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[caption id="attachment_20391" align="alignnone" width="591"] Samples of unit identifiers embroidered on the necks of T-shirts. Personnel at wings, squadrons and tactical units will soon be able to wear blue t-shirts with an embroidered logo at the neck—or, on Fridays, their own squadron coloured T-shirt.[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~The rules governing Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel wearing badges or insignia on their operational uniforms are about to change.An upcoming amendment to the Canadian Air Division Orders (CADO) on operational dress will allow aviators who wear flight suits and Enhanced Combat Uniforms (ECUs)/CADPAT to add certain optional Velcro-backed badges and insignia to their sleevesThis change in the CADO is intended to enhance squadron and tactical unit morale and esprit de corps. The spirit of the RCAF unit is centered on the members and how well they work together. Part of this spirit comes from the symbols they wear: the badges and crests of the unit.The CADO amendment will allow badges, especially a unit’s heraldic badge, to be embroidered in full colour, as well as low visibility green.All other badges can be embroidered in full colour, which will be up to the unit as part of their design process. Yes, a unit can design their own patch.What other kinds of patches can there be?Units can now create and wear badges to mark a special anniversary or participation in an exercise or operation. Courses may have their own patch as well.In addition, personnel at wings, squadrons and tactical units will soon be able to wear blue t-shirts with an embroidered logo at the neck—or, on Fridays, their own squadron coloured T-shirt.Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander RCAF, and Chief Warrant Officer Denis Gaudreault, RCAF Command CWO, noted this forthcoming direction will serve to enhance esprit de corps and identity, adding that RCAF aviators are encouraged to “take the...

[caption id="attachment_20388" align="alignnone" width="591"] Capt Chris Dare poses in his climbing gear.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Captain Chris Dare is trading his dentist’s drill for a mountaineer’s axe.The 35-year-old army dentist who works at the Dockyard dental clinic is set to ascend 8,850 metres to the top of Mount Everest.If successful, the accomplished outdoorsman’s latest expedition will bring to fruition a nine-year journey to hike the “Seven Summits”, considered one of the top bench marks of accomplishment in the world of mountain climbing. They are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents.He tackled the first mountain while deployed to Afghanistan nine years ago. “When I returned back to Afghanistan I was feeling down as there were a lot of people I was working with getting seriously injured, dying, and there seemed to be a consistent wave of ramp ceremonies going on. I decided I would climb the Seven Summits even though it seemed like an impossible task.” While on leave, he summited Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, a 5,895 metre climb to the top. From there he travelled the globe climbing the continental geological behemoths in Europe’s Mount Elbrus (5642 m), Alaska’s Mount Denali (6104 m), South America’s Aconcagua (6962 m), Oceania’s Carstensz Pyramid (4884 m) and Antarctica’s Mount Vinson (4892 m).Capt Dare will fly from Vancouver to Nepal March 21 and complete several weeks of altitude training under the guidance of a Sherpa guide named Nuru. Then in late May, when conditions are good, the two will begin the journey up the mountain from Tibet side. It should take between two to three weeks to reach the summit. Weather and the amount of time waiting behind other hikers could prolong their journey.He says Alaska’s Mount Denali climb was his toughest to date because of the thin air and Arctic weather, but...

[caption id="attachment_20385" align="alignnone" width="591"] LS Robbie McDougall of Base Foods showcases his special cod fillet meal in the kitchen at Nelles Block. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A cook with formal culinary arts training says a career with Canada’s military is providing him a permanent port of stability from the topsy-turvy restaurant industry. Leading Seaman Robbie McDougall, 39, is a certified Red-Seal chef with an impressive list of credentials. He has close to 20 years of experience cooking at high-end eating establishments here in British Columbia, Europe and Great Britain. But early last year he decided to end his career in the private sector and join the Canadian Armed Forces as a cook. He is currently behind the grill at the Nelles Block galley. “I have a lot of friends cooking for the private sector who are my age and are grinding it out. I realized what I wanted for me and my wife Sylwia going forward was stability, and doing what I was doing really wasn’t getting me anywhere. I wanted to explore other options.”He also notes the great benefits that include: no seasonal work stoppage, unlike many private sector restaurants, the rewards of a steady income, and a solid benefits package. His career move was also spurred by the encouragement of a military member who lives next door.“I wanted the stability that he had in his life and while I was talking to him, I gradually began to ask the question to myself: Do I really want to be slinging burgers when I’m 64?” A never-before offered signing bonusLS McDougall also received a $20,000 signing bonus, a new incentive for the trade. It was offered about a month before his formal enrolment because of his culinary training; this also earned him an advanced promotion to Leading...

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~LS Danielle Dewitt has joined a troop of volunteers across the country dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone, including members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two–spirit, intersex, and questioning (LGBTQ2) community.She recently completed Positive Space training at the base to become an ambassador at her unit - Patrol Craft Training (PCT).It’s not a new role. She completed a similar course at CFB Halifax following her transition from male to female.After coming out as transgender to her chain of command, LS Dewitt spent years navigating the complex and uncharted waters of the military medical system that did not have a process in place to assist a transitioning military member.While she was shore-posted she helped create Positive Space training and aided other military members in the same boat navigate the medical system. Her new posting as senior boatswain at PCT has her back to sea almost every week in one of the eight Orcas training junior officers.      “I’ve found a new family at this unit, so I love it here,” she said. “It is a good way to get my feet wet since it has been a couple of years since I’ve sailed.”Regular interactions with junior officers have the added benefit of introducing future naval leaders to LGBTQ2 issues. “Since being here I have had a lot of questions from junior officers about what is to be trans. I find that helpful; showing them that LGBTQ2 members are sailors first. I’ve had NWO IV (Naval Warfare Officer) graduates contact me about trans issues. Because of the networking I’ve done here, I’ve been able to point them in the right direction.”It hasn’t all been positive; not everyone appropriately handles the shift from the male to female pronoun. For those who outright...

