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[caption id="attachment_21333" align="alignnone" width="592"] Clearance divers practice an all-around defensive posture with C8 carbine rifles in preparation for a multi-national training exercise with the U.S. Marines in Guam later this month. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Clearance Divers from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) are making final preparations for a multi-national training exercise in Guam.Eight personnel from the dive unit and two from Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) will head to the U.S. territory in August for Exercise Hydracrab. The 12-day exercise involves approximately 100 military personnel and is being hosted by the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five. Hydracrab also involves units of the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marines, two clearance diver teams from Australia, and one team from New Zealand. The purpose of the exercise is to give military personnel greater experience in improvised explosive device (IED) disposal near port and jetty facilities, and coordinating those efforts with other nations, says Lt(N) Sebastian Harper, FDU(P) Operations Officer. “It’s very important for us to know how to work with our allies and have a common procedural understanding before a conflict breaks out,” says Lt(N) Harper, who will be Officer in Tactical Command of the Canadian contingent. “It helps us find common ground and will make things more predictable when they need to rely on us in a real-life situation, and vice versa.”Fleet Diving Unit members will act as an IED support unit during the exercise. The team will be pushed to their limits, rendering safe IEDs in a high tempo semi-permissive maritime environment, says Lt(N) Harper. They will also assist specially trained boarding parties from the Marines to defuse IEDs during operations involving smuggling, interdiction, and other scenarios. Some of the biggest hurdles to overcome for multi-national training exercises such as these often occur well before boots...

[caption id="attachment_21325" align="alignnone" width="592"] Artist Derek Rickwood signs a print of his HMCS Calgary painting at the ship’s Cowboy Up fundraiser on May 11. He is joined by Lt(N) Sonja Maul-Wilson (left) of Canadian Fleet Pacific and Elida Ninami.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Nanaimo-based artist Derek Rickwood has a strong attachment to his first commissioned painting for the Canadian Armed Forces. When Rickwood began painting a rendering of HMCS Calgary in July 2018, he says the project was inspirational, but also tinged with sadness. With every brush stroke he thought of his father, Warrant Officer (Retired) Ralph ‘Randy’ Rickwood who died in 2008. “Painting this meant a lot to me because of my father and his own military service,” said Rickwood. “It wasn’t any ordinary commissioning to have worked on because this one involved an organization my father devoted his life to.”His dad wasn’t only a career soldier, he was also a talented artist who passed his love of painting to his son. Since 1986, Rickwood, 60, has done many commissioned paintings. The Calgary commissioned work was unveiled at Calgary’s Cowboy Up event in May to former Commanding Officer, Commander Blair Saltel. The 16” x 24” oil on canvas was a gift for him ahead of his June 3 Change of Command Ceremony. The painting will be hung in the cabin of current Calgary skipper, Commander Jonathan Kouwenberg.“This painting to me represents everyone who has served in Calgary over the years and the community it represents,” said Cdr Saltel.  “This likeness of a modernized frigate as a work of art, made by hand, really represents the reverence for tradition and the necessity for technical skills a modern navy requires for success.  People connected with the ship, either past or present crew, can look at something that is aesthetically pleasing, but also take solace that it is their ship on the wall being depicted and celebrated.” In the painting, Calgary is portrayed sailing past Fisgard Lighthouse in Esquimalt Harbour. Rickwood used a mixture of...

[caption id="attachment_21321" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging[/caption]A/SLt Michelle Scott, MARPAC Public Affairs ~Recruits from the Raven program got a taste of life at sea during a day sail on board HMCS Nanaimo on July 29. Forty recruits plus staff joined the ship for a day of manoeuvres, damage control exercises and a demonstration by a CH-149 Cormorant from 19 Wing Comox – which included HMCS Nanaimo’s rescue swimmers being hoisted out of the water and onto the ship. The Cormorant visit not only enriched the crew’s training but highlighted what the ship can do, in hopes of inspiring the recruits to become Royal Canadian Navy sailors.The Raven program is designed to build bridges into Indigenous communities throughout Canada and show young Indigenous people their potential for part-time employment or a full-time career with the Canadian Armed Forces.“I thought it was important for Nanaimo to do the day sail. I’ve seen the program and the sailors it produces, and it’s worth it if we gain some sailors through what they experience during the sail,” said Commander Jason Bergen, HMCS Nanaimo’s Commanding Officer. “Today allows us to highlight the capability of the ship and its routine, and it introduces the Ravens to a crew they could possibly work with one day.”Shortly after Nanaimo exited Esquimalt Harbour, Cdr Bergen made an announcement over the ship’s speaker stating the first shipboard activity was about to start – a demonstration of the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel’s manoeuverability. “We’re going to do a hockey stop,” he said. The recruits stood on the fo’c’sle of the ship, holding onto the guard rails, unsure of what was coming. Then the ship listed heavily to the port side and you could hear their excited shrieks and giggles.“The manoeuvres were my favourite; they were pretty cool,” said OS Anjbizhaa John,...

