking for Korean War veterans who participated in the Korean War, 1950 to 1953 or the peacekeeping phase that lasted until the end of 1955. Korea’s Ambassador for Peace Medal may be awarded posthumously unlike the Legion of Honour. Please contact me for further information or assistance in applying for these two important medals. There is no cost involved. I am an unofficial volunteer who has helped more than 800 veterans receive these awards. Send an email to Korea19501953@Yahoo.com and use the subject “Veteran” or send a letter...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Members of the Soldier On program hit all the right notes on their road to recovery. Before the holiday break, 10 Soldier On members connected on Zoom for eight weeks of virtual guitar lessons with Michael Dias. Dias is a performer with the Victoria Guitar Trio and an instructor at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Virtual guitar lessons created a safe space for members to learn the fundamentals of reading music and playing the guitar within COVID-19 public health parameters, says Nicole Wray, Regional Coordinator B.C. Soldier On. “Virtual music lessons also offered a way for members to stay connected and enjoy an activity that promotes wellbeing,” adds Wray. A guitar was mailed to each member free of charge and was theirs to keep after the lessons concluded. There were varying levels of musical experience, with some never picking up an instrument before. “I like to help people see that being creative with music is something anyone can do,” says Dias. “The guitar is a good one because it is so portable, versatile, and featured so heavily in a lot of great music, from classical, rock, to folk music.” Members were given an introduction to strumming chords so they could play 12-bar blues. “Learning to play a guitar riff that you have heard all of your life from your favourite band is fun,” he says. “It also serves to demystify the creative process, resulting in a feeling of inclusion and a sense of: Wow, anyone can do this with a little practice.” Guitar lessons were perfect medicine for retired army Corporal Theresa Boucher, who suffered from depression before the course. The Vancouver resident used to play piano, flute, organ, and accordion prior to her trauma injuries. She had never played guitar but says she was eager to learn. “This course was just what I needed to pull me out of that depression. I was able to connect with other veterans...

[caption id="attachment_27465" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S2 Andree-Anne Dion-Tessier and Cpl Tyler Doyle shared the Sailor of the Quarter award.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Two junior members of HMCS Winnipeg are co-recipients of Canadian Fleet Pacific’s Sailor of the Quarter Award. Cpl Tyler Doyle, an aviator, and S2 Andree-Anne Dion-Tessier were recognized with the award designated for junior sailors in the final quarter of 2021. They were presented their commendations in late November while their ship was nearing the end of a four-month deployment in the Asia-Pacific region for Operations Neon and Projection. Both winners said the award came as a complete surprise. The two were told to report to Commanding Officer Cdr Doug Layton’s cabin in the early morning but had no inkling what was in store. “I was half awake when there was a knock on my door. I had to find clean clothes in the dark and then wondered what I had done wrong to be called into the CO’s cabin,” says S2 Dion-Tessier. “I ran to his cabin but then saw Cpl Tyler Doyle there and my Coxswain and the CO and they told me they had an important call for me.” Both recipients were surprised to see the ship’s entire chain of command in attendance. When the presentation ceremony began they were greeted by Commodore Dave Mazur, Commander CANFLTPAC, and CPO1 Arvid Lee, Fleet Chief, who were dialled in via telephone. S2 Dion-Tessier, 31, works aboard Winnipeg as a Boatswain. She is originally from Saint-Raymond, QC, and previously worked as a cook before joining the navy three years ago. She believes her high-energy and friendliness helped gain recognition for Sailor of the Quarter honours. “Most of the time I’m happy, smiling, helping others,” she says. “I am also a hard worker, like to get things done,...

[caption id="attachment_27433" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S3 Lorraine Cléroux serves up a dish. Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services/HMCS Winnipeg[/caption]S3 Lorraine ClérouxHMCS Winnipeg––I joined the Royal Canadian Navy for several reasons. Taking up a career challenge I had in my youth, which is to serve my country, and my passion for everything that happens on and in the water. Also, to experience the culture of unfamiliar countries and the benefit of long-term financial security.I chose the job of steward because it intertwines many of my previous jobs such as restaurant and hotel services, school bus driver, and first responder.In the Canadian Armed Forces, the job of steward can be performed on board submarines or ships (all types) and on board airplanes. On military bases we work in accommodations and as drivers for higher ranking officers.Aboard a frigate such as HMCS Winnipeg, where I am currently posted, the job includes tasks for various departments, such as food, finance, first aid and, of course, being a sailor, first and foremost.A Steward is part of the Logistics department. We take care of the inventory and supplying the various messes with soft drinks, alcohol, sweets, ship’s paraphernalia and other items. The accounting is done by the supervisor of the canteen, and that person works alongside other members of the Logistics department.In terms of food, we serve meals to the Officers, due to the configuration of the dining rooms. At events or just for fun, a carved fruit may appear in the middle of the table. I can confirm that food sculpture is a skill that requires a lot of practice and tape (depending on the sea state). Being a mom helps me plan the preparation of the “touski”, a French expression for “tout-ce-qui-reste”, or all that remains of leftovers from the morning or...