[caption id="attachment_20379" align="alignnone" width="591"] Corporal Gorden Boivin suffered terrible injuries in a rocket-propelled grenade attack while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. Though he still has metal fragments in his body as a reminder, counselling has helped him overcome depression and addiction brought on by the trauma. Photo by Stephen J. Thorne/Legion Magazine[/caption]Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~A new photography exhibit at the Canadian War Museum features haunting portraits of wounded Afghanistan veterans. The photographer, Stephen Thorne, says they show Canada at its best.The exhibit, entitled The Wounded, consists of 18 large-format black-and-white photos by Thorne, an award-winning photojournalist and writer. It was originally commissioned by the Legion Magazine in 2016. He also wrote the stories behind the subjects’ battlefield injuries, travelling across Canada to meet with each one.Speaking at a media preview of the exhibit, Thorne thanked each of his subjects, saying, “You represent the best of Canada.”In his three decades with the Canadian Press, Thorne added, “I saw and did a lot of extraordinary things, and nothing came close to what I saw and experienced in covering what these people did in Afghanistan.”Carried wounded soldier despite own broken pelvisOne soldier depicted is Captain Hélène LeScelleur, who was wounded while travelling in a military convoy in October 2007. A roadside bomb blast broke her pelvis, and, despite the injury, she carried a wounded comrade 200 metres to safety. Cut off from the rest of the convoy, she stood guard through the night.In the aftermath, Capt LeScelleur experienced suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. She was later medically released from the military and is now studying social work with an eye to helping other Veterans.Father and son served at same timeMaster Warrant Officer André Renaud and Corporal Martin Renaud are a father and son who served simultaneously in Afghanistan. When Cpl Renaud was...

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~Last Wednesday, as the evening sky settled over CFB Esquimalt, Tom Campbell powered off his computer, gave his bare office in the Naden Athletic Centre a quick once over, strolled down the hall, and exited the glass doors. It was his final moment as a Personnel Support Programs (PSP) employee. At 55 years old, most people would be walking towards retirement. But not Campbell. He’s opted for a few years on board a warship. The former PSP Facility Coordinator is now Ordinary Seaman (untrained) Campbell, an unlikely recruit in the Royal Canadian Navy. “There’s a good chance I’ll be the oldest person with the lowest rank onboard,” he said wryly.In the weeks leading up to his departure for QL3 training for Naval Supply Technician, the newly minted Ordinary Seaman has endured lots of ribbing from his colleagues. Most people were incredulous upon hearing of his choice for a second go in the military in the twilight of his professional life.“It was the second hardest decision of my life,” he said, referencing the decision to leave the military 22 years ago. At 20 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an artillery gunner, and after several years, numerous postings, and attaining the rank of sergeant, he swapped trades to become a physical education recreation instructor, also known to many as a PERI. When the PERI trade disbanded, and the responsibility of physical fitness of the troops given to a civilian branch, Campbell decided to leave the military. He hoped to be hired by the civilian side once he left. “The scary part about that decision is they didn’t allow us to get our positions with PSP before we made our decision to leave the military.”As the years went by, he wondered if he made the right call....

[caption id="attachment_20372" align="alignnone" width="591"] Catriona Murray of Boxed Arrangements.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Victoria entrepreneur has launched a new product line for military families wanting to send a care package to a loved one deployed on a Canadian warship.Catriona Murray runs Boxed Arrangements, a small gift giving company that mails boxes brimming with thoughtfully chosen treats. She introduced her newest product, Deployment Boxes, to the military community at the MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo on Feb. 21. “It’s all about showing you care and giving sailors something to look forward to when they are away from home,” she said. Box contents vary and can include snacks, chocolates, bonbons, magazines, crosswords, nuts, protein bars, shampoo, soap, lotion and a post card with a personal message. The packaging is simple and recyclable.The deployment box cost is $60 and can be designed specifically for a male or female sailor. Murray will also donate a portion of her revenue from the Deployment Box sales to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), and through an arrangement with them the postage is waived. Deployed members sending a gift box to their loved ones at home can receive a 10 per cent discount through a discount code. Local delivery within Victoria, B.C. is free; outside Victoria regular shipping charges apply.She knows the importance of staying connected while deployed; her father, John Brens was a cook in the army and her husband’s father was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force.To order a box go to www.boxedarrangements.com

[caption id="attachment_20368" align="alignnone" width="591"] Just before departing on a day sail in HMCS Edmonton as part of International Women’s Day, Jennifer Gervès-Keen, Nicole Schaaf, LCdr Kristina Gray, Lt(N) Cass van Benthem Jutting, and HCapt(N) Mandy Farmer struck a pose to demonstrate this year’s theme of Better the Balance, Better the World. Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC Public Affairs Office ~Maritime Forces Pacific celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) last Friday with a day sail aboard HMCS Edmonton for influential female community members, including Jennifer Gervès Keen, keynote speaker at the Chiefs and Petty Officers’ mess celebration event.Edmonton’s commanding officer, LCdr Kristina Gray, and Honorary Captain(Navy) Mandy Farmer hosted the event.“I welcome events like this on my ship that show people, in and outside of the defence community, what we do, how we live, and the lifestyle challenges sailors deal with every day. It allows sailors to demonstrate to the public the professionalism and pride they have in their work in a way that an outsider would never get through a medium like a presentation or video.” She commanded Edmonton through the second most successful Operation Caribbe deployment since the operation began in 2006. Her ship and crew, with an embarked law enforcement detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard, disrupted 8,700 kilograms of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean. “Being able to reflect on Edmonton’s success during Op Caribbe in the fall has made me appreciate what a dynamic, tactically challenging operation, in a challenging working environment, the deployment really was,” she said. Being in a position of command, empowered by the Royal Canadian Navy to get the mission done, is rewarding. But it also comes with the uncomfortable reminder that women in the rest of the world may not have the same rights.“IWD is important in Canada, but I...