[caption id="attachment_21294" align="alignnone" width="593"] Stephen Holton, Deputy Information Systems Security Officer for the Canadian Army, with his service dog Missie at Canadian Army Headquarters. Photo by Jay Rankin, Directorate of Army Public Affairs[/caption]Lynn Capuano, Army Public Affairs ~A dog whose ancestors protected Roman soldiers on the battlefield now keeps watch over a retired Canadian Army soldier.Stephen Holton, Deputy Information Systems Security Officer for the army, began bringing Missie, his seven-month-old service dog, with him to work at the Canadian Army Headquarters in Ottawa in May 2019. Missie, a black-and-white Italian Mastiff and Great Dane cross, wears the Army Headquarters patch on her service vest. She is a sixth-generation service dog bred by a long-time friend of Holton, Kim Callaghan of Edmonton, Alberta, who breeds the animals for Veterans, first responders, and others. Missie’s full name is Missile because of her rapid entrance into the world in December 2018. She was the first-born of a litter of seven puppies, all of whom are now in training to be service dogs.Holton’s health issues, which are not a result of his service, are largely under control. He suffers from several complications of his diabetes, coupled with a non-epileptic seizure disorder caused by a stroke. He has been seizure-free for two years, and Missie’s focus is primarily on the diabetes aspect of support.Holton served 12 years with the army and has been a civilian for about 22 years. He started out in the Army Reserve infantry with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in Belleville, Ontario, and later became an Infantry Officer. After six years, he transferred to the Regular Force in the Communications and Engineering Branch and then served as a captain in the Signal Corps. He deployed on several operations in Canada during his military career.He obtained Missie through Paws for Veterans; an organization...

[caption id="attachment_21291" align="alignnone" width="592"] Marina Craig, Vernon Cadet Museum Director of Marketing and Operations, makes a final check on one of the many displays of uniforms before the re-opening of the Vernon Cadet Museum for the summer.[/caption]Wayne Emde, Army Cadets Corps Public Affairs ~There are approximately 59,000 young Canadians enrolled in cadet programs across Canada. But here is only one Cadet Museum and it’s in Vernon, B.C.From the outside, the former guardhouse and post office just off Highway 97 retains the well-worn textures and colours that harken back to the early 1940s when Vernon Military Camp housed thousands of soldiers training for duty overseas in the Second World War. Inside, it’s a different story.In the spring of 2013, the building was declared surplus to needs and the keys were handed over to Francois Arseneault to create the museum. Arseneault became interested in cadet history after his summers between 1978 and 1980 at the Vernon Army Cadet Training Camp, also the oldest cadet training centre in Canada. He began collecting photos, shoulder flashes, cap badges and other items related to Army Cadets in Canada. On a shoestring, and with a great deal of support and encouragement from then Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Kopan, the museum opened its doors for cadets and visitors.In the years since, collections have grown with donations of photos, uniforms, documents, and band instruments. Many former cadets have contributed financially, and a yearly auction serves as a major fundraiser. “It’s been a team effort,” said Arseneault, who works with a committee consisting of Mitch Steck, Maria and Graham Brunskill, Lisa Devine, and Cory Schultz. Dale Dickie of West Kelowna designed and built a detailed model of one of the H-Huts. Captain Dan Emde, a Licensed Electrical Contractor, upgraded the wiring and replaced the existing fluorescent lights with LED lights. Arsesneault’s...

[caption id="attachment_21287" align="alignnone" width="593"] Commodore Angus Topshee (left), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific; Lieutenant(N) Holly Swallow (centre) of Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship Te Kaha, and Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, hold Te Kaha’s wooden pig mascot. The mascot was snuck off the ship 20 years ago by the Admiral as a friendly prank.[/caption]RCN Public Affairs ~For many Canadians, the distinctive customs and traditions of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) can sometimes make it seem like a unique world - and indeed it is.These customs, such as the Crossing the Line ceremony, naval toasts of the day, and ships’ mascots, bind all mariners together, no matter the language they speak or the country they call home.Commodore (Cmdre) Angus Topshee, the Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, says honouring these universal customs and traditions is not only key to building strong esprit de corps within a ship’s company, but is also the foundation of building life-long sailor-to-sailor ties with other navies, which contributes to stronger navy-to-navy relationships.  “It is through these activities that strong bonds are formed and morale improved, both within our fleet and with other navies,” says Cmdre Topshee.Formal traditions, such as toasts of the day, are typically used at special occasions and mess dinners. The time-honoured Crossing the Line ceremony commemorates a sailor’s first crossing the Equator.  But not all customs are formal in nature - some are downright silly and allow sailors to build friendships, not just with their shipmates, but also with those from other navies. One such tradition involves ships’ mascots, with one ship’s company sneaking off with another ship’s mascot, only to return it later during a deployment.“The best ships’ companies ensure all their members feel valued and included; there’s no magic formula for that, but it almost always involves a strong dose of the...

[caption id="attachment_21284" align="alignnone" width="592"] Twenty-nine sailors from HMCS St. John’s recently had the opportunity to visit the BAE Systems Shipyard in the United Kingdom.[/caption]Sub-Lieutenant Vincent Massé, HMCS St. John’s ~Twenty-nine sailors from HMCS St. John’s recently had the opportunity to see the future fleet when they visited the BAE Systems Shipyard in the United Kingdom (UK).The facility houses the construction of the UK’s Type 26 frigate, which is the winning design for the Canadian Surface Combatant. Up to 15 new Canadian Surface Combatant vessels will be built for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).There are a few differences between the UK’s Type 26 and the future Canadian warship, such as accommodation spaces, combat systems, and a hangar to accommodate the CH-148 Cyclone, Canada’s main ship-borne maritime helicopter, providing air support to the RCN.There are many commonalities as well such as a gym, unlike current Canadian warships that have retrofitted gyms from existing spaces.3D viewThe future warship was made even more real through a computerized 3D demonstration where the sailors could see the various decks, spaces, and compartments. The ship will have two main passageways, one on each side, with interconnecting passageways in-between. The messes will open into the cross passages. The passageways will not be directly up against the side of the hull, as an engineering void will be reserved for the cabling, piping and equipment on the ship. The enclosed forecastle, where the cable party and part-ship hands will be protected from the weather, will be most welcome.At first glance the galley seems much larger than on the Halifax-class frigate. On the quarterdeck, there will be port and starboard capstans to help personnel handling the lines, rather than just a center line one present on Halifax-class frigates. Lastly, the bridge wings will wrap around the bridge providing easy access to the...

