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[caption id="attachment_27220" align="aligncenter" width="595"] John Schut displays his latest hat acquisition – the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Retired construction worker John Schut has a unique hobby.The 61-year-old who lives in suburban Vancouver collects warship baseball hats from around the world. He has 457, with the last hat arriving in the mail a few weeks ago.“Before the package arrived I was eagerly checking my mailbox. I had even been looking at my mailman a few times to make sure he wasn’t wearing it.”The latest hat, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays, was sent to him by Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Public Affairs.He was expecting an HMCS DeWolf hat, but they were all handed out during its recent visit to CFB Esquimalt.“It’s so cool to have the Bernays’ hat. I think it will tide me over until the Harry DeWolf returns to Halifax later this year and sends me one of theirs,” he says. “Receiving the Bernays’ hat was a really nice gesture by the RCN, which I truly appreciate.”The caps line the walls of a spare bedroom in his home and he uses a leaf blower to keep them dust free. The first in his first collection was received over 40 years ago when he toured MacKenzie-Class Destroyer HMCS Saskatchewan at CFB Esquimalt.“During that tour I learned some of the visitors collected ball caps and other navy mementos; so I said to myself: ‘Hey, I want to do that too.’”Amongst his collection are hats from the navies of the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, China, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, France, and Mexico.He has built relationships with many navy public affairs offices, who graciously send him a hat if he can’t make a ship tour. He also has amassed 400 coffee mugs from navy vessels and a collection of (non-military) Zippo lighters.––––

[caption id="attachment_27202" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Artist John Horton presents his painting of HMS Erebus to the Commander of HMCS DeWolf, Cdr Cory Gleason. Photo by Corporal Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician[/caption]Elizabeth Murray––Delta marine artist John Horton could not have imagined his painting of the Franklin Expedition’s HMS Erebus would one day hang aboard HMCS Harry DeWolf. In 2014, inspired by discovery of the wrecked Franklin ship, Horton painted a rendition of HMS Erebus. Harry DeWolf sailed into Vancouver Harbour Oct. 1 having completed the first Northwest Passage transit by a Canadian naval vessel since 1954.Horton presented his painting to Harry DeWolf’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Corey Gleason, and his crew at the end of a three-day Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) outreach program in which he participated.John Horton’s special interest in the Arctic prompted a conversation with Cdr Gleason where they discussed at length the ill-fated Franklin Expedition and how Harry DeWolf had followed Franklin’s tragic path. “Hearing how the ship anchored near the wreck sites enabling visits to graves of the crew, was an unparalleled privilege,” Horton said. “It was gratifying to learn that the ship’s company of approximately 87 sailors had become fully engaged with the history of the 1848 Expedition and gained a huge respect for those who had gone before.”Canadian Leaders at Sea aboard Harry DeWolfHorton was invited to join a group of 15 Canadian community leaders, who boarded Canada’s newest warship at Lower Lonsdale’s Burrard Dry Dock Pier in North Vancouver and sailed to Victoria’s Ogden Point.This Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is the lead ship of its Class and one of six built, or under construction, to ensure Canada’s Arctic interests are secure. These patrol vessels are designed to operate anywhere in the world, but especially in first-year ice of up...

[caption id="attachment_27196" align="aligncenter" width="595"] James Francis “Stocky” Edwards[/caption]Emily LindahlDirector Air Public Affairs––Wing Commander James Francis “Stocky” Edwards, 100, is a Canadian hero on several fronts.Books have been written about him, military aviation web sites list his accomplishments, and numerous news articles include his name. He is an artist and conservationist in his own right.Flying AceEdwards is one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) top Second World War Flying Aces. His wartime accomplishments are included in the book about the RCAF’s history, On Windswept Heights:“Wing Commander James Francis “Stocky” Edwards was one of the RCAF flyers who squared off against Axis pilots and helped knock the enemy out of the air. He was only 19 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in October 1940. By the end of the war he had 20 confirmed kills (with Probable kills, his score passed 30) and had risen to the rank of wing commander.He shot down most of these planes in the North Africa campaign. Edwards flew a P-4 0 Kittyhawk against the Messerschmitt (Me) 109; the Me-109 was faster and better armed than the P-40, but that never got the better of Edwards.” He flew 373 operational sorties during the war and was never shot down.Honoured throughout the yearsStocky Edwards has been recognized and honoured in Canada for his actions during the Second World War and beyond, and received decorations from the UK and France:Distinguished Flying MedalDistinguished Flying Cross (UK) and BarCanadian Forces Decoration and Two ClaspsLegion of Honour, France. Chevalier (Knight) – 2014Vintage Wings of Canada has a Curtiss P 40-N on display, which is a tribute to Stocky. The fully functional aircraft has a paint job that is an exact replica of the Kittyhawk flown by the Flying Ace in the North Africa campaign when he was with 260 Squadron. In 2013, Stocky was joined by his family on a visit to Vintage Wings of Canada. He was there to check out a banner that had been previously raised...