[caption id="attachment_28434" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HCapt(N) Jeanette Southwood at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton with Cmdre Carosielli.[/caption] Ashley Evans FMFCB/CS –– Jeanette Southwood was inducted as Honorary Captain (Navy) for Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott in April. She is the first Honorary Captain affiliated with the naval engineering community. In her civilian life she is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships for Engineers Canada, the national organization that represents the 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulators that license the more than 300,000 members of the engineering profession in Canada. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has streamlined many of her duties, she has been busy immersing herself in the complex world of naval engineering. Her Honorary Captain activities began at the beginning of the year with orientation sessions led by LCdr Melissa Desjardins, MARPAC Senior Staff Officer Strategic Outreach (Western Canada). From there she participated in meetings with the Naval Engineering Council led by Cmdre Lou Carosielli and Naval Technical Officers, and presented her experiences as a woman engineer to the Women Naval Technical Officers in a session led by Capt(N) Seana Routledge. During her visit to CFB Esquimalt in November, HCapt(N) Southwood toured HMC Ships Nanaimo and Vancouver to learn about the work of the engineering teams on each ship. She visited Victoria Shipyards to look at a Halifax-class frigate in the process of modernization and a submarine in the drydock. During her visit to FMF Cape Breton production floor and the Engineering department, she was given a warm welcome by Capt(N) Sebastien Richard and his colleagues. Her tour continued at in Work Point to visit the construction of iNExTT modular centre and the Damage Control Training Facility in Colwood. She also met the Naval Engineering Council and participated in the Naval Technical Officers seminar.  “I have learned a...

Valerie BraunschweigSubmariners Association of Canada West, Saocwest.ca––CPO2 Jason Thompson - Marine Electrician, Coxswain, HMCS Windsor––What motivated you to join the Royal Canadian Navy and in particular you’re chosen trade?I joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as an electrician due to the fact I was taking a residential electrical course at Nova Scotia Community College and decided it would be more beneficial to have the navy pay for my training than myself. When did you join the Navy?I joined the RCN in January 1997.                                            What submarines have you served in?I have sailed in HMCS Ojibwa, HMCS Onondaga, HMCS Windsor, HMCS Corner Brook, and have worked on board all of the above vessels as well as HMCS Okanagan and HMCS Victoria.What bases have you served at?Being in the Navy I have served on both coasts during my career - CFB Halifax and CFB Esquimalt. Describe your present role and duties as Coxswain of HMCS Windsor. My duties and responsibilities as part of the command team are the crew, training, and discipline. As well, I am responsible for the readiness and material state of the submarine escape stores and equipment on board.  What prepared you for this position?I feel it is having a good relationship with the coxswains who came before me, seeing how they operated, and asking questions of them to get a better understanding of why they were doing things a certain way. I leaned on their job experience, which I now hope junior members can do with me.What is your favorite part of the job? That would have to be dealing with the crew. I enjoy interacting with the other departments. Originally, as an electrician I would spend the majority...

[caption id="attachment_27427" align="aligncenter" width="595"] "It’s the expression of joy on the faces of the hospital staff at the Pediatric Ward when we deliver the toys. Realizing our efforts have brightened people’s lives who need it the most is so cool.” – MS Russell Blackburn, organizer of the Dave Barber Golf Tournament[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Dave Barber Golf Tournament has scored another hole-in-one for the children’s ward at Victoria General Hospital. The annual charitable event organized by HMCS Regina is in its 22nd year. Members of the ship’s company delivered a large cache of toys and gift cards on Nov. 24 to benefit young patients in the hospital’s Child Life Department. The tournament is named in memory of MS Dave Barber, a Fire Control Radar Technician who worked on board Regina before dying of leukemia in 1997. This year’s nine-hole golf tournament raised $3,500 from the $60 player registration fees, private donations, and a healthy dose of assistance from the ship’s charitable fund, says tournament organizer, MS Russell Blackburn. The golf tournament was held Sept. 23 at the Metchosin Golf Club and approximately 50 golfers took part. “MS Barber loved golf, helping children in need and donating money to local charities. He made a tremendous impact on all the people he touched,” says MS Blackburn. “Since he thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf, it seemed fitting to conduct an annual tournament to keep his memory alive.” The tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but MS Blackburn and supporters were still able to make a smaller-sized donation to the hospital. “It’s the expression of joy on the faces of the hospital staff at the Pediatric Ward when we deliver the toys,” he says of the toy delivery. “Realizing our efforts have brightened people’s lives who need it the most is...

