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[caption id="attachment_19099" align="alignnone" width="591"] SLt Nimmi Augustine, Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~By the time SLt Nimmi Augustine packs her bags this fall and heads off to the University of Toronto, she will have one amazing story to tell. One that involves a little glitz, a little glamour, and touches on her Master’s Degree in Global Affairs. The junior Marine Systems Engineering Officer is vying to become the next Miss Universe Canada, with the pageant set to start Aug. 16. Her goal is to showcase her belief of inclusivity and acceptance of all communities, part of her global affairs philosophy. “There is more than one avenue to your ultimate goal,” said SLt Augustine of the contest. “I feel this is another piece where I can at least try to reach people.”Before she can glide across the stage at the John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, representing British Columbia in the preliminary and final competitions, she must first fulfill her role as a contestant by learning the many pageant skills. To prepare, she has dashed over from Vancouver Island to Vancouver once a month since February for pageant workshops. “They teach you everything from walking to speaking to the public,” said SLt Augustine. “One thing Canada does very uniquely in our pageants is we have a charity piece portion where we have to host a charity event.”She’s dived right into this component and planned a July 27 dance workshop entitled “The Secret Language: Charity Partner Dancing Workshop and Social” where dance instructors from Victoria will teach the foundations of partner dancing and communication. “The instructors are coming from all different styles. The lessons and activities can be used in all forms of dancing.”She believes there are no gender roles in dancing because, with good communication,...

[caption id="attachment_19094" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photos by Sgt Devin Vandes, Imagery Technician[/caption]HMCS Ottawa was in dressed ship state for a Canada Day reception at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

[caption id="attachment_19091" align="alignnone" width="590"] Change of Appointment for Base Chief, from the left: CPO1 Gino Spinelli, outgoing Base Chief; Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander, and CPO1 Ian Kelly, incoming Base Chief, sign the certificates officiating the transfer of appointment. Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Last week, when Chief Petty Officer First Class Robert ‘Gino’ Spinelli signed his name on the Base Chief Change of Appointment certificates, he marked the end of his 35-year naval career. Dozens of friends, family and co-workers gathered in the Naden Drill Shed July 4 to bid farewell to the 55-year-old and welcome his successor CPO1 Ian Kelly.“I was honoured to be selected as Base Chief in 2015 and am very fortunate to finish my career in this position,” said Chief Spinelli. “In a job like this you really can make a difference in the morale and culture by creating a positive atmosphere throughout the formation, even during difficult times. If you lead the way with a positive approach and you are consistent, you will make a difference.”Much of his career was spent on the deck of warships such as HMC Ships Kootenay, Mackenzie, Vancouver and Protecteur as a boatswain. It was on the ship’s deck, braving the elements, and tackling the often physically demanding work that he learned the importance of rules, discipline and leadership. That experience aided him as Base Chief when handing out some tough love to junior rank sailors. While discipline was always in his tool box, he much preferred to educate over punish, especially since he has walked in their shoes much of his life. A career that has spanned more than three decades is laced with stories and experiences, many in far away places, the luxury of a well-travelled sailor. Chief Spinelli easily plucks memories...

[caption id="attachment_19066" align="alignnone" width="520"] Photo courtesy: www.veterans.gc.ca[/caption]Maple Leaf ~The Veterans in the Public Service Unit (VPSU) of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is available to assist Veterans navigating Canada’s public service hiring process.Members of the Canadian Armed Forces receive education, training and leadership development. This in turn creates a pool of talented Veterans. The VPSU works with the Public Service Commission to promote the skills and experiences that Canadian Veterans offer to public service hiring managers and human resources professionals across the country.“Helping Veterans and military members transition into the federal public service is an excellent opportunity for both Veterans and the public service. VAC is an excellent employer who has allowed me the flexibility to continue to serve on a part-time basis with the Navy. In fact, the federal public service is an excellent fit for any reservist,” says Alex Grant, a member of the VPSU team, and a reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy.If you are interested in learning more about the VPSU and careers in the federal public service, please visit: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/transition/ps-hiring

[caption id="attachment_19063" align="alignnone" width="590"] STADPLEX will be closing at the end of October. After 75 years of use, the facility has reached the end of its useful life, as long-term economical repair is not feasible.[/caption]By CFB Halifax ~After 75 years as a health and physical fitness hub for local military members, their families and the community, CFB Halifax’s Stadacona Fitness, Sports and Recreation Centre (STADPLEX) will permanently close its doors by Oct. 31. The facility has reached the end of its useful life and, although currently safe for occupancy, is now beyond long-term economical repair. Personnel Support Programs (PSP) staff is working to ensure STADPLEX programming and services remain available to the Defence community until the closure. The 12 Wing Shearwater Fitness and Sports Centre will remain operational seven days a week, open to Defence Team members, veterans and members of the public who possess memberships. The Fleet (HMC Dockyard) Fitness Centre will see its hours extended to accommodate members of the Defence community who frequent the facility for PT classes, programs and day-to-day use.The closure of STADPLEX will happen in phases, with the closure of the pool and squash courts taking place first. The official dates of closure for these two facilities have not yet been determined, but notice will be given to members and community groups as the dates are confirmed.A project proposal for the replacement of STADPLEX is in early stages of development and is expected to take several years to deliver. This long-term solution will come with full support and commitment from leadership and will ensure the Defence community is able to enjoy vital health and physical fitness services for years to come. For the latest updates and information including a list of FAQs, please visit the PSP website.