[caption id="attachment_27192" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Padre Andrew Cooke, Chaplain of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, leads a Committal of Ashes ceremony on board HMCS Sackville on Oct. 8. Photo by Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff[/caption]Ryan MelansonTrident Newspaper––The Committal of Ashes Ceremony aboard HMCS Sackville has long been an annual event for the historic ship, taking place once a year, on Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, off of Point Pleasant Park in Halifax.Because of Sackville’s deteriorating condition, it was forced to pause the services starting in 2014, and recent years have seen present-day Royal Canadian Navy ships step in to assist family members in having their loved one’s ashes brought to sea as their final resting place.With major repair and maintenance work completed on the Second World War-era Corvette earlier this year, Sackville’s volunteer crew are now continuing this service. The ship recently held two, one on Sept. 24, and again on Oct. 8.“The service is a mainstay for us and it’s one of the most important activities the ship carries out,” says Cdr (Retired) Gary Reddy, Sackville’s Commanding Officer with the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (CNMT), the non-profit that owns and cares for the ship. “Honouring those who served, in all elements of the Canadian Forces, and even in foreign militaries, is what the ship is all about.” The ceremony itself is short and respectful, with words from CNMT Padre Andrew Cooke and a brief biography of each individual whose ashes have come aboard. Family members are invited to observe and release flowers overboard as the ashes are let go.It’s the wish of many former sailors to have their ashes brought to sea, and there is often a waitlist as only so many can be accommodated on each occasion. Because of this, Sackville is planning for the committal ceremonies to take place...

[caption id="attachment_27189" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Royal Canadian Navy, Retired Lieutenant (Naval) Peter Ward[/caption]DND––Former Naval Reservist and friend to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Retired Lieutenant (Naval) Peter Ward was honoured for his efforts saving part of RCN history.Lt(N) Ward is the final surviving, founding member of Haida Inc., a group of five who saved the “fightingest ship”, the Second World War Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Haida, from disposal. On Oct. 4, he was virtually presented with the Naval Association of Canada’s Admirals’ Medal in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of maritime affairs. Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, congratulated Ward, telling him, “Hearing your moving story has made me a prouder sailor and a prouder Canadian.”Ward says he shares the Medal with departed Neil Bruce, Norm Simpson, David Kidd, and Allan Howard, who co-founded Haida Inc. with him.“We established a not-for profit corporation together to save this wonderful ship and to honour Canadian sailors, underlining our proud history of the Battle of the Atlantic.”Ward has spent a lifetime connected to the military and the RCN. He is an acclaimed retired journalist, military editor, war correspondent, broadcaster, and author. He served as a public information officer with Toronto’s Naval Reserve Division HMCS York from 1962-1978.In 1963, Ward sailed in HMCS Haida during its Great Lakes deployment, which served as the inspiration to save the ship from the breakers. About HMCS HaidaHMCS Haida, which saw action in both the Second World War and Korea, has been credited with sinking more surface tonnage than any other RCN warship. For Ward, however, his connection with Haida is personal.Ward’s father, Lt(N) Leslie Ward, was one of the 128 sailors killed on board HMCS Athabaskan when it was sunk by the enemy off the French coast in April 1944. It was Haida that ventured back into the thick of things to rescue nearly four dozen survivors,...

[caption id="attachment_27186" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Adam Arbiter[/caption]Adam Arbiter, 22 Wing CFB North Bay Mess Manager, has always had a passion for writing. For years he struggled to finish a story until he discovered one he really wanted to tell.Emily NakeffBorden Citizen––His debut novel “I’m Here” tells the story of Garret and Simon, two soldiers that fall in love while fighting on the front lines in the Second World War.Arbiter pulled inspiration from war poetry, but the heart of the story fell into place when he came across an old photo. The black and white image depicted two male soldiers dancing together, a joyful moment in time. With no source, the mystery image became the foundation for the story. “That idea was just beautiful to me,” Arbiter says. “That the war somehow brought these boys, who felt different and alone and wrong, to a place where suddenly they were just like other men, and they found each other, and they found love, and a sense of peace.”This first novel is the product of two and a half years work. Finding the time between his job and spending time with his husband and young son wasn’t always easy. He jokes that keeping a notebook in every room of the house helped. But he was eager to tell a story that was missing from other historical fiction work.“I really enjoy uncovering the stories we aren’t told in history class,” he says. “A lot of those stories are LGBTQ+ that got washed away because it wasn’t the thing people wanted to talk about. It was shameful, or it was a misconduct of some kind, especially for soldiers in the Armed Forces.”He is very connected to the LGBTQ+ community, volunteering as a positive space ambassador on the Pride Committee at CFB North Bay, which he says...

[caption id="attachment_27178" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A chunk of 200-year-old Oak that Allan Harrison transformed into the sculpture on the right.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––For artist Allan Harrison, the three-dimensional art of sculpting strengthens the connection between the natural world and humankind. By using wood or clay, elements found in nature, he creates effigies to that relationship, one that goes back to ancient times often revealed through devotional icons.“For me, sculpture is the most effective way I can communicate the concept of getting back to the fundamental relationship of mankind with the natural world.”Harrison, 54, was a former army medic for 17 years, before remustered as an Officer Cadet to become a Physician Assistant. He is currently training at CFB Borden. When a work crew chopped down a 200-year-old Oak tree near the base to make way for hydro lines, Harrison managed to haul away a large piece of the tree trunk and began paring it down in his backyard.“To gain something, you must first sacrifice something,” he says of the Oak tree that would become Wounded Warrior 1: Sacrifice.With hand chisels and sandpaper, he created a slender sculpture inspired by the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness located near Orkney, Scotland. The stones were created in the Neolithic age and believed to be one of the oldest henges in the British Isles. One of its most famous giant standing forms has a hole in it, which Harrison says was named by Scandinavian settlers as a tribute to Norse god Odin who sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for gaining wisdom. That hole is replicated in his wooden sculpture and the theme is a warrior’s sacrifice.[caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sculpter and military member Allan Harrison.[/caption]Like many artists, he excelled in art and sculpture in high school, but left it for other career aspirations. Creativity was never far away, and he developed his passion at the University of Guelph Fine Arts department when he met and studied under John Fillion, award-winning Canadian sculptor, and Fine...