Valued Defence Team members, The holiday season is upon us and we hope it finds you filled with cheer and celebration, generosity and joy. It has been another difficult, unusual year as we continued to grapple with a pandemic that has touched every part of our lives and every corner of the globe. Together we have faced many challenges, both personal and professional, and we know weathering these storms has not been easy for many. Your resiliency and dedication as members of the Defence Team of CFB Esquimalt amaze and inspire us. They are among the many reasons why it is an honour to serve you as Base Commander and Base Chief Petty Officer. We see how hard all of you work every day to keep the Base running and we deeply appreciate it. Your efforts not only helped us fulfil our motto of ‘Support for All’ but directly contributed to aiding the Fleet in efforts ranging from HMCS Calgary’s deployment on Operations Projection and Artemis; HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon who deployed in support of Operation Caribbe; and HMCS Winnipeg, returning home later this week after deploying on Operations Neon and Projection. Your hard work also enabled the Base to support Operation Lentus as teams aided in forest fire and flood responses right here at home and across the Province. We would also like to particularly acknowledge our teammates who maintained the Base’s core functions in-person throughout 2021 and during the holiday season including: the doctors, nurses, and staff of Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific); the Commissionaires; Military Police Unit (Esquimalt); the Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch, Base Foods staff; and everyone else who performs those vital duties that allowed the Base to deliver critical support to the RCN and JTFP. Thank you, your contributions do not...

Shipmates across the MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team, the Formation Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Tim Blonde, and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. As 2021 draws to a close, we look forward to spending some quality time with friends and family as we’ve all earned a bit of a break. It is also an opportune moment to look back with pride at our accomplishments over the past year.There is no doubt that COVID-19 continues to impact our daily routines at work and at home. However, we have adapted and our operational successes reflect the tenacity and determination to succeed despite the ongoing challenges.Chief Blonde and I are very proud of the way the MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team continues to adapt our work environments to remain safe and effective in delivering operational effectiveness for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Armed Forces.As always, we deployed ships and personnel to meet the objectives of the Government of Canada: HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon on Operation Caribbe to conduct counter-narcotics operations, HMCS Calgary on Operation Artemis to interdict drug trafficking that supports terrorist networks, and HMCS Winnipeg on Operations Projection/Neon to support United Nations Security Council Sanctions and demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to rules based international order. During these deployments, our ships participated in operations and exercises, but more importantly forged strong bonds with partner nations and allies around the globe. Notably, we also welcomed the RCN’s newest Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS Harry DeWolf, in October as it circumnavigated North America.At home, we have also made a difference in everything from rescues at sea to assisting the province and our fellow citizens of B.C. through wildfires and floods. As we start planning for the challenges that lie ahead for next year, we acknowledge our friends, families, and loved ones...

[caption id="attachment_27415" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadian) Regiment based in Edmonton, Alberta, fill sandbags in support of Operation Lentus to help the local community in Princeton, B.C. on Nov. 25. Photo by MCpl Nicolas Alonso, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces photo[/caption]2Lt Vatsal ShahMARPAC Public Affairs––It has been nearly a month since Operation Lentus 21-06 began helping British Columbians following an atmospheric river that brought an unprecedented amount of rainfall and flooding.The military is preparing to wind down the operation now that the atmospheric river has come and gone.   The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were officially called in Nov. 17 - initiated by Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP) to deploy Land and Air Task Forces with units from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. This is not the first time JTFP has responded to a crisis in British Columbia. It’s not even the first time this year. Op Lentus 21-03 was the military’s response to B.C. wildfires in the summer.Even before Op Lentus 21-06 stood up, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron members, using Cormorant helicopters, responded to a request to evacuate motorists stranded on Highway 7 between Hope and Agassiz. Mudslides had closed the roadway on both ends. By the end of Nov. 15, 300 people, 26 dogs, and one cat had been evacuated.Forces assigned from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) from Edmonton, and 430e Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères from Valcartier, began moving into B.C. on Nov. 17 to assist with flood relief efforts. A large contingent was deployed to Abbotsford, an area hit quite hard, and the surrounding areas. They also worked throughout B.C.’s interior and on Vancouver Island. Working around the clock, military members sandbagged critical infrastructure, conducted rapid damage assessments, cleared culverts, evacuated livestock, and moved critical...