[caption id="attachment_19060" align="alignnone" width="591"] From left: RAdm Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, LS Kenneth Squibb, LS Steven Auchu, and Formation Chief, CPO1 Pierre Auger at the re-enrollment ceremony at CFRC Halifax on June 7. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been making an extra effort to bring recently retired sailors back to the organization, and the first two to take advantage of this Skilled Re-enrollment Initiative have now made it official.LS Kenneth Squibb and LS Steven Auchu, both Naval Electronic Sensor Operators (NESOPs) with sailing experience, who each retired from the navy less than two years ago, will be back putting their skills to use with the fleet. They participated in a re-enrollment and enrollment ceremony alongside new recruits at CFRC Halifax on June 7.The Skilled Re-enrollment initiative is a result of growing attrition rates that have put stress on some navy occupations. Letters have been sent to identified members from trades such as NESOP, Naval Combat Information Operator, Sonar Operator, Naval Communicator and Marine Technician, to invite them to re-enroll but keep their former rank and occupation.RAdm Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, presided over the ceremony in order to welcome the two sailors back into the fold, as well as welcome the new recruits. The main goal of the initiative is to ensure those who recently left the organization are aware the door remains open should they wish to restart their military career. “Today we’ve re-enrolled two NESOPS, and these two individuals have important skills that are, quite frankly, needed on the ships right now, so we’re very happy to have them,” said RAdm Baines. LS Squibb said the extra push from the Skilled Re-Enrollment Initiative, which can include a recruiting allowance in some cases, was a factor in...

[caption id="attachment_19057" align="alignnone" width="591"] Joshua Paul, a videographer from the Naval Training Development Centre, and LS Sabrina Wyns. Photo by Master Seaman D. Ann Marie Aird[/caption]A combined team from the Naval Training Development Centre (Pacific) and MARPAC Imaging embarked in HMCS Calgary last week to film live action videos that will be used to support the new Marine Technician (MARTECH) training. The team managed to negotiate Calgary’s engineering spaces with their cameras and lighting equipment to capture footage that will be used to create four videos to support training for the new generation of sailors entering the fleet. Calgary’s crew enthusiastically supported filming, providing personnel as subject matter experts and on-screen actors. The Naval Training Development Centre’s mandate is to provide technology enabled learning support to the Naval Fleet Schools aimed towards modernizing naval training. They are currently developing distance learning solutions, large format printing, 3D printing, and multi-media products for classroom learning. It is through the support of units such as HMCS Calgary that the Naval Training Development Centre can achieve its mandate.

The Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) is a unit within the Royal Canadian Navy that specializes in Maritime Interdiction Operations and Force Protection. NTOG is seeking self-motivated, highly professional sailors who are looking for a challenge and want to work in an operationally-focused small team environment to join its ranks. Those who want more information on how to become a Naval Tactical Operator should attend the information session held at S90 Room 317 on July 17, 10 a.m. to noon, and July 18, 1 to 3 p.m. NTOG originally stood up in June 2014 and has worked with many partner nations on a variety of operations including Operation Reassurance, Operation Edifice, and Operation Projection. To join NTOG, candidates must attend the mentally and physically challenging Assessment Center for five days for NCMs and NCOs, and seven days for Officers. Candidates from both Regular and Reserve Force personnel are recruited from across the RCN’s sea element personnel, including Naval Reserve Divisions. The next Assessment Center will run Nov. 12 to Dec. 2 and interested candidates should have their application in by Oct. 10.If a candidate is successful at the Assessment Center and is selected, he or she will be required to attend a five-month Naval Tactical Operator Course that covers advanced insertion techniques, tactical shooting, hand-to-hand combat, tactical combat casualty care, close quarters battle, rigging and rappelling, and sensitive site exploitation. After completing the course, Naval Tactical Operators have employment opportunities on deployments, expeditionary taskings and further specialized training.

[caption id="attachment_19048" align="alignnone" width="591"] A new organization, Director General Future Ship Capability, will help ensure future ships such as the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel will be introduced smoothly into service.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~A new organization designed to support the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as it receives new ships for future operations, aims to introduce them into service smoothly, and with a view to driving naval innovation.Director General Future Ship Capability (DGFSC), headed by Rear-Admiral Casper Donovan, will ensure the RCN is ready in terms of occupations, training systems, infrastructure, doctrine and tactics, and operational policies as ships are completed and turned over to the navy.DGFSC has three main components. The first is the Directorate of Naval Major Crown Projects, which includes the RCN teams assigned to the new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Joint Support Ship (JSS) and Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) projects. The second is the Directorate of New Capability Introduction (DNCI), which includes a team in Ottawa, as well as detachments in Halifax, NS, and Esquimalt, BC. The third is the Maritime Innovation Team (MIT).“DNCI is critical to ensuring the RCN is ready, in all respects, to receive new ships and is ready to introduce them into operational service,” explains RAdm Donovan. “They are focused on all things other than the ship itself, such as crewing, training, infrastructure, helicopter integration, occupational structures, tactics development and readiness standards.”MIT is a small team which works within DGFSC to ensure the RCN innovates as it introduces the future fleet.“It’s not just about new ships, it’s also about new approaches to how the navy will deliver on its future missions,” RAdm Donovan says. “This mindset requires innovation to be at the forefront of everything we do.”He adds that DGFSC is well set up to enable this innovation.“Obviously the inclusion...