[caption id="attachment_21280" align="alignnone" width="593"] Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Nijmegen Contingent march in ranks through the streets of Bergen Op Zoom, near Groeet Markt, in the Netherlands on July 13. Photo by Avr(T) Jérôme J.X. Lessard[/caption]SLt Jessie Grigor, Base Public Affairs Office ~On the final day of the Four Days Marches, Maritime Forces Pacific’s (MARPAC) 11-person contingent marched through downtown Cuijk, Netherlands, and received Gladiolas - flowers given to Roman gladiators - signifying victory. It was a fitting end to the arduous 160-kilometre event. Since 1909, the Four Days March has been organized annually in Nijmegen, Netherlands, to promote sport and exercise. It attracts people from all over the world.“I am immensely proud today of every one of the members of this year’s contingent,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Éric Quirion, Commander Joint Task Force Nijmegen. “Over the past few days, I have had the chance to see first-hand how dedicated, strong, perseverant and resilient these women and men are. They have overcome every physical and mental challenge associated with the marches and have not only demonstrated immense professionalism but have also proudly represented Canada.” Preparation for this physically demanding event began early in the new year. Over time the contingent gradually increased the distance until they were capable of marching 40km per day for four days.Though the march itself has changed very little since its genesis 103 years ago, the volume and composition of the participants has evolved. Initially, the event was primarily composed of members of the military with some civilians participating. But as the years went on and word of the Four Days Marches spread, participation from civilians and militaries throughout the world have increased substantially, making it the world’s largest walking event. Over the decades, locals have become accustomed to seeing throngs of people march through Dutch towns and...

[caption id="attachment_21277" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC Public Affairs[/caption]A/SLt Michelle Scott, MARPAC Public Affairs ~Raven recruit OS Ayse Golcek says her father wasn’t fully supportive of her decision to apply for the Raven program, and his worry continued when she left Toronto, ON, on a Victoria-bound plane at the beginning of July.Her father, who grew up in Turkey, was subject to compulsory military service in the Turkish Army as a young man. He released as soon as he could.“My father was initially against me going into the Raven Program, or the military at all, but in the end he let me make my own decision,” she said.OS Golcek, 18, is one of 41 recruits in the Raven Program, which introduces Aboriginal youth to a potential career in the Canadian Armed Forces.She is half Turkish and half Inuit – her mother is Inuit. Living in Toronto has limited her exposure to the Inuit culture, a heritage she now wants to learn more about.“In the past year, I’ve been looking more into my Indigenous side; it was part of the reason I chose Raven,” she said. “The course was a good opportunity for me to learn more about my Indigenous background while also incorporating that with my military interest. Both things I didn’t have back home.”She was one of the first to arrive at Work Point, and her calm demeanor hid her nervousness. “The military atmosphere was very different from what I’m used to, but that was the whole point,” she said. “I was nervous about the physical training aspect, and about pushing myself hard enough to make my teammates proud. But when I have a tough moment, I just look at what I want to do for myself and my future, and I push through it.” After the Raven...

[caption id="attachment_21273" align="alignnone" width="593"] HMCS Halifax departed Halifax on Sunday, July 14, en route to Operation Reassurance for the next six months. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Mona Ghiz, Maritime Forces Atlantic Public Affairs ~After months of preparation, HMCS Halifax and the Cyclone air detachment from 423 squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater, departed Halifax Sunday July 14 en route to a six-month tour on Operation Reassurance, Canada’s support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. Despite some mechanical issues with the ship that delayed its departure for approximately a week, Halifax and all those on board were well prepared to embark upon this operation. “The ship’s company have worked incredibly hard over the last nine-plus months and more, to get ready for this deployment. They have exceeded the standards we have set out for every step,” said Commodore Skjerpen, Commander,Canadian Fleet Atlantic.During the deployment, Halifax will replace Toronto and assume the role of flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, a NATO-led mission to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Halifax’s commanding officer, Cdr Scott Nelson, said, “Op Reassurance is Canada’s mission with NATO in various waters that connect to Europe. Canada commits a ship consistency in the region to assure our NATO alliance allies Canada is there to support the endeavors of NATO’s mission overseas.”This is the first time Halifax will deploy on Op Reassurance and the twelfth time a Royal Canadian Navy ship has taken part since 2014. Another first is that during this operation, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 is being commanded by a Canadian female officer, Commodore Josée Kurtz. She is currently onboard Toronto and will join Halifax on their arrival in theatre.During its time on Op Reassurance, Halifax will lead and execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations to enhance interoperability and cooperation with our allies and NATO partners in the region.

