Latest News

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Two elite distance runners with ties to Canada’s Olympic program will put their coaching skills to work in an upcoming clinic for runners at the base. Erin Teschuk and Mariah Kelly will provide instruction in running performance and training techniques to participants of all experience levels in four hour-long clinics. They begin Wednesday evenings Oct. 28 and run weekly until Nov. 18 at various locations across Victoria. “I am incredibly excited to work with military members for this run clinic,” said Teschuk. “That’s because I know they embody a lot of the qualities that elite athletes possess - mental toughness, great work ethic, and the ability to set high goals and work towards those goals daily.”The program is one of the many offered by Personnel Support Programs Recreation department. Both Kelly and Teschuk were working towards being chosen to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in July. However, their Olympic dreams were scuttled as the Games were postponed until next summer due to the global pandemic. “I hope to show athletes that even though running is challenging it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding,” said Teschuk. “Mariah and I both know the importance of being adaptable and that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and it is extremely important for coaches to recognize that.”There are a limited number of spaces available for the 4 Week Fall Run Clinic, with costs ranging from $49 to $54. To sign-up call 250-363-1009 or visit https://bkk.cfmws.com/esquimaltpubImpressive Credentials Both athletes are members of local running club Vic City Elite, which is coached by Athletics Canada Coach, Heather Hennigar. The two have their own coaching business called Fitness 4 You, where they provide online and in-person coaching programs to athletes of all levels.Teschuk is a long-distance runner from Winnipeg. She was a member of...

[caption id="attachment_24574" align="aligncenter" width="595"] From left to right: Commander (Cdr) Cameron Miller, incoming Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat; Captain(N) Patrick Montgomery, Naval Reserve’s West Region Captain; and Cdr Gregory Walker, outgoing Commanding Officer, sign the formal Change of Command certificates during the Change of Command Ceremony at HMCS Malahat on Sept. 19. Photo by S1 Sisi Xu, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt[/caption]SLt Donald DenHMCS Malahat PAO––On an overcast Saturday afternoon, selected members of the ship’s company of HMCS Malahat, as well as a small number of immediate family and guests, gathered two metres apart on the drill deck for the Change of Command Ceremony between outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Gregory Walker and the incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Cameron Miller.The Sept. 19 ceremony was presided over by Special Assistant to the Direct General – Naval Strategic Readiness, Capt(N) Patrick Montgomery. Accompanying Capt(N) Montgomery was Malahat’s new Honorary Capt(N), Her Honour, Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. This was an unusual change of command for Malahat with COVID-19 health and safety regulations in place. Absent was the traditional Honour Guard, parade, and larger crowds, as only a chosen few members of the ship’s company and family members could attend. In his outgoing speech, Cdr Walker expressed his pride in the ship’s company’s ability to persevere and thrive in these challenging times, highlighting that it was a “testament to Malahat’s resiliency and adaptability to observe the time honoured tradition of the change of command ceremony during this time.”Cdr Walker presided as Commanding Officer for two years, including the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the commencement of Operation Laser. He acknowledged the “strange and adverse times” the Naval Reserve and all of the Canadian Armed Forces have found themselves in now.  He said it has been an amazing two years, adding “it has...

[caption id="attachment_24568" align="aligncenter" width="594"] From the left: MCpl (Retired) Harold Davies, Malahat Legion; Sgt (Ret’d) Jim MacMillan-Murphy, Sidney Legion; Sgt Shawn Gaudet, Esquimalt Legion; and CWO Dwight Grieve, Malahat Legion with Fisher, Jim MacMillan-Murphy’s PTSD service dog. Photo credit: Debbi Ferguson[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Military veterans and family members gathered Sunday Sept. 27 for a sombre ceremony to remember the lives of fallen soldiers who have died by suicide. Victoria’s fourth annual Candlelight Service in Memory of Soldiers of Suicide (SOS) was held at God’s Acre Cemetery. SOS honours soldiers, sailors, and aviators who chose to end their lives due to mental health issues related to their service. The event is normally held in four cities across Canada but due to COVID-19 precautions events in Ottawa, Montreal, and Thunder Bay were cancelled.  The event in Victoria attracted the maximum allowed capacity of 50 people. Locally, SOS is organized by Sgt (Retired) Jim MacMillan-Murphy with Megan Willett Hiltz, a registered nurse from Victoria. MacMillan-Murphy served with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Cyprus and the Golan Heights. As emcee of the event, he told those attending the event isn’t just to remember the names of the fallen but to uplift their surviving family members, loved ones, and friends. “The primary purpose of this event is to provide moral support to our SOS families and raise awareness about the respect and pride we have for all of our Canadian military members,” said MacMillan-Murphy. “At the same time, we hope to change the taboo surrounding suicide in our military, and more often then not when someone loses their battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”The first SOS ceremony was held in 2013 in Ottawa when the loved ones of 21 suicide victims gave permission to SOS to share the names in a role call to conclude the...

