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[caption id="attachment_26470" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Karen Kang[/caption]A/SLt Wen GuoBase Administration––Karen Kang's career with the Department of National Defence started at age 22 when she took a break from pursuing her degree.It was 2003 when she started as a temporary administration clerk at CFB Esquimalt. She fit right in and immediately knew she had found a lifetime career.“At the end of my term, there was a position available and my supervisor, Mrs. Marian Cranston, was supportive in me taking the vacancy within the department. I took it because I genuinely enjoyed the people I worked with and the benefits that were available.”Over the past 18 years, she worked to advance her career and now holds the position of Business Manager of Centralized Administrative Services. Managing a team of 23 staff members, she supports the Base Administration Officer’s corporate functions in human resources, finance, administration, operations and training, procurement, and safety.“We are a large team of 23 members; we take care of each other as well as hold each other accountable while following the motto: people first, mission always. Our department is a large team, and we help each other out to meet our goals. I find it helpful for my team members when they are given autonomy and allowed to focus on their priorities within their job.” She encourages her team to think outside of the box, be pragmatic, and put themselves in their clients’ shoes.She learned from senior leadership that taking care of staff should always be a top priority.“The command team has always promoted work-life balance; they focus on staff’s mental well-being. Especially during the past year of COVID 19, our senior leadership’s support has been felt greatly as they stood behind everyone and are willing and ready to respond to the needs and wants of the team.”Senior leadership enabled her to take care of her priority – her family.“My children Taranjot and Tejal, both nine, are my greatest inspiration and the reason behind a lot of my decisions at work.”She...

[caption id="attachment_26465" align="aligncenter" width="595"] LCdr Kray Robichaud is a long-distance cyclist who has achieved the ‘super randonneur’ title every year since 2016 — completing a series of self-supported rides ranging from 200 to 600 kilometres. He is participating in this year’s Navy Bike Ride Harry DeWolf challenge.[/caption]Joanie VeitchTrident newspaper––Last year, LCdr Kray Robichaud cycled 5,968.7 kilometres as his contribution to the 2020 virtual Navy Bike Ride Battle of the Atlantic challenge, which added up to a cumulative total of nine days, nine hours, and 23 minutes in the saddle. By July 15 of this year, he was already on track to beat that distance in the 2021 virtual Harry DeWolf challenge.“When comparing my stats with last year’s Navy Bike Ride, I am slightly ahead by 75 kilometres, 1,901 kilometres ridden this year compared to 1,825 kilometres ridden this time last year,” he says.He loves to track his stats, taking pleasure in adding interesting facts to help put the incredible distances he rides into a fun frame of reference. For instance, he not only estimated the number of calories he burned over the 11 weeks of last year’s Navy Bike Ride - 210,185 calories to be exact - he determined that amount would be “the equivalent to the amount of calories that two Kingston Class ship’s companies would expend in one day, or alternatively, the amount of calories an average person would expend in three and a half months.”Becoming a long-distance cyclistLCdr Robichaud is the Royal Canadian Navy’s Senior Staff Officer Strategic Outreach Atlantic/Arctic Canada, as well as a husband and dad to four children. When not attending to those duties, he is on his bike as much as possible, earning titles of distinction in cycling and more than a few medals along the way.LCdr Robichaud is what is known in cycling...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The co-founders of a Latino community group at CFB Esquimalt want to grow their organization and connect more members to their shared heritage. The CAF Latin-American Heritage Association was originally founded in Ottawa by Capt Milton Hoyos and Capt Rey Garcia-Salas three years ago. It built on the achievements of the Department of National Defence Heritage Team that was launched in 2010. The new association linked together members via email with the initial goal to establish an annual Latin-American Heritage month in the military. Its main catalyst was the passing of Bill S-218 in the House of Commons, an act respecting Latin-American Heritage Month in October 2018. Here in Esquimalt, Master Sailor Renato Zelada-Huezo took quick notice of the CAF’s new national association and together with another military member moved to set up a local chapter. The local chapter’s mandate is the same as its Ottawa-based parent organization. It’s all about ending isolation and bringing together people who feel disconnected from their culture and language.“It’s important from the perspective of solidarity to be able to gather together and help each other,” says MS Zelada-Huezo. “Our overall mandate is to promote the mental health and well-being of members and help to integrate and adapt themselves to the military community.” His family is from San Salvador and fled to Canada in 1987 during El Salvador’s civil war, first settling in Montreal. Serving in Canada’s military is about payback, he says. “I am from a military family that has members in services across the Americas and felt I should do service for my adopted country.” The local chapter has about 50 members from a variety of Latino countries. MS Zelada-Huezo says people who are not Latino but like the culture are also welcome to join the group. Prior to the COVID-19...

[caption id="attachment_26454" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Charleyne Oulton with her HRA achievement certificate.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A new blended learning training model is helping the Canadian Armed Forces address a shortfall of Human Resources Administrators (HRA). It was implemented to alleviate the backlog of training for junior Human Resources Administrators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“We launched the decentralized model and exported course programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the caps on the number of students safely permitted at CFLTC,” says WO Michael Beland, Training Manager of the Human Resources Cadre at CFLTC. The first-ever decentralized courses took place over 55 days from Feb. 22 to May 21. Cohorts were implemented in CF Bases Halifax, Petawawa, and Toronto, with between 10 to 32 students participating at each location depending on health and safety protocols. Courses were delivered through a digital learning portal from Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre at CFB Borden.Regular and reserve force members are taught how to operate as HRAs at an introductory level at a base or unit environment. The decentralized course is more intensive and delivers the training over 55 days instead of 90. Candidates learn the procedures for maintaining a personnel file, processing military pay, managing postings, disciplinary documentation, and casualty administration, initiating a claim, administering a member’s deployment, and how to write proper military correspondence.After a preliminary trial run, a more permanent decentralized training model is now expanding to other bases. It uses a blended learning format that includes self-paced online learning with interactive activities and instructor-led content and exercises. “By launching this instruction, we were able to ensure those newly enrolled HRAs received their required training in a timely manner and got them out to their units and bases where their support is greatly needed,” says WO Beland.For the initial trial run, Halifax-based candidates were housed...