Courtesy the Maple Leaf ~Canadian Armed Forces members may now request a new type of leave to take advantage of changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits.In March 2019, EI benefits changed to allow parents to share either 40 weeks of standard parental benefits or 69 weeks of extended parental benefits.The new leave without pay and allowances (LWOP) for personal reasons for parental purposes allows members of the Regular Force and Reserve Force members on Class B or C periods of service, who live outside Quebec, to benefit from the EI changes more fully. Reserve Force members on Class A Reserve service need to request an exemption from duty and training for personal reasons to get the time off; there is no allowance associated with this leave.Because the Province of Quebec administers its own Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), Canadian Armed Forces members who are residents of Quebec are not eligible for maternity or parental benefits, including the extended benefits, offered through the Employment Insurance program.EI and QPIP maternity benefits, which are separate from parental benefits and are intended for recovery from childbirth, are still up to 15 or 18 weeks, respectively.Maternity and parental benefits to top up salaries to 93 per cent of pay and eligible allowances remain at a combined maximum of 364 days. During the additional weeks, Canadian Armed Forces members who live outside of Quebec can receive EI benefits of 33 per cent of their salaries to a maximum amount set by the Government of Canada each year, but not an additional top-up to their salaries.Frequently Asked Questions – parental benefits for CAF membersQ1.  What types of benefits and leave are available for Canadian Armed Forces members who are parents of newborns or newly adopted children?A1. The Canadian Armed Forces provides maternity and parental leave for...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Staff at the Esquimalt Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) are piloting a mobile workstation (tablet) initiative so they can work in the field and stay connected to the office. The Esquimalt Housing Service Centre manages 710 Residential Housing Units (RHUs), homes for currently serving members and their families. Their technical team is responsible to keep the houses in good order, which often means being on site to liaise with the occupants or the contractors assigned to do certain maintenance work. Having access to information and the ability to create work orders on location is a game-changer for the staff, says Anne Corkery, CFHA HSC Manager. “We are able to get our technical team and contractors on site quicker and get updated information to our office staff and customer service representatives instantly,” she says.The mobile workstation is a large tablet that allows staff to tether it through their Blackberry so they can be connected to the CFHA server.This new way of doing business has changed how they handle hard copy paperwork. Gone are the hard copy documents with the copious updates and filing of them in cabinets. Everything is now held electronically. “This initiative has helped streamline a number of day-to-day activities and have allowed us to skip a lot of unnecessary steps such as scanning documents and sending them, and then acknowledging receipt,” said Peter Churcher, Chief of Technical Services.In using the mobile workstation, Technical Service Officers have access to interactive maps of all 27 CFHAs across the country. With a click on the map, CFHA employees can find detailed information on any RHU, including the address building type, number of rooms, square footage and also gauge the overall condition of the property and any problem spots. This new service further enhances the CFHA’s ability to improve customer...

[caption id="attachment_21253" align="alignnone" width="593"] From left, outgoing Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, Cmdre Skjerpen; RAdm Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, with incoming Commander Cmdre Richard Feltham at the Change of Command ceremony July 11. Photo by Cpl David Veldman, FIS[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~Acceptance for first of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) fleet of Canadian Surface Combatant ships won’t be until the mid-2020s, and while that may seem like a far-off date, Cmdre Craig Skjerpen doesn’t see it that way.“In reality it will be just the blink of an eye,” he said, highlighting the importance of the many changes that have taken place in the Atlantic Fleet in recent years as the RCN begins looking ahead to the new fleet of ships.“We’re on a path to change the culture of the navy, and to continue to be adaptive in a world that is changing,” he said in his final address as Commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic on the newly opened Jetty NJ at HMC Dockyard July 11, before officially handing over command to incoming Cmdre Richard Feltham.While joking that his exit marked the unfortunate end of the position being held by “Craigs from Saskatchewan” – referring to himself and his predecessor RAdm Craig Baines – he said he was happy to hand over the job to his longtime colleague.Cmdre Skjerpen got technical in describing some of the many changes and new initiatives undertaken by the Fleet during his time in command, mentioning changes to watch rotations, leadership, and mentorship structures, crew flexibility, attack-team size reduction, the introduction of Asterix, and more. He also talked about new technologies such as land-attack missiles, low-frequency active sonars and UAVs that are being adopted. “I’m heartened by the fact there are terms and ideas that are new to me but will soon be in the...

[caption id="attachment_21250" align="alignnone" width="592"] The Royal Canadian Navy canoe family embarks on a leg of the Pulling Together 2019 Canoe Journey at Willingdon Beach near Powell River. Photos by LS Brendan Gibson, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt Cameron Park, HMCS Discovery ~Since 2007, HMCS Discovery has supported the annual Pulling Together Canoe Journey by providing safety boats, planning and logistical support. This year marked the first time Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) members crewed a canoe during the entire 10-day event.The Pulling Together Canoe Journey is a coming together of groups representing First Nations communities, Indigenous youth groups, government agencies and community groups. The purpose of the journey is to deepen relationships and create cultural understanding and connections. The involvement of the RCN in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey highlighted the commitment of the navy to foster respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations’ communities. Participants were exposed to a wide swath of First Nations language and culture by participating in cultural events, traditional teachings, and visiting culturally significant locations. “I saw how big the journey was; how many different agencies were involved; how everybody was working together - literally pulling together - and having a great time,” Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Rod Tulett, steersman of the RCN canoe, who visited the event four years ago. “At that point, I decided I wanted to get involved.” CPO2 Tulett and the members of the RCN Pulling Together Canoe family were exposed to the language, teachings, and cultural traditions of the Tla’amin Nation, near Powell River, British Columbia. Before the new canoe entered the water for the first time, community elders “brushed” it and its crew with cedar branches in a traditional ceremony designed to ensure safe travels. RCN members acknowledged the elders with gifts and by raising their hands to them and community...

[caption id="attachment_21246" align="alignnone" width="593"] LS Darcy Quick, Cdr Dale Turetski and LS Moorhouse with their unit’s morale patch. Image courtesy Sharkz Coins[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~Members of the Personnel Coordination Centre (PCC) have a new morale patch to wear on their naval combats. While some morale and operations patches harken back to the First and Second World War in style, featuring missiles, torpedoes and other weapons of war, PCC set out to distinguish themselves.“Since we fall under MARPAC (Maritime Forces Pacific), we wanted a distinguishing patch,” said Chief Petty Officer First Class Nelson Lemieux, PCC Coxswain. “Something you could see at a distance.”The call went out to PCC members to come up with something that would fit the bill. “We had a lot of rough drafts,” said CPO1 Lemieux. Despite not being a graphic artist, incremental tasker LS Darcy Quick, a naval communicator by trade, was one of the sailors that tried his hand at creating the patch. “I was on my lunch break and I started going through some ideas in my head,” said LS Quick. He drew inspiration from the view from his window at DY70, which literally and figuratively looks over the fleet. “I was thinking how PCC is responsible for assigning  people, making sure jobs get filled all around Canada, all over the world,” explained LS Quick, and how sailors departed and returned as if guided by a lighthouse.Armed with a good draft, the command team brought it to Sharkz Coins in Esquimalt to refine the concept; a splash of red and a white border made the lighthouse pop. The bottom of the black and white lighthouse has “PCC Pacific” written at its base. The words “domestic” and “international” sit atop and below the lighthouse.The final printed patch has as sleek modern look and easily identifies the wearer as being part of PCC. “I’m very proud of the PCC team and the professionalism with which they quietly manage a very complex personnel picture on a...