[caption id="attachment_20364" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The crew of HMCS Calgary have returned to home waters after a month-long deployment to Southern California; however, they won’t be coming alongside right away. This week they will be in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Constance Bank training with a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. Halifax-class frigates are required to complete Ship Without Air Detachment (SWOAD) training roughly every six months. This qualification allows the ship’s crew to conduct helicopter operations when there is no Air Force detachment embarked. “It’s a collaboration of members from different trades and elements all working together,” said Chief Petty Officer Second Class Mark Stevens, who runs Calgary’s Deck Department. “Training will not just involve the deck crew. There are a lot of moving parts going on with landing a helicopter, which includes the Ops Room, Bridge, LSO (Landing Signal Officer) and FLYCO (Flying Coordinator).” The exercise provides the ship’s company training to perform helicopter landings, personnel transfers, supply transfers, and refueling operations. CPO2 Stevens says sailors need to keep these skills refined because there are times while deployed when they need to interact with helicopters from other nations, as was the case last year during their Operation Projection deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.“We worked with helicopters of navies from all around the world and it was our sailors doing those helicopter operations; it’s really important to get everything perfect,” he said. Calgary returned from that deployment just before Christmas but was deployed back to sea early January to assist the United States Navy in readying three warships for a NATO deployment to the South China Sea, the Middle East and the Atlantic.

[caption id="attachment_20357" align="alignnone" width="377"] Inspector Baltej Dhillon[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An RCMP officer who is best known for successfully challenging the Mounties’ dress code to include turbans has an upcoming speaking engagement at the base. Inspector Baltej Dhillon will discuss his career and life experience battling intolerance and racism at a public forum hosted by the Defence Visible Minority Action Group (DVMAG) at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess, March 14, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. “In the armed forces, like our paramilitary force the RCMP, there are a lot of things that we share, and the fact that people in both organizations today are less troubled by someone serving in a turban goes to prove we have come a long way.”Dhillon currently works in Surrey, B.C., as Officer in Charge of Operational Readiness and Response for all British Columbia detachments. His dress code battle began in 1988 at age 21 when he was wanting to join the RCMP. Standing in his way was a policy that forbade beards and turbans. Dhillon is Sikh, and the turban and beard are a part of his Sikh identity.He challenged the policy, and it soon morphed into a heated national debate over dress code. Thousands of Canadians denounced any change to the dress policy, signing petitions that demonstrated their intolerance towards the Sikh community. Street vendors sold anti-turban pins and one Alberta business sold thousands of calendars satirizing a dress code that included turbans. But in March 1990, after months of debate, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s government introduced changes to the RCMP dress code, allowing for observant Sikhs to wear beards and turbans. With the policy changed, Dhillon began his police training with the RCMP in Regina and graduated in 1991.“Inspector Baltej Dhillon is a trailblazer and his precedent-setting battle enabled every culture in Canada...

[caption id="attachment_20354" align="alignnone" width="591"] AB (Retired) Allan “Dinger” Bell, a survivor of the 1969 HMCS Kootenay explosion, was presented the Wound Stripe on by VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. Photo by AB John Iglesias, FIS[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~Nearly 50 years after being badly injured at sea as a result of the 1969 HMCS Kootenay explosion, a member of that ship’s company has been recognized for his sacrifice in service to his country.AB (Retired) Allan “Dinger” Bell was awarded the Wound Stripe by VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, during a ceremony at Juno Tower on Feb. 8, with his family and former Kootenay shipmates in attendance.AB Bell was working inside Kootenay’s engine room on Oct. 23, 1969, when a gearbox explosion occurred during full power trials off the coast of England. He was one of three sailors inside the engine room who survived the blast; nine men were killed and more than 50 suffered burns or other injuries, as the explosion sent fire, smoke, hot oil and other dangerous substances throughout the ship. AB Bell sustained burns to more than half of his body and required three surgeries through a difficult recovery process. The Kootenay explosion is now regarded as the navy’s worst peacetime disaster.In thanking him for his sacrifice and awarding him the Wound Stripe, VAdm Lloyd did not shy away from the fact the recognition has been long overdue, and he described the presentation as “righting a wrong.”“The good thing is that, as an organization, we’ve been able to make great progress since the tragedy that took place in Kootenay,” VAdm Floyd said, referencing the many changes to safety designs and protocols that came in the wake of the tragedy.“But that doesn’t make up for the fact that it took nearly 50 years of bureaucracy...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members from Military Police Unit Esquimalt (MPU) are rallying support around a long-serving employee following his terminal cancer diagnosis. Since 1997, MPU dispatcher Phil Meredith has been that friendly smiling face behind the front desk at the Naden guard house who greeted visitors when they arrived. To 911 callers and MPs on the two-way radio, Commissionaire (Cmre) Meredith has been a calming voice at the other end, says Lieutenant Gueorgy Zatonskikh, MPU Esquimalt Support Operations Officer. “He does a very difficult job very well and often deals with emergency callers who are in desperate situations. For members of the MP unit, he tries to make light of the worst situations and doesn’t let things get to you, and in our line of work that is extremely important.”Cmre Meredith, 66, also acted as dispatcher for members of the security Commissionaires team who staff the front gates at CFB Esquimalt.But he no longer occupies his desk at the main entrance. Approximately three months ago he was told by his doctor he has terminal stomach cancer and has between six and nine months to live. Lt Zatonskikh and the rest of the department heard the prognosis from Meredith just after the Christmas break and it wasn’t easy to take. “We were all shocked when we heard the news and very concerned because so many people care about Phil,” said Lt Zatonskikh. “He is our go-to-guy that keeps people going through tough times; somehow he is staying positive throughout this ordeal.” To help Cmre Meredith pay for medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs Lt Zatonskikh launched a Go Fund Me page. Starting with a fundraising target of $10,000, in only a few weeks he raised over $6,000. “We have seen an outpouring of generosity from people here in our department and...