[caption id="attachment_26451" align="aligncenter" width="595"] From left: Outgoing CFB Halifax Base Chief, CPO1 Kent Gregory; CFB Halifax Base Commander, Capt(N) Sean Williams; and the new Base Chief, CPO1 Alena Mondelli.[/caption]Joanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––Chief Petty Officer First Class Alena Mondelli made Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) history on July 8, becoming the first woman to serve as a Base Chief Petty Officer. She is the 23rd CFB Halifax Base Chief, taking over from CPO1 Kent Gregory, who served in the position for three years and has now retired from the navy.“I have broken many layers of glass in the RCN for women non-commissioned members,” CPO1 Mondelli said. “It wasn’t my intention to break glass. I just did my best with what I had. As a matter of fact, for many years I didn’t want the label ‘first woman’ or ‘first female’ associated with my accomplishments as I felt that it put the focus on my gender and not my performance.”Prior to her appointment as Base Chief, CPO1 Mondelli was Unit Chief Petty Officer at Personnel Coordination Centre Atlantic. After joining the navy as a naval radio operator in 1991, she was posted to her first ship HMCS Annapolis in 1993 and has gone on to serve on a variety of ships, most recently as Coxswain in HMCS Toronto from July 2018 to August 2019. It was a role that awarded her another major “first” as the first woman in a hard-sea trade to have sailed on a major warship at every single rank.“What I’ve learned over the years, thanks to some very strong mentors, is that the label isn’t about me, it’s about what it means and can mean to those who want to see themselves in their leaders,” CPO1 Mondelli says. “I know that every day when I put on my uniform, just...

[caption id="attachment_26448" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Col Patrick MacNamara addresses those in attendance.[/caption]DND––Colonel Patrick MacNamara assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 12 Wing Shearwater from Col James Hawthorne in a change of command ceremony July 16 presided over by Major-General Eric Kenny, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division.Col MacNamara assumed command after a dynamic career that includes postings with both of 12 Wing’s operational squadrons 423 Squadron and 443 Squadron and numerous deployments to sea with the CH-124 Sea King; an operational planning posting with NATO in Europe; and most recently with the Strategic Joint Staff in Ottawa. Col Hawthorne now moves into the position of Royal Canadian Air Force Advisor with the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff at the Canadian High Commission in London, U.K. As Wing Commander, he presided over one of the most challenging periods in 12 Wing’s history, which saw the continued operationalization of the CH-148 Cyclone, and the tragedy of the Stalker 22 accident on April 29, 2020. This was on top of the day-to-day responsibilities of maintaining training and readiness, operating alongside the Royal Canadian Navy, and working with community partners, all while dealing with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 12 Wing is the home to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s maritime helicopter community, with the primary role of providing helicopters to embark on Royal Canadian Navy ships in support of operations. With a total team of approximately 1,200 people, 12 Wing Shearwater has four squadrons: 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron (Patricia Bay); 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron (Shearwater); 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron (Shearwater); and 12 Air Maintenance Squadron.––––

[caption id="attachment_26443" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sergeant Steven Drinkwalter played the bag pipes during the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony on May 2 in the Arabian Sea while the ship was on Operation Artemis and part of Combined Task Force 150. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, HMCS Calgary Imagery Technician[/caption] HMCS Calgary’s Sgt Steven Drinkwalter grew up in Esquimalt where his father worked down the road at CFB Esquimalt. At age 12, while watching the Victoria Day parade, his mother pointed to the pipe band as it marched by and said to him, “You’re doing that.” So, he joined the 2136 Canadian Scottish Cadet Corps and learned the bagpipes, rounding out his cadet experience as he had already been in Sea Cadets and Air Cadets (Rainbow Sea Cadet Corps and 89 Pacific Air Cadets). “I loved it right away,” he says. In 1994, at 17, he transitioned from cadet to an Infantry Reservist in the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Primary Reserve infantry unit out of the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria. With this unit he toured the world as part of the Regimental Band. He fondly recalls touring the United States and going to Europe. His most memorable trip was to Scotland when his band participated in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the largest military show of its kind in the world. In 2004, he moved from the Reserve Force to the Regular Force, joining as an Aviation Systems Technician. Since joining he has been on six deployments on four warships as part of their embarked air detachments. To the delight of all the ship crews he has sailed with, Sgt Drinkwalter always deploys with his bagpipes, becoming the ships’ unofficial bagpiper. His bagpipe playing offers a powerful and emotive ambiance at dinners, cocktail parties, birthdays, celebrations, and memorials. In...