[caption id="attachment_24562" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Scott Stewart, host of fishing show Reelistic Outdoors, displays a Lake Trout he caught in June 2018 on Cunningham Lake, B.C. Stewart, a lifelong fisherman and conservationist, says he tries to return each fish he catches safely back to the water. Photo by Jeff Christensen[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Unlike the tall tales of most fishermen, LS (Retired) Scott Stewart really has caught a big fish.That’s because the former Royal Canadian Navy sailor has turned his life-long love of fishing into a television show called Reelistic Outdoors. “I always knew I would host a fishing show,” says Stewart. “When I was young, I used to watch the Red Fisher Show every weekend. I realized from that point I wanted to host a show.” His fishing-themed show debuted on specialty cable channels the Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network in late September. “It’s a great feeling to know my show is now going to be seen by a much wider audience.”Six previous seasons of Reelistic Outdoors have aired on Shaw Cable local community television channels. The show, he says, has been nearly half a century in the making. His father James Stewart, who also served in the navy, took Stewart on his first fishing trip in the 1970s in Cambridge, ON. Stewart says he was “hooked” from then on. “My father taught me to fish and I just excelled from there. I loved how beautiful fish were, the fight you get from them while reeling them in, and learning to use the correct gear to catch them.”He has already filmed the first 13 episodes of this 26-epidsode season. He kicks it off by taking viewers on a helicopter trip to Hook Lake, nestled in B.C.’s Rocky Mountains. He has also filmed episodes on location in Saskatchewan and the Yukon and...

[caption id="attachment_24551" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Left: Second World War veteran Ted Sheppard displays some of the letters he received over the years including a congratulatory letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acknowledging he and his wife Nan’s 50th wedding anniversary. Right: A picture of Lt Sheppard snapped somewhere in Holland in 1944 submitted by his son Mark Sheppard.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––On Monday Sept. 21, 98-year-old Ted Sheppard passed away at Veterans Memorial Lodge. Before he died, he shared his story of liberating prisoners at Holland’s Camp Westerbork during the Second World War. Seventy-five years ago, at the age of 21, newly minted Lt Ted Sheppard was in charge of a Canadian platoon who were the first Allied soldiers to arrive at Camp Westerbork. Located 40 kilometres south of Groningen, The Netherlands, the site was used as a staging camp for more than 100,000 Dutch Jews during the darkest days of the Holocaust. Most of the men, women, and children interred at the camp between 1942 and 1945 were eventually sent by rail to their deaths at infamous concentration camps Auschwitz and Sobibor. On the morning of April 12, 1945, ‘C’ company of No. 7 troop of the 8th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment, which included five armoured cars and approximately one hundred men, rolled up to the Nazi prisoner of war camp in the twilight hours of the morning. They approached cautiously, explained Sheppard. The guard towers were unoccupied, the gates were open, and the main parade square and courtyard of the camp were deserted. “It felt like we had arrived in a deserted ghost town.” Frightened prisoners were hiding in the barracks, not knowing if the armoured cars were those of the Germans, ready to open fire on them.“I can remember how quiet and eerily desolate the camp appeared even minutes after...

Captain Chelsea DubeauHMCS Winnipeg Public Affairs Officer––Four short pips come over the ship’s public address system, “Flying stations.”HMCS Winnipeg’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter is on the flight deck as the flight crew prepares to take off. It’s just another day for the air detachment, charged with the task of ensuring that one of Winnipeg’s most critical assets is ready to go for whatever task may come. Winnipeg’s helo goes by call sign Rebel, and while it’s not included in any recall list, the aircraft is a member of the ship’s company all the same. It is something to see in action. The first opportunity the ship’s company had to see the helicopter operating from the ship was during the Aug. 6 sail past departure for Rim of the Pacific (RIMAPC), when both Rebel and HMCS Regina’s Bronco flew in consort with both ships. RIMPAC provided an excellent platform from which to see not just one helo in action, but two. It also marked the first time the Cyclone had participated in the multi-national exercise. RIMPAC provided something else; thanks to Rebel’s participation in the exercise, the ship’s crew understands, with greater depth, the immense capabilities the aircraft adds to HMC ships, and of course to Winnipeg. “During one surface exercise, it was one task group versus another task group, so we were deployed as the air asset to advance and find the enemy fleet,” says Major Kris Sutton, Winnipeg’s Air Detachment Commander about RIMPAC. “Probably within 15 minutes of launching, we climbed to an appropriate altitude, picked up the radar tracks, and identified them while remaining outside the threat they posed to the aircraft. We were able to get those positive confirming details to the ship, which then allowed them to target the enemy fleet before the enemy fleet got...

[caption id="attachment_24545" align="aligncenter" width="595"] An artist’s depiction of the film Promises portrays an Allied soldier from India in action in the Second World War Battle of Monte Carlo in 1944. The Indus Media Foundation film production will portray the contributions made by South Asian soldiers during the war.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––The military community is answering a filmmaker’s battle cry for support in highlighting the role Indian soldiers played during the Second World War.Surrey-based filmmaker Steve Purewal is set to film Promises, an acknowledgement of the contribution Sikh soldiers made in the Battle of Monte Casino in Italy. He wants his film to educate Canadians about the sacrifices made by South Asian soldiers - who at the time of the war were British  citizens.“The memory of the contributions Punjabi’s made in the Second World War have largely been lost and my goal is to help people remember.”Some members of the British Columbia Dragoons will be featured as extras to portray Commonwealth soldiers. Purewal is growing his list of Sikh extras in the coming weeks by reaching out to the South Asian communities of the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Southern Alberta. Currently serving member PO2 Kanwar Nijjer is helping the filmmaker find extras, specifically South Asian men aged 20 to 35. “When I explained the historical importance of this battle and the cultural significance of this film to the people I have approached, they have all shown great interest in taking part,” said PO2 Nijjer. Extras are paid $150 per day, plus free meals. Transportation and accommodation needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Filming is set for October on a hillside in the Okanagan Valley, with COVID-19 protocols in place. The historically correct wardrobe and props have been loaned by a former Canadian Army member, Maj (Retired) Ian Newby who...