[caption id="attachment_20327" align="alignnone" width="589"] LS (Retired) Will Steed works with students during a DIY seminar at their workshop in Edmonton. Inset: Steed receives a Special Service Medal in 1994 for his work as a Naval Weapons Technician.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A former sailor turned entrepreneur says the navy’s love of all things brass is helping him carve out a niche market for his metal and woodworking shop in Edmonton, Alberta. Leading Seaman (Retired) Will Steed once served on warships of the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Weapons Technician from 1989 to 1996. Today, the 47-year-old and his wife Robyn Steed are business partners in a profitable manufacturing outfit called DIY Workshop. Right now, it is “all-guns-a-firing” for DIY and the couple who started operations in 2017. Steed says a good chunk of their company’s financial success has come through the manufacturing of mementos and keepsakes for current and former military members. “I have noticed that many RCN people seem to love anything with brass, and it’s something we constantly work with at our shop,” says Steed. “We often incorporate brass lettering into some very beautiful hardwoods, and we can custom make almost anything upon request.”One unique project is a miniature replica of a Mach 46 Torpedo that he will mount onto an oak backing. The design is based on his research, photographs and looking at online models. The miniature is being made for a former military member from CFB Esquimalt to give to his friend as a memento for the time he served on warships. “Sailors love getting presents that remind them of their work and time at sea, and we are more than happy to fulfill that need, whatever it might be,” says Steed. From a 2,500 square foot facility in Edmonton’s Rosedale Industrial District, the Steeds’ workspace includes a fully-equipped workshop with saws, sanders, planners and metal work equipment — that includes welders, a CNC milling machine, metal lathe, a full arsenal of hand and power tools and...

[caption id="attachment_20322" align="alignnone" width="589"] Photos courtesy International War Museum[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~Canada’s last Dambuster has slipped the surly bonds of earth.Sgt (Retired) Frederick Edwin Sutherland died Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at the age of 95. He was the last living Canadian who participated in the famed Dambusters Raid on the night of May 16, 1943. The raid was carried out by the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, formed specifically for the secret mission.Only one Dambuster is still with us: the RAF’s Squadron Leader George Leonard “Johnny” Johnson, who is 97.Sergeant Sutherland joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 18 and was only 20 when he became front gunner with Flight Lieutenant Les Knight’s Lancaster bomber crew at 617 Squadron. After the development of the innovative “bouncing bomb” by Barnes Wallis and weeks of practice by the hand-picked aircrews, 19 specially-modified Lancasters and their 133 crew members were sent on a daring mission to destroy the Möhne, Sorpe, Eder and Ennepe dams in the Ruhr River in the heartland of Germany’s industrial complex. The mission was dubbed “Operation Chastise”.Flight Lieutenant Knight’s crew breached the Eder Dam on the last run against the structure and returned safely to England. However, eight aircraft were lost during the raid; of the 133 men who took off from RAF Scampton near Lincoln, England, 53 were killed, including 14 Canadians. Seventeen members of the RCAF survived: 16 Canadians and one American.Sergeant Sutherland was not so fortunate four months later when his crew set out to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal in Germany on the night of Sept. 15, 1943. Their Lancaster was hit, but Flight Lieutenant Knight managed to get the damaged aircraft across the border to Holland before the crew bailed out. Flight Lieutenant Knight was killed, however, trying to land the crippled LancasterSergeant Sutherland was picked up by the Dutch resistance, given clothing and false papers, and put on a train—filled with Germans—to Paris. From Paris, he and his crewmate, Flying Officer...

[caption id="attachment_20319" align="alignnone" width="590"] Philippe Lucas (right), Vice President Global Patient Research and Access representative with title sponsor Tilray, presents a cheque for $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Run BC members PO2 (Retired) Stephane Marcotte, Susan Marcotte, Matt Carlson and Wounded Warrior Run Director Captain Jacqueline Zweng. Photo by J. Kacki Photography[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two employees from the Department of National Defence (DND) are preparing to traverse Vancouver Island in support of Wounded Warriors Canada mental health programs. Master Seaman Mary McGregor from CFB Kingston and Matthew Carlson, a Personnel Support Programs employee from Esquimalt, are among a team of seven runners taking part in this year’s Wounded Warrior Run B.C., Feb. 25 to March 3. The relay-style run is to raise funds and awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) impacting current-serving military members, veterans and first responders. The runners will set off in Port Hardy Feb. 25 and cover over 600 kilometres before reaching the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on March 3. Along the way they will stop at community centres, schools, fire halls and branches of the Royal Canadian Legion where they will be cheered on by supporters and boosted by donations to their cause. Wounded Warrior Run BC held their official launch at Legion Branch 91 in Langford on Feb. 8 where they announced a fundraising goal of $100,000 for this year’s campaign. The money will be used for support programs operated by Wounded Warriors Canada. Captain Jacqueline Zweng of the Regional Cadet Support Unit is returning as the run’s director and announced $30,000 in donations had already been raised. A $10,000 donation from medical cannabis supplier Tilray Canada and another combined $10,000 donation from the Town of Langford and the West Shore Developers Association have accounted for an early surge in donations....