[caption id="attachment_26438" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland, Deputy Commander Royal Canadian Navy (centre), presided over the Naval Reserve Change of Command Ceremony between departing Commander, Commodore Michael Hopper (left) and incoming Commander, Commodore Patrick Montgomery (right) during the signing of the Change of Command certificates in Ottawa July 9. Photos by Corporal Sylviane St-Cyr, Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau)[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A Victoria resident skilled at solving complex problems has taken command of Canada’s Naval Reserves. Math professor and naval reservist Commodore Patrick Montgomery took the helm from Cmdre Michael Hopper during a Change of Command ceremony at HMCS Carleton in Ottawa on July 9. “I think the ability to analyze a problem logically and consider how components interact has been a great help throughout my career in the Naval Reserve,” he says of his mathematical expertise. He now oversees more than 4,100 part-time sailors serving within 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across the country. Their responsibilities include responding to domestic operations, providing security for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), augmenting the fleet platform or shore capacity for defence missions at home and abroad, and providing the linkage between the RCN and local communities.Cmdre Montgomery is a 52-year-old father of two, and currently resides in Saanich with his wife Kelly. He holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Alberta and currently teaches math at nearby Camosun College. He has been engaged as a part-time and full-time reservist for most of his adult life, first enrolling in the Naval Reserves in 1986 when he joined HMCS Malahat.Highlights of his naval career up until this command were his postings as Commanding Officer of HMCS Edmonton (2008 to 2010) and HMCS Saskatoon (2010 to 2012), when he worked as a full-time naval reservist. Earning his Minor Warship Command Qualification in 2004 was the most difficult challenge of his naval career. “This took several years of examinations, preparations, study, and practice to get there,” he says. “I also learned a lot about how to...

[caption id="attachment_26424" align="alignnone" width="595"] Margaret Brooke (hull 431) is seen alongside HMCS Max Bernays (hull 432) at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax facility. Photo courtesy Irving Shipbuilding.[/caption] Joanie Veitch, Trident Newspaper––The delivery of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) Margaret Brooke on July 15 in Halifax marked an important milestone both for the Royal Canadian Navy and for the ship’s crew.“The crew of Margaret Brooke finally has a ship to call their own,” said Cdr Nicole Robichaud, Margaret Brooke’s Commanding Officer. “The delivery would not be possible without the dedication of the crew, who have spent the better part of the last year to 18 months training and learning about this ship.”The second AOPS of six being built through the National Shipbuilding Strategy by Irving Shipbuilding, and its delivery, was a highly anticipated event, Cdr Robichaud added. “Not only is a new ship entering into service with the Royal Canadian Navy, but a new capability is also being introduced and Margaret Brooke will directly contribute to achieving global Canadian objectives.”Training in preparation for delivery involved the ship’s company in both computer-based learning and a practical training program at various shore-based facilities, as well as on board HMCS Harry DeWolf, the first AOPS, said LCdr Dusty Allen, Margaret Brooke’s Executive Officer.“While this training ensures we are well postured to receive the ship, nothing can replace the pride and ownership of having a unit to call your own,” he said, commending the “incredible work ethic, enthusiasm and pride” the ship’s crew have shown.The journey to delivery day was a rough one at times, with the COVID-19 pandemic introducing numerous challenges.“COVID has had an impact on everyone, everywhere,” said Cdr Robichaud. “It has affected everything from material, parts, labour, and timelines, to training, morale, personnel requirements, and taskings.”Irving Shipbuilding, the Canadian shipbuilder and in-service support provider,...

[caption id="attachment_26420" align="alignnone" width="595"] The team from the MFRC, Jackie Carlé, Lisa Church, Debra Groves, Kathy Cook, with Gordie Dodd.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––It was the sound of money as bottles bumped and cans clanged outside Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress off Finlayson Avenue on July 11.The store held a touchless bottle drive on behalf of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), a gesture of support for military families. Four MFRC volunteers were on hand to accept the donated cans and bottles and place them into large industrial-sized bins provided by Bottle Depot. “This was our first fundraising experience with Dodd’s and we were so thrilled when they reached out to us,” says Jackie Carlé, MFRC Executive Director. “Donors from the community streamed through the parking lot for most of the day and it was heartwarming to see the community rally to support this cause and be so generous.”By day’s end, seven large bins were filled to the brim, totalling over $1,000, plus $120 in cash donations for the MFRC. Carlé noted that the Esquimalt MFRC is also registered with the Bottle Depot for charitable donations at any of their locations throughout the year. The Esquimalt MFRC is a registered charity and accepts donations from the community in support of military families. Individual donations can be made by visiting their web page: https://esquimaltmfrc.com/get-involved/donate

Maj Philip Dodge, 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron––443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron has a new guardian at the facility entrance – a beautifully preserved Sea King helicopter.On July 7, the CH12417 Gate Guardian was dedicated by the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, LCol Ryan Sexsmith, and Honourary Colonel Mike Sudul, along with the placement of a time capsule. The time capsule will be opened on the 50th anniversary commemorating the Sea King’s final flight with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), in December 2068.The fleet of Sea Kings retired on Dec. 31, 2018, after 55 years of service to Canada, the RCAF, and the Canadian Armed Forces.The Sea King has a storied past as one of the longest serving and operationally deployed aircraft in Canadian Armed Forces history. It has deployed around the globe in peacetime and in conflict. With this rich history in mind, 443(MH) Squadron leadership wanted to preserve and display CH12417 as a Gate Guardian, providing a fitting testament to all who pass through Arundel Castle gates, past, present, and future. The project took flight in January 2020 with an initial meeting between the Squadron and Real Property Operations Unit (Pacific). COVID-19 and the limited space to display the helicopter offered a few challenges. RPOps and Farmer Construction Ltd worked with the Squadron to design and construct the pedestal concrete pad, hardscape retaining wall, and subcontract the recessed LED lighting installation to illuminate CH12417 during night time hours. Preparing the helicopter for its new role was left to the Gate Guardian team members. As the lead aircraft structures technician, MCpl Sylvain Fortier worked tirelessly to design and implement practical solutions that enhanced the display, while preserving the aircraft’s security and integrity. On June 2, with the aircraft fully prepared and the crane ready on site, fair winds proved excellent craning conditions. Under the leadership of...