ABOUT HOMECOMINGHomecoming is a celebration of Royal Roads’ past and present; it is open to alumni, ex-cadets, faculty, and staff from Royal Roads Naval, Tri-Services and Military Colleges (RRMC), and Royal Roads University to provide a dedicated weekend for coming home.   Homecoming embraces tradition, while welcoming the future. Celebrations are designed as a salute to familiar friendships, class reunions, the forging of new friendships, and paying homage to days past.   We hope you’ll join us for Homecoming 2018 to reconnect with your Royal Roads family. Both the RAdm John Charles Military Museum and the Dunsmuir Museum have undergone a major facelift and will be open for the weekend. Come enjoy these two wonderful museums.  In addition, all the special cadet brass plaques that once were on display in the Grant Block Quarterdeck of RRMC will be installed at the special Royal Roads Memorial area behind the Quarterdeck.  For this year, several ex-cadets from these special classes will be attending Homecoming 2018: 1958 - their 60th anniversary;1968 - their 50th anniversary; and1978 - their 40th anniversary.PROGRAMFriday, Sept. 7President’s Reception  6 - 9:30 p.m.Join President Allan Cahoon at the official kick-off to the Homecoming weekend. Raise a glass to old friends and new at this reception held within the historic Hatley Castle. Cash bar provided.  Dress: Business Casual  Saturday, Sept. 8Family and Friends Barbecue 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is the inaugural family barbecue to bring together ex-cadets, alumni and their families to enjoy the ambiance of Royal Roads.  There will be great food and lots of fun events for families, including face painting, croquet and dunk tank.Our campus patio holds incredible views all year long, but in September it is particularly rich, let›s gather to take in some sun while we enjoy an outdoor barbecue our family and friends can also enjoy.  Garden...

[caption id="attachment_19042" align="alignnone" width="591"] Running Through Time: MWO (Retired) Bill Cantwell’s family has run in each of the past four Navy Runs at CFB Esquimalt. From the left: Liam Cantwell, Chantelle Sinclair, Shane Cantwell, and Bill Cantwell.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Giving gifts or treating Dad to Sunday brunch are traditional ways to celebrate Father’s Day, but not for Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Bill Cantwell and his family. For the past four years, the 53-year-old, his wife Chantelle, and two of their children have made running the Navy Run their Father’s Day tradition. “To me it’s the perfect way to start Father’s Day,” said Cantwell. “We still go out for brunch after the race.” The annual road race is organized by Personnel Support Programs staff and is held on the third Sunday of June. The 2018 run featured 580 runners and a separate race for young children held near the finish line in Naden. This year Cantwell was brimming with pride at the finish line because he and both of his sons, 13-year-old Shane and 16-year-old Liam, won gold medals in their run categories, and posted in the top of their overall race fields. The family patriarch was tops in his 44 to 55 age category finishing the five-kilometre course in 22:45; he was 17th overall in the 5K, which he said was an encouraging improvement over times posted in past years. But Dad still wasn’t fast enough to beat son Shane who finished 38 seconds faster for first in his up to age 15 category, and 14th overall in a field of 222 runners. On the 10-kilometre course Liam took first overall in the 16 to 24 age category with a time of 38:23, and was third overall among 206 runners. Wife Chantelle Sinclair, who Cantwell described as the family’s most...

As the morning sky broke across the Olympic View Golf Course Monday June 25, 117 golfers set out to play 18 rounds of golf in the 5th Annual Base Commander’s Golf Tournament. The sun quickly warmed the day, but a steady breeze made golfing a little challenging. Following the last team’s play, everyone scrambled into the dining hall for a buffet steak dinner and news of who won what.Competitive Play (Individual Stroke Play): winner Matthew Campbell.4 Person Scramble Winners: Tim Christy, Erick Gestwa, Chris Kucheran, and John SmithHighest Score (aka non winners): Victor Clement, Eric Gingras, Christopher Imamshah, and Michele Schnob.Ladies Closest to the Pin: Gosia Croden, prize WestJet flight voucher.Men’s Closest to the Pin: Edward Whitmore, prize WestJet flight voucher.Women’s Longest Drive: Liz McDougall, prize $250 Golf Town gift card courtesy Camosun College.Men’s Longest Drive: Bob Auchterlonie, prize $250 Golf Town gift card courtesy Camosun College.Tournament players also got to wish the new MARPAC Commander Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie a Happy Birthday.Special thanks to the tournament sponsors Seaspan Victoria Shipyard, Babcock Canada, WestJet, Camosun College, Harris Dodge Victoria, and Hotel Grand Pacific.

By SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~“At the time, sitting in the chair, pulling the trigger, hearing the whoosh of the missiles was surreal,” said Lt(N) Sara Kucher, HMCS Calgary’s Above Water Warfare Officer. “I will remember this for a very long time.”Last week, Calgary fired three Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) as part of a live fire air defence exercise, complete with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as targets. This exercise is the culmination of months of preparation. It takes Calgary and crew one step closer to high readiness in preparation for their upcoming deployment on Operation Projection in the Asia Pacific.For Lt(N) Kucher, this was her first live fire air defence exercise in that position after 20 months in the chair, and it marks the end of her time in Calgary. She is being posted ashore after her D-level tour.“I really enjoy my job; I really enjoy working with my team, and I will miss this ship,” she said. “However, I look forward to finding something in my future career to top this.”While these types of exercises are not rare, Lt(N) Kucher said it is definitely not something that every Above Water Warfare Officer gets to do during their time in that position.Getting the warship ready for this exercise took a substantial amount of work and preparation.“Preparations started months ago,” said Lt(N) Kucher. “Both the Operations and the Combat Systems Engineering Departments worked steadily to bring Calgary from re-fit to successful completion of this exercise.”One of the major components to this type of training is communication, as members of the ship’s operations team need to quickly identify threats, determine a course of action, and attack that threat in a timely fashion.“We came together conducting training serials over the course of the last several months and improved our communications within...

[caption id="attachment_19033" align="alignnone" width="591"] The fully assembled submarine during one of the three test launches prior to the competition.[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~This week, the University of Victoria Submarine Racing Club will compete in the fourth biennial European International Submarine Race (eISR) for the first time. The 10-person team is in Gosport, England, to race their human-powered submarine against 11 international university teams. It’s a race against the clock around a demanding underwater slalom course.Club founder, Leading Seaman Manuel Dussault-Gomez, a reservist Marine Technician, is excited to see the submarine he designed and help build go up against some formidable opponents.The UVic Submarine Racing Club came from a desire to compete, and to promote the field of marine system engineering. LS Dussault-Gomez began pre-engineering at UVic in 2012; he joined the Naval Reserves as a Marine Technician in 2013. During his QL3 course, he scoured the library for engineering books to help him design a submarine that could compete in the eISR. He found a book by the German Naval Architect Volker Bertram on practical ship hydrodynamics. “There are a number of coefficients with regards to the submarine that will reduce the drag once it is moving underwater,” said LS Dussault-Gomez. From the nose radius, the beam-to-length ratio, the max cross-section of the submarine and the tail cone radius, everything is designed for efficiency.“We did a lot of computational fluid dynamic analysis and we figured out that the boundary layer is tiny, which is ideal, and then as the flow of fluid moves downstream, the boundary layer increases and then in the back end of the submarine there is a sharp radius that we had to implement; because if not our submarine would be seven metres long.”While a longer vessel would be faster, the European race is more than just a...

Kristin Jenkins ~George Paul Haggis: Soldier. Sailor. Sportsman. Family man. Born March 15, 1925, in Port Hope, Ont.; died Feb. 28, 2018, in Belleville, Ont., of complications following an aortic rupture; aged 92.George Haggis was a blond, blue-eyed Greek descended from the handsome, athletic men of Xirokambi, a tiny village in the southern Peloponnese. Blessed with the energy and chutzpah of 10 good men, George learned early that self-reliance was the key to getting what you wanted in life. Fiercely independent, George grabbed life by the horns and held on tight for almost 93 years.At 15, George joined the Canadian army. His physical strength and confidence quickly earned him a promotion to corporal, leading men twice his age. Then his father intervened before he could be sent overseas. At 17, George joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served in the Battle of the Atlantic.After the war, George managed the family business – running the Crystal Hotel in Belleville, Ont. – by serving as bartender and bouncer. As the master of a firm handshake and a powerful right hook, George bloodied and shredded about three shirts a week in the line of duty.In 1949, George met Octavia at a boat party. The 19-year-old was a blonde beauty with a mischievous personality and a captivating laugh. After seeing her dive head first into the water, he decided to break off his engagement to another young lady. Unperturbed by the fact she was visiting from Vancouver, George persuaded his cousin, Jack, a navigator for Trans Canada Airlines, to share his employee pass.George and Octavia were married in September, 1950, and had five children: Paul, Victoria, John, Cynthia and Kathryn.In the early 1970s, George reinvented the Crystal Hotel, turning the old Ontario beer parlour into “The Chart Room.” With Octavia’s superb cooking as the...

