Latest News

[caption id="attachment_26040" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Commander Amber Comisso[/caption]Peter MallettStaff writer––Vancouver-based filmmaker Adrian Juric has included a Royal Canadian Navy officer in his upcoming documentary Our Time Has Come: Women Who Lead.Commander (Cdr) Amber Comisso, 42, joins a half dozen other successful working women in the film that focusses on gender equality and the unique ways women lead at the highest levels of the organizational world. “I was truly honoured and excited that he chose me to tell part of a larger story of the struggle of gender equity to Canadians,” said Cdr Comisso. “I really do think it’s important for young women to see someone successful in the navy, and research shows for so many women, seeing is believing.” She currently works as F3, Canadian Fleet Pacific, and is preparing for the upcoming Task Group Exercise involving HMC Ships Winnipeg and Regina running May 28 to June 11. Her clip was filmed at the Wardroom, with a sneak peak recently released on LinkedIn. “Young women, especially those in their teens, need to see women who have done big things in the world in order to go after success themselves,” says Juric. “My goal with this film is to introduce them to female leaders who fit this description, women who might inspire them enough to pursue leadership roles of their own one day.”His cousin, Kara Osborne, a retired army intelligence officer, recommended Cdr Comisso. It was her impressive accomplishments over 23 years in the navy, and her roles as mother of two and service spouse, that prompted him to reach out to her. She recently completed a posting as HMCS Winnipeg’s Executive Officer, part of which was a five-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific region on Operations Projection and Neon. She previously held the title of National Military Co-Chair of the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization, which advises Canada’s military on systemic barriers concerning women and gender equity.[caption id="attachment_26042" align="aligncenter" width="389"] Commander Amber Comisso[/caption]During the filming, Juric asked her several provocative questions on gender:...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––A new book by a Royal Canadian Navy sailor is inspiring musicians to seek perfection in their live performances and to “never be an echo of someone else.”Author PO1 Jason Parsons is an accomplished live music producer and performance coach. By day he is a Human Resources Administrator in the Base Orderly Room (BOR) at CFB Esquimalt.During the past year, as the COVID-19 pandemic raged, the music industry morphed into a state of hibernation and live concert gigs all but dried up. Instead of remaining idle, PO1 Parsons wrote his self-published book Be A Voice: A Musician’s Guide for the Live Performance. “It’s an offering of invaluable lessons about the music industry and live concerts, whether you are a seasoned musician or just at the beginning of your musical journey,” he says. PO1 Parsons has served over 17 years in the navy, but he is also a former rock musician who once found success on the big stage in Nashville, TN. “Although pursuing a career in music is an exciting and rewarding venture, it also comes with its fair share of rejection and obstacles. The live performance is critical to the success of any music artist and this book will inspire you to never be an echo of someone else.” [caption id="attachment_26031" align="aligncenter" width="227"] PO1 Jason Parsons[/caption]Melfort to Music CityPO1 Parsons, 47, grew up in a musical family in Melfort, Saskatchewan. He experimented with guitar and drums in high school, playing in several local rock bands. One of those bands was Surrender, an acoustic rock band that released their debut EP, You and Me, in 1997. Within six weeks of its release the song reached No. 4 on the Indie (Independent) Top 40 charts in the United States. There were many live performances to follow after the band’s act was picked up by a producer in Nashville, but their fame was short lived. So he began studying Live Performance in the late 1990s in Nashville and then underwent formal...

[caption id="attachment_26037" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Kodi Gibson with the unnamed mannequin.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Navy ships have Oscar, the person overboard dummy. The Naden Athletic Centre has…well, an unnamed, non-gendered mannequin used in the pool for water-rescue training. Kodi Gibson, facility supervisor, and Ron Boyce, Aquatics Supervisor, want a moniker for their dummy, and are looking to the Defence community for ideas. “As humans, we have a tendency to want to name everything whether it’s an inanimate object like a car, a beloved stuffed animal, or a life-sized mannequin,” says Gibson. “After Personnel Support Programs staff got into a debate over what to name the new mannequin, we figured it was best to let the community decide.” The contest runs from May 31 to June 17 with the name announced on June 18 after a thorough review of submissions by a panel of judges. The winning entrant will receive a free fitness consultation and personalized fitness plan designed by PSP staff, a Health Promotions swag bag, and an official certificate of recognition to be displayed at the Aquatics centre. The mannequin is so life-like “it actually looks like a human being,” says Gibson. It stands about five feet tall and weighs 100 lbs when filled with water. It was bought because of COVID and a need to train in the pool without a real person in need of rescuing. To enter the contest provide a name suggestion in the comments section on the NAC’s Facebook posts promoting the contest. Alternatively, you can email your suggestions to Kodi.Gibson@forces.gc.ca––––

[caption id="attachment_26034" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sub-Lieutenant Dmitriy Shulga, a Naval Warfare Officer, takes a navigational bearing with a Polaris on the bridge of Standing NATO Maritime Group One Flagship HMCS Halifax off the coast of Portugal on May 23 during Exercise Steadfast Defender 21. NATO photo by Sailor 1st Class Bryan Underwood, Royal Canadian Navy[/caption]DND/RCN––Two Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Flag Officers have assumed key leadership roles for Exercise Steadfast Defender 21, the first in a new series of long-planned NATO exercises to enhance Alliance security.Twenty Allies from North America and Europe are participing. The exercise will help improve the interoperability of Allied forces and practice military mobility throughout Europe.The RCN’s Rear-Admiral Steven Waddell, currently on exchange as Vice-Commander of the United States Second Fleet, is the Maritime Component Commander for the exercise and is working alongside Canada’s NATO partners aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship United States Ship Mount Whitney.Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), currently under the command of the RCN’s Commodore Bradley Peats from flagship HMCS Halifax, is participating in the maritime operational and tactical-level live exercise (LIVEX), running from May 20 to 30.The LIVEX, which is taking place off the coast of Portugal in the Eastern Atlantic, will demonstrate the ability of Allied maritime forces to execute Joint Force Command Norfolk’s mission of protecting strategic lines of communication in the Atlantic.Steadfast Defender 21 is also the first large test of NATO’s adapted command structure and involves two new commands: one focused on logistics, Joint Support and Enabling Command, based in Germany, and the other focused on the Atlantic, Joint Force Command Norfolk, based in Virginia. It offers the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) an opportunity to gain understanding of these commands, as well as the new Standing Joint Logistics Support Group.As a founding NATO member, Canada remains committed to the Alliance...