[caption id="attachment_26411" align="alignnone" width="595"] Commander Mark O’Donohue, HMCS Calgary Commanding Officer; Cdr Meghan Coates, Executive Officer; and Chief Petty Officer First Class Mark Chambers, Coxswain, stand on the ship’s forecastle as Cameron MacKay, Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste; Diedrah Kelly, Canadian Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; Colonel Andrew Cleveland, Canadian Defence Attaché to Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei and Timor-Leste; and two of their staff members wave farewell from the jetty as the ship was alongside in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 2.[/caption] Captain Jeff Klassen, HMCS Calgary––HMCS Calgary enhanced its naval partnership and Canadian-Indonesian relations during a technical visit to Jakarta on July 1 to 3 as part of Operation Projection. During this visit the ship had several interactions with Indonesian ships including a multi-ship escort upon its sail into Jakarta and a flashing light communications exercise with the multi-role corvette KRI Bung Tomo.“We greatly appreciated the opportunity to enhance our interoperability with the Indonesian Navy during our visit to Jakarta,” said Commander Mark O’Donohue, Calgary’s Commanding Officer. “Conducting cooperative deployments with other capable navies in the region demonstrates our ability to work together and contribute to Indo-Pacific maritime security and stability.” While in Jakarta, on July 2, Calgary crew had a socially distanced visit with Ambassador Deidrah Kelly from the Mission of Canada to ASEAN and Ambassador Cameron MacKay with the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The ship’s Executive Officer, Commander Megan Coates, and Ambassador Cameron MacKay held a virtual press conference with local media. They spoke about Canada-Indonesia bilateral relations and the importance of maintaining military interoperability between nations.“The visit of HMCS Calgary to Jakarta is a concrete demonstration of Canada’s growing partnership with Indonesia, and our joint commitment to peace, security, sustainability, and prosperity at home and abroad,” said Ambassador MacKay.Upon sailing out of Indonesian...

[caption id="attachment_26407" align="alignnone" width="595"] Sailors lined the floats at the Seamanship Training Centre for departing officer LCdr Mike Erwin. Following that, they removed their caps and gave three cheers as the Whaler, staffed by senior staff of Naval Fleet School Pacifc, pulled away to row him ashore.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––It could be said that LCdr Michael Erwin is a renaissance man.Cartoonist, writer, friend to Gnaval Gnome, sailor, officer, Guard Commander, and his last post before he retired July 8 - Seamanship Division Commander at Naval Fleet School Pacific. His retirement, also his 60th birthday, marked the end of a 40-year career with the navy, where he learned, among many trades and skills, naval customs, tradition, history, and ceremonial procedures. So it was a fitting end when he was rowed away in a Montagu Whaler boat with Heart of Oak echoing over the water, adeptly played by the Naden Band.His path to the navy began while attending the University of Calgary and searching for part-time employment; circa 1980. “I saw an ad in the school newspaper. It was about officer training programs in the Naval Reserve and it sounded very exciting.”By February 1981 he was attending basic training at Albert Head as a naval reserve recruit. A few years later, he made the full commitment to the Regular Force serving in many warships, many now decommissioned, such as HMC Ships Annapolis, Terra Nova, Miramichi, MacKenzie, Protecteur, and Algonquin.His most enjoyable sail was in MacKenzie – 1991- when the destroyer sailed to New Zealand via Tonga and Tahiti to participate in the 50th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy. From 1992 onward, he spent 16 years dedicated to naval training, splitting his time between Naval Officer Training Centre Venture, Fleet School, and the Training Squadron. “I always found it gratifying to teach...

[caption id="attachment_26402" align="alignnone" width="595"] Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre[/caption]Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff––Many of us have been watching the reports coming out of Afghanistan with dismay. The fall of Panjwai, reported two weeks ago, has hit many of us particularly hard, and as we question our legacy, it serves as a harbinger for all Canadians who served in the country, regardless of when and where. Panjwai District, with its place names such as Masum Ghar, Nakhonay, Sperwan Ghar, and Mushan, are indelibly etched into the collective psyche of those who served there. The heat, the dust, the grape rows, and the poppy fields all provide a backdrop to what truly troubles us – our investment of effort, of sweat, and most of all of blood.Our Afghan experience has left none untouched, and many, including families, are scarred physically, mentally, and morally from it. Many of us have been asking, some for years, “Was it worth it?” Answers will be deeply personal, and not all have reached a final conclusion other than time will tell.We can hold our heads high knowing that we did everything our government asked us to do. Our members served with valour and selflessness, and were there to make a difference. The solution was never going to be a military one, and what we gave the people and the government of Afghanistan was time. The decision with what to do with that time was theirs to make.  While history will be the ultimate judge, the current trajectory of the country leaves us with much pain and doubt. After their wars, our forebears were able to visit many of the countries in which they served, such as in Europe and Korea, and put their sacrifices in context, giving them meaning when they saw hope and prosperity rise...