[caption id="attachment_20316" align="alignnone" width="590"] Sonar the Royal Canadian Navy mascot checks in with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy prior to the parade start. Photo by PO2 Greg Matthews[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Naval Reserve Western Region PAO ~The long history of friendship between HMCS Discovery and the Chinese community in Vancouver is reflected in the many members of the Naval Reserve Unit who are of Chinese heritage. Several of those reserve sailors were among the military members who braved the sub-zero temperatures to participate in the 2019 Chinatown Spring Festival Parade.“I was proud to represent the Royal Canadian Navy as a sailor, but I was also representing my family’s heritage and culture,” said Ordinary Seaman Kelly Le. “It really touched me when I was approached by younger girls who asked to take photos with me. Their eyes would light up when they saw a fellow Asian female marching in uniform.”The 46th annual cultural extravaganza and signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown featured lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, and martial arts performances. While the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar began on Tuesday, Feb. 5, the parade was held on Sunday, Feb. 10. The parade draws over 100,000 spectators along the route each year, plus many more who watch through TV coverage.HMCS Discovery was joined in the parade by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, as well as local army reserve units, cadet groups, and veterans.“This parade is a great opportunity to interact with a large number of people who may not have considered the Naval Reserve as an option,” said Commander Christopher Persson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Discovery. “Our members posed for hundreds of selfies, and Sonar the Mascot was very popular with the children.”

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Three Esquimalt Tritons hockey teams completed a rare triple win of Canada West regional championship titles this month after the women’s team struck gold in Winnipeg on Feb. 13. Esquimalt capped off the remarkable feat after being crowned women’s champs at this year’s regional qualifier with a 3-2 overtime victory over CFB Edmonton. The Tritons went undefeated over three games with a 4-1 win over Cold Lake in their opening game followed by a victory over tournament hosts CFB Winnipeg in the semi-finals.  They now advance to the Canadian Armed Forces Women’s Hockey Championship in Edmonton, March 2 to 4. Tritons Old Timers teamThe latest hockey title for the women’s team comes on the heels of the Tritons Old Timers team capturing the Canada West Regionals title with a 5-0 win over hosts Cold Lake on Feb. 7. Esquimalt went undefeated over four games in the six-team tournament and outscored their opposition with a combined score of 30-2.Tritons forward, Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd captured the championship game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after scoring the first two goals in the final. Esquimalt goaltender Petty Officer Second Class Marc-Andre Bibeau was named overall tournament MVP after recording two shutouts and allowing just two goals in four games. The Canada West regionals served as their qualifier for the Canadian Armed Forces National Old Timers Hockey Championship at CFB Edmonton, March 2 to 7. Triton’s Team Manager and Assistant Captain, Petty Officer First Class Robert Tibbetts says the team’s success came after months of preparation including playing in senior men’s tournaments in Port Hardy, Richmond, and here in Victoria. “It was a great team win as we fulfilled our goal of competing in the national finals,” said PO1 Tibbets. “Our goal since the beginning of the season has been to...

[caption id="attachment_20302" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two naval officers who recently commanded Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix say the oiler has become a vital part of Canadian naval operations.The NRU is the military wing that oversees replenishment at sea (RAS) operations aboard Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix. On Feb. 6, the commercially-owned auxiliary replenishment vessel left CFB Esquimalt with a crew of 45 military and 36 civilians in support of warships HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Regina. Lieutenant Commander James Classen, who commanded RAS operations on board Asterix from Aug. 2 to Dec. 18, 2018, says from a military technology perspective there is nothing advanced or noteworthy about Asterix. It is not well-equipped for battles at sea like a warship. But that’s not its purpose, says LCdr Classen. What Asterix does do is deliver the goods, thereby providing something vitally important to Canada’s naval fleet: endurance.“It’s all about endurance, plain and simple, for warships,” said LCdr Classen, who is currently the officer in charge of HMCS Chicoutimi. “It’s fulfilling our requirement of replenishing our ships at sea. We are able to keep our warships out in our theatre of operations for extended periods and provide them with fuel, food and rations.”For this most recent deployment, Asterix will operate in support of Regina, and Ottawa as the ships transit to Hawaii. From there, it will accompany Regina to the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Projection and Operation Artemis.Project Resolve MV Asterix is leased to the navy by private firm Federal Fleet Services as part of Project Resolve. The modern, German-built container ship had previously operated for five years by Capital Ship Management of Greece and was turned into a supply ship under a procurement contract with the Government of Canada. It was stripped down and converted by...

[caption id="attachment_20299" align="alignnone" width="591"] Captain (Retired) Graeme Hafey and Master Corporal (Retired) John Bowker raise a toast celebrating the launch of their company V2V Black Hops Brewing Company at Victoria’s Caledonia Brewery Distillery.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The founders of a new micro-brewery, with an aim to support veterans’ programs, say their motto is the age-old military battle creed of “leave no one behind.”V2V Black Hops Brewing Company founder, Captain (Retired) Graeme Hafey, an ex-RCAF pilot, says it is not a hollow cliché. With business partner, Master Corporal (Retired) John Bowker, the brewery donates part of the profits to Cockrell House, a West Shore facility that provides transitional housing and support for homeless and at-risk veterans.“Everyone has to get over the fence, not just the most agile and best climbers. It’s a unit, a cohesive bond of brothers and sisters in arms who can trust each other when things go wrong,” says Hafey.The brewery was born following their lengthy careers in the Canadian Armed Forces, which left them both battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from their work in war-torn countries and several deployments. Their logo features the silhouette of a kneeling Canadian soldier paying homage to a fallen comrade represented by a lone helmet on top of a rifle. Brewed under licensing from Victoria’s Caledonia Brewery Distillery, they turned out their first batch of beer on Nov. 1, 2018, just in time for Remembrance Day and the centenary of the end of the First World War. As a nod to mark the Armistice they called the English-style bitter Victory Ale.Currently, they are a three-person operation with a head brewer, who is also a chemist and University of Victoria student.Gaining a foothold in a competitive West Coast micro-brew market isn’t easy admits Hafey. They don’t have the distribution, marketing, budget, or aggressive sales techniques...