[caption id="attachment_24537" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Clearance Divers in-training practice covert insertion into an enemy held beachfront to search for sea mines.[/caption]Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific)–––It has been a long journey for the 10 candidates on Clearance Diver Course 0014 - two officers and eight non-commissioned members who began their training on Sept. 3, 2019, and will graduate in November.Training has been run primarily at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) in Colwood by the Unit’s training department, which is comprised of highly experienced clearance divers who oversee the initial training of all new clearance diver candidates.“Over the course of a year we’ve learned a lot; surface-supplied helmet diving, how to treat dive casualties in a recompression chamber, and how to prepare and set explosive charges underwater. It’s a really broad set of skills,” says Lt(N) Jesse Deason, one of two officers on the course.To date, candidates havefinish honed their ability to locate sea mines in a non-permissive environment. The group planned and executed an underwater search mission, locating two training mines planted on the bottom of the ocean. One of these mines was a Rockan, which is deceptively shaped like a large rock and difficult to detect. Divers found it using their Shark Marine Navigator, an underwater navigation system with a fitted GPS and multi-beam sonar suite.They were the first group to undergo training with a focus on clandestine, very shallow water operations. This was a five-week phase in the course that began Aug. 18 and finished Sept. 17. The phase included learning how to dive with a rebreather and conduct covert missions within a limited timeframe. The group planned and executed underwater reconnaissance, survey, and clearance missions, both during the day and at night.“After a mission briefing given by the force leader, we set off to assemble dive sets and setup equipment,” explained...

Every year on Sept. 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at a residential school. Her story was told for the first time in May 2013. Since then it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion going on all aspects of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for Indigenous People, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.Here is Phyllis’ story in her own words:  I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned six years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school! When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared. I was 13.8 years old and in Grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10...

[caption id="attachment_24534" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A CH-148 Cyclone helicopter conducts a training exercise with HMCS Victoria on Sept. 22. The submarine commenced sea trials on Sept. 18, marking its first time at sea since February 2015. Photo by LCdr H.T. Nguyen-Huynh, Executive Officer, HMCS Victoria[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––HMCS Victoria achieved another milestone last week as part of its ongoing sea trials. With the diesel electric submarine operating on the surface near Esquimalt, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter hovered above to practice transferring equipment and personnel – a first for a Victoria-class submarine and this new helicopter. “This serial allowed both units to update their standard operating procedures for helicopter transfer with this new airframe,” said Capt(N) Jean Stéphane Ouellet, Commander Canadian Submarine Force. “The submarine crew gained valuable experience from this interaction.”Victoria and its 48-person crew returned to sea Sept.18 after a five-year hiatus in dry dock where it underwent routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. “The return of HMCS Victoria to sea marked a significant achievement for the Canadian Submarine Force and its submarine enterprise partners. It is the result of our collective hard work, resilience, determination, and dedication,” said Capt(N) Ouellet. That return also marked the resumption of Canadian submarine operations following a pause that began in 2018 when HMCS Windsor returned from a Mediterranean deployment.Eleven other personnel are on board Victoria for the trials including submariners in training and Sea Training staff. In addition, personnel from the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) were embarked to conduct specific equipment trials. After conducting trials at sea and damage control exercises, Victoria returned alongside to address some issues discovered during the trials before continuing on with the dived portion of the program. At-sea trials test most major mechanical and combat systems such as propulsion, steering, sonars, and periscopes. It is also an occasion to...