[caption id="attachment_26396" align="alignnone" width="595"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––When the grad party died down and the high school certificate was stowed away, a young Jeff Hutchinson was left aimless. It was the early 90s, and nothing really stood out to him as a definitive career path. So, he popped into the Halifax, Nova Scotia, Recruiting Centre, to see what was available for a young lad like himself.The prospect of a paid post-secondary degree in history and an officer commission seemed appealing. He signed up for Navy – following in one grandfather’s footsteps – and headed off to “boot camp”, also known as Basic Officer Training in Chilliwack, B.C.Thirty years have passed since he scrawled his name on the Canadian Armed Forces contract. That young fresh-faced teenage recruit is now a naval Captain and CFB Esquimalt’s new Base Commander, having taken the position last Thursday in a formal change of command ceremony. “I’d say I had the least clue about what I really wanted to do with myself after high school,” says Capt(N) Hutchinson. “Notwithstanding the haphazard way I got here, I sure am happy I made those choices.” His career has been a volley of posting on either coast, with a few landings in Ottawa, such as his last one - Director Naval Strategic Management at National Defence Headquarters.His early career sailings were in HMC Ships Montreal, earning his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate; and Halifax for his Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Fleet Navigation Officer tours. He then returned to Halifax as Deck Officer three years later following a shore posting to the Royal Military College. The return to sea strengthened his desire to sail. “I quickly found that I seemed to be more comfortable at sea than anywhere else and it just seemed to be my place,” he says. His...

[caption id="attachment_26390" align="alignnone" width="595"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson addresses the crowd gathered on museum square July 15 following the change of command of CFB Esquimalt. The speech marked his first as the new Base Commander. Photo by S1 Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer––Managing CFB Esquimalt is now the responsibility of Captain(Navy) Jeff Hutchinson, as he took ownership of the base on July 15.With approximately 70 guests in attendance, Capt(N) Sam Sader transferred command to Capt(N) Hutchison with Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee presiding over the ceremony held at Museum Square. Capt(N) Sader now moves on to Ottawa as Director Operational Sustainment.Rounding out the dignitaries were The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean; Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, and Chief Rob Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation.First to take the podium and address the crowd, RAdm Topshee lauded Capt(N) Sader for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You had the ability to transform this organization so rapidly, to re-imagine all of those services, and to deliver them in the most demanding conditions possible,” said RAdm Topshee. “As a former fleet commander, I can say with certainty that you came through and made sure the fleet could stay safe and complete their mission of keeping Canadians safe.”He continued on, noting several other high level achievements including the historic cleanup of industrial contamination in the harbour and the successful National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign, with over $440,000 raised under less than ideal fundraising circumstances over the past two years. The Admiral then turned to Capt(N) Hutchinson, describing him as an outstanding leader and an experienced sailor.“Being a base commander is not just about leading a great institution, it is also about understanding the mission. I know you bring those qualities to us and I am excited to see you...

DND––It was a banner day for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Legal Branch as they virtually engaged with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Colonel-in-Chief of the CAF Legal Branch on June 22 for a formal presentation of a Royal Banner by the Queen.“It was my honour and pleasure to have received this Royal Banner from Her Majesty on behalf of all members of the Legal Branch, past and present, who, for more than one hundred years, have served Canada with professionalism, expertise and honour,” said Rear-Admiral Geneviève Bernatchez, the Judge Advocate General, after the event.Royal banners are unique flags presented as special marks of Royal favour to commemorate specific services. The Queen hosted the virtual audience from Windsor Castle. Rear-Admiral Bernatchez attended from Ottawa, with her Chief of Staff and CAF Legal Branch Advisor, Colonel Robin Holman. Lieutenant-Colonel Noor Ahmed, Assistant Judge Advocate General for the Prairie Region, joined them from Winnipeg and Major Angela Orme, Legal Advisor to the Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 150, connected from Bahrain.Following the formalities, the Queen spoke with each participant about their service to country, commitment to justice, and to family.Col Holman discussed his responsibilities as both Chief of Staff and Branch Advisor to manage effective recruiting, professional development, assignment, and career progression of legal officers.LCol Ahmed had the opportunity to mention that he first met the Queen while serving as a Boy Scout during the Royal Visit to Stratford, ON, in 1973, which Her Majesty appreciated. He also discussed his official duties focusing on domestic operations, particularly his legal support to requests for assistance during the pandemic in long-term care homes in the Prairie region and to remote northern First Nations communities. He also spoke about his role advising on air security issues under the NORAD agreement.Maj Orme provided background information about her deployment in Manama, Bahrain, headquarters of the 34-nation coalition Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Canada took command of CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) in January 2021. As the legal advisor to Commander CTF 150, Maj Orme supports every boarding operation to ensure they are proceeding with the proper legal basis and...

[caption id="attachment_26373" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Jesse Gisborne[/caption]Sailor 1st Class (S1) Jesse Gisborne, a Clearance Diver from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), is deployed on Operation Unifier supporting Exercise Sea Breeze 21 in Odesa, Ukraine. Raised in Abbotsford, B.C., and a local of Victoria, S1 Gisborne, has always dreamt about travelling the world and living a life of adventure.“I was a young man searching for adventure on the high seas. It turns out the adventure happens in port,” he said.Clearance divers such as S1 Gisborne are the Royal Canadian Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal experts in both surface and sub-surface environments, with specialties in underwater demolitions, conventional and advanced unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive device disposal. They are also experts in salvage, inspections, training, search and survey, hyperbaric medicine, submarine rescue, fleet maintenance, and dockyard support. They also provide support to Fleet Force Protection and other government agencies. Among the many memorable diving missions for S1 Gisborne was his tasking in Tofino, B.C.“A challenging experience that I can never forget was sailing our dive tender to Tofino to recover ordnance from a First World War wreck,” he said. “The tow rope for our rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) parted in the middle of the night in rough seas. I remember the jump from the deck of our boat to the RHIB in three-metre swells was dicey. Sometimes getting to the job is the most dangerous part.”He has also been deployed off the coast of Libya during the Arab Spring in 2011 aboard HMCS Vancouver, as well as in numerous domestic and international exercises.“The experiences you share with your team will form friendships that last the rest of your life.” The Clearance Diver Team deployed in support of Exercise Sea Breeze 21 is comprised of members from both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet Diving Units. During the exercise, S1 Gisborne is sharing best practices with...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation is currently offering 20 scholarships for youth aiming for careers in the aviation or aerospace sectors.Scholarships are valued at $1,000 each and are designed to encourage students towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and math studies (STEM) or the aviation or aerospace industry. Deadline to apply is July 16.Canadian youth who are 25 years or younger by Sept. 1 and are entering or studying in a post-secondary institution or flight school are eligible to apply. Awards are broken into three categories of eligibility: 10 scholarships have been set aside for eligible dependents and current and former RCAF members, five for young women, and five scholarships for students who identify as Indigenous, visible minority, persons with disability or LGBTQQIP2SAA. The RCAF Foundation was launched in March 2021 with a mission to recognize, foster, and celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force through community engagement, education programs, and commemorative activities. “These scholarships are to inspire students and meet the rapidly growing demand for skilled people in the private defence sectors to be leaders in Canada and the world and there are few areas more exciting than science and flight,” said Lieutenant-General (Retired) Michael Hood, foundation member and Commander, RCAF.In order qualify for the scholarship applicants are required to contribute an essay of 500 words or video clip of at least two minutes answering one of two questions that can be found on the website: https://rcaffoundation.ca/portfolio-items/student-scholarship/Deadline is July 16.––––