[caption id="attachment_27178" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A chunk of 200-year-old Oak that Allan Harrison transformed into the sculpture on the right.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––For artist Allan Harrison, the three-dimensional art of sculpting strengthens the connection between the natural world and humankind. By using wood or clay, elements found in nature, he creates effigies to that relationship, one that goes back to ancient times often revealed through devotional icons.“For me, sculpture is the most effective way I can communicate the concept of getting back to the fundamental relationship of mankind with the natural world.”Harrison, 54, was a former army medic for 17 years, before remustered as an Officer Cadet to become a Physician Assistant. He is currently training at CFB Borden. When a work crew chopped down a 200-year-old Oak tree near the base to make way for hydro lines, Harrison managed to haul away a large piece of the tree trunk and began paring it down in his backyard.“To gain something, you must first sacrifice something,” he says of the Oak tree that would become Wounded Warrior 1: Sacrifice.With hand chisels and sandpaper, he created a slender sculpture inspired by the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness located near Orkney, Scotland. The stones were created in the Neolithic age and believed to be one of the oldest henges in the British Isles. One of its most famous giant standing forms has a hole in it, which Harrison says was named by Scandinavian settlers as a tribute to Norse god Odin who sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for gaining wisdom. That hole is replicated in his wooden sculpture and the theme is a warrior’s sacrifice.[caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sculpter and military member Allan Harrison.[/caption]Like many artists, he excelled in art and sculpture in high school, but left it for other career aspirations. Creativity...

[caption id="attachment_27174" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson[/caption]On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and aviators who never returned home, as well as by those who did return but were never the same. We must also recognize the contributions of those currently deployed around the world, such as the crew of our own HMCS Winnipeg sailing in support of Operation Projection and Operation Neon, as well as those of our resilient military families who show up for us every day, enabling the work that we do.This Remembrance Day, as I lay a wreath at the Esquimalt Cenotaph, I will reflect on the valour and dedication of all past and current military members, on battles fought over fields, skies, and oceans from South Africa to Afghanistan, from the frigid depths of the North Atlantic to a critical hill at Kapyong. Wherever they have been called, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have served valiantly. We will remember them.For those marking the day from home this year, there are many ways to remain connected virtually, with ceremonies across the country being broadcast by major news networks and live streamed – including CHEK News’ coverage of commemorations here on Vancouver Island.For those attending local ceremonies, please follow Provincial Health Orders, maintain physical distancing where possible and wear a mask. However you choose to mark this day, I encourage you to seek out the stories of our veterans, our country, and to share your own. Lest we forget.Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson––––

[caption id="attachment_27174" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson[/caption]On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and aviators who never returned home, as well as by those who did return but were never the same. We must also recognize the contributions of those currently deployed around the world, such as the crew of our own HMCS Winnipeg sailing in support of Operation Projection and Operation Neon, as well as those of our resilient military families who show up for us every day, enabling the work that we do.This Remembrance Day, as I lay a wreath at the Esquimalt Cenotaph, I will reflect on the valour and dedication of all past and current military members, on battles fought over fields, skies, and oceans from South Africa to Afghanistan, from the frigid depths of the North Atlantic to a critical hill at Kapyong. Wherever they have been called, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have served valiantly. We will remember them.For those marking the day from home this year, there are many ways to remain connected virtually, with ceremonies across the country being broadcast by major news networks and live streamed – including CHEK News’ coverage of commemorations here on Vancouver Island.For those attending local ceremonies, please follow Provincial Health Orders, maintain physical distancing where possible and wear a mask. However you choose to mark this day, I encourage you to seek out the stories of our veterans, our country, and to share your own. Lest we forget.Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson––––

[caption id="attachment_27167" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Rear-Admrial Angus Topshee, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific[/caption]Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, as part of the veteran’s speaker program, spoke to students  at Shoreline Middle School about Remembrance Day. The following is his message to them:On this Remembrance Day, Canadians stand united. On the one hundred year anniversary of adopting the poppy as the symbol of remembrance, we honour generations of brave Canadians who have put themselves in harm’s way for peace and freedom. Canadians have always been there when the world needed us and the Royal Canadian Navy has a proud history of being Canada’s first responder in times of conflict.In both the First and Second World Wars, it was Royal Canadian Navy ships based in Esquimalt that were the first to put to sea upon the outbreak of war. In 1939, HMC Ships St Laurent and Fraser were among the escorts for the first convoy across the North Atlantic – beginning a campaign that would last until the final day of the war and would cost Canada over 4000 lives and 22 warships, including HMCS Esquimalt, the last RCN ship to be sunk in the war in April 1945 within sight of Halifax. When the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950, it was three Esquimalt-based destroyers, HMC Ships Cayuga, Sioux and Athabaskan who sailed within days to show Canada’s commitment to the first attempt at collective security by the new United Nations. Throughout the Cold War, Canada stood ready with our allies to defend Europe and democracy. For the Royal Canadian Navy, this meant being continuously forward deployed, and tragically included the death of nine sailors in an explosion aboard HMCS Kootenay in October of 1969. In Afghanistan, Canadians fought and died to bring stability and security to a desperate place – fighting that included navy clearance divers who worked to identify and render safe a wide assortment of improvised explosive devices. War is horrible and it should never be the first choice for...