Shannon ChildsSISIP Financial Esquimalt––When faced with financial decisions such as retirement, we first tend to look to our peers for assistance; friends, family or the “almighty” internet are all ready with their “advice”, past experiences, and abundant data. But how to sort through the conflicting guidance, life lessons and dry analytics? From taking CPP at age 60, investing only in a TFSA or taking the Transfer Value, there is no right or wrong answer, just right or wrong for you. Each individual will have different financial circumstances, long-term goals, or tax considerations. What worked for your friend or parent might not be the best approach for you. So yes, it is crucial to weigh your options and seek financial advice, but from the right source.Canada Pension Plan (CPP)The choice to take CPP may seem straightforward; take it early and receive money before we die. While one individual may elect to take CPP early to avoid reaching a higher tax bracket in retirement, another might delay a spouse’s CPP, ensuring a higher amount, thereby lining them up for enough income if the other dies. Our income sources, tax consequences, and estate planning are large factors affecting how we will live in retirement, and we require expert advice to sift through it all.Tax Free Saving Account (TFSA)With the TFSA well established after 11 years, you may wonder, “Why we still need RRSPs?” Available since 1957, the RRSP has a unique purpose: to tax shelter growth, allowing you to reduce your taxable income. The main idea is put your money into an RRSP when you’re in a higher marginal tax bracket than you expect to be in retirement. Money goes in, the amount of income you earned that year is reduced. Your SISIP Financial Advisor will help you evaluate which investment vehicle is best for you, while assisting with your overall retirement planning so you can take proper advantage of your choice and keep your tax implications low. Transfer ValueReleasing from the military is...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––Formation Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel (Padre) Lisa Pacarynuk believes that spiritual and religious support is a key part of increasing the resilience of military personnel.“When people know they are supported and that they have a greater purpose in their service, they are more effective in their own work. So, I believe that chaplains contribute to the operational effectiveness of personnel as a whole.”She is only a month into her first tour with the navy, overseeing the spiritual and religious support within the naval environment; however, she has made her rounds throughout Canada’s defence community and the Royal Canadian Chaplin Services. She and her family have been posted seven times throughout her military career that started in 2000. She has served as Chaplin in both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force, and held team leader and staff positions in Ottawa. She also has the role of advising the leadership of both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Chaplain General on the provision of services, ensuring that units have chaplain coverage, and that chaplains are operationally ready to respond to the needs of the community. “I have a team of eight chaplains, half of whom work with the Fleet and the other half who support Base Services. I am responsible for ensuring their career development and ensuring they have the resources they need to fulfil their roles.”As with all areas of the base, the persistence of COVID-19 has added additional challenges to chaplain services and how they conduct business. “We have certainly modified our Christian Sunday services by limiting people, increasing cleaning, and ensuring one-way traffic. We still want to ensure people know we are there for them if they need us even though we need to reduce our unit visits.” The resiliency of the Chaplin Service is no different than the remainder of the Canadian Armed Forces; they always find a way to achieve what needs to be done. When pressed on the traits required to fulfil...

[caption id="attachment_24513" align="aligncenter" width="594"] NTDC(A) has several virtual reality simulators that are valuable in delivering training. [/caption]Lt(N) Peter BigelowNTDC(A)––Similar to the mythical phoenix, out of the ashes of Canadian Forces Naval Operations School (CFNOS) rose Naval Training Development Centre Atlantic NTDC(A) in 2016. It was established after CFNOS ceased to exist and Campus Atlantic was stood up. Under the Campus umbrella is NTDC(A) and Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) (NFS(A)). It is mirrored on the West Coast with Naval Training Development Centre Pacific and NFS (Pacific), as well as with the Naval Reserve school becoming the NFS(Q). This change is outlined in the RCN’s Future Naval Training System Strategy, a document that describes the coordinated approach to the development and support of a future technologically enabled, integrated Naval Training System. The organizations have a strong relationship with each other but remain independent.So what is NTDC(A) and(P) and what they do? It is a question that everyone seems to have these days, especially those who see it on their posting message. Both NTDC(P) and NTDC(A) fall under Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), a headquarters located on the Pacific coast.Technically, despite the A standing for Atlantic, NTDC(A) falls under Maritime Forces Pacific.The two units essentially focus on one thing: training. Staff develop training in the form of Qualification Standard and Plans and training aids such as videos, virtual reality simulation, and 3D printing. The military tradition of creating fine, educational videos dates back to classics such as In Through the Out Door and it continues at both NTDC(A) and (P) within their Learning Support Centres (LSC). At each location, there is an entire lab filled with professionals dedicated to making new, high-quality videos and graphics to help demonstrate various lessons. Think of it like building a YouTube tutorial video library. There are also...

[caption id="attachment_24510" align="aligncenter" width="595"] While deployed on a Royal Canadian Navy submarine, Warrant Officer Josée Couture, a Preventive Medicine Technician and member of the Deployed Health Hazard Assessment Team, prepares air sampling equipment to help ascertain air quality as part of an ongoing Canadian Forces Health Services occupational health study.[/caption]Warrant Officer Brad StudhamPreventive Medicine Technician, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command––Traditionally, the Preventive Medicine Technician (PMed Tech) occupation accepted occupational transfers (OTs)/component transfers (CTs) from the Medical Technician occupation only. The approval of a new Entry Standard now allows OTs/CTs from any Regular Force or Primary Reserve occupation as long as the applicant has reached the operationally functional point in their current occupation.What is Preventive Medicine? In short, Preventive Medicine is a multi-disciplinary occupation whose responsibility and ultimate goal is to protect and preserve the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Just shy of one hundred positions across Canada, we undoubtedly have our work cut out for us.As advocates for force health protection, PMed Techs employ proficiencies in public, occupational, and environmental health in order to anticipate, identify, evaluate, mitigate and prevent workplace conditions that may adversely affect the health of serving members. It is our duty to provide force health protection intelligence to leadership to enable them to safeguard the health of personnel, while we work towards achieving mission objectives. Distinguishing attributes of a PMed Tech include someone who is a strong communicator, has the ability to apply both analytical and “outside the box” critical thinking skills, is naturally inquisitive, and has an avid desire to learn new knowledge and skills to enrich their personal and professional development.While I have held many positions at different units, the one I consider the most noteworthy is the position that I am currently serving in as a Supporter with Canadian...