[caption id="attachment_26357" align="aligncenter" width="590"] SLt Nic Bell in HMCS Winnipeg.[/caption]An Unusual Alarm ClockSLt Nic BellHMCS Winnipeg––Being awoken by the general alarm at 0400 coming through the PA is certainly an unusual alarm clock. I hop out of my rack, lit by red light, in a space shared with five others, three of whom are casualty clearers and two rescue swimmers (including myself). Everyone dresses as fast as possible while the ship rolls 15 degrees - makes dominos on a seesaw look steady compared to us. We move as fast as possible to the upper decks to don a dry suit labeled “RESCUE” and hop into a little boat that will shortly be suspended two to three stories over the water. All this to recover our friend Oscar, a human-sized dummy who was thrown overboard for training. That’s my alarm clock some days. Life during Intermediate Multiship Readiness Training (IMSRTs) is a constantly changing, chaotic event consisting of trying to stay ahead of the ship’s program. Being a Bridge Watch Keeper under training just adds to the chaos. Attending briefings, running serials from the bridge, and responding to emergencies, every day is a change from the last and tomorrow will be different. A moment that stands out was being the Second Officer of the Watch on the bridge for the first landing of our helicopter. Bringing the ship to emergency flying stations, putting on action dress, and trying to find a flying course to safely land the helicopter while working with a helicopter for the first time was a nerve-racking, yet confidence-building evolution. A sense of anxiety was felt through the bridge as we watched the flight deck through the CCTV system, with the sound of rotor blades chopping in the background while the aircraft landed. We waited anxiously to hear “Trapped on Deck” over the net. Every time a novel and stressful moment ends, you go back to thinking “Okay what’s next?” Needless to say, the life of a Bridge...

[caption id="attachment_26347" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain (N) S. Sader[/caption]It’s still hard for me to believe, but this will be my last update as Base Commander before my Change of Command on July 15.  It has been an honour to serve in this role and to work alongside so many talented professionals here at the base and within the local community and I would like to express my thanks for your support over the last two years.I’ve always felt a strong sense of purpose throughout my numerous postings at CFB Esquimalt.  There is something special about being part of a dedicated team, responsible for sustaining regular operations and capable of surging its support in times of global crisis or natural disaster response. Over the last year and a half, you have all demonstrated just how important that surge capacity is and I have been consistently impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the base team throughout the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond.Despite the unpredictability of the global pandemic, there are many accomplishments to be proud of.  A high-tempo fleet schedule of international and domestic deployments kept us busy, while we also worked to modernize our processes through numerous digitalization initatives to ensure our people have the right tools for their job. Significant progress has been made on our major infrastructure projects in preparation for welcoming the future fleet to our harbour in the coming years. We have also taken steps to address historic industrial contamination within Esquimalt Harbour, helping to restore the local shared ecosystem for future generations as part of the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project.  The base joined together in support of those in need during events such as the Tug-of-War Challenge, chili cook-offs, Bring Your Dog to Work Day and countless other events that raised over $440,000 for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign over the last two years.   These are just a few examples of the many achievements I’ve witnessed during my time as Base Commander and I couldn’t be...

[caption id="attachment_26344" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S1 Andy O’Brien inspects the explosive found at Fort Rodd Hill.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A Second World War-era mortar found at Fort Rodd Hill has been safely destroyed by two Clearance Divers of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific. The item was discovered by a groundskeeper while clearing underbrush near the perimeter of the Parks Canada facility on the morning of June 28. The explosive device was in a wooded area near Fort Rodd Hill Road.PO2 Benoît Leonard and S1 Andy O’Brien, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians of the Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, were dispatched by the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Members of Military Police Unit (Esquimalt) had cordoned off the area. The item was later identified as a British 2-inch-high explosive mortar. It was half buried in soil when PO2 Léonard and S1 O’Brien came upon it. “It looked like it may have been [accidentally] dropped there a long time ago, long before the site was a tourist attraction,” said PO2 Léonard. Today, Fort Rodd Hill is a Parks Canada site, but it once served as a coastal defence system during the First and Second World War. The artillery battery was originally built in the 1890s by the Royal Navy to protect the area from Spanish and Russian navy attack. It took PO2 Leonard and S1 O’Brien about 30 minutes to identify the mortar.“It’s sometimes difficult when dealing with old ordnance,” said PO2 Léonard. “When all the markings are gone, we resort to different means like key features to identify an item.” A closer inspection of the mortar revealed it was fitted with high explosives but had no fuse attached. “It’s a smaller type of mortar, used against personnel and light vehicles,” said PO2 Léonard. “The main danger would be fragmentation from the steel casing.”After determining the item was safe for...