[caption id="attachment_19007" align="alignnone" width="591"] Camille Douglas, Friends of Boomer’s Legacy BC PR/ communications, joins Christine Meyer, Senior Manager Strategic Communications, Corporate Services Division, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, on the walk/ run circuit at Camp Boomer. The pair had been working together for Boomer’s Legacy - this was their first time meeting in person. They are carrying fallen soldier bio cards. Photo by John’s Photography[/caption]CPO2 Ron Eccles, FMF Cape Breton ~“Helping Our Soldiers Help Others at Home and Abroad” is the motto of the Boomer’s Legacy Foundation named in honour of Cpl Andrew “Boomer” Eykelenboom, a medic who was killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber on Aug. 11, 2006. Andrew was committed to saving lives and helping the Afghan people realize freedom; his death was the catalyst to creating the Foundation to help men and women in uniform make a positive difference in the lives of others.Over the past 10 years, the primary fundraiser for the Foundation was the Boomer’s Ride which saw up to 100 cyclists ride over two days from CFB Comox to Victoria.  This year saw a new fundraiser with Camp Boomer that took place at the Glacier Arena outside of CFB Comox on Saturday June 16. Based on a military theme, there were numerous military displays and demonstrations open to the public, and participants had six hours to walk, run or cycle two different routes.  All participants carried or wore two “Soldier Cards” to honour a member of the CAF who has given their life in the service of their country since 2002.Maritime Forces Pacific demonstrations and displays included a small contingent from the Naden Band, 11 Field Ambulance, and Naval Reserve Divers from HMCS Malahat. Participation in the walk, run and cycling event was conducted by a combined MARPAC Team of CPO1 Michel Vincelette, Lt(N)...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Canadian Armed Forces sailing team made its return to the World Military Sailing Championship and achieved its goal of a respectable showing at the international regatta.Held June 14 to 21 at the Finnish Naval Academy near Helsinki, the competition featured more than 60 athletes from 15 countries.  Moreover, the year 2018 marks several jubilees: the 50th World Military Sailing Championships, the 70th anniversary of CISM (“Conseil International de Sport Militaire”, normally translated as International Military Sports Council), and the 100th anniversary of the Finish Navy.Team Canada failed to qualify for the elimination round, but finished seventh out of 15 teams during the round robin.  The four member team was Lieutenant (Navy) Samantha Morgan, a Marine Systems Engineer from CFB Halifax; Master Seaman Clayton Mills a Marine Technician who works aboard HMCS Calgary; Private Samuel Plamondon, a sapper from CFB Valcartier; and Canadian Air Force Captain Pierre Grignon, who works for the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) Headquarters in Ottawa.The last time Canada competed in a CISM sailing event was 2014. There were no returning members on this year’s team and both the team and the team’s manager, Lieutenant (Navy) Kevin Pallard had realistic expectations of their chances of winning the event. Everyone was focused on achieving a strong result and appeared to give the competition “a run for their money” as Lt(N) Pallard put it. Inclement weather and then a lack of wind forced organizers to postpone some of the weekend matchups before Brazil were declared champions of the competition.  Host nation Finland had a strong showing, but settled for fourth place, while Russia and Poland finished second and third respectively. The Canadian team were pleased to have placed in the top half of teams in Helsinki, and is also hoping to better their performance when they...

[caption id="attachment_19000" align="alignnone" width="591"] The final cut for this year’s team was made in early June. Here’s a list of this year’s participants: Lt(N) Haley van Poorten, Team Leader; PO1 Rayon Murdock, 2IC; Cpl Rhys Murphy, medic; Capt Gary Leblanc; Lt(N) Rebecca Granham; A/SLt Ashvin Chawla; CPO2 Armand Reelick; WO Nathan Verhoog; MS Kevin Simons; LS Luke Foebe; Cpl Javier Sanchez-Bringas. Alternates: Lt(N) Mike McKenna, and A/SLt Soheil Nasira.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you frequent the Galloping Goose Trail between Sooke and Victoria you may have noticed military members wearing CADPAT and rucksacks marching in formation. The group have been marching virtually three days per week since February, logging over 700 kilometres, to prepare for a march of a lifetime - the Four Days International Marches Nijmegen. After battling the sweat and blisters of training, Maritime Forces Pacific’s Nijmegen marching team is ready to put boots on the ground in the Netherlands July 17 to 20. The 13-member team includes two alternate marchers, and will be led by Lieutenant (Navy) Haley van Poorten. The annual event, now in its 102nd year, involves four days of 40 kilometre marches through the Dutch countryside. This year’s event is expected to draw approximately 47,000 participants. “Marching long distances in military boots takes its toll on your body and everyone reacts differently, but the most common injuries are blisters on toes and heals, and repetitive stress injuries in the ankle, hip, knee and shin,” said Lt(N) Haley van Poorten. “But it is to be expected, we have a positive attitude and deal with the injuries and any of the setbacks in a smart and open way, because trying to hide them means they will just get worse.”To cope with the tedium and build camaraderie the team often sings as they march. They aren’t the only...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Esquimalt Tritons ball hockey team were crowned Canada West champions after winning four of six games at a regional qualifying tournament at CFB Wainwright. The Tritons defeated Cold Lake in the June 14 Championship game and earned a berth in this year’s Canadian Armed Forces Ball Hockey Nationals at CFB Borden, July 28 to Aug. 3. Esquimalt’s only loss in the tournament was a 2-0 decision against the finalists in preliminary round action. They also defeated Winnipeg 5-1 and Edmonton 5-3 in round robin play, while settling for a 2-2 against Moose Jaw. The Tritons then defeated Edmonton 3-1 in their semi-final game.Triton’s player-coach Master Seaman John Helpard, who works as a combat instructor with the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), says most of his players are still buzzing about the big victory as they look forward to competing in the nationals.“We want the big one,” said MS Helpard. “I can tell the guys are all focused on the next tourney and I hope we can bring the trophy home.” Goaltender, Master Seaman Luke Pelletier of HMCS Edmonton earned Most Valuable Player of the Game Honours in the championship game as the Tritons took a 3-2 lead into the third period and hung on for the win.“We were on our heels for the majority of the final period but Luke stood on his head making the saves we needed to win the game,” said MS Helpard. “Every player on our team had a role to play and performed it perfectly, and it was amazing to see all the hard work pay off.”Key players in the victory included defencemen Master Seaman Pat McKarenan and Corporal Joel Roy, while Lieutenant (Navy) Braden Casper and Captain Jack Lawson were essential to the team’s goal-scoring success, said MS Helpard. MS Helpard...