[caption id="attachment_21243" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]A/SLt Michelle Scott, MARPAC Public Affairs ~The taste of salty air and the ocean landscape vista are one of many firsts for OS Reed Eady. The young man is in Victoria this summer as one of 42 Raven recruits on a six-week basic training program designed for Indigenous youth. While he’s very familiar with the freshwater lakes and rivers of Jasper, Alberta, having moonlighted as a lifeguard, paddleboard instructor and white-water kayaker, it was his first time seeing the ocean.Despite having a grandfather and great-uncle in the navy, OS Eady had never considered a career in the military until a friend suggested it.“He asked me if I’d ever considered joining the navy and said he thought I’d be really good at it.”From there he applied for the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program to see if the military was indeed for him. He attended the three-week introductory Indigenous program in Québec in December, and it was there he learned about Raven. It was the perfect response to his questions about a career in the navy and opportunity to further explore his Métis culture.Raven began on July 4 and since the start it has been a jam-packed program for the recruits. The course started with an intense three-day Culture Camp, which took place at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges in Nanoose Bay, B.C. The camp taught and integrated different cultural components to bind the students together through shared experiences. It was during a sweat at culture camp that OS Eady had his favourite moment on the course thus far. “Being taught by an elder to build a sweat lodge and sharing it with people I was just getting to know, it was a really intense moment for me. It was something I was missing...

[caption id="attachment_21240" align="alignnone" width="592"] City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps presents PO2 Lisa Nilsson, LS Desi Cozier and Capt (Retired) Jennifer Sizer with Letters of Appreciation prior to a ceremony at Victoria City Hall, July 15.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Four Victoria-based athletes from Canada’s 2019 Warrior Games team were presented Letters of Appreciation by Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.Leading Seaman Desi Cozier, Petty Officer Second Class Lisa Nilsson, and Captain (Retired) Jennifer Sizer were the guests of honour in the July 15 ceremony at Victoria City Hall. During the ceremony, the athletes also accepted a Letter of Appreciation on behalf of their teammate, Master Corporal (Retired) Frieda Van Putten, who was unable to attend. They were among the 36 ill and injured veterans and currently serving military who represented Team Canada at the United States’ Department of Defense Warrior Games, June 21 to 30 in Tampa, Fla. Mayor Helps congratulated the participants for their service to Canada’s military and also for their determination to compete at the games despite their physical or mental injuries. “That is so powerful, and I think the three of you are role models for others serving, those considering serving, and to show you can still be injured and still be a warrior,” said Helps prior to presenting the framed certificates. The Warrior Games were established in 2010 and were the inspiration for His Royal Highness Prince Harry to create the Invictus Games. Approximately 300 veterans and armed forces members from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands competed in this year’s Warrior Games. Capt(Ret’d) Sizer was one of two Canadians who participated in the Ultimate Warrior Category at the Games, competing in eight events and capturing a bronze medal in women’s power lifting. Capt (Ret’d) Sizer, a former logistics officer, served more than 14 years...

Deputy Minister Jody Thomas and Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, issued the following statement:“Today, the Government of Canada announced that a settlement has been reached between the Canadian Armed Forces/Department of National Defence/Staff of the Non-Public Funds and the plaintiffs in class action lawsuits initiated by seven former members of the CAF.“The proposed settlement sets out financial compensation, the option to participate in a restorative engagement program, and several other measures aimed at addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF.“We are pleased that the government and the plaintiffs have been able to reach a comprehensive settlement which will advance the project of real and lasting cultural change.“We recognize our obligation to ensure a safe work environment for all women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces, employees of the Department of National Defence and Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces, who experienced sexual misconduct - including sexual harassment, sexual assault or discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation - in connection with their military service or civilian employment. “To all those who have had the courage to come forward as part of these class actions - and to those who will come forward - we offer our sincere regret that you experienced sexual misconduct in our workplace. “We recognize that it takes a lot of courage to come forward to share difficult and painful experiences, and press for change. “We hope the settlement will help bring closure, healing, and acknowledgement to the victims and survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination. The settlement includes several measures that are aimed at ensuring the CAF and DND will continue to take the necessary steps to achieve lasting, positive change.”