[caption id="attachment_26337" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of HMCS Calgary clean a portion of Diego Garcia’s beaches on June 20 in Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory. Photos by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, HMCS Calgary Imagery Technician[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary––After five months of being in a COVID-free social bubble, the crew of HMCS Calgary finally got a real port visit when they visited the small British Indian Ocean Territory Island of Diego Garcia, home to United States Navy Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. The crew had visited a few foreign countries throughout the deployment, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic port visits were considered technical visits and the ship’s company could not leave a cordened off area on the jetty. In Diego Garcia it was a time to relax, interact with crewmates and others off ship, and for some of the ship’s company it was an opportunity to help the British Forces and United States Navy protect the environment.Diego Garcia is an isolated atoll rarely visited by outsiders. It is known for its natural beauty that includes fine white-sanded beaches, with sea turtles, coconut crabs, and a diverse and vibrant sea life surrounding it. However, plastic from the ocean ends up on its shores and can create problems for the local sea turtle population. Calgary’s crew stepped in to help clean up.“The plastic breaks down into microplastics in the sand where sea turtles tend to nest,” explained Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) John Quay, Command Chaplain for Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. “For marine turtle eggs, incubation temperature is destiny. Sea turtles have temperature dependent sex determination, which means their sex is determined by the sand temperature. Changes in incubation temperatures can modify the sex ratios produced on these nesting beaches.”[caption id="attachment_26339" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Members of HMCS Calgary[/caption]In an activity organized by Calgary’s embarked chaplain Lieutenant (Navy) Wilson Gonese and LCdr Quay, 31 members of the ship got up at the break of dawn, drove out to the island’s Oceanside R-site Beach, and cleared...

[caption id="attachment_26328" align="aligncenter" width="594"] From left to right: Maj Lesley Quinlan, her daughter, and her husband, LCol Chris Quinlan. The new Canada Army Run shirt has multiple military-themed elements printed on a material that is ideal for sport. The shirt is offered in short or long sleeve to meet the preference of the whole family.[/caption]CFMWS––In a few months, the Canada Army Run Virtual will kick off its 2021 edition. For the second year in a row, the run won’t begin at the Canadian War Museum nor in Canada’s Capital, Ottawa, but rather, anywhere and everywhere as it is virtual. Being part of this event is exciting; however, it is also quite different from the in-person event held on the streets of Ottawa-Gatineau. Keeping that in mind, the run committee is committed to ensuring participants get the full Canada Army Run experience. Each registered participant will receive a race kit that includes military-themed items.When registering for the Sept. 10 run, participants can select a Canada Army Run exclusive merchandise item:  a race shirt with short sleeves or long sleeves or a hat. This year’s shirts have a new modern, sleek design that will keep participants stylish while they break a sweat. Shirts are darker compared to last year’s while still incorporating military-related elements such as the CADPAT camouflage pattern and the Support Our Troops yellow ribbon. The design also highlights the racer’s selected distance in a white maple leaf on the left sleeve. In addition to race gear, participants will find various items including a Canada Army Run race coin, a congratulatory letter from the Commander of the Canadian Army, and an exclusive sample of a hydration product. Registrants also get access to free monthly training races, a distance challenge, Remembrance Row nominations, and a virtual expo, which includes various offers from Canada...

The Department of National Defence  (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the families of 16 Canadian Army soldiers who went missing during the Korean War in the 1950s.The 16 soldiers went missing in action between Oct. 11, 1951, and July 12, 1953. Their remains are presumably located near where they were last seen, in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification, known as MAKRI, has been working towards locating and recovering the remains of soldiers from the DMZ where Canadian soldiers are reported to have gone missing. Working in close relationship with MAKRI, the CAF is looking for relatives to help identify through genealogical, familial and/or historical research if any discovered remains are those of the missing Canadian Army soldiers. “Our military relationship with Korea dates back to 1950, when Canada declared its support of South Korea following its sudden invasion by North Korea,” said Lieutenant-General Steven Whelan, Commander Military Personnel Command. “Canada contributed the third largest number of soldiers among United Nations (UN) countries during the Korean war. Of the more than 26,000 who deployed, 516 made the ultimate sacrifice. A formal agreement between the Republic of Korea and Canada signed on June 23, 2021, shows that we will never forget our fallen, and brings us one step closer to granting peace to the families of the soldiers who went missing.” The successful identification of the missing, and their burial with their name by their regiment, brings closure to the families and a direct link to the past for soldiers currently serving. More broadly, it gives all Canadians the opportunity to reflect on the experience of those...

S2 Natassia LeiHMCS SummersideA/SLt David LindsayPAO Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters––The last remaining Naval Admiralty whaler is slated to be reunited later this summer near the last surviving Flower-class corvette - Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Sackville located at the Naval Museum of Halifax, Nova Scotia. HMCS Summerside collected the Admiralty’s trawler whaler on June 24 to bring it back to Canada. Coming alongside in Portsmouth, the crew had their first look at the weathered wooden boat. At 16 feet long, seven feet wide and approximately half a ton, the clinker built hull bears witness to craftsmanship worked with expert hands. The first reference to whaleboats was in 1756 and  they were introduced into Royal Naval service around 1810 when they were called whale-gigs. The trawler whaler, commonly referred to as a Captain’s gig, was used to take boarding parties to enemy ships. They had a secondary role as lifeboats.This trawler was secured by Tim Lewin.“Some 20 years ago, I began my cooperation with the Imperial War Museum by supporting an annual gathering of Second World War veterans for a Victory party to celebrate VE Day on board HMS Belfast. Through this relationship I came into contact with HMCS Sackville in Halifax, a sister ship preserved to the memory of the heroism of all those who served at sea. In the early part of this year, Commander Bill Gard of the Sackville Trust asked me if I could help them find plans to build a new Montague whaler, once the sea boat of every naval ship.“This in turn brought me to the superb restoration craftsmen of Boathouse No. 4, part of the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust. When I told them of my friendship with HMCS Sackville they told me that in their collection they had, awaiting restoration, an Admiralty Pattern...