[caption id="attachment_26027" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of Combined Task Force 150 and HMCS Calgary show their new look after getting their hair, beards, and ‘staches shaved off for a charity event on May 24 in Manama, Bahrain, during Operation Artemis. The two groups have self-isolated throughout their respective operations and remained physical distanced from each other during the event to ensure the health and safety of all involved. Photos by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, Imagery Technician[/caption]––Over the May long weekend, 17 members of HMCS Calgary and five members from Combined Task Force 150 made good on their promise to shed their hair in support of the ship’s official charity Calgary Foothills Burn Unit. After a busy operational counter-narcotics program, where Calgary made 14 drug busts to date off the Coast of Oman, the Operation Artemis team lost their locks, beards, and mustaches in the plus 40-degree heat alongside in Bahrain. The fundraiser has garnered over $5,000 thus far and remains open to donations until Calgary leaves the Operation Artemis area of operations in mid-June. To support the crew in their fundraiser go to Go Fund Me page: gofund.me/6461bffb––––

Captain Sarah HarasymchukOperation Caribbe PAO––HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon left Esquimalt Harbour on Feb. 18 on a grey rainy day to start a three-month deployment on Operation Caribbe. After a highly successful deployment with many drug interdictions, both ships returned to port on May 20.Operation Caribbe is Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Naval warships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the American-led multinational mission to suppress trafficking in international waters.The Coxswains on board play a critical role on the ship to ensure high standards of deportment, maintain discipline, and ensure sailors have a voice to the Command Team. Here’s more about HMC Ships Brandon’s and Saskatoon’s Coxswains, Petty Officer First Class Keith Parsons and Petty Officer First Class Kenny Sparkes.––[caption id="attachment_26012" align="aligncenter" width="300"] HMCS Brandon’s Coxswain, Petty Officer First Class Keith Parsons[/caption]HMCS Brandon’s Coxswain, Petty Officer First Class Keith Parsons, a Weapons Engineering Technician by trade:Are you the first person in your family to be in the military? Yes, I am the first in my family to join the forces.Where was your favorite place to sail in your career? That is a tough one, as I have been all over the world, and each place has its own uniqueness about it. How did you get such an excellent crew on board? I ask myself that very question almost daily. The morale on board is nothing like I’ve seen before. It helps when you have a small crew and everyone buys into the mission. With every evolution requiring the entire ship’s company, whether it be part ship hands or launching the RHIB, it allows everyone to come together quickly.Why did you choose to join the navy in particular? That is a funny story. When I went to the recruiting office, I actually wanted to join the combat arms trade, as I didn’t really know anything about the Royal Canadian Navy. Now that I...

[caption id="attachment_26008" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Kurt Arnold[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary PAO––Section Base 5: a one man emergency response team in HMCS CalgaryThey’re called section bases – emergency response teams that gather in different parts of the ship during emergency situations. While most commissioned ships in the Royal Canadian Navy have four, HMCS Calgary is the only one with a Section Base 5.Section Base 5 is the nickname given to Calgary’s Chief Cook, Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Kurt Arnold. Officers and senior Chiefs find him to be so fast and so capable at responding to emergencies they lovingly compare him to a whole team. “It’s really rare to see sailors attain his level of knowledge for damage control and general seamanship. Through sheer determination and putting in extra hours, his knowledge is equal to or greater than some hard sea trades at his rank,” says CPO1 Arvid Lee, who was PO1 Arnold’s Coxswain when he first came to Calgary in 2018.Part of the reason for PO1 Arnold’s success is spending a lot of time at sea, much more than the average cook. By the end of 2021, he will likely earn his Gold Sea Service Insignia (SSI) signifying he has served 1,460 full days at sea; he currently has over 1,300 sea days. Out of the roughly 16,600 Regular Force and Reserve members in the Royal Canadian Navy, only around 330 have their gold anchor. It’s especially rare for cooks because they are a purple trade, meaning even if they wear a navy uniform they can also be posted across Canada to any army or air force base. “As always, there are exceptions but largely because of their limited amount of sea time we don’t often see support trades like cooks take on this level of...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––At the helm of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) is a retired naval officer.Captain (Navy) (Retired) Bill Riggs’ familiarity with the ocean coupled with his navy training provides the expertise to lead the more than 900 search and rescue volunteers.They operate 44 specialized rescue vessels and 32 marine rescue stations, and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help the coast guard and military keep watch on 450,000 square kilometres of the Pacific coastline and inland lakes and waterways in British Columbia. “We have the resources, people, and assets on the water and are available to support the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Province when we are needed,” says Riggs, RCMSAR Chief Executive Officer. “Many of our volunteers are also heavily involved in other activities within their communities.”Through an agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMSAR can be called out to marine emergencies by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre located at CFB Esquimalt.Persons in medical distress, collisions, onboard fires, mechanical failures, boats taking on water, and missing persons are some of the marine emergencies volunteers tackle. They conduct, on average, one-third of all marine rescues each year. The non-profit was founded in 1978 as the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary - Pacific. It was re-branded in B.C. in 2012 to highlight its crews are volunteers.Since 1996, they have responded to more than 2,814 SAR taskings and assisted more than 1,966 individuals, recording  over 370,000 volunteer hours in British Columbia.“The strength of any non-profit is in its volunteers and they are what makes our operation so successful,” he says. “Our strong ties to the military through our membership are also quite remarkable.”RCMSAR’s volunteers come from all walks of life including current-serving military and veterans who make a seamless transition to...