DND––The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is developing an application to better manage personnel. The new initiative called the Digital Parade State will display sailor availability and provide recommendations to crew RCN ships for operations.“The Royal Canadian Navy is facing personnel shortages across a variety of trades,” says Commander Ben Seaby, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Coordination Centre Pacific. “Having a digital dashboard that accurately tells us who is available at any given time to fill a vacancy will greatly enhance our ability to crew ships and essential shore-based positions quickly and effectively.”The Digital Parade State will combine the data needed to make crewing decisions into one location. Such metrics include training status, time away from home, recent tasks and postings, and availability assessments based on medical or compassionate factors. Future versions of the application will use optimization software to provide holistic personnel solutions, with the potential to optimize training and fleet scheduling.The application development team is made up of members from Halifax, Ottawa and Esquimalt, and led by Lt(N) Brent Fisher. Although the application will be produced through the Digital Navy Organization App Development Team, the Digital Parade State project is a larger endeavour that is identifying improvements for the navy regarding governance, sailor qualifications, and the use of Military Command Software, the suite of personnel management and human resources products that are used across the Canadian Armed Forces. These efforts are expected to have a direct impact on sailor quality of life by reducing turnover, increasing the quality of sea time, and taking into consideration personal preferences.The initiative is co-sponsored by Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Personnel and Training, and Commodore David Patchell, Director General of Naval Strategic Readiness, and is the top priority under the Digital Navy program.The Digital Parade State will support Project Navy Generation’s goals...

DND––The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is developing an application to better manage personnel. The new initiative called the Digital Parade State will display sailor availability and provide recommendations to crew RCN ships for operations.“The Royal Canadian Navy is facing personnel shortages across a variety of trades,” says Commander Ben Seaby, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Coordination Centre Pacific. “Having a digital dashboard that accurately tells us who is available at any given time to fill a vacancy will greatly enhance our ability to crew ships and essential shore-based positions quickly and effectively.”The Digital Parade State will combine the data needed to make crewing decisions into one location. Such metrics include training status, time away from home, recent tasks and postings, and availability assessments based on medical or compassionate factors. Future versions of the application will use optimization software to provide holistic personnel solutions, with the potential to optimize training and fleet scheduling.The application development team is made up of members from Halifax, Ottawa and Esquimalt, and led by Lt(N) Brent Fisher. Although the application will be produced through the Digital Navy Organization App Development Team, the Digital Parade State project is a larger endeavour that is identifying improvements for the navy regarding governance, sailor qualifications, and the use of Military Command Software, the suite of personnel management and human resources products that are used across the Canadian Armed Forces. These efforts are expected to have a direct impact on sailor quality of life by reducing turnover, increasing the quality of sea time, and taking into consideration personal preferences.The initiative is co-sponsored by Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Personnel and Training, and Commodore David Patchell, Director General of Naval Strategic Readiness, and is the top priority under the Digital Navy program.The Digital Parade State will support Project Navy Generation’s goals...

[caption id="attachment_27156" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Cpl Vincent-Gabriel Lamarre[/caption]Defence Team Pride Advisory Group––Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on Nov. 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.Despite recent political victories, increased transgender representation in the media, and promotion of new policies that protect transgender rights, transgender people still face disproportionate rates of discrimination compared to other communities. In the Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization is encouraging employees to join the day of remembrance and embrace inclusivity at work and in the community at large, and help end discrimination and violence towards this marginalized group.“Transgender Day of Remembrance is key to shifting public opinion on transgender people in the Forces,” says Cpl Vincent-Gabriel Lamarre, a transgendered military member. “On Nov. 20, let’s talk about how we can create an accepting work environment for trans people and acknowledge the injustices they have faced. Show your solidarity and be open minded for the occasion.” Understanding TransgenderCpl Lamarre began a gender transition a few years ago with the support of his family and military hierarchy. It is crucial to understand the difference between sex and gender, explains Cpl Lamarre. Sex refers to the biological elements of a person, while gender refers to the social construct of femininity and masculinity in a specified culture and time period. Understanding this distinction is crucial so as to not limit gender to just reproductive organs. Moreover,...

[caption id="attachment_27149" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Sackville completed its refit and undocking on June 2 thanks to the hard working team at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs[/caption]HMCS Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial, returned to her summer berth on the historic Halifax waterfront in late June after an extensive hull refit and welcomed—amidst COVID limitations-- more than 27,000 visitors.Commander Gary Reddy (ret’d), commanding officer of Sackville reports a number of activities and services were carried out during the summer and early fall leading up to ship’s return to her winter berth in HMC Dockyard and observance of Remembrance Day.One of Sackville’s significant duties is conducting committal of ashes services for veterans and family members and this year services were held in September and October. With the aid of tugs Sackville transits to an area south of Point Pleasant Park and abeam of Sailors Memorial. For both services the ship’s crew was supported by CFB Halifax Chaplain’s Office, Queen’s Harbour Master, fleet personnel and CNMT Trustees; the services involved the committal of 12 ashes. “In August the ship participated in Dervish’80 to recognize the 80th anniversary of Arctic Convoys to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.  The Russian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Vladimir Proskuryakov, was a guest and participated in the ceremony.  It was great to have our veterans onboard to conduct the bell ringing ceremony,” Reddy commented.In October the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust participated in DEFSEC Atlantic (defence, security and aerospace exhibition) at the Halifax Convention Centre and the Sackville booth attracted a good number of visitors.   While COVID has placed limitations on hosting activities the ship’s crew is working on return to the popular Friday lunches.Captain (N) Bill Woodburn (ret’d), Chair of CNMT noted that Sackville -- the last of the Allies 269 Second World War corvettes --...