[caption id="attachment_20295" align="alignnone" width="590"] Canadian Armed Forces members have been involved with building up the capacity of their Ukranian counterparts on Operation Unifier since January 2015.[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~A long deployment away from home is nothing unusual for Canadian sailors, and there are certain constants they look forward to, like the daily routines of life at sea, camaraderie with shipmates, and hot soup every morning.However, for a group of Royal Canadian Navy members currently deployed to Operation Unifier Roto 6 in Ukraine, the experience has been a little different. The mission, which has been ongoing since 2015 and focuses on training and support to the Security Forces of Ukraine, is led by members of 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. Entering the army environment can be an adjustment for those in navy.“One of the big differences is nobody knows what your rank is called,” said a Lieutenant (Navy) working in the Intelligence Section. For operational security reasons, military members can only be referred to by their rank and trade. “You’re just a little different from everybody else, and people might look at you a little strangely until a couple of months pass, people get to know you, and then you become part of the team.”He added that his naval experience has also been beneficial on occasion, such as after a recent security incident in the Black Sea/Kerch Strait, an area he is familiar with from naval deployments.“Having the navy background came in handy in that it enabled me to speak intelligently on the topic and other naval matters that might affect Ukraine.”Another member, a Leading Seaman working as one of six Canadian Armed Forces linguists on the mission, said he’s enjoyed a deployment that allows for more fresh air and less time below the decks of a ship. He added, however,...

[caption id="attachment_20291" align="alignnone" width="591"] Lieutenant Commander Kathryn Logan is set to trek the north.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Logistics Officer is getting ready to fulfill a life-long dream when she embarks on an Arctic excursion in Canada’s far north in the weeks ahead.On April 3, Lieutenant Commander Kathryn Logan and an all-women team of 18 hikers will embark on an 11-day journey on Baffin Island. Their excursion is one of the outdoor adventure programs to benefit injured current and former military members organized by True Patriot Love. The national charitable organization provides Canadian military, veterans and their families access to support programs and funding.“For me it’s an incredible opportunity, I have always wanted to visit the north but haven’t had the opportunity, so I am really excited to be a part of this expedition.” The 36-year-old grew up in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, and is married to a constable with the Victoria Police Department.  She joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 2000 and currently works as Logistics Officer for Canadian Fleet Pacific. Her military career has included deployments to the Arabian Sea, Afghanistan and Libya. However, at the beginning of her career, she experienced a major physical setback when she suffered a knee injury in 2001. She tore the Anterior Cruciate Ligament while playing basketball at Royal Military College. It’s been a number of surgeries and years of recovery with her athletic activities shifting to long-distance endurance sports including hiking and triathlons, but LCdr Logan has made a mostly complete recovery.The True Patriot Love expedition will cover over 100 kilometres of scenic, but extremely isolated terrain. Accompanied by two Inuit guides, the women will snowshoe across the Arctic Circle passing landmarks such as Akshayuk Pass and a rarely visited section of the Owl River Valley. They plan to cover approximately 10 kilometres...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) are being hailed for their humanitarian efforts in Vietnam last fall that included the revitalization of a centre for Agent Orange victims.On Sept. 27, 2018, 24 sailors from HMCS Calgary and Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix got the ball rolling on an extensive revitalization project at Social Welfare Centre No. 3 for Agent Orange and Disadvantaged Children. The work included cleaning, painting, providing new furniture and toys, and teaching equipment for the centre located in Vietnam’s coastal city of Da Nang. Colonel Jeff Drummond, Canadian Defence Attaché Singapore/Cambodia/Vietnam, facilitated the port visit to Da Nang by HMCS Calgary and Asterix, who were at the time deployed on Operation Projection. He acted as an intermediary between the sailors and centre to determine the scope and tasking of the project. Upon further discussion with the Director, Col Drummond realized there was more work to do: build additional classrooms for the children. He had a conversation with Calgary’s Operation Chief, Chief Petty Officer Second Class Line Laurendeau that resulted in a quick solution. CPO2 Laurendeau, who supervised the ship’s outreach programs, offered up money to pay for supplies to build the classrooms from the ship’s Boomer’s Legacy funds. She then met with the Director and staff and helped them purchase the required building materials, while the centre arranged for contractors to perform the work.In January, the centre held an inauguration ceremony for the new classrooms, which was attended by school officials, the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Deborah Paul and embassy staff members. A plaque above the entrance to the classrooms unveiled at the ceremony pays tribute to sailors of the RCN and Boomers Legacy. “It was very poignant dealing with the Director and staff of the centre. Although they were expecting the agreed...