[caption id="attachment_18994" align="alignnone" width="591"] Lieutenant-Commander Syrus Stogran, fleet school Division Commander, presents Christensen with well wishes from Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. Photo by MS Giovanni Onucky[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Students and fellow teachers past and present from Naval Fleet School Pacific are saying their fond farewells to beloved instructor Captain (Retired) Dave Christensen. Before his retirement last month, the 62-year-old was the only instructor at fleet school that could lecture on 14 subjects related to propulsion engineering, and the only instructor who could teach all the academic technical courses. Approximately 150 of Christensen’s friends, family and colleagues crowded into the Six Mile Pub for a May 30 retirement party, toasting an impressive teaching career that spanned five decades. “Dave is a teacher like no other,” said fellow instructor, Master Seaman Carl Leblond. “Fleet School will carry on, other instructors will follow, but no one will ever come close to replacing Dave.”It isn’t just his brilliance as a teacher of physics, electronics, propulsion engineering, and mathematics that MS Leblond and his peers rave about. He and many others describe Christensen as much more than just a “dedicated 24-7 instructor”, but also a mentor and true friend who was always willing to help well beyond the classroom walls. He offered extra help with studies to making repairs on cars free of charge at his home in Metchosin, based on the idea of “paying it forward”. “It’s the interaction with students that I am going to miss most,” said Christensen.RRMC and BeyondHis father Captain Otto (Chris) Christensen was a Danish immigrant who fought for Canada in the Second World War. So Christensen grew up on military bases at CFB Borden and Petawawa. After attending University of Victoria for one year, he entered Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) in 1974 at the age 18 as...

[caption id="attachment_18991" align="alignnone" width="591"] Over 60 volunteers from the ship’s company gather for a photo at the Homes for Hope campus, as they get ready to work on landscaping, renovation and painting projects at the Fiji charity.[/caption]Lt(N) Tony Wright, HMCS Vancouver ~During HMCS Vancouver’s final port visit of Operation Projection Asia-Pacific, over 60 volunteers from the ship’s company dedicated a day to help a local charity, Homes of Hope, fix up and expand their facilities just outside of Suva, Fiji.Homes of Hope is a Fiji-based charity working with young women and children who are victims of, or are vulnerable to, situations of forced sexual encounters, sexual exploitation, child abuse, and violence. It’s through direct care at their residential campus and community programs that Homes of Hope gives surviving victims the freedom to step away from the destructive cycles of forced sex, providing a fresh start of hope, freedom, dignity, and life. Volunteers from every department on the ship put their training to use, using their unique skill sets throughout the campus. Homes of Hope is working to expand the number of women and children who can stay at the residence, and also increase the size of their small farm. Vancouver’s crew spent the day clearing jungle, installing fence posts, enlarging and updating facilities in one dormitory, and painting another.“All of the work you’re doing here today is putting us ahead by at least two months,” said Mark Roche, Homes of Hope Director.Petty Officer First Class Stephen Rownd organized this opportunity for the ship’s company.“By providing personnel, equipment, and tools we were able to complete tasks they would normally not be able to complete on their own,” said PO1 Rownd. “We provided skilled trades-people that knew how to solve engineering issues at their facility.  Many of our crew were women, demonstrating to...

DND ~Over 1,000 Canadian sailors, soldiers, and aviators are set to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). The world’s largest international maritime exercise takes place June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.During RIMPAC, forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities, from disaster relief to maritime security operations and complex war fighting.Canada, along with Australia and the United States, has participated in every RIMPAC exercise since its inception in 1971.“Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continued participation reinforces Canada’s commitment to enhancing partnerships and security in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Joint Task Force RIMPAC. “RIMPAC offers a uniquely complex and challenging multinational environment for Canadian Armed Forces personnel to hone their skills. Our service men and women will represent Canada proudly, being leaders amongst allies.”Royal Canadian Navy participation includes over 675 sailors. Two frigates, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Ottawa and Vancouver, and one Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, MV Asterix, have deployed to Hawaii. Meanwhile two maritime coastal defence vessels, HMC Ships Yellowknife and Whitehorse, will operate off the coast of Southern California.Approximately 170 soldiers from the Canadian Army are at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. This includes a dismounted Infantry company group from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment.The Royal Canadian Air Force is sending approximately 45 members with a CP-140 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a deployable mission support centre.Additional CAF personnel are serving various coalition staff functions to support the exercise. There is also a national command and support team to ensure continued operational, logistical, and administrative support to deployed elements.

[caption id="attachment_18984" align="alignnone" width="591"] From the left: Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, the outgoing Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Command Joint Task Force (Pacific), Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie sign the Change of Command certificates with HMCS Calgary behind them on June 22. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie assumed command of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) in a Change of Command Ceremony involving two former shipmates in HMC Dockyard on June 22. In a ceremony presided over by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd,  Rear-Admiral Art McDonald had his Distinguishing Flag hauled down from the mast of HMCS Calgary that was docked alongside A-Jetty. “Admiral Lloyd sir, I stand ready to be relieved,” declared a saluting RAdm McDonald as responsibility for MARPAC and Joint Task Force Pacific was passed to RAdm Bob Auchterlonie. A gathering of approximately 250 attended the ceremony, including MARPAC senior leadership and their families, community leaders, and dignitaries that included the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Janet Austin. RAdm McDonald and RAdm Auchterlonie have worked together on several occasions and have forged a strong friendship over the years, both men noted in their remarks. “The RCN is a brotherhood and I spent three years with Art in Cabin No. 7 aboard Calgary,” said RAdm Auchterlonie to the crowd. “He is not only a great cabin mate but a great leader and will serve the RCN well as its new Deputy Commander.” RAdm McDonald now moves on to Ottawa to become Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). In his farewell address, RAdm McDonald took time to thank every unit within the formation by name. He made note of the wide-ranging success stories at MARPAC since...