[caption id="attachment_21205" align="alignnone" width="592"] CPO1 Line Laurendeau of Canadian Fleet Pacific Operations poses for a selfie with NHL legend Marcel Dionne during the Gala Dinner.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An invitation to represent the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) hockey program at the Hockey Canada Foundation 2019 Gala Dinner had Chief Petty Officer First Class Line Laurendeau mingling with her sport heroes.She was at Edmonton’s Rogers Place June 18 when former Canadian Olympic team member Jayna Hafford was inducted into the 2019 Order of Hockey in Canada. She also chatted with former members of the Olympic team Daneille Goyette and Cassie Campbell.A stand-out moment was meeting Shannon Szabados, who, in 2015, became the first female goaltender to record a shutout in a men’s professional league. Szabados achieved the feat while tending goal for the Columbus Cottonmouths in a game against the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Hockey League.“I told her that she helped blaze a trail for women hockey players in the Canadian Armed Forces,” said CPO1 Laurendeau.A 47-year-old former goaltender, who played for the Women’s Esquimalt Tritons, CPO1 Laurendeau was also recognized during the evening as one of the founding members of the CAF women’s hockey program, and for her efforts in helping grow the women’s game.CPO1 Laurendeau grew up playing minor hockey on boy’s teams during the 1980s in her hometown of Saint-Jean-Port Joli, Que., because, she says, there were no girl’s hockey teams. When she joined the military, she saw the need to develop a women’s league at bases across Canada. The CAF women’s hockey league is now in its 20th year.   She says the growth of the women’s game wouldn’t have been possible without support from the chain of command over the years.“Without them we [women] wouldn’t have been able to do it, so they are also part of the success of the women’s game,” said CPO1 Laurendeau. “It’s the crest on the front of your jersey and not the name on the back that has become my philosophy...

[caption id="attachment_21199" align="alignnone" width="592"] Family and friends enjoy manoeuvres on board HMCS Winnipeg during the family day sail.[/caption]SLt Wilson Ho, HMCS Winnipeg ~With the sun shining and clear skies, HMCS Winnipeg welcomed over 121 friends and family to come aboard June 29 for a first-hand experience of what their loved ones do day-to-day at sea. The family and friends’ day sail was in conjunction with Winnipeg’s port visit in North Vancouver as part of the Canada Day celebrations. The day’s events were highlighted by a manoeuvring demonstration in Constance Bank, tours of the ship, and displays and demonstrations from the ship’s boarding party, dive, and firefighting teams. Crew and guests took full advantage of the beautiful weather with a flight deck barbecue before making final preparations to enter Vancouver Harbour. At the end of the sail Commander Mike Stefanson, Commanding Officer, had a few words for the departing guests. “Thank you for coming out and sailing with us today, and letting the sailors show you our home. I would also like to thank you for showing your commitment and continued support to the ship and the crew.”Canada DayIn celebration of Canada Day HMCS Winnipeg was open to tours in North Vancouver. Five thousand visitors were shown the upper decks and bridge of the ship. Additionally, members of Winnipeg supported the Canadian Forces Exhibit at Canada Place in Vancouver. Thousands of guests lined up for an interactive tour of the various capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including demonstrations by the Winnipeg Naval Boarding Team. In the evening, Winnipeg held a Canada Day reception hosted by the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Mike Stefanson. Guests included the Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan; Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, Cmdre Angus Topshee; Honorary Captains (Navy) Anita Huberman, Queenie Choo, and Tung Chan; and...

[caption id="attachment_21196" align="alignnone" width="592"] Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadron Leader Archibald Stuart MacLaren and his crew aboard their Vickers Vulture used in their attempt to fly around the world in 1924.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The granddaughter of a famous British aviation pioneer visited CFB Esquimalt’s Wardroom June 28 to see the iconic propeller from the Vickers Vulture aircraft used in his failed attempt to fly around the world 95 years ago. Vanessa Ascough, 70, travelled from her home in Devon, England, to Vancouver Island to give a presentation about her grandfather at the B.C. Aviation Museum in Sidney. She also went to the Officer’s Mess to see the giant four-blade pusher propeller located on the south facing wall.Few people know about its remarkable history. The propeller was given to the Royal Canadian Navy as a gift from Ascough’s grandfather, Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadron Leader Archibald Stuart MacLaren. It was part of the single-engine amphibious plane used by MacLaren and his two-man flight crew in a highly publicized international race to become the first nation to fly around the world. The propeller is precious to Ascough, but she is quick to point out the significance of the flight has been forgotten. As proof, she says the signatures of her grandfather and the two other crew members have not only faded but are covered by a large clock that was placed on the propeller at some point over the years. “I have no idea how that clock got on the propeller and the sad thing is it covers the autographs. It is part of aviation history and it is still marvellous after so many years.” Ascough, a former magazine editor at the University of Exeter, is writing a book about the flight to make certain her grandfather’s legacy is never forgotten. She is...

[caption id="attachment_21193" align="alignnone" width="592"] Lilian Harper Phibbs today and in 1945 at age 18.[/caption]Peter Mallett Staff Writer ~Lilian Harper Phibbs, a former member of the British Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), has published her first book at age 93, and is donating proceeds from sales to benefit other military veterans.Memory Lane, A Love Story is an account of her romance in war-ravaged Britain during the Second World War. Harper Phibbs met the love of her life Murray on a packed dance floor on the eve of Victory Europe day. He was a member of the Canadian Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, seconded as radar officer to HMS Trafalgar. The story is set in Britain during the final months of the war before Germany’s surrender. The narrative is structured around their personal diary entries and letters to each other. She began her writing project three years ago following the death of her husband for family history purposes and, in the process, it turned out to be therapeutic.The backdrop to the story is an embattled country enduring years of food rationing, nightly blackouts, deadly German air bombardments, and uncertainty of the war’s result – who would be the victor? Harper Phibbs opens a pathway to the past for the reader through vivid descriptions and details of her experiences, like the dormitory she shared with 30 women that came with strict rules, sparse amenities, and that overarching fear war brings about. Despite the stress of war, true love would blossom. The romance was ignited May 7, 1945, when they glimpsed each other on a crowded dance floor, and he made quick strides to ask her to dance.Woven between the growing relationship is the historical context of the time: the work of a Wren and a Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve sailor, the politics, and...