HMCS Winnipeg conducts a resupply at sea with Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tidespring on Sept. 3. during Operation Projection. Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– There will be heartfelt embraces, hugs, and maybe some kisses under the mistletoe as HMCS Winnipeg returns to Dockyard later this week. Warship and crew of 257 are scheduled to arrive at Dockyard’s C2 Jetty on the morning of Dec. 16. Their arrival will mark the conclusion of a four-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region where they participated in Operations Neon and Projection. This Christmas-themed homecoming event is being organized by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. It includes Christmas music, candy canes, and many other festive surprises. Lisa Church, MFRC Esquimalt Community Engagement Manager, says the MFRC team always look forward to homecoming day to celebrate alongside military families. The event will be live streamed on the RCN and HMCS Winnipeg Facebook pages.  Only HMCS Winnipeg’s friends and family members that are part of special access list for the event are permitted to attend in person, along with members of the Defence Team. ––––

Philippe Dauphin, Director General of CanmetMATERIALS, holds a piece of steel ingot from the USS Arizona. Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Natural Resource Canada’s CanmetMATERIALS’ pilot-scale rolling mill was pressed into action Dec. 7 for an extraordinary task: to help complete the last run of the USS Arizona Medal of Freedom for the Lauren F. Bruner USS Arizona Memorial Foundation. At precisely at 8:05 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time the machine was switched on. The time and day were purposeful as it marked the precise moment 80 years ago when a single armor-piercing bomb hit at the heart of USS Arizona. It blew up its munitions magazine and fuel tanks, sinking the U.S. Navy Battleship and killing 1,177 of its 1,512 crew members. Eight USS Arizona crew members were Canadians with only one surviving.  “While the main focus of our lab is to develop solutions for Canadian industry, it is also important to take stock of historic events that happened before us,” says Philippe Dauphin, CMAT Director General. “The people who work in our laboratory are excited to have a connection to this horrific but important moment in history.” CMAT is dedicated to the fabricating, processing, and evaluating of metals and materials. It’s scientific and technical staff at locations in Hamilton, and a satellite lab in Calgary, find answers and solutions for Canadian industry in the energy, transportation, and metal-manufacturing sectors. Creating the medals The Pilot Scale Rolling Mill is unique, says Dauphin, because it can accommodate testing of various metals in small sized runs and can be configured to roll hot steel at temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. The metal ingots the mill is producing for the USS Arizona commemorative medals are steel salvaged from the ship’s superstructure after the attack. Thermo mechanical processing uses several different hot and cold rolling steps to make the medals. USS Arizona metal ingots will be heated in an oven to its maximum temperature, then taken from the oven and rolled on its...

Lt(N) Seán Place Canadian Submarine Force –– From Nov. 8 to 13, the Marina de Guerra del Perú (the Peruvian Navy) hosted the 8th International Symposium of the New Generation of Naval Officers of the Navies of the Americas. It is an annual conference of junior officers from across the American continent that provides an opportunity to establish contacts in other navies and learn from one another’s experiences. Lieutenant(Navy) Kevin Perron of HMCS D’Iberville and I had the honour of representing the Royal Canadian Navy during this exchange, which we shared with officers from the navies of Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay. The theme of this year’s iteration of the symposium was “Lessons Learned by the Navy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Lt(N) Perron and I conducted a joint presentation on two subjects. As the Training Officer of D’Iberville, he discussed the effectiveness of pivoting to Team- and Zoom-based training within his unit. I presented a retrospective on how the pandemic had increased submarine crew’s time away from home and how rapid antigen testing and, more importantly, mass vaccination has allowed the easing of pre-embarkation protocols. However, some of the lessons learned presented by our colleagues were sobering reminders of the devastation wrought in many countries in the early stages of the pandemic. The naval forces of some co-participants undertook grim tasks such as transportation and storage of people who had succumbed to COVID-19 during the strictest lockdowns in their countries, when mortuary or funeral services were completely unavailable. It was with the greatest humility that we listened and learned from our fellow naval officers whose lessons from the pandemic made ours seem trifling by comparison. Nevertheless, we had many enjoyable and thought-provoking experiences during the weeklong conference, including spending two...