Esquimalt residents are being asked to weigh in on a project that would significantly alter how waste is processed in the township.After receiving a presentation about integrated resource management (IRM) at a July 6’s council meeting, Esquimalt council tasked staff with reaching out to the community to hear residents’ questions and comments about the proposed waste management project. Integrated Resource Management is a process used to maximize resource recovery from wastes that would typically get recycled or go to the landfill. In the case of this study, the proposal is to have solid waste, kitchen scraps and yard waste processed using gasification rather than sending those materials to the landfill or composting facilities. Gasification is a process that differs from incineration in that the materials are not burned. Rather, they are subjected to high heat in a closed environment. The by-products are energy and biochar, a carbon-rich organic substance.“It’s important that we hear feedback from our residents and businesses on this potential project,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “What we are discussing here is a remarkable opportunity.”Part of the impact to the township is the need to build a facility to process the waste. The report proposes using a portion of the Township’s public works yard to house the site.The report also outlines various cost/benefit projections based on different scenarios, such as the facility processing Esquimalt’s wastes or opting to take wastes from additional sources in the community, such as commercial operations or large multi-family complexes.To help residents and businesses get a better understanding of the project and what it means for the township, the public is invited to a live webinar on Sept. 22 where they can ask questions and learn about the potential project. Council will review the results from the public engagement activities at a Committee of the...

[caption id="attachment_24504" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt Brown and his team, MCpl Cape and Cpl Smith, assess a patient with possible SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. The team is wearing full Personal Protective Equipment. The combination of a live role player and simulated casualty (mannequin) was used for the training scenarios. The team questioned and examined the role player and then performed required interventions on the mannequin.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Medical staff aboard Pacific Fleet warships are improving their readiness to handle life-and-death emergencies at sea. Three Physician Assistants and six Medical Technicians recently completed a three-day Acute Care Team Training, Aug. 25 to 28 at Albert Head Training Facility. Students were the first wave of Esquimalt-based medical staff to complete the training with additional coursing scheduled for later this year. Course organizers say instruction focused on enhancing the skill set and knowledge of ship’s medical teams and their ability to operate successfully in a navy-specific environment. Captain Irene Doucette of Canadian Forces Health Services (Pacific), a Coastal Forces Physician Assistant, coordinated the event and also acted as an in-class mentor for the students. She says the rationale behind the coursing is to fill an important gap, in that land-based units of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have received similar training for several years but until now did not address the various demands of at-sea operations.“Being on board a ship with a critically ill or injured patient is a very unique and demanding situation,” she said. “Our ships sail in all weather conditions, often with prolonged evacuation times that could last days depending on a ship’s location.” They trained in a simulated environment with simulated patients, but Capt Doucette said the supplies and medication used by students were the same ones available on a ship. Students were divided into two teams with their skills put to the test...

[caption id="attachment_24501" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Deborah receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Canadian Forces Health Services Command at her retirement ceremony on Sept. 3. Photo credit Dave Yates[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Members from Canadian Forces Health Services Pacific said farewell to one of their longest serving members. Doctors, nurses, and clinic staff held a retirement ceremony outside the main entrance Sept. 3 for Primary Care Nurse Deborah Walker. With physical distancing measures in place, they celebrated her 18 years as a civilian Department of National Defence employee, and her 41-year career in the health care sector.Walker, 60, says the event and her career were special. “I loved the job of looking after and caring for our sailors, but my time has come to an end and it’s time to move on. It was a demanding job that took great focus and energy.”She acted as a liaison between ship’s medical teams and land-based members of the Integrated Health Team 3 (IHT3).Her co-workers, including Primary Care Services Manager Peter Blencowe, praised the skills and determination she brought to the table. “Over the years I have known Deb, she has had but one aim: the health and well-being of the sailors,” said Blencowe. “She truly exemplifies what nursing is all about and treated every person with the same level of care and respect. We will miss the joy and enthusiasm that Deb brought to work every day.”Walker says her desire to care for people began at a young age. “I decided I was either going to be a teacher or a nurse. I went the nursing route, never looked back, and it was an enjoyable career from the get-go. I started my career at Veterans’ Hospital in Winnipeg as a Nurse Aid and ended with the Department of National Defence.”Her connections to Canada’s navy were strong...

Lt(N) Peter Summers and Ashley EvansFMF CB––As those on-site at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) have likely noticed, there are currently three vessels – the 250 Barge and two Camel Fender Barges – docked in the dry dock, a big difference from the usual sight of one, or none. Although unusual, this is not the first time three vessels have been docked there. Records show this was fairly routine through the 1960s to 1980s, and was normally a combination of the small minesweepers (Bay class), gate vessels (Porte class), and various auxiliary vessels and barges.The last three-vessel docking appears to have been Oct. 31, 1985, when HMCS Fundy, HMCS Miramichi, and YDG 3 were docked together. There was one instance of a four-vessel docking, on Jan. 13, 1971, with HMCS Beaver (ex YSF 216), YMG 189, YMG 190, and YC 428 all docked together. The last time YOM 252 (250 Barge) was docked at FMF CB was May 17,1993, but since then it has always gone to contractor yards for routine docking. What are these barges used for? YOM 252 is an environmental barge. It contains a number of tanks that receive liquids from ships that pump out their tanks or bilges to the barge. The barge then takes the liquid away to be properly discharged at a processing or storage facility. This is very useful as it enables ships to offload liquids as part of their work periods without having to go over to the Colwood side of the base. Camel Fender Barges are used for berthing U.S. Navy submarines. The barges have underwater structures that hang down about six metres (20 feet) below the waterline. One side has horizontal rubber fenders that press against the columns of a pier or jetty, while the other side has...