[caption id="attachment_27145" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Eight-year-old Daniel Drover was thrilled to watch the ceremony at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Oct. 14. Pictured here, Daniel meets with RAdm Brian Santarpia. Photo by Joanie Veitch[/caption]Joanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––Barely tall enough to see over the second-level railing at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, eight-year-old Daniel Drover stood riveted to the scene unfolding in the lower-level gallery below, as naval officers and veterans gathered Oct. 14 to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the sinking of SS Caribou.After standing ramrod straight through the playing of the Last Post and two minutes of silence that followed, the young boy was up on tiptoes to watch Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, and Captain (Retired) Earle Wagner, Merchant Navy veteran, lay a wreath at the Merchant Navy Memorial.Held each year in remembrance of the 136 people who perished in the sinking of the Newfoundland ferry SS Caribou on Oct. 14, 1942, the ceremony also pays tribute to thousands of Canadians who volunteered their service during the Second World War.Approximately 12,000 men and women served in Canada’s Merchant Navy during the war.According to Royal Canadian Navy information on the Battle of the Atlantic, 59 Canadian-registered merchant ships were sunk by enemy or probable enemy action, and 2,000 RCN members, 1,600 Canadian merchant seamen, and 752 Canadian airmen lost their lives.Opening his talk with a reading from The Sea Is at Our Gates, a book about the Battle of the Atlantic written by Tony German, RAdm Santarpia spoke of the constant danger faced by the Merchant Navy as they “fought and won” the longest battle of the Second World War.“It’s fitting that we chose today, as a nation, to commemorate the efforts of the Merchant Marine – the 14th of October – because on that day in 1942, SS Caribou was sunk,  marking the greatest loss of life in the Battle of the Atlantic in Canadian waters,” he said.SS Caribou was a steamship ferry that operated...

[caption id="attachment_27142" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt (Retired) Maurice-André Vigneault[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A retired Royal Canadian Air Force member has penned a book of his firsthand account of Canada during the Cold War, a period between the end of the Second World War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.Mud on My Boots: Dares and Ventures of a Canadian Airman During the Cold War written by Capt (Retired) Maurice-André Vigneault recounts his four-decade career that spanned the entire Cold War era. During this time, the world was largely divided into two ideological camps, the United States-led capitalist “West” and the Soviet-dominated communist “East.” Canada aligned with the West. While the war never became “hot” through direct military confrontation, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes stress-filled moments, says Vigneault.He was a radio operator and radar technician who rose through the ranks during decades of geopolitical tension between East and West.  It was a seemingly endless war of attrition, of check and check mate that came in the form of arms and troop build-up between the two factions who were always on the brink of full-out war.“The Cold War was a different kind of war, not a shooting war as was the Korean War,” says Vigneault. “The West’s objective was deterrence, and deterrence worked as not a single bullet was fired.” In an op-ed piece in the Globe and Mail by General Paul Manson, entitled Canada’s Forgotten Cold Warriors, he said: “We trained for war so that we did not have to fight a war.”That piece was Vigneault’s inspiration to write about his own extensive service in the air force with postings to radio and radar stations in Europe and Canada, during the Suez Canal crisis, the 1960 Congo crisis, the establishment of NORAD’s line of radars, and six years at Arctic stations.Vigneault was...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt’s Naval and Military Museum is offering a window into history – literally. The glass panes of Naden building 29, the museum’s workshop, have been transformed into a pictorial gallery visible from the outside. Island Graphics staff were contracted to print and install black and white historical images to eight exterior windows on Oct. 13. “The photos can be enjoyed by visitors even after hours when the museum is closed to the public,” says Clare Sharpe, Museum Exhibit Designer. “When guides and museum interpreters are available to help show our visitors around, the photos will provide some key talking points and get visitors oriented to Naden and its significance.” Sharpe selected the photos from thousands of pictures in the museum’s collection.One photo, taken from a nearby rooftop, features the joyous moment of hundreds of sailors tipping their caps during the Change of Command Ceremony for Captain Ian Agnew. Another image is undated and features young cadets from the Royal Naval College of Canada on the bowsprit of the Dominion Government survey ship Naden. The college was moved to Esquimalt following the Halifax Explosion in December 1917, and the schooner Naden was built in 1913 and was loaned to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1918.   Sharpe says the images selected will give museum visitors a better sense of the buildings at Museum Square and their roles and connection to the Naden community over the years. For more information about the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military museum and the historical legacy of CFB Esquimalt visit their website: https://navalandmilitarymuseum.org––––