DND––Special scenarios for navigation, ship handling, and anchoringLearning to navigate a ship more than two times longer than a football field is no small feat. Virtual reality training is enabling a powerful and more effective way of conducting ship navigation training to allow navigators to become more effective and aware of the challenges before getting behind the wheel.“Students will find themselves in training scenarios where they will be able to see the ship from perspectives that wouldn’t be possible during real-world training, such as under the surface as the ship they are manoeuvring comes to anchor,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Sara Kucher, a Curriculum Analyst with Naval Training Development Centre (Pacific) (NTDC(P)).“These perspectives will provide a more rounded experience for students and answer the ‘why do we do that?’ questions they might have by providing a visual representation to accompany the classroom instruction.”Through Innovative Solutions Canada, the Royal Canadian Navy’s navigation school, NTDC(P), has partnered with developers from Chaac Technologies to test the viability of having virtual reality in the classroom.Chaac Technologies is a geospatial technology software company. They use 3D modeling and photo-realistic imagery to create training programs that provide safety procedure training for situations that would normally be found in dangerous environments. By using the virtual reality technology, trainees can learn and practice these procedures while reducing the risk to their personal safety.“The team at NTDC(P) have seized a fantastic opportunity by matching new tech from our partners at Innovation Solutions Canada with areas of their training plan and objectives that can be greatly enhanced with these new methods,” said Lieutenant-Commander Lee Vessey from Director Navy Innovation. “There is some hard work being done on design development by the team and the result will be greater capacity for training for some of the most challenging tasks. It is an...

[caption id="attachment_25995" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S3 Connor Melville[/caption]HMCS Regina's S3 Connor Melville successfully accomplished his Cook RQ Cpl/S1 Package Practical Confirmation Dinner on May 16.Cooks on board HMC Ships hold an important responsibility to ensure crew morale, health, and well-being by continuously serving fresh, healthy, and delicious meals in accordance with Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and the CAF Food Services Manual. This is a milestone for S3 Melville’s career progression as it makes him eligible for QL5 training at Canadian Forces Logistics Training Center (CFLTC) in Borden, ON, in the near future.His meal consisted of a fresh herb clover roll, watermelon and cucumber salad dressed with a lime and vanilla vinaigrette, fresh halibut ceviche served with fried plantain chips, a mint and mango sorbet palate cleanser, beef filet mignon and lobster tail accompanied with a horseradish aioli, duchesse potatoes and beurre noisette asparagus almondine. For dessert, Breton Style Crepes filled with a mixture of fresh berries, coulis, and shredded dark chocolate. To conclude this delicacy, an old fashioned cocktail digestif smoked with apple wood and rosemary. Bravo Zulu S3 Melville.

Peter MallettStaff Writer––A new veteran-run driving school serving southern Vancouver Island is offering a discount to military members and first responders. Isle Drive Driving School is owned and operated by a former submariner of the Royal Canadian Navy, PO2 (Retired) Joe Hayward. He spent 18 of his 21-year military career as a Naval Acoustics Operator based on the east coast, working mostly in Oberon-class submarines. These days, instead of focusing on underwater surveillance, he introduces new drivers to the laws of the road. In January 2020 he revved up his small business venture.“Driving is a milestone and safe driving is a must,” says Hayward. “Safety should go hand in hand with everything you do behind the wheel.” He is not only the sole proprietor but also the school’s head instructor. Hayward holds ICBC Class 5 and Class 7 Driver Training Instructor licenses and has previous experience as an instructor. His business offers a 15 percent discount for immediate family members of military and first responders.The Duncan resident says Isle Drive Driving School’s advantage over competitors is its private individual instruction to all customers. Despite operating out of Duncan, he delivers training in Victoria, the West Shore, Ladysmith, the Cowichan Valley, and Chemainus with at-home or school pick-up available. Hayward conducts his class in a Toyota Prius, which is available for students to use for their final ICBC road test. Isle Drive Driving School offers customers flexible hours, custom-designed programs, and in-car, one-on-one private driving lessons. Areas of instruction include: new driver training, defensive driver lessons, ICBC Road Test Preparation coursing, senior refresher lessons, court-mandated lessons and winter driving awareness lessons. Hayward says owning a smaller-sized driving school gives him the opportunity to take the necessary time to make sure every one of his graduates is fully qualified to drive the...