Zoe CôtéBorden Citizen Newspaper––The annual Steel Spirit Gallery, founded by Barbara Brown in 2017, showcases the unique artwork of military, police, firefighters, paramedics, hospital practitioners and other first responders.Brown’s inspiration initially came from her own ties to the military and its unique lifestyle; however, she quickly noticed an interconnectedness between the emotional experiences of military members and first responders. “Diverse backgrounds lead to diverse artwork,” said Brown. “It is one of the things that makes this project so special.”For more information, visit www.thesteelspirit.ca. Steel Spirit Galley is accepting artwork submissions by military and first responder services.Featured Artist: Shawn McCowell To get somewhere as the light fades one must negotiate the trip by sound and touch as much as by sight. The trick is to stay focused, remain calm, and keep paddling.Beginning in March, Staff Sergeant (Retired) Shawn McCowell created a dozen paintings capturing the emotions Canadians are experiencing during COVID-19, from apprehension to anxiety to outright fear. He entitled it the Pandemic Collection.  In the Half-Light is one of the paintings from this series. McCowell is a retired Peel Regional Police officer who uses art as a vehicle to rid himself of stress garnered from lived experience and in his role as a peer support consultant for first responders. In addition, he is the founder of Police Artists of Peel, an organization that raises money and awareness for various charities. He is self-taught and began painting while attending university. His medium is acrylics, clay, and wood. He focuses mainly on police-themed work, family settings, landscapes of all types, and as an Irishman, he says he is “forever drawn to painting darkened trees in brooding forests.”“As first responders we are often exposed to the harsher realities of life and the suffering of victims we are sworn to protect. Those experiences of critical incident stress,...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) needs your input as they build a new back-to-school support program for youth ages 12 to 19. The MFRC’s Family Wellness Counselling Team is currently planning events and workshops for middle school and high school aged students designed to ease the stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social distancing measures. “It’s an effort to be supportive to the stress and anxiety many students and parents may be feeling these days as they head back to school in this time of uncertainty,” said Hanna Law one of four members of the MFRC’s Family Wellness and Counselling team. “We have people reaching out to us in recent weeks requesting to be connected with resources available through the MFRC and through local community services.”Currently, the MFRC provides individual counselling, family counselling, support navigating mental health systems, and referrals to other available community services and resources. Counselling ServicesLaw says her team is specifically trained to relate to the concerns of youth from military families through in-house counselling sessions. Those can come in the form of a one-on-one meeting at their Colwood (CPAC) office, a virtual appointment, or simply meeting up in the park to go for a walk and talk about their concerns. She notes that the MFRC has also set up a closed Facebook Page specifically designed for parents of youth to discuss issues in a supportive group setting with staff and encourages anyone interested to get involved.Free TutoringOne other important program, says Law, comes in the form of educational support for students struggling in school. Until Dec. 31, the MFRC is offering specialized tutoring for Grades 6 to 12 students having issues with their studies and requiring extra one-on-one instruction. Families will be reimbursed for any costs for tutoring services...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––Commissionaire Carol McRae does more than just ensure guest safety and the security of CFB Esquimalt’s Wardroom. She is a helping hand when a guest is in dire need. Before COVID-19 cleared the rooms of regular boarders, members of the New Zealand Navy were guests at the lodging. One day, a young New Zealand sailor hurt his back and McRae sought out an icepack to help ease the pain in the affected area. She gave a few comforting words to the sailor, who was far from home, before sending him to his room to rest. “A little while later he came back,” after speaking with his mother back home. “They came up with the nickname Canadian Mom.” Being extremely friendly and outgoing has earned her the recognition and respect of her peers and those she serves. “I love to talk to people from all over Canada and other countries around the world.” She has worked at the Wardroom for about a year checking members in and out, answering their inquiries, and doing security rounds throughout the building. “It takes a special type of person to be successful in this type of work. Being helpful and cheerful, being able to work as part of a team, and having the temperament to stay calm during very rarely seen uncooperative situations.”Many commissionaires have ties to the defence community having served in the Canadian Armed Forces prior to entering the commissionaire realm. For McRae, her connection is through her father, a Signalman in the British Navy during the last few years of the Second World War.“I am so very proud of our veterans, they gave so much over the years. I am just grateful for all they have done for us,” says McRae.Like most employees on base, COVID-19 has altered the way she does her work. The Wardroom has 137 rooms and on average hosts 40 in those rooms, with surges during courses and functions. However, at this time there...

[caption id="attachment_24474" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by Master Sailor Dan Bard, CAF Imagery Technician National Defence Image Library[/caption]DND ~Master Sailor (MS) Diyako Salehi, a Weapons Engineering Maintainer – Fire Control aboard HMCS Regina, has lived in a number of countries under different regimes and governments, which has given him a unique perspective on life, relationships, and work. He immigrated to Canada from Iran, and says he joined the Royal Canadian Navy to give back and serve the country that has given him the opportunity to flourish and achieve his goals. “It also gave me the opportunity to work as an electronic technician, something that has always been an interest of mine.”He recently participated in Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2020 (RIMPAC), the world’s largest maritime exercise, off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise gave sailors the opportunity to see and learn how to organize and work in a multinational naval task force and explore the ways they can individually contribute.“This has been my first time participating in RIMPAC on board a Canadian patrol frigate,” said MS Salehi. “I participated in RIMPAC 2018 for three weeks aboard a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, which is quite different. It mostly consisted of mine sweeping operations around San Diego, California.”On board HMCS Regina, he participated in a training scenarios including multinational anti-submarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations, and live-fire events. “Despite limitations and changes due to COVID-19 during this year’s RIMPAC, it still provided a wider perspective and understanding in what can be involved in working in a multinational naval exercise,” said MS Salehi. “It is pretty evident to me that the RCN is very capable of contributing and leading a multinational task force.”When asked what his favourite part of the exercise was, he said, “I find the manoeuvering of so many warships...

Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) is a full-time, dedicated unit within the Royal Canadian Navy that specializes in advanced boarding operations at sea. This includes intercepting suspect vessels in order to prevent the movement of illicit cargo and materiel at sea, called maritime interdiction operations, and protecting navy ships, infrastructure and personnel all over the world, known as force protection.NTOG Headquarters is located at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt - Albert Head -  and reports directly to the Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. The headquarters is augmented by the East Coast Detachment, located at Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Halifax. The unit consists of approximately 50 personnel, located on both coasts, and made up of sailors from both the Regular Force and Naval Reserve.In late August, they practiced tactical combat casualty care training and evacuation.––––

[caption id="attachment_24467" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Sailor Second Class Nick Reicker uses binoculars to scout for and identify nautical flags during a recent training exercise off the jetty of HMCS Malahat.[/caption]SLt Donald DenHMCS Malahat Public Affairs Officer–––Last week, the ship’s company of HMCS Malahat, Victoria’s Naval Reserve Unit, marked the start of their 2020 - 2021 training year. However, things look a bit different due to the changed COVID-19 health and safety atmosphere. Throughout the summer months, the executive team at Malahat designed a plan to keep the routine normal as possible so members could still come into the unit for training nights and conduct their duties while respecting federal, provincial, and Canadian Armed Forces health and safety regulations related to the new COVID-19 environment. This was compounded by the fact that while COVID-19 regulations had limited the amount of personnel that could be in the unit over the summer, recruiting was still in full swing with individuals still being sworn as part of the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. “We actually saw a huge uptick in the number of people applying during COVID-19 as people looked for alternative employment,” said Petty Officer Second Class James Phillion, Malahat’s recruiting officer. “It was definitely challenging figuring out how to do routine requirements like medicals and FORCE tests, so we had to get a bit creative there.” Now, in order to limit the amount of personnel in the unit at one time, a typical training week is broken into a Port and Starboard watches, with around 50 per cent of the ship’s company assigned to each. For regular, larger meetings, there is a hybrid model in place with half the attendees being in the unit and half connecting virtually through their computers. Malahat also looks a bit different on the inside as well with directional arrows on...

DND ~This past May, Team Canada was scheduled to compete at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, but due to COVID-19 they have had to put their dreams and training on hold until next year. The postponement of the Invictus Games was no doubt a big disappointment for the competitors. To recognize their dedication and motivation, Veterans Affairs Canada collaborated with Soldier On to create a podcast series featuring members of Team Canada.The word invictus means unconquered. It embodies the fighting spirit of ill and injured military personnel, and the idea that anything is possible. In the true spirit of the Invictus Games, the global pandemic shone a spotlight on the unconquerable character of Veterans.Recently, the Invictus Foundation announced that the next Invictus Games would take place May 29 May to June 5, 2021. Until we can cheer Team Canada in real time, help us encourage our athletes by listening to podcast episodes.Resources:https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/news-mediahttps://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/people-and-stories/faces-of-freedom––––