[caption id="attachment_21189" align="alignnone" width="593"] Base Commander, Capt(N) Sam Sader and Cdr (Retired) Peter Chance chat during an unveiling ceremony for the war medals of Cdr Ted Simmons at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum on July 10. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Seven medals that once belonged to Second World War hero Commander Edward ‘Ted’ Simmons have returned to his home province on short-term loan to CFB Esquimalt. The medals, including a Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Service Cross, and a 1939-45 star, were unveiled at a ceremony at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum on July 10. Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Sam Sader presided over the ceremony, and Second World War veteran and Battle of the Atlantic survivor, 98-year-old Commander (Retired) Peter Chance was the special guest of honour. The two men pulled away a black curtain revealing the glistening and freshly polished medals inside a cubed glass display case. They are now the focal point of the museum’s new HMCS Beacon Hill exhibit celebrating the River Class frigate and its daring commander Simmons.Simmons was the most highly-decorated member of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Battle of the Atlantic. His most notable heroics include the thwarting of a German U-Boat attack and boarding and later sinking the submarine once he acquired its code books, exploits which are featured prominently in the museum’s exhibit. “Simmons was an ordinary man who rose to the challenge and made an extraordinary impact during the Second World War,” said Capt(N) Sader.  “We are truly honoured to be able to display his medals and it’s great to have the decorations earned here with us today.”Chance, who was attending the event on behalf of the Naval Association of Canada – Vancouver Island, wore his own rack of medals and awards...

DND ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Forces Health Services Group have finalized the first phase of a health study designed to systematically document and describe the health effects associated with crew members’ exposure to the October 2004 fire on board HMCS Chicoutimi. The fire happened during the submarine’s transatlantic voyage from Scotland to Canada, and resulted in a number of casualties and the death of Lieutenant (Navy) Chris Saunders.The health study followed 250 participants, including 56 crewmembers, 42 members of the Care and Custody Team who looked after the submarine following its return to Faslane, Scotland, and 152 randomly selected submariners (acting as a control group).Stage one of the study analysed the health of participants in the five years preceding the fire and the five years following the fire. The results of the health study were shared with the former members of HMCS Chicoutimi and the Care and Custody Team at a Town Hall on July 11 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax. Following the Town Hall, results of the study were then released to the public. The results presented were not individual medical states (no new personal information was presented to individual sailors), but were instead an overview of the cohort’s general health, which has been compiled to help individual sailors to contextualize their own health, as well as to enable the best possible Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)/Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) support to those who experienced the fire. “As the mental and physical well-being of our sailors and the care of our people is our first priority, we appreciate the significance of the study’s findings, and the importance of maintaining a dialogue with and continuing to monitor the health of everyone who was exposed to the fire,” said Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander of the RCN, while leading the...

[caption id="attachment_21183" align="alignnone" width="593"] OS Levi Thompson enjoys surfing the Internet in the Junior Rank’s Mess in HMCS Regina.[/caption]HMCS Regina ~Today, the need for connectivity to families and friends, or even the ability to check sports scores, news, or download a new movie, book, or music is important to the quality of life for sailors at sea. The Royal Canadian Navy is committed to improving our sailors’ quality of life, connectivity goes a long way to keeping the navy a top employer. The navy has been working hard to deliver Wi-Fi to sailors at sea, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Wi-Fi at sea is currently being installed in HMCS Ottawa for evaluation during their upcoming deployment, and short work periods are being scheduled to install this system in other ships. This project will deliver Wi-Fi systems to messes, connecting sailors with home. HMCS Regina’s crew had desperately hoped it would be selected and fitted for this new system in time for the 2019 deployment, but these types of projects take a significant amount of time and effort to research and implement a fulsome solution.So, the warship sailed from Esquimalt last February for a six-and-a-half-month deployment without Wi-Fi installed. But then someone had an idea. If we can get Satellite TV in the messes, and we can get cable internet at home, why can’t we have cable internet at sea?The Heads of Departments went to work. Researching options, risks, costs and developing solutions and mitigations to each hurdle encountered, team REGi-Net plugged away like code breakers at Bletchley Park. Radiation hazard considerations, check.Emissions security concerns, check.Weight and stability, check. Finances and contracting, check. Finally, full of optimism, the team made their pitch in a briefing note. REGi-Net was Wi-Fi at sea with minimal added risk, and...

[caption id="attachment_21180" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members of Victoria’s new professional soccer team - Pacific Football Club - got their kicks away from the field last week when they boarded HMCS Ottawa during a visit to CFB Esquimalt.Twenty-seven players and staff from the Canadian Premier League team met with sailors during a tour and filming of short promotional videos. The videos will be used during their special military appreciation game on July 20 at the Westhills Stadium in Langford against the HFX (Halifax) Wanderers.The military community will receive a discount on their tickets to the game.Midfielder Ben Fisk was among the team’s players who fully enjoyed the opportunity to visit a Canadian military base. Fisk’s family has strong ties to Canada’s navy, among them his grandfather Ronald Routledge. Routledge served as Coxswain on multiple Canadian warships including HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Huron.“The men and women who work in Canada’s military are serving our country at the utmost level,” said Fisk. “It’s important for us to see what their lives are like, get to know about the jobs they do, and make new friends and connections for our club.”Their tour of Ottawa included a visit to the machinery control room, engineering office, bridge, galley and messes. The visit concluded on the ship’s fo’c’sle where they posed for a group photo with the ship’s company.Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Russell, a Combat Systems Engineer in Ottawa, and soccer fan, was one of the sailors conducting the guided tours.“It’s always a pleasure showing what the navy has to offer and it’s good to have some great guests like this to show it to. Tours like these are a great opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen ties in our community.”The Club is offering a special ticket price starting...