[caption id="attachment_27135" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Pte(T) Alison Tso[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––HMCS Calgary was in the final leg of its deployment last July when Pte(T) Alison Tso was called to the Coxswain’s office on board the ship. She was surprised to find CPO1 Mark Chambers and the entire ship’s command team assembled, so her first thought was a worried “Uh oh.”That thought turned to astonishment when the Fleet Chief told her she was nominated and selected for the Maritime Forces Pacific’s Sailor of the Third Quarter. “My mind was still in deployment mode, so being told I had won the award felt like it was a dream,” she says. “I was a Private winning the Sailor of the Quarter Award and it was really nice to have been recognized for the work I was doing.”In an internal document, Cdr Mark O’Donohue, Calgary’s Commanding Officer, said Pte(T) Tso’s “professionalism and dedication, both on and off duty, reflects the morals and ethics expected of a service member” and that her “strong work performance and initiative makes them an outstanding candidate for this award.”CPO1 Chambers described Pte(T) Tso as “one of those sailors that seems to be wherever she is needed and never hesitates to roll up her sleeves and lend her assistance whenever it is required.”The award most certainly stems from her leadership skills mentoring of junior members; streamlining the communications process for casualty clearing, which earned her a Commanding Officer’s Coin from Sea Training Pacific; volunteering to assist physician’s assistants and medical technicians to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine in foreign ports; and volunteering for a promotional video about her position on board Calgary that was meant to educate university students in Vietnam on gender-equality in the Royal Canadian Navy that appeared on its Facebook page.The 25-year-old grew up in Burnaby, B.C., and studied Human Resources...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Teams in the Cascadian Convoy sailing competition overcame a fierce autumn storm and container ship spill and fire to complete their races.The sailing competition, which took place Oct. 23 to 25, is part of the Vancouver Island Racing Series. It was hosted by the Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA). Several sailors from the base posted strong finishes in the convoy, which served as a qualifier for the Van Isle 360 and Vic-Maui International yacht races.Bomb Cyclone and the unexpected The storm, dubbed a ‘bomb cyclone’ by forecasters, was centred off the west coast of Vancouver Island for most of the weekend. Meteorologists called it the strongest storm to ever hit the Pacific Northwest with a barometric pressure dropping to 942.5 millibars, strong winds and gusts of 90 km/h, and an atmospheric river of heavy rain. Then, a shipping accident aboard commercial freighter Zim Kingston on the eve of the race further complicated matters for organizers.Weather conditions were the gravest concern to sailors and race organizers throughout the weekend, says LCdr Christopher Maier, CFSA Commodore and Cascadian Convoy Race Officer.“From a race organizer’s standpoint, saying that we successfully overcame our fair share of adversity and everything that was thrown at us on a wild and challenging weekend would be a gross understatement,” he adds.The race course did not see storm force winds until later in the day on Oct. 24, long after all boats had crossed the finish line. However, on Oct. 22, the container ship spilled 106 shipping containers into the sea at the western approach of Strait of Juan de Fuca. A fire erupted aboard the ship the next day while it was anchored between Race Rocks and Discovery Island.Races go ahead After careful review of the modelling of the sea conditions, weather forecasts, and the number of obstructions, the decision was made to continue the Long Course Race but change the race course itself. Organizers steered boats away from the floating shipping containers and extremely rough...

[caption id="attachment_27126" align="aligncenter" width="595"] PO2 Jacob Russell. Photo by Ed Dixon, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A member of Personnel Coordination Centre (Pacific) has been selected for Sentry duty at the National War Memorial on Remembrance Day. PO2 Jacob Russell was among six military members appointed by Acting Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne D. Eyre on Oct. 25 for the National Sentry Program. “Knowing that I was selected out of so many applicants, I was truly shocked when my coxswain announced in front of my unit that I was selected,” says PO2 Russell. “I’m proud and this is very humbling for sure because there are so many other military members that do amazing work and could have been recognized instead of me.”PO2 Russell, 36, has served 14 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and is currently attached to the Personnel Coordination Centre (PCC) Pacific.His normal responsibilities include managing incremental taskings for Orca-class training vessels. But on Nov. 11 he will take a break from that work and stand watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa during the nationally televised Remembrance Day proceedings.He is also the Sentry Commander for the ceremony. His duties include marching the contingent on and off parade for the ceremony. To round out the experience, PO2 Russell and the other Sentries will attend a Silver Cross Mother’s Luncheon at Rideau Hall, a guided tour of the Canadian War Museum and Canadian Aviation Museum, dinner with the other sentries, and meet with the Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. His wife S1 Laura Russell of Base Logistics and their one-year-old daughter Joni will join him on the trip to Ottawa. His father and step-mother will make the drive from their home in northern New Brunswick and his in-laws,...

[caption id="attachment_27107" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Melanie Tetreault[/caption]Melanie TetreaultNDWCC Coordinator––Right now, your unit ambassador is likely starting conversations with you about donating to the NDWCC and asking if you want to take part in events that celebrate the spirit of the campaign.I’d like to tell you a story about why it is important to make a meaningful E-Pledge donation.This is a true story. It involves a military family; a husband (sailor,) wife, and two children. The wife had severe depression and their oldest child had special needs. The relatives of this family lived out of province and could rarely visit. The wife had very few friends. Daycare was too expensive for her to work, so the family survived on only the member’s income. Their marriage was strained and divorce was looming.The husband was suddenly called away for a lengthy deployment. Once he departed, the wife found herself in a pit of emotional confusion and became even more depressed. Everything seemed hopeless, disorienting, and extremely lonely. The children became hard to manage alone and their home became frightening and overwhelming to her.Then, one Sunday, her and the children attended a Sunday Session at the Military Family Resource Center. This was a program put on by MFRC Deployment Services to connect families to one another during deployment. There was childcare for the little ones so mom could watch the presentation. She had to leave halfway through the session due to her emotional stress; even then things seemed so sad and unending.However, in the hallway she was approached by an MFRC social worker who was very empathetic and checked in with her. It was liberating to have someone to talk to about the struggles she was facing. The social worker encouraged her to attend more events and have more conversations. This led to the wife joining a...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Military members and civilian staff celebrated the return of Canadian Armed Forces Sports Day on Oct. 20.There was a strong showing for a wide range of team sports and other drop-in fitness-related activities hosted by Naden Athletic Centre staff.  Throughout the day dozens of participants brought their ‘A’ game to indoor soccer, floor hockey, dodgeball, volleyball, spikeball, length swims, aquafit, and spin classes. At the Wurtele arena they did lap skates and outside ran a five kilometre route. Participants were required to follow COVID-19 protocol, providing proof of vaccination and wearing a mask when entering, exiting, and transiting through the facilities. They also received a free Sports Day t-shirt and lunch.[caption id="attachment_27104" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Joseph Zwieck takes a freethrow during action on the basketball court. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27103" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Participants in a volleyball match get set for the opposing team to serve.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27102" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Troy Grinder of Personnel Support Programs (PSP) and PO2 Ray Moore of HMCS Regina practise their skills at floor hockey.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27101" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Bianca Hood of Base Administration takes laps in the Naden pool.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27100" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S2 Aron Kim and S2 Maxime Vandal of HMCS Ottawa display their free Sports Day t-shirts.[/caption]––––