[caption id="attachment_25987" align="aligncenter" width="595"] SLt Courtnay Pooley[/caption]A sailor’s journey from sonar technician to bridge officer in HMCS CalgaryCapt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary PAO––The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), like most militaries around the world, structures its ranks in two separate progression streams: officers and non-commissioned members - NCMs.Each stream has its own linear rank structure - there are both high-ranking officers and high-ranking NCMs. The majority of members don’t cross over from one stream to the other, but it does happen.Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Courtnay Pooley is one of those NCMs that made the jump. He grew up on a small Rocky Mountain farm in the Nicola Valley just outside of Merritt, British Columbia. He spent years working as a sonar technician in HMCS Calgary. Now, after upgrading his education and training, he’s back with the same ship, this time as an officer on the bridge.“Each stream (officer or NCM) is difficult in its own way,” said SLt Pooley. “As an NCM you are expected to follow orders, work hard, and not necessarily know why. As an officer, you are given much higher levels of responsibility and while the day-to-day work isn’t as physical, that responsibility weighs on you.”SLt Pooley worked as sonar technician from 2013 to 2016. In 2016, he applied for the University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members. The program paid for SLt Pooley to get an Economics degree from the University of Victoria. He chose to become a Naval Warfare Officer - a general leadership position that covers many officer roles in the navy.“I wanted to stay in the navy because I still wanted to travel and I picked Naval Warfare Officer, instead of pursuing engineering as one might expect from a technician, because I heard it is one of the most demanding trades in the military and I wanted that...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Spaces are filling up fast for the free presentation by renowned childhood development counsellor and author Deborah MacNamara. She will deliver her online presentation May 27 at 7 p.m. The event is being hosted by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre and will focus on relationships in a military family.MacNamara is a best-selling author and director of the “Kids Best Bet” counselling centre. The centre provides educational training to adults involved with children and youth based on Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s attachment-based, developmental model. MacNamara focuses much of her work on how the desire for connections is a person’s greatest need, and on the importance of adult relationships for children and teens, and how to protect these relationships. Kelly Aucoin, Esquimalt MFRC Children’s Services Coordinator, says MacNamara’s offer to present is a coup for the base, military families, and educators within the community. She previously attended a presentation by the lecturer at a conference hosted by the Neufeld Institute and described it as an “ah-ha” moment. “For me, her message on attachment and its connection to brain development was so powerful I felt compelled to have her speak to us on behalf of military families,” said Aucoin. “She explains neuroscience and attachment in a way every parent can understand with some funny, relatable, real life stories. You will see your children in a whole different way after you hear her speak.”MacNamara has authored books on childhood development including Rest, Play and Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), a best-selling book that has been translated into nine languages. The book explains young children through developmental science and the concept of “what every child wished adults understood about them.” Her first children’s picture book entitled The Sorry Plane focuses on respecting the feelings of children and supporting their emotional development. For more information and to register visit the MFRC webpage: https://esquimaltmfrc.com/event/relationship-matters-building-strong-connections-with-kids/––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) has just enlisted a giant furry teddy bear to its ranks.The new employee is described by MFRC staff as friendly and fuzzy with a gigantic head, belly and glasses, but sadly the bear doesn’t yet have a name. To solve that problem a ‘Name the MFRC Bear Contest’ was launched May 10 and will conclude on May 31. The winning entry will be determined by a panel of judges and will receive a package of gifts from the MFRC’s Gifts From Afar program for military families.“Most everyone has loved a teddy bear at some point in their life,” says Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement Manager. “A teddy bear is there for good times and when we need some comfort. The intention is to bring happiness, laughter, enjoyment, and comfort to our military families.”When health and safety protocols allow, the mascot will become a friendly face to greet children at special events.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. Entries can be submitted between May 10 to 31 to contest@emfrc.com with the subject line: “Mascot Name.”––––

[caption id="attachment_25959" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant (Navy) Blake Zazula[/caption]Captain Sarah HarasymchukOperation Caribbe PAO––Lieutenant (Navy) Blake Zazula was recently deployed on Operation Caribbe as the Executive Officer on board HMCS Saskatoon. His role was to advise the Commanding Officer, oversee training on board, and ensure the morale and welfare of the crew. Operation Caribbe is Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Naval warships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the American-led multinational mission to suppress trafficking in international waters and airspace.Where was your favourite place to sail in your career?Valparaiso, Chile. I had a chance to bring my road bike on our deployment and cycle around some of the cities that we visited. The historical downtown is beautiful, and the people were extremely welcoming, and I had awesome shipmates to tour around with me; it was a blast.Would you rather be able to control the winds or the tides at sea?Winds, no more tricky alongside. Wind can add a lot of complexity to an otherwise easy alongside.What’s your favourite smell on ship?It’s a tie between coffee and barbecue. We had a banyan (a barbecue on a ship), and I was drinking my coffee and helping the cooks with dinner, preparing burgers over a charcoal fire, that was a good smell day.How did you get such an excellent crew on board? We encourage all our leadership to actively get to know and care for their departments. Pandemics suck, and those gestures and words build understanding, which creates a positive culture. That really carried on after we started to sail again, it set the tone and made everyone feel welcome. To keep what we have going we need to talk. We encourage candor and honest feedback with positive intent...

[caption id="attachment_25954" align="aligncenter" width="594"] From left: Cdr Michelle Tessier, Cmdre Richard Feltham, and Cdr Nicole Robichaud sign documents marking the Change of Command for the future HMCS Margaret Brooke on April 30. Photo: CFB Halifax Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Joanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––Cdr Nicole Robichaud assumed command of the future HMCS Margaret Brooke on April 30, in a Change of Command ceremony presided over by Cmdre Richard Feltham, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic.Cdr Robichaud, who is originally from Red Deer, Alberta, was Commanding Officer of HMCS Moncton in 2016 and Executive Officer with HMCS Fredericton from 2018 to 2020. She takes over leadership from Cdr Michele Tessier, who grew up in Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador, and was given command of the future Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) in 2017. Cdr Tessier is retiring from the Royal Canadian Navy.“It is quite unfortunate that you are not able to be the first Commanding Officer to take Margaret Brooke to sea after the four years you have dedicated to both the ship and crew,” Cdr Robichaud said, directing her remarks to Cdr Tessier. “I will continue to forge ahead and build on the culture that you have created within Margaret Brooke, one of inclusivity, of positive space, of welcoming arms, and a place where people are happy and want to come into work.” In her farewell address, Cdr Tessier said she will watch the launch of the future HMCS Margaret Brooke “with a little jealousy and a ton of joy”, adding that Cdr Robichaud is “exactly what this team needs, and I know I am leaving them in good hands.”Cdr Tessier also thanked the ship’s company of HMCS Harry DeWolf, the first of the AOPS to launch, for welcoming her to their shore office when she first arrived in Halifax in 2018, where she joked that she...