[caption id="attachment_18961" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Labrador’s Communications department, circa 1955. Martin Smith is in the back row, sixth from the left.[/caption]CPO2 Rick Bungay, Sea Training Atlantic ~Recently I was approached through my HMCS Labrador Naval History social media page by a former crewmember of HMCS Labrador.HMCS Labrador, a Wind Class icebreaker, was the first warship to transit the Northwest Passage, in 1954. Martin “Smudge” Smith was a communicator onboard Labrador in 1955 during their operations in support of the installation of the Pine Tree line, and as a former RCN member wanted to reconnect with the RCN by donating books from his personal library.Knowing that HMCS Shawinigan was standing up their ship from a recent tiered readiness program and in need of new books, I accepted the donations on behalf of Shawinigan. Being a former member of the ship’s company who had been to the Arctic on many occasions, I realized the importance of having a diverse ship’s library of books to break up the long days at sea.I dropped by his home in Cole Harbour with my co-worker PO1 Branton and we presented him with a HMCS Shawinigan ball cap and an Operation Nanook challenge coin that had an image of his old ship Labrador. While we were there, he told me stories of his interesting career in the RCN. Of particular interest is one of the anecdotes about his time in Labrador. “In HMCS Labrador, all communications waste paper and message material had to be burnt, and as we were the communications vessel for the entire Pine Tree Line Task Force, waste accumulated rapidly. Burning was accomplished by reporting to the bridge and getting permission to hang a ‘do not use’ sign on the ship’s fog horn control. Then you went down into the engine room and climbed up...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~It was all hands on deck for volunteers from the Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) earlier this month as Victoria played host to the 2018 Melges 24 World Championship.The Canadian Forces Sailing Association was one of three host venues for the May 31 to June 9 international sailing competition that brought together 41 teams from five nations. Races were held on the Victoria waterfront between Saxe Point and Albert Head. The Royal Victoria Yacht Club and the Victoria International Marina also participated as hosting venues in the 10-race series. The CFSA was the main site for pre-event inspections carried out by race judges and officials to determine if the high-performance craft measured up to event specifications. The CFSA teamed up with the Songhees Nation, using Dallas Bank land to store the team’s boat trailers on site for the duration of the event. Giant cranes supplied by race organizers were used to lift and launch the boats from the CFSA docks.Then on June 2 the Songhees Wellness Centre hosted a special Melges 24 dinner for event organizers and competitors. Former CFSA Commodore, Commander (Retired) Bill Macdonald is a long-time sailor at the club and helped organize the CFSA’s contribution to the event. He noted the dinner put on by the Songhees Wellness Centre staff drew rave reviews, and also congratulated the volunteers in the Esquimalt community for making the event a success. “There was no problem getting people involved and I found that most of the competitors were blown away by the level of support provided by our team of volunteers,” said Macdonald. On the water a team from Italy led by Andrea Racchelli claimed the gold medal and took the Meleges 24 Worlds’ title. Their victory came on the final day of the competition, with teams from...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~As their way of saying “thanks for your service”, volunteers from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 will hand out coffee and donuts to military and civilian employees at the base as they arrive to work June 26.The friendly gesture is part of Legion Week celebrations across Canada from June 22 to 29 and is one of the national veteran’s association morale-boosting activities that week. “It is one way we can show our appreciation of their service and is a way for us to give back to veterans, seniors and the general community,” said Norm Scott, RCL 91 President. “It also helps the Royal Canadian Legion in our effort to get the message out to today’s younger generation of sailors, soldiers and aviators about the service and assistance programs we offer to them and their families.”On June 24, Branch 91 will host a Backyard Barbeque and Yard Sale at their headquarters at 761 Station Avenue in Langford. The party begins at 11 a.m. with free burgers, hot dogs, soda pop and water for all who attend, along with a bouncy castle for children and musical entertainment from the Royal Bay Secondary School R & B Band, the Victoria Square Dancers, and the Kathy White’s Island Highland Dance Academy. Then on June 29, RCL 91 will be the sponsor for a Military Night hosted by the Victoria Shamrocks Senior A box lacrosse team when they play the Nanaimo Timbermen at the Q Centre. The Branch Color Party will March on the Colors prior to the opening faceoff at 7:30 p.m.For more information about Branch 91 Legion Week events visit their website: http://rcl91.ca/