Museum staff share stories about the spirits of Admiralty HouseJoanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––The lady with the long white hair on or near the main stairs is the most common sighting reported to Naval Museum of Halifax staff. They’ve also had reports of people hearing water running, and another from someone who heard the clang of a metal bucket.Even without visitors in the building, the museum is never silent. More than 200 years old, Admiralty House creaks and groans from time to time — as old buildings do — making it easy to imagine how a small noise or sudden movement could play on the mind.Could it be a ghost?“We’ve heard lots and lots of ghost stories,” says Lisa McNiven, archivist at the museum.Sightings of a lady with white hair and the sound of water running are most likely connected to the story of Mary Gray, a servant who worked at Admiralty House in the mid-1800s, McNiven says.“The story that has been passed down is that late at night the lady of the house called for water. Mary was either the lady’s maid or some other house servant and she went upstairs to deliver the water — it would have been in a bucket — and she fell down the stairs on her way back.”Mary Gray died that night in 1858, and although the inscription on her grave has eroded, museum staff say her gravestone is in the old cemetery, the Royal Naval Burying Ground, tucked away at the lower part of the base.Before COVID-19 safety precautions closed the museum to the public, a medium who visited the Naval Museum of Halifax as part of a paranormal investigation team estimated there were as many as 14 spirits in the house.“Pre-COVID we had a daycare visiting and one little guy, he would have...

[caption id="attachment_27094" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor First Class Hunter Johnson on board HMCS Winnipeg in the East China Sea during Operation Neon. Photo by MCpl Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]S1 Hunter JohnsonHMCS Winnipeg––Who knew that signing up for a job that would land me in the middle of the ocean on a warship would be one of the best confidence boosters in my professional life?The last time I stepped foot on a Canadian warship was for Rim of the Pacific 2018 in HMCS Ottawa. Since then, I finished my undergrad, completed my Naval Communicator course in Halifax, and deployed with my reserve unit, HMCS Prevost, located in London, ON, on two domestic operations for COVID-19 (Operation Laser and Operation Vector). Weeks before I signed up for Operations Neon/Projection in HMCS Winnipeg, I had just finished a year-long contract for a civilian job and was starting to look into sailing again to brush up on my skills, and to have a chance of getting out of the country for a little while. Since sailing in Ottawa, I knew without a doubt I wanted to sail in a frigate again. The larger crew and platform is a personal preference and I have a lot of fond memories from RIMPAC. With near perfect timing, my best friend (also a Reservist at HMCS Prevost) saw a few openings in HMCS Winnipeg and, of course, we had to sign up together. After just two weeks I was offered a spot in the Naval Communicator section, and my bestie was offered a position as a Human Resource Adminstrator. Two weeks. That’s all it took to have this amazing opportunity right in front of me. So, my home unit booked my flights and I started preparing to leave home for the four month deployment.You’re probably thinking, “Two weeks...

[caption id="attachment_27068" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Military Police unit members in Kingston, Ontario, armed with Conducted Energy Weapons train in accordance with standard police practices.[/caption]DND––Beginning in November, on Bases, Dockyards and Wings across the country, Military Police (MP) personnel will begin carrying Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW).A CEW is an electrical impulse device, commonly known as a Taser, that will assist MPs in gaining control of a subject in situations where the subject is assaultive, or where there is an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death.While never to be used as a substitute for de-escalation, the addition of the CEW will add flexibility to employ an applicable level force to successfully resolve an altercation while securing the safety of MP personnel and anyone being protected by them.Only trained MP personnel are authorized to carry, deploy, and discharge the CEW. All MP personnel receive initial qualification training on the CEW in accordance with standard practices by qualified instructors, which starts at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy. In addition, all CEW users will be required to undergo a yearly re-certification.“Military Police undergo knowledge, marksmanship, and scenario-based training on the CEW prior to being qualified to carry and use the weapon,” says Sgt Eric Kellar, CEW instructor at the MP Detachment Kingston. “MPs are exposed to scenarios in which they must decide if and when it is appropriate to de-holster, display the warning arc, or discharge a cartridge into a subject. Military Police continue to use de-escalation techniques and the existing use of force training to control a potentially violent scenario.” ––––