[caption id="attachment_25946" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Ivan Vanegas Lopez, a Marine Technician aboard HMCS Calgary, stands with his daughter, S1 Susana Vanegas Tobon, a Human Resources Administrator aboard the ship. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, Imagery Technician[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary PAO––It took seven years for Sailor First Class (S1) Ivan Dario Vanegas Lopez and his family to become Canadian citizens. Learning the language, job hunting, and trying to make friends were all the hardships the new immigrant family went through. Finally, the Vanegas family walked out of their long-awaited citizenship ceremony in Montreal, Quebec, as full Canadian citizens. They were ecstatic and headed off to a restaurant to celebrate. But they didn’t go straight there. On the way, they stopped at a Canadian Armed Forces recruiting centre where mom and the kids sat in the waiting room as dad applied to join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). It was his lifelong dream, and it became an experience that inspired his daughter to join.Another seven years have passed, and now Sailor First Class (S1) Ivan Dario Vanegas Lopez, 53, and his daughter S1 Susana Vanegas Tobon, 20, are serving together in the same Canadian warship - HMCS Calgary. It’s rare for families to sail together in the same ship and it makes this deployment very special for the two of them. The ship is currently sailing throughout Middle Eastern waters as part of the multinational Combined Task Force 150, combatting smuggling that is used to fund terrorism.As a child in Medellin, Colombia, Ivan wanted to join the Colombian National Navy as an officer but his financial circumstances after high school led him to become an electrician. Over the years he married, had three children, and in 2007 they immigrated to Montreal. During his first months in the country, he attended a...

S1 Charmaine Davison-Peer––Before taking Command of Maritime Forces Pacific last Friday, May 14, Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee reflected on the highs and lows of his 30-plus year career and how it was leading the Pacific Fleet amid a Global Pandemic.Before his promotion to Rear-Admiral, then Commodore Angus Topshee sat at his sprawling desk at the Canadian Fleet Pacific Headquarters surrounded by memorabilia from his three-decade naval career. He recounted his career with wit and honesty, bypassing the pat answers given by most. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990 satisfied an itch to attend the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), he said.“I got it in my head that I wanted to go to RMC, not sure where I got that idea from. My parents were not particularly enthusiastic about me joining the military until they learned that RMC paid for your education and gave you a salary on top of it.”He joined as a pilot in the Air Force, but after 17 hours flying time in a Beechcraft Musketeer in his first summer of training, he was turned down. The suggestion, perhaps he should try something else. That something else was a Training Development Officer at the height of the Force Reduction Program. To develop training, he says, he needed to experience training. Army training in Gagetown was not available, so he was sent to Victoria to learn what MARS II (Naval Warfare Officer) training entailed. “Next thing I know I am still in an Air Force uniform because I am an Air Force Training Development Officer and I show up to do MARS II, which confuses everybody, not least of which was the Commandant of the school who tore a strip off of my course training officer for not having me in the right uniform.”Navy training went well, so...

[caption id="attachment_25940" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt(N) Scott Robinson addresses those in attendance.[/caption]SLt Joshua EhniszPublic Affairs Officer, MARPAC––Captain (Navy) Scott Robinson assumed command of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Pacific surface fleet on May 8 as Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee was relieved.The change of command ceremony took place on D-Jetty and was limited to a small procession of guests in accordance with public health orders.Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie presided over the ceremony.“It is a special moment for these two officers. A change of command ceremony is a time honoured event that is used to recognize the lawful exchange of command,” he said. “These are challenging and difficult times for the Canadian Armed Forces. In the midst of dynamic social change, leaders need to lead, listen, empathize and act. Our challenges are great but you two are the right people to do this.”Rear-Admiral Topshee noted that during his time in command, his focus was readiness, risk, and resilience, and that fleet members had demonstrated skill, determination, and leadership.The Pacific fleet, he said, has persevered deploying almost all its ships, and supporting operations globally throughout his tenure as commander. Only HMCS Vancouver, which returned from deployment weeks before he assumed command, did not deploy while he was in charge.He welcomed Capt(N) Robinson into the post saying that being commander of the fleet is like being the manager for a Formula 1 team, not the driver.“There are times when events transpiring on the track are out of your hands and that you will need to be reactive to the challenges present themselves.”Capt(N)Robinson, who is an avid Formula 1 fan, appreciated the reference and commenced his speech by mentioning he is only in the position of commander of the fleet as an interim placeholder, “until further notice.”But, he looks forward to the challenges that await and reaffirmed he will...