DND ~The recently launched COVID Alert app, developed and built by the Government of Canada and available for iOS and Android, is an additional public health preventive tool for Canadians to use to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks, as well as protect themselves. As such, military and civilian members of the Defence Team, as well as their friends and families, are strongly encouraged to download and use the app on a voluntary basis. COVID Alert should be installed on one device only, generally the one that you carry with you most frequently. For most members, this will be their personal device, but downloading it to Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces issued smartphones is permitted.COVID Alert complements existing public health preventive measures such as maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene, respecting physical distancing, and wearing non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. By advising people of possible exposure to COVID-19, the COVID Alert app helps limit the spread of infection and prevent future outbreaks by prompting individuals to self-monitor for symptoms, perhaps get tested and, if they test positive, take measures to ensure they do not spread the virus further. When a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, they are provided an activation key by a public health authority to enter into their app. This will allow the app to trigger a notification to all users of the app who could be high-risk close contacts of that person. This includes everyone who has been within two metres for more than 15 minutes of the positive case in the past two weeks. If you are notified, this does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19 or need to go into quarantine or isolation, but you should contact your local public health authority for guidance.If you are not in a location where activation keys are provided, you will not be able to use the app to trigger notifications for others. However, no matter...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––––This year’s National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) has launched but not without substantial changes to how it collects donations. With many staff still working from home, the campaign is turning to an online pledge system. “This year’s campaign comes with unprecedented changes and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Margot Cutcher, CFB Esquimalt NDWCC Campaign Coordinator. “Social distancing and other health and safety precautions have changed how we run this year’s campaign including abiding by the Province of British Columbia’s preventative health measures.”NDWCC is using ePledge available through the DWAN and the Internet. It allows for pay allotments and deductions or donations by credit card or PayPal.“No donation is too small and every cent makes a real difference to Canadians in need, including our fellow Defence Team members, civilian employees, and their families,” she said. Proceeds from the fundraising go to fund programs of the United Way of Greater Victoria and HealthPartners, a collaboration of 16 Canadian health charities, or a charitable organization of your choice such as the Esquimalt MFRC. This year’s campaign slogan: Apart but Together’ at Heart reflects the reality of the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis in Canada. Now more than ever donations are needed to keep local charities operating as they are unable to fully fundraise this year, says Cutcher. For more information about how to become involved in this year’s campaign contact the CFB Esquimalt campaign positional mailbox at NDWCC@forces.gc.ca or directly to Margot.Cutcher@forces.gc.caTo make an EPledge: bit.ly/ndwccepledge––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer–––Cpl Michael Smith is ready to rock ‘n roll again to help children fighting cancer. The 29-year-old, who works in the court section of Military Police Unit Esquimalt, is part this year’s Tour de Rock cycling event. He joins 19 first responders who will pedal a combined distance of 1,200 kilometres in 14 days. The journey begins Sept. 23 at the north end of Vancouver Island in Port Alice and concludes in Victoria on Oct. 2. Since its founding in 1998, the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock has raised approximately $26 million for pediatric cancer research and support programs for children and their families through the Canadian Cancer Society. But it’s more than that, says Cpl Smith. “It’s also the biggest community event on Vancouver Island, unifying every community from Victoria to Port Alice as we rally together to support children who are battling cancer.”Instead of a fresh crop of recruits, this year’s Tour de Rock team is comprised entirely of alumni riders. When Cpl Smith heard about the new format, he jumped at the chance to take part again. “It was an absolute blessing to represent the Military Police as well as CFB Esquimalt last year and I’m humbled and proud to be able to do it again this year. It’s such an amazing experience and I never thought I would have the opportunity to ride again.” The riding format will be different this year. Instead of riding the entire distance together as a team, the ride will be converted to a relay-style format. Cyclists will only ride in the region or geographical area they are from. As an alumni rider from the southern Vancouver Island and the Victoria region, Cpl Smith will ride approximately 150 km. Training also moved from group to solo. Cpl Smith...

MS Elijah Fraser and SLt GomeryHMCS Whitehorse–––While patrolling the northern Search and Rescue (SAR) Zone north of Vancouver Island along the coastline of British Columbia, HMCS Whitehorse came to anchor in Kitasu Bay in search of respite from a storm. The picturesque bay is surrounded by the Great Bear Rainforest and some of the most remote areas of the North Pacific Coast. A member of the ship’s company had hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive Kermode ‘Spirit’ Bear, along the shoreline through the ship’s ‘big eyes’ binoculars. Unfortunately, what they did see was not a bear. It was large patches of ghost fishing gear polluting the waters and shorelines of the gorgeous bay.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Derelict Fishing Gear (DFG), as it is more properly known, is a major maritime issue, impacting marine environments across the planet. Studies have found that abandoned fishing gear constitutes up to 85 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage patch and the majority of ocean plastics by weight. Not only does marine debris foul props and threaten navigational safety for vessels, but it also damages important living marine resources and their habitat. DFG continues to ‘fish’ indiscriminately. This is dangerous for marine environments, especially when it comes to commercially valuable, and endangered, species. Additionally, DFG is also known to break down under the ocean’s corrosive conditions into micro plastics, which can affect every level of the marine food chain.Five members of Whitehorse’s crew and one embarked Canadian Coast Guard member volunteered the afternoon of their ‘Sunday routine’, as part of a cleanup party accompanied by Whitehorse’s Executive Officer. Over a thousand pounds of line, much of it still attached to buoys, floats, and tattered nets, were pulled from the rocky beaches of Kitasu Bay. In all, four full boat...

2Lt Justin LeongBase Administration––When the Naden Athletic Centre shut down in March due to COVID-19, Base Administration called upon Personnel Support Programs (PSP) to host virtual training sessions to meet the need of physical training (PT) for branch military members. Among the staff who showed up virtually every Wednesday with a creative and fun fitness regime was Danielle Yole. She is new to PSP, only a year into her role as Fitness and Sports Instructor. “If you haven’t met me, I love to teach. Going from teaching all day to quarantine hit me hard, so I was thrilled to take on the Wednesday Base Administration PT.” Because her training sessions were online, they reached anyone wanting to stay on the fitness track. “We at PSP are adaptable and can assist with whatever comes our way, such as making all of our classes virtual and creating pre-recorded workshops, workouts, and challenges.”But like all new things, she had to learn how to film, edit, and upload from her home office.In normal times, fitness instructors deliver to the military community FORCE training and testing, and fitness programs to Naval Fleet School (Pacific) students. Beyond the military community, they assist in running the monthly Cock of the Walk sports program, and deliver a variety of morning and noon classes at the Naden and Dockyard gyms. “Between fitness testing, unit physical training, fleet physical training, noon hour classes, and other fitness services, our 12 fitness and sport instructors serve almost 12,000 military members each year. Special events such as the monthly Formation Run see 300 to 600 participants each month,” said Yole. “We keep the military operationally fit. Community integration helps with physical and mental wellness. Through its programs and services, PSP strives to build a strong and healthy military community.”Being a fitness instructor takes...