Culture, history, tradition ~The Okanagan Military Tattoo is an event that will stir the heart and feed the soul. It’s Vernon’s largest annual indoor event and Western Canada’s only military tattoo.It’s two hours of action packed, heart pounding, fast-paced family entertainment at the Kal Tire Place in Vernon on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.Over 550 performers will take part in the event, including massed pipes and drums, highland and ethnic dancers, military and civilian bands, cultural troupes, precision drills, and singers. Featured performers include the 65-member Brentwood Imperial Youth Band from the UK and the Calgary Round-Up Band. The Regimental Band of the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own) will participate in the Tribute to the Veterans segment of the program as that regiment was involved in the Battle of Normandy.Tickets for the 2019 Okanagan Military Tattoo – starting at $25 including all fees and taxes- are now on sale at TicketSeller in Vernon 250-549-7469 or ticketseller.ca.   The Tattoo will be held indoors – in air conditioned comfort - and all seating is reserved. Special ticket prices apply to seniors and veterans.  Second World War and  Korean War Veterans are invited to attend free of charge.

[caption id="attachment_21143" align="alignnone" width="593"] From left: Lt(N) (Retired) André Robin, CPO2 (Retired) Ken Levert and CPO2 (Retired) Claude Jolivet reminisce about old times back in 1973 when they were aboard HMCS Terra Nova during Canada’s peacekeeping mission in the Vietnam conflict. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A tight-knit group of veterans who served in former warship HMCS Terra Nova are producing a coin to commemorate the peacekeeping mission during the Vietnam War. From January to June of 1973, Terra Nova was deployed off the coast of Vietnam as part of Operation Gallant during Westploy ’73. The coin, created by Esquimalt’s Sharkzcoins, will be distributed to former crew members later this summer. The intention of the coin is to give each surviving crew member a tangible memento of their part in this mission. Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Ken Levert, 69, says, while their mission was only six months, most Canadians are unaware of Terra Nova’s peacekeeping role in Vietnam. “It was one crew and one mission, and we have stayed together for over 46 years,” said Levert, who served aboard Terra Nova as a Radioman. “Those were our brothers in arms back then; we worked together and played together, and the camaraderie was second to none.”Terra Nova was deployed to Vietnam should a sea evacuation be necessary for the Canadian peacekeeping troops taking part in Operation Gallant on land, Canada’s military contribution to the International Commission of Control and Supervision. The international coalition was introduced following the signing of the Paris Peace Accord in January 1973, which attempted to put an end to the Cold-war era conflict between communist forces in the north of the country pitted against United States-backed southern Vietnamese forces. But the ceasefire agreement failed and the conflict and casualties continued to mount even after the peace accord was signed.Levert says Terra Nova’s deployment was highly secretive; they were given few details about its deployment and the vessel departed Esquimalt quietly with no official send-off.   Canada’s military...

[caption id="attachment_21139" align="alignnone" width="593"] LS Cameron Welch[/caption]A/SLt Adam Smith and A/SLt Donald Den, HMCS Malahat ~When Leading Seaman Cameron Welch joined HMCS Malahat in 2017, it was at a time when the administration clerk trade was dividing in two.He was given a choice of jobs - financial services or human resources administrator.As he is working towards a bachelor’s degree in business with an accounting major at the University of Victoria, financial services administration was the perfect fit for the new naval reservist.He could apply his academic skills to a real job in finance, get paid for it, and grow his resume. However, LS Welch is quick to add he did not join the Naval Reserves just to improve his accounting skills.“I really love being on the water. Any Orca sail that I’m available for, I definitely go, and I enjoy my time out there immensely.” While most of his 20-year-old friends are stationary in their jobs, LS Welch is slowly filling up his passport with custom stamps. In May, he travelled to Kuwait where he is currently stationed for the summer as part of Operation Impact. As financial services administration is a “purple trade”, meaning it does not belong to one of the three major elements (land, sea or air), he can do the same work he was doing in Malahat’s ship’s office, only in an international operation environment. “The logistic and financial support is key to any successful military operation,” says Cdr Greg Walker, Malahat’s Commanding Officer. “The ability for reservists to deploy and support the financial administration reinforces the total force concept while providing LS Welch with invaluable operational experience.” LS Welch has advice for anyone considering joining the Naval Reserves, and the financial administration world in the military. “First, I would recommend doing it now. We need people...

[caption id="attachment_21136" align="alignnone" width="593"] From left, Catherine Blake and Barbara Sybbald, the granddaughters of the late Surgeon Cmdre Archie McCallum, and Arrabelle MacKenzie McCallum, with Naval Museum of Halifax Curator Jennifer Gamble. The visitors donated their late grandfather’s drill cane to the museum, along with a collection of photos and documents. Photo by Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~Stadacona’s Admiralty House is currently home to the Naval Museum of Halifax, but the building’s deep connection to Royal Canadian Navy history goes far beyond the collections and artifacts now housed inside.Prior to serving as a museum, the building’s former uses include a Royal Navy head­quarters Wardroom, and hospital, specifically as Massachusetts-Halifax Relief Commission Public Health Unit No. 1 from 1920-1924.For recent museum ­visitors Catherine Blake and Barb Sybbald, the building’s time as a naval hospital and clinic is relevant to their own family history. Their late grandfather, Surgeon Commodore Archie McCallum, was working as a medical officer in the early 1920s when he met their grandmother, Arrabelle MacKenzie, who was one of the few female dentists in Canada and working at Admiralty House. The couple went on to marry, of course, and their wedding photo was among the items the sisters brought along to donate to the museum during their visit on May 27. The donation included several documents and paperwork from Cmdre McCallum’s career, along with a drill cane engraved with his name and rank.The items will join the museum’s existing collection on Cmdre McCallum, which includes his medals, letters, photos and other documents. A small collection of items is also kept at the Archie McCallum Building, home to CF Health Services Centre (Atlantic).“He was an interesting man and we’re lucky to have some letters he wrote and other items to show his family members,” said museum researcher Lisa McNiven....