[caption id="attachment_25937" align="aligncenter" width="594"] S1 Michael Sladic, a Boatswain aboard HMCS Calgary, untangles a sea turtle caught in fishing nets and garbage. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, Imagery Technician[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary PAO––Sailors from HMCS Calgary rescued a sea turtle in distress while on counter-smuggling patrols off the coast of Oman May 4.The turtle was spotted by the ship’s Navigating Officer, Lieutenant (Navy) Evan Park, struggling helplessly in netting and other debris. He sought approval from Commander Mark O’Donohue, ship’s commanding officer, to dispatch a small boat team. “It’s unfortunate, but we often see debris of this type at sea. I have made it a habit when on watch to take a closer inspection to see if sea life is in danger, when it’s safe for the ship to do so,” said Lt(N) Park.Two boatswains from the small boat team spent 15 minutes delicately cutting the tangled mess of lines that had wrapped around the sea turtle’s body. Once freed, the turtle swam off to join other sea turtles that were circling the floating debris along with a large school of yellow tuna.“It must have been out there for days. The nets had wrapped around it in many different places and had made little impressions in its skin,” said Sailor First Class (S1) Michael Sladic, who, along with S1 Coree Ranville, set the turtle free.Saving sea creatures in distress is not a mandate of Canadian warships but it is sometimes done. Calgary is currently deployed on Operation Artemis, patrolling Middle Eastern waters in order to conduct counter-smuggling operations. The purpose of the mission is to seize narcotics and other illicit goods that are used to fund regional terrorist and criminal organizations. This work is done as part of Combined Task Force 150, a subsection of the multinational Combined Maritime...

[caption id="attachment_25931" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, Incoming Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific / Joint Task Force (Pacific) (MARPAC/JTF (P)), assumes command from Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Outgoing Commander, during the Change of Command ceremony for MARPAC/JTF (P) on May 14.[/caption]SLt Joshua EhniszMARPAC PA––The highest rank change of command for Maritime Forces Pacific took place on Friday, albeit a smaller affair then is the usual custom for such a prestigious occasion. With many watching virtually, Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie handed over command of Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force Pacific to Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee.Overseeing the event virtually was Vice-Admiral Craig Baines from his Commander Royal Canadian Navy office in Ottawa. VAdm Auchterlonie opened the ceremony by focusing on the challenges the Canadian Armed Forces are facing. “In the midst of dynamic social and institutional change here in Canada and our armed forces, the trust and confidence in leadership has been shaken,” he said. “It all starts with respect, ensuring that we respect the dignity of our colleagues and our shipmates. As leaders, we are responsible and accountable to our shipmates for the environment they work in, and we must set the conditions for them to succeed and thrive. We talk all too often in a world where responsibility and accountability have become diffuse, sort of meaningless platitudes. We must bear responsibility for our institution at all costs.”VAdm Baines also weighed in, congratulating the Admiral for his work over the past few years. “Maritime Pacific command is one of the most unique and challenging formation commands in the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said, and then he went on to praise the leadership of Vice-Admiral Auchterlonie in generating countless ships for deployment and implementing positive change for the naval training system and the Naval Reserve force. In addition, he acknowledged VAdm Auchterlonie’s work managing the...

A/SLt Wen GuoBase Administration––There was a seed of doubt in Captain Dominic Lafrenière’s mind when he joined the military to become a chaplain. As he ventured through his military training and chaplain courses at CFB Borden it remained a nagging worry that perhaps he wasn’t good enough. An instructor doused that concern in one sentence.“When I first joined as a RESO (Reserve Entry Scheme - Officers) student in 2001, I was afraid I would be a poor chaplain because as an introvert I am on the quieter end. At the end of the course, the instructor said to me, ‘We have enough chaplains that speak regularly, we need more chaplains who listen’.”So began his career as a Padre in the Canadian Armed Forces, which has led him to his current ministry as a Faith Community Coordinator at CFB Esquimalt. He is originally from Shawinigan, Quebec. His military journey began in 1999 as an Officer of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, and then to the Primary Reserve serving in the military chaplaincy as a student in 2001. He transferred to the Regular Force as a Military Chaplain at CFB Valcartier in 2012, with a degree in Theology from Laval University.Military chaplains work individually and have a special chaplain commission that is different than a regular officer’s commission. They focus on the well-being of military members, which is a goal Capt Lafrenière strives to provide daily.In his role as a Faith Community Coordinator, he oversees the Roman Catholic Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel and its community. He presides over religious services, spiritual guidance, and provides administrative support to the Formation Chaplain. His role also includes taking care of those who want to share any aspects of their life.“We are versatile, open to all spirituality, and are always open-minded, ready to listen,...

[caption id="attachment_25912" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant-Commander Tyler Ravnsgaard[/caption]Captain Sarah HarasymchukOperation Caribbe PAO––Lieutenant-Commander Tyler Ravnsgaard is currently deployed on Operation Caribbe as the Executive Officer on board HMCS Brandon. His role is to advise the Commanding Officer, oversee training on board, and ensure the morale and welfare of the crew. Operation Caribbe is Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Naval warships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the American-led multinational mission to suppress trafficking in international waters and airspace.Are you the first person in your family to be in the military?No. Both of my parents were in the military, as well as one of my aunts and one of my uncles. I am the first officer in my immediate family. I also have some ancestors on my mother’s side who were in the British and Danish militaries.Why did you choose to join the Navy in particular?My parents were in the Air Force and the Army, so I was somewhat familiar with those worlds. The navy offered something new and a different way of seeing the world. Travel was a big motivator for me to join. If I’m honest, I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I joined, but it ended up being a great choice for me.What is your favourite activity to do in your free time while at sea?There’s really not a lot of free time at sea, but I try to make time for exercise. There’s a lot of administration in my role and if I don’t get away from it for a bit each day my productivity drops. I also like to end my days with a book or TV show to take my mind out of the business...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––An art project by a Second World War veteran and his daughter retraces the heroic steps of Canada’s Perth Regiment through Europe. Former Infantryman Eugene McKinnon, 98, has transformed his wartime memories into window murals with the help of his daughter Catherine. The project began in June 2020 and was completed in August with their installation on 11 exterior windows of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Coronation Branch 286 in Toronto’s Rexdale neighbourhood. “For me, art is very enjoyable and educational. It allows me to teach people about the hardships of war and that many people like me had no choice but to enlist or be conscripted.”He was born Sept. 9, 1922, in Mill Village, Queens County, N.S., and was the fourth in a family of 13 children. As the Second World War raged, and he and his four brothers became of legal age, they all enlisted in the army. He had no time for art during the war, but the memories are heavily entrenched in what he paints. His fondest memories of that time were VE Day and anything and everything afterwards, he says. “That was the day we finally got to come home to our families and forget about the horrors we saw.”Remembering ‘The Perths’McKinnon was part of the Perth Regiment, Fifth Armored Division that sailed out of Halifax on the troop ship Queen Elizabeth. They arrived at the United Kingdom on Nov. 22, 1941. The Perths were mobilized under the code name Exercise Timberwolf and would spend the next two years in England in intensive training.[caption id="attachment_25906" align="aligncenter" width="374"] Eugene McKinnon[/caption]His regiment landed in Italy on Nov. 8, 1943, as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. During their 16-month campaign in Italy, the successes of the Perths mounted, such as being the first regiment to crack The Gothic Line and winning campaigns at the Liri Valley and the Battle of Monte Casino. Their mission eventually disrupted the German’s hold on the Italian capital. In...