[caption id="attachment_20284" align="alignnone" width="591"] Members of the CFB Esquimalt Tritons gather for a victory photograph following their 5-4 win over CFB Edmonton in the championship game of the Canada West Regional hockey tournament in Wainwright, AB, on Feb. 1.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Esquimalt Tritons rallied to defeat CFB Edmonton and capture this year’s Canada West Regional Men’s Hockey title in Wainwright, Alberta, on Feb. 1.The winning goal came from Lieutenant (Navy) Edric Lim, a Logistics Officer from HMCS Ottawa, with five minutes remaining in the third period that gave the Tritons a 5-4 victory in the championship game of the five-team tournament.The Tritons dropped their opening game to Edmonton 6-4 but then rebounded to reel off five consecutive wins. In their path to the finals they defeated CFB Wainwright 13-2, CFB Winnipeg 7-4, CFB Shilo 9-0 and had a 7-3 triumph over Winnipeg in their semi-final.The Canada West regionals served as a qualifier for this month’s Canadian Armed Forces Men’s Hockey Championship tournament, held Feb. 23 to 28 at CFB Edmonton.The Tritons trailed 4-2 going into the third period of the championship game before erupting for three unanswered goals.Esquimalt’s top scoring line included forwards Lt(N) Lim, Corporal Jon Michel and Captain Jack Lawson who all led the way in the comeback by each scoring one of three goals.Tritons Team Captain, Lt(N) Braden Casper says the victories give him and his teammates a confidence boost and feeling of satisfaction heading into the nationals.“The team gelled together and over the course of the tournament dug deep to show resilience against some strong competition from Edmonton,” said Lt(N) Casper, who works as a Maritime Systems Engineering Officer aboard Ottawa.Lt(N) Casper noted that historically Esquimalt is normally at a disadvantage when it comes to competing at the nationals. That, he says, is because of...

[caption id="attachment_20281" align="alignnone" width="590"] Maritime Forces Pacific and Commander of Joint Task Force (Pacific), Rear Admiral Bob Auchterlonie (right), and Formation Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 David Steeves (left), receive the salute from HMCS Regina’s crew as they leave for Operation Projection and Operation Artemis. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces ~HMCS Regina, accompanied by Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix, departed its homeport of Esquimalt last Wednesday for a deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The ships will initially support Operation Projection working with partner navies and conducting key leader engagements to enhance military cooperation and partnerships in support of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.In March the ships will transition to Operations Artemis, supporting the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150). CTF 150 is part of the Combined Maritime Force, which is a naval coalition of 33 partner nations that promotes security and stability in international waters of the Middle East regions. CTF 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organizations from using the high seas for smuggling weapons, illicit cargo, and narcotics, while ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Upon completion of their support to Operation Artemis the ships will transition back to Operation Projection for the remainder of their deployment and continue their engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Of note, this deployment also marks the third operational deployment of a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and the first deployment of a Cyclone with the Pacific Fleet.

[caption id="attachment_20260" align="alignnone" width="590"] This year’s reunion is June 7 to 9 at the Marriott, 100 Kent Street, Ottawa.[/caption]How the reunion beganThousands of Canadian women served in the Second World War; there were 4,480 Nursing Sisters and, in 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) women’s division was created. There were 50,000 women in the Canadian Armed Forces, of which approximately 17,000 served in the RCAF, working in both traditional and non-traditional trades.In 1951, the Canadian government declared women would be recruited into the RCAF, as it needed greater numbers of personnel because of the construction of three radar lines across the country: the Distant Early Warning Line, the Mid-Canada line and the Pinetree line. On July 3, 1951, the first 80 enlisted women arrived for basic training at St. Jean, Quebec. By 1953, the number of women had increased to 3,133 and, by 1955, the number had dropped to 2,903. By the early 1960s changes in radar technology meant the RCAF's personnel needs had dropped considerably and it decided to stop recruiting women. A happenstance reunionOne day in Vancouver in 1988, RCAF veterans Diane White and Shirley Duff met at a department store "by chance" and made a luncheon date to talk over old times. During that luncheon, they thought it would be a great idea to hold a reunion of all airwomen from the 1951 to 1966 era. They set about planning a reunion and held a very successful one in Vancouver in June 1990, attracting women from across Canada, the United States and Mariana Islands. A second reunion was held in Ottawa in June 1993. After that, it became a periodic occurrence. These RCAF Airwomen reunions have attracted anywhere from 200 to 450 ex-airwomen, renewing old friendships and making new ones.Reunions continue every second year. This year’s...