[caption id="attachment_26317" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Aviator Mathieu Pelletier and his father, Sergeant René Pelletier work side-by-side in the plumbing and heating shop at 192 Construction Engineering Flight, an RCAF Reserve unit located at Aldergrove, B.C., which is part of 19 Wing Comox. Photo RCAF 2021[/caption]Holly BridgesRoyal Canadian Air Force––On any given day in the plumbing and heating shop at 192 Construction Engineering Flight, an RCAF Reserve unit located at Aldergrove, B.C., you might see Aviator Mathieu Pelletier and his father Sergeant René Pelletier working side-by-side. Since they share the same household, the pair is permitted to work in close proximity to one another during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. “Sgt Pelletier is my father, but at work I don’t have the luxury of calling him that due to the chain of command,” says Avr Pelletier. “At home, he’s just Dad.”The father-son duo, both plumbing and heating technicians, have worked together before as civilians in the Alberta oil patch. Sgt Pelletier, considered one of the Canadian Armed Force’s leading experts in erecting soft-shell structures such as weather havens and aircraft hangars in austere conditions, was working part-time in the oil sands, after 21 years in the Regular Force and 23 years in the Reserve Force“I’m very proud of my father and the work he’s accomplished over the years. It’s a very large legacy to be walking behind. But at the same time, I know that what I can bring to the military is different than what he brought, because it’s a new era. I don’t see it as me being stuck in his shadow. I see it as one long shadow of our entire family. And eventually we step out into the light at the front, and extend it.”Making his own mark, yet forever grateful for his father’s mentorship, Avr Pelletier was only too happy...

Lisa ChurchMFRC––Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre’s (MFRC) giant furry teddy bear now has a name.After a deluge of creative monikers were offered as part of a contest, judges settled on Radar. This name was suggested by the De Guzman family children, pictured here. They received a Gifts From Afar Program package.The custom-made teddy bear was created by Sugars Mascots of Toronto. The bear measures a whopping 193 cm (6’4”) in height with a massive belly and head that that measure 190 cm (75 inches) and 157 cm (5’2”) respectively. Now that they have a name, Radar will start making appearances at upcoming events.––––

[caption id="attachment_26302" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S1 Aaron Henry drills in drywall at the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitations Centre.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––S1 Aaron Henry’s handiwork has helped the Salvation Army Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitations Centre (ARC) move from a tired facility to a refreshed centre ready to help the less fortunate. He was one of many volunteers who dedicated their free time to local charity HeroWork and their latest Radical Renovation. They rely on the generosity of local businesses, general labour volunteers, and skilled volunteers to pitch in and transform other local charity facilities.“I really wanted to get back into volunteering again, and making a difference in my community,” says S1 Henry. “HeroWork is a charity where I can instantly see the results of my work and also learn new skills.”He volunteered for HeroWork in 2019 doing general labour at Our Place’s Therapeutic Recovery Centre in Colwood. He says his latest experience gave him an opportunity to better himself and learn a fundamental renovation skill of how to handle and install drywall. “It was challenging at first and I quickly became aware that the materials need to be handled with care, along with getting the rivets into the studs properly,” he says. On July 3, the completed Salvation Army Victoria ARC located on Johnson Street was revealed. A newly built commercial kitchen is ready to serve with a 20 per cent increase of capacity. Before this Radical Renovation, the kitchen served approximately 15,000 meals a month. Other areas renovated include additional emergency dormitory spaces, common area updates, and general building maintenance items. Total cost of the project for HeroWork is estimated at $200,000. At $1.1M valuation it is the highest valued project completed to date.––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt has been selected by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff to take part in a pilot project for COVID-19 rapid testing. Approximately 12,800 COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Detection Testing (RADT) kits have been delivered to the base. The test is a self-administered swab and can yield results in about 15 to 20 minutes. The implementation of a rapid-testing program in the workplace is intended to identify asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19. CFB Borden and CFB Halifax have also been selected to take part in the pilot project, the results of which will be assessed after 12 weeks. The tests are voluntary, completely confidential, and are being made available locally to certain workplaces and facilities through Formation Safety and Environment (FSE).  Priority units are currently in the process of being trained so they can have self-sufficient testing programs, says Catherine Leith, Formation Safety Officer.Top PriorityShips going to sea are the top priority to receive the test kits. Individuals receiving or delivering training in areas such as Basic Military Qualification, naval boarding parties, and other close contact training are the next priority. Test kits will be of great value for ships at sea, says Leith. Sailors in sea-going units are routinely tested by Canadian Forces Health Services staff using PCR laboratory tests. The PCR tests are the most thorough and effective method but can sometimes take days to get the results back.“The new tests can be given to a ship’s company on the day they sail or to a group of students the morning before a class; their operations can continue without pausing for the test results to come in,” she adds.Although DND has implemented rigorous pubic health measures within defence facilities, this latest effort is all about mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and identifying asymptomatic individuals. “There is still...