[caption id="attachment_25902" align="aligncenter" width="592"] Photo by Master Corporal Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––HMCS Vancouver returns to sea next month following a two-year extended work period.The ship’s 200-member crew will set sail and operate off Vancouver Island beginning the first week of June for Basic Single Ship Readiness Training (BSSRT), supported by Sea Training Staff. Together, they will test the Halifax-class frigate’s personnel, systems, and equipment following the extended work period, which involved Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards, Fleet Maintenance Facility, and a number of other external agencies.“The main intent of the BSSRT process is to find out what things, from a team and, or equipment perspective aren’t working as expected, and work collaboratively with our friends at Sea Training to improve them,” says Cdr Kevin Whiteside, Vancouver’s Commanding Officer.The success of a warship at sea also depends on how the crew is performing, he adds.“Sailor’s individual skill sets are maintained very well in the Royal Canadian Navy, but the challenge of leadership during the first phase of our tiered readiness program is to have the ship’s company perform as a team.” Basic Single Ship Readiness Training is expected to last two weeks and is the first at-sea step in the warship’s Tiered Readiness Program, with the overall intention to have Vancouver ready for international operations in 2022. The Navigation Officer, Lt(N) Anna Childerhose is crucial to the opening phase of the BSSRT, says Cdr Whiteside. She needs to ensure the ship’s bridge team, navigation suite, and bridge equipment are functioning properly, and work with the ship’s engineers to make sure all engines can provide the power required to the ship’s various systems.“The navigation side of the house will spend a lot of time working with our combat systems engineer Lt(N) Riley Nabigon to make sure the ship’s many combat systems,...

[caption id="attachment_25897" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S3 Ahmad Bitar and S2 Yunus Kurt are both observing Ramadan at sea while on deployment with HMCS Halifax. Photo by: S1 Bryan Underwood[/caption]Muslim sailors observe a month of fasting while on deployment with HMCS HalifaxJoanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––During the month of Ramadan, Sailor Second Class Yunus Kurt gets up every day, an hour before sunrise, to have something to eat before beginning his daily fast. It will be about 16 hours before he will eat or drink anything again.Ramadan is the most sacred time in the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours. For S2 Kurt, along with S3 Ahmad Bitar, both Naval Communicators on deployment with HMCS Halifax, this is a most unusual Ramadan. Their ship left HMC Dockyard in Halifax on Jan. 1, and headed for Europe and a six-month deployment on Operation Reassurance alongside NATO allies.“This is my first deployment and also the first time where I fasted during Ramadan while in the middle of the ocean,” said S2 Kurt.When Ramadan began on April 12, both S2 Kurt and S3 Bitar called their families to wish them well, and have continued to stay in touch using FaceTime and other messaging apps. While Ramadan usually sees families and friends gather to share the Iftar meal and break the fast together as the sun sets, that practice has gone online for many Muslims around the world this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Using available technology to talk with family and friends from home and read their messages of support has been a huge help, said S2 Kurt. “Fasting on Ramadan while at sea has been harder than I thought, when you don’t have a home to come back to. That is one of the biggest challenges while sailing,” he said. “It is very difficult...

[caption id="attachment_25891" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Lieutenant (Navy) Steve Dyck and Petty Officer First Class Ryan Hart on board HMCS Calgary during Operation Projection.[/caption]Capt Jeff KlassenHMCS Calgary PAO––They’re two of the toughest guys in the Royal Canadian Navy. One was originally going to be an underwater archeologist. The other, a bass clarinetist. Instead, Lieutenant (Navy) Steve Dyck and Petty Officer First Class Ryan Hart joined the navy and are now part of HMCS Calgary’s counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operation in the Arabian Sea. Calgary arrived in the Combined Maritime Forces area of operations as a part of Canada’s Operation Artemis on April 15. Artemis is the Canadian Armed Forces mission to help stop terrorism and make Middle Eastern waters more secure. The two sailors are members of the ship’s Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) boarding team – call sign Reef. Reef directly contributed to the ship’s recent seizures, including 1,286 kilograms of heroin, the biggest heroin bust in Operation Artemis’ history.“Operation Artemis is the NTOG operator’s Holy Grail,” says PO1 Hart. “This is what every NTOG operator fights to do. This is putting all the hard work that every operator has gone through, from the selection process and right through all the training, to get to the level that my team is at right now. This is what NTOG was designed to do, this specific mission. We are so ready for this.”Lt(N) Dyck was born in Swan River but grew up on Eaglemount Crescent in Winnipeg’s Linden Woods neighbourhood. He worked at Toledo Food Service as he made his way through Kelvin High School in River Heights. After graduating, he obtained an anthropology degree from the University of Manitoba and worked at maritime museums in Florida and Bermuda, and then as a professional shipwreck diver conducting research and salvage. He joined the navy...