[caption id="attachment_20248" align="alignnone" width="591"] Earlier in the year, Lt(N) Drake (left, foreground) led a casualty treatment exercise onboard MV Asterix. LS Stowell (right, foreground) applies a blood pressure cuff while MS Peer (left) and MS Robillard (right) look on.[/caption]Capt Chris Dare, Dental Officer, NRU Asterix ~Toothache while at sea? Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix can take care of that. Since the decommissioning of the last Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessel in 2016, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been without a ship-borne dental clinic or dental officer. With the launch and deployment of Asterix in January 2018 and its embarked Canadian Armed Forces personnel, the RCN has re-established full medical and dental capabilities while at sea.On the medical side, NRU Asterix employs a physician assistant, medical technician, and a medical officer. A doctor onboard, with their expanded scope of practice, allows for a greater ability to treat the many ailments that sailors may encounter over the course of their deployment. The medical officer also acts as the senior medical authority for the ships sailing in consort with MV Asterix, affording medical teams onboard nearby Canadian Patrol Frigates sound and timely advice. The ship also has portable x-ray and ultrasound equipment that further enhance capabilities when a medical radiography technician is embarked. Asterix features a well-designed and capable medical facility. In addition to two offices/examination rooms, there is a trauma bay, a five-bed hospital-style ward, x-ray suite and pharmacy. The trauma bay is designed to allow for a surgical team to embark and perform surgeries onboard, giving the platform further mission-specific capabilities.Asterix is also capable of responding to humanitarian aid and disaster response operations.In terms of dental services, MV Asterix features a full dental operatory, complete with a dental x-ray, sterilization and dental lab space.  On board, a dental team comprised of a...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Anticipation amongst sports fans at the base and throughout Victoria is mounting as the arrival of the Rogers Hometown Hockey event draws near. CFB Esquimalt is one of 24 chosen locations to host the ultimate National Hockey League fan experience with Sportsnet hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone. Naden will open to the public Saturday Feb. 16 and Sunday Feb. 17 for two afternoons of family-friendly fun with interactive activities, displays, entertainment, and an autograph session with former NHL goaltender Kirk McLean.On Sunday afternoon, MacLean and Slone will broadcast a Hockey Night in Canada game from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio.Live out-takes will be shown from the Wurtele Arena during the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers game. The broadcast will also feature a segment of MacLean and Slone being taken aboard HMCS Vancouver for an intimate look at life in the navyBase Commander, Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd will join Coach’s Corner icon and former Boston Bruins coach Don Cherry as special guest during the broadcast. Capt(N) Boyd says that he, much like the rest of the hockey fans at the base, is excited by the outreach opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy and the men and women of the Pacific Fleet.“Local hockey, or any sport for that matter, is something the base wants to support because many of our military and civilian members devote so much of their time to the game. They coach, they officiate, they play, and they volunteer at every level of the game from Atom to Oldtimer.”Capt(N) Boyd has a strong connection to Canada’s national sport. He excelled playing youth hockey in tiny Rosetown, Sask. He was originally recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces to play hockey at Royal Military College of Canada back in 1984. Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare charity Support Our Troops has partnered with Rogers Hometown Hockey. Capt(N) Boyd says, “the event will help shine the spotlight on a national organization that does so much for members of the Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_20244" align="alignnone" width="591"] LS (Ret’d) Jon White (left) and PO2 Don Merlo.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two sailors transformed into holiday heroes for a family in Sooke after performing a water rescue just before Christmas that saved the lives of two young men.The incident occurred Dec. 14 when the 20-year-old stepson of Leading Seaman Chris Moorhouse and his friend flipped their canoe in the frigid waters of Kemp Lake. After capsizing, the canoe quickly took on water and sank leaving his stepson Corey and his house guest, who was visiting from the United Kingdom, stranded in the lake. The temperature that day was 4 Celsius, and LS Moorhouse says hypothermia set in minutes after they entered the water. The two, he adds, were not wearing life jackets. Petty Officer Second Class Don Merlo and his friend Leading Seaman (Retired) Jon White had just arrived at the lakeshore to do some fishing when they saw the flipped canoe and its two occupants in the water. “I spotted them and saw a splash and immediately pointed it out to Don,” says White. “We both knew how to react and kept calm and collected, but we could see the kids were going into panic mode and would need our help sooner than later.”They called 9-1-1 but concerned it might take the volunteer fire department too long to arrive, the two sailors hatched a plan. They were able to retrieve a kayak from a nearby cottage and set off to collect the two men. “Within a few strokes of us getting into the lake they immediately started screaming for help, they were clearly panicking” said PO2 Merlo. “When we got to them the younger one [Corey] was coughing up water and struggling to keep his head above the surface. If we weren’t able to get...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~HMCS Regina is set to leave Wednesday morning for a multifaceted six-month deployment that will include the fuel and supply ship NRU Asterix and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.The Halifax-class frigate and the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Replenishment Unit are heading from Esquimalt Harbour for the Indian Ocean.Once in the region they will take part in Operation Projection, Canada’s ongoing commitment to conduct training, exercises, and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners.This deployment marks the first embarked CH-148 Cyclone detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. The Cyclone was introduced on the Pacific coast at the start of the year as a replacement for the CH-124 Sea King. Regina’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jake French is looking forward to the new capabilities of NRU Asterix and the Cyclone during the deployment.“We’ll be fortunate enough to be working with NRU Asterix so we can maintain a forward presence in the region, get through the long legs required in the Indo Asia Pacific for stores and fuel, increased medical facilities, and an expanded inventory of spare parts. Moreover, the CH-148 Cyclone, now part of Regina, will be an incredible asset for all the missions along the way, including surface surveillance, interdiction and anti-submarine warfare.”

[caption id="attachment_20216" align="alignnone" width="591"] Leading Seaman Khye Krolikowski[/caption] SLt Samantha Crocker, Unit Public Affairs Representative Operation Caribbe “Growing up, I always loved being on the water,” said Leading Seaman Khye Krolikowski. “I had a passion for it, so really it’s not a big surprise that this is where I am five years later.” LS Krolikowski, from Belfast, PEI, had no idea that visiting a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recruitment table at his local high school would spark his interest to join the Canadian Armed Forces. “They were giving out free USB sticks, so a buddy and I went over and they convinced me to join the Navy,” he explained. “I never did end up using the USB stick.” He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve at HMCS Queen Charlotte as a boatswain in May 2013. “I wanted something that was hands on. Being a boatswain seemed like the right option for me.” He took a long-term contract on Canada’s west coast in 2016. Since that time, he’s had a busy sailing schedule. Posted to the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel HMCS Saskatoon, he participated in Exercise Rim of the Pacific and Operation Caribbe in 2016. He then sailed onboard HMCS Whitehorse during the spring 2018 Operation Caribbe and recently returned from his third Op Caribbe deployment in HMCS Edmonton. “When I deploy on Op Caribbe I feel like I’m making a real difference for the Canadian public. I’m using all the training I have received since joining the RCN and I’m putting it to good use.” This past fall, LS Krolikowski acted as the primary boat coxswain while onboard Edmonton. “Being a boat coxswain comes with a fair amount of responsibility. While deployed, I was called upon at any time to escort the Law Enforcement Detachment from the United States Coast...