[caption id="attachment_27062" align="aligncenter" width="595"] CPO1 Al Darragh and S1 Charmaine Davison-Peer review the Logistik Unicorp website.[/caption]LCdr (Retired) Michael McWhinnieContributor––A small software update on a military clothing website is having a positive impact on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel across the country.Since 1993, Logistik Unicorp has provided clothing solutions to CAF for non-operational dress. Until recently, when navigating the website for clothing, personnel were presented with one of two menu options where items correspond to gender. Now, clients can toggle between the “male cut” and “female cut” menus to place an order.This change is part of a measured transition from 111 years ago when the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was established by the Naval Service Act in 1910. Men and women were issued separate and distinct clothing items. But things began to change in 2012 when the Naval Dress Committee authorized male-pattern Distinctive Environmental Uniform (DEU) pants for wear by females.“The navy has always been an institution that values tradition, but it’s evolving to be more responsive to the views of its members,” says CPO1 Al Darragh, Base Chief CFB Esquimalt. “Many women preferred the male pants and since then policies have advanced so that today females are also authorized to choose between two options for the peak cap (or bowler) and long sleeve DEU shirt.”Changes were furthered in 2019 when a women’s sub-committee was added to the Naval Dress Committee to help shape policy based on the views of female personnel regarding the design of “female cut” uniform items.“Although policy permits women to wear male pattern pants, shirts, or peak caps, prior to the Logistik website change members had to submit a memorandum and have their online account updated to access those items. The [newest] change will reduce costs, time, and of course frustration,” adds CPO1 Darragh.S1 Charmaine Davison-Peer is a member of CFB Esquimalt’s Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization. She sees the change as a positive step towards inclusion for transgender and non-binary CAF personnel.“Broadly speaking, I think this change aligns well with the CAF’s...

[caption id="attachment_27054" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett Staff Writer––As Remembrance Day draws near, one local organization is set to honour past and present military members, DND civilians, and their families in a slick way.The Victoria Royals have made their Nov. 6 game against the Kamloops Blazers a Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night. Working with CFB Esquimalt, the evening will showcase the military and pay tribute to its successes.“This event was a huge achievement in 2019, pre-pandemic, and we are very excited to bring it back this year,” says Matt Carlson, who is helping support the event from the Base Public Affairs side. “Before, during, and after the game, the public will have opportunities for interactions with various CAF and DND assets and personnel with the intent to raise CFB Esquimalt’s visibility within the local community.”The military will provide dynamic and interactive exterior and interior displays at the Save-On-Foods Arena. There be a ceremonial puck drop involving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and a colour party while the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy performs the national anthem.Victoria Royals players will don a special Royal Canadian Navy-themed jersey for the game to be unveiled by the team in the coming days.In a recent announcement by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, sports events are permitted to operate at 100 per cent capacity commencing Oct. 25Those attending are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations and masks will be mandatory for spectators. Facial coverings can be taken off when eating and drinking.Complimentary tickets will be distributed through units to CAF personnel and DND civilian staff. Others can purchase discounted tickets at the team’s box office and on the team’s website www.victoriaroyals.com with a discounted promotional code to be released through interal channels.––––

[caption id="attachment_27038" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Joint Interface Control Officer candidates and staff at the Joint Interface Control Cell for Ex CUTLASS FURY 21, Osbourne Head, NS. Photo by Cpl Branden Trudeau[/caption]PO1 Shawn QuigleyJoint Interface Control Officer––“Lose sight, lose the fight” is an old fighter pilot adage that is more valid today than ever before.  The speed and complexity of modern warfare continues to grow apace advancements in Defence technologies. State-of-the-art combat control systems rely heavily on Tactical Data Link (TDL) to compile and present the accurate and timely information Commanders need to made to make critical decisions.TDL networks are complex and require a great deal of planning and coordination to manage successfully, a role assigned to the Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO). The recent Exercise Cutlass Fury 21, a major east-coast joint and combined exercise, was the perfect venue to qualify 10 new JICO candidates from across the Canadian Armed Forces.Tactical Data Link (TDL-400) JICO candidates are drawn from the RCN, CA and RCAF. This course is the final validation in which the students apply the theory gained throughout the TDL 100, 200, and 300 courses, along with their unique operational backgrounds in the TDL environment. As the students will tell you, their previous experience is never enough to make this course anywhere near easy. After a week in the classroom students transition to the practical phase by creating an entire Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC), from which they controlled data link network for the entire Ex Cutlass Fury. Additional participants included the Medium Range Radar from 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) and the Aurora’s Deployable Mission Support Centre, connections to the Canadian Air Defence Sector, the ships at sea, aircraft over-head, and Regional Joint Operations Centre (Atlantic); creating an uncommonly rich training environment. Over two-weeks, JICO students stood watches 24/7, alongside...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––It takes a community to raise a child, and the same can be said for preparing the next wave of Regular Force sailors.Albert Head is home for 10 weeks to newly signed naval recruits undergoing their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training, decentralized two years ago from the Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, to help ease the training burden as the school also trains army and air force personnel. Instructors come from all corners of the navy to help Naval Fleet School Pacific deliver each training serial. A full training serial includes the standard modules: classroom instruction, drill, field training, weapons training, range practice, first aid, basic fire extinguishing skills, confidence course completion, swim tests, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training, and physical fitness training and testing.Over 200 recruits graduate the Basic Military Training each year on the west coast.Navy members who volunteer for teaching duties undertake a two-week General Military Training Instructor course in preparation. However, billet shortfalls within the trades make finding instructors tough, says CPO2 Stephan Melançon, D-BMQ Chief Petty Officer.“As this is a number one CAF priority, people who are interested need to let their chain of command be aware of their intentions as soon as possible,” he says. “The ideal candidate to be a BMQ trainer is someone who is a good mentor, that doesn’t mind working extra hours and on weekends, they also need to have really good people skills, and be able to adapt to change on the fly.” Currently, 52 personnel are at the ready to instruct. This expertise casts a wide net: Naval Communicators, Weapons Engineering Technicians, Marine Technicians, Boatswains, Sonar Operators, Naval Combat Information Officers, Naval Communicators and even an Imagery Technician and professional musician with the Naden Band. PO2 Katrina Bligh, an oboe player with Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, decided to become a D-BMQ trainer in February, with the gig ending after the August graduation of the serial.She completed her first serial...