[caption id="attachment_25887" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Members of HMCS Calgary stand with 3,350 kilograms of hash seized from a dhow during a counter-smuggling operation on April 30 in the Arabian Sea, as part of Operation Artemis with Combined Task Force 150. Photos by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, HMC Calgary Imagery Technician[/caption]Combined Maritime Forces––HMCS Calgary has intercepted four more suspicious dhows off the coast of Oman during a string of high-tempo operations, leading to the seizure of illicit narcotics worth over $14.44 million in just three days. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warship conducted three back-to-back drug interdiction operations on April 30, seizing 6,836 kg (15,071 lbs) of hashish. Calgary’s operational success continued on May 2 with a high-value interdiction of 520 kg (1,146 lbs) of methamphetamine, 625 kg (1,378 lbs) of hashish, and 5 kg (11 lbs) of heroin. This is the latest in a series of six seizures in just seven days made by Calgary while in direct support of Combined Maritime Forces’ Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150. “Four more major busts for HMCS Calgary and in only three days. This could not have been done without the incredible around-the-clock effort of the ship’s company and support from Combined Task Force 150,” said Commander Mark O’Donohue, Commanding Officer of HMCS Calgary. “This year, more and more meth is being transported through the region, and it feels good to be taking this very dangerous and lucrative drug out of the hands of criminal and terrorist organizations.”One of the key factors in Calgary’s operational success has been the direct support provided by a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft based out of the United Arab Emirates, a Combined Maritime Forces partner. The Canadian patrol aircraft provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, facilitating the identification of potential smugglers to CTF-150 and to the warship.   “I am incredibly proud of the crew of HMCS Calgary and the tangible impact they have made in the region in such a short space of time,”...

[caption id="attachment_25883" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo courtesy HMCS Regina[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A retired U.S Veteran has HMCS Regina to thank for ending his stranded-at-sea predicament. The man was attempting to sail between Port Angeles, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, by himself on a 30-foot recreational sail boat. The warship received a request to investigate a sailboat-in-distress call from Esquimalt’s Regional Joint Operations Centre (RJOC) on Saturday May 1.They found him approximately 25 nautical miles west of Nootka Sound, and sent out a search and rescue (SAR) response team in the ship’s RHIB.According to LCdr Dave Dallin, Regina’s Executive Officer, the small sailboat was in poor condition, without electricity or communication capability, had taken on water during a storm, which destroyed his sails, and was gradually drifting southwest into the open ocean. “He was relieved to have assistance but really had no idea the depth of his vessel’s disarray,” said LCdr Dallin. Regina’s SAR Team consisted of SLt Mitch Barr, Naval Boarding Party Officer; PO2 Raymond Moore, Boatswain; Cpl Scott Edney, Medical Technician; S1 Steven Desfosses, Marine Engineer; and Boatswains S1 Michelle Germain and S1 Tommy Mailloux. Cpl Edney determined the man did not require immediate medical attention. He was given a care package of food from the ship’s galley as his supplies were almost gone. Due to COVID-19 protocol, the stranded sailor remained on board while the boat was towed to the nearest safe harbour. Junior Boatswain S2 Germain was lauded by her shipmates for her proficiency driving the tow boat, having only performed the procedure in training. “I am very proud of her work, she did very well, was calm and professional, and exceeded the standards of operation and showed superior seamanship,” said her supervisor PO2 Moore. S2 Germain was assisted in driving the RHIB by S1 Tommy Mailloux as the two took...

[caption id="attachment_25859" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Megan Ilott[/caption]A/SLt Wen Guo Base Administration––Mess Manager Megan Ilott has crushed thinking-outside-the-box this last year when COVID-19 forced the closing of most eateries and bars including the Wardroom and Gunroom.The Wardroom on Signal Hill and the Gun Room in Work Point are the prime locations for military social functions, lunch and dinners, and a drink at the bar. The Wardroom is also the prime spot for hosting weddings and other private events. When the pandemic hit, Ilott and her staff had to pivot and find creative ways to keep the mess membership engaged. Zoom has become a great resource where the Wardroom hosts cooking classes, virtual bingo, and virtual trivia night, among other things. A weekly take-out service was also started along with themed take-out for larger events such as New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day and of course the Mess’s take-out weepers. “We have had to think outside the box to keep our membership engaged, and to provide the much-needed morale boost during this unprecedented time. Members have been thrilled with what has been provided so far and look forward to upcoming events. But everyone looks forward to when we can start having in-house events again,” she says. The Wardoom is like a hotel, with 137 rooms on six floors available for visiting military members to stay. With travel restricted, the rooms were quickly vacant making the Wardroom a prime place to house military members before they embarked on a deployment. To date, they have housed Canadian Armed Forces members and Royal Navy New Zealand members for over 13 months. This special quarantine housing has meant a huge jump in cleanliness. While Ilott is not responsible for this side of the Wardroom, she is part of the planning and discussions with Base Accommodation staff as it affects her staff and workplace. With the downtime, a few long-awaited renovations took place: the floors on the main floor and lower lounge were replaced, and the upper bar walls are undergoing...