[caption id="attachment_18968" align="alignnone" width="590"] PO1 Marie-Perle Broadley (project manager), Lt(N) Vincent Roy (Commanding Officer and Director of Music), PO2 Steven Donegan and PO2 Bob Fearnley (project supervisors) with their new CD.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new compact disc showcasing the musical diversity of the Naden Band is set for release next week just in time for Canada Day.Seas of the Moon, a free promotional CD, will be available to the public starting June 22. The release of the CD brings to an end an eight-month process overseen by a team including Petty Officer Second Class Steven Donegan, who acted as project supervisor. “The CD really contains a smattering of everything we do, and gives people a true picture of what a professional military band is capable of,” said PO2 Donegan, who plays trumpet. Renowned Canadian composer Robert Buckley, who has collaborated with the band over the last few years, composed the title track on the album.  Buckley’s masterwork, he says, is a four movement piece of music that plays out much like chapters in a novel.Included on the CD is “The Dolphin March”, a march written by Naden Band bassoonist PO2 Robyn Jutras and presented as a gift to the Submariners Association of Canada in June 2017. “Scherzo for X-Wings”, a musical tour de force, composed by John Williams for the Hollywood blockbuster film Star Wars: The Force Awakens is also featured on the recording along with naval-themed works, marches and stage band original music composed by PO2 Barrie Sorensen.PO2 Donegan believes the tracks will be of interest to listeners unaccustomed to their work. The 35 full-time Regular Force musicians who make up the band perform at a wide array of public concerts, public events and engagements through the year. PO2 Donegan, 29, joined Canada’s military as a Reservist and member of...

[caption id="attachment_18955" align="alignnone" width="590"] Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, stands together with Chief R. Stacey Laforme, left, Chief Ava Hill, second from right, and Chief Frank Collison during a special ceremony that saw HMCS Haida commissioned as flagship of the RCN.[/caption]Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Haida has been designated flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to honour the courageous spirit of this legendary destroyer and all those who proudly served in her. Haida is the last remaining Second World War Tribal-class destroyer in the world. Moored in Hamilton, Ont., it is now a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada, welcoming visitors to learn about Canada’s remarkable naval history.A special ceremony, co-hosted by the RCN and Parks Canada on May 26, saw Haida commissioned as flagship of the RCN, 75 years after it was initially commissioned into service for Canada. The ceremony was part of a two-day community event during which Parks Canada launched its new Home Port Heroes program to ensure Canada’s Second World War naval heritage is remembered in communities across the country. The ceremony included warm greetings by Chief Ava Hill from the Six Nations of the Grand River, who highlighted the contributions of her people to the cause of freedom as evidenced by the numerous Indigenous veterans present. After his welcome to the First Nation Treaty lands, Chief R. Stacey Laforme from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation recited two poignant poems, one about Mother Earth and another touching upon sacrifice and remembrance. Adding to the historic significance of the occasion was the participation of two Haida Nation Hereditary Chiefs, Lonnie Young and Frank Collison, from the west coast of British Columbia. This was the first direct contact between the Haida Nation and their fabled namesake ship. To solidify...

[caption id="attachment_18965" align="alignnone" width="590"] Members of the CISM Sailing team: Lt(N) Samantha Morgan, Master Seaman Clayton Mills, Private Samuel Plamondon, and Captain Pierre Grignon prepare to depart the Boat House Docks in Naden for a training session on Esquimalt Harbour. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The emerald waters of Esquimalt Harbour became a scenic backdrop and a new beginning for Canada’s military sailing team.Eight athletes and support staff held a five-day training camp at the base in advance of the 50th World Military Sailing Championships, June 14 to 21 at the Finnish Naval Academy near Helsinki, Finland. It’s the first time Canada has participated in a Military CISM sailing event since the 2015 World Military Games in Mungyeong, South Korea.The training camp was co-hosted by Naval Fleet School (Pacific), Canadian Forces Sailing Association, and the Disabled Sailing Association of Victoria. Each day the team was hard at work launching their 23’ Sonar sailboats from the docks at the Naden boat shed, and then spending between eight and 12 hours on the water. Training was conducted under the watchful eye of coach Lauri Kalkkinen, a former member of Switzerland’s national sailing team and a former army Sergeant, who currently works as the Executive Director of the Alberta Sailing Association.“There are no returning sailors from 2014 on our team and our sailors are all coming from different levels of sailing,” said Kalkkinen. “Despite this, they have bonded and adapted very well. I enjoyed watching the transformation unfold and can see they are really getting together as a team and hitting their maneuvers a lot faster and more coordinated.”Kalkinen said the coaching position was a perfect fit for him since it incorporates both his expertise as a professional sailor along with his understanding and experience being a former soldier. The team’s...

[caption id="attachment_18952" align="alignnone" width="590"] Portland Fire Department fire boat puts on a display as HMCS Regina comes alongside in Portland. Photo credit: HMCS Regina[/caption]SLt M.A. Harris, HMCS Regina ~HMCS Regina, in tandem with HMCS Nanaimo, visited Portland, Oregon, to participate in the 2018 Portland Rose Festival, honouring a long-standing tradition and representing Canada. An eight-hour transit through the narrow and winding Columbia River opened up to the beautiful city of Portland. The city, which has hosted the Rose Festival for over a century, graciously opened its arms to the Royal Canadian Navy along with the United States Navy (USN) and United States Coast Guard (USCG). Though Canada has been sending ships to participate for years, this was the first time a Halifax-class frigate has participated in over a decade.Upon going under the first of several Portland bridges on a beautiful, but hot, sunny Wednesday, Regina was given a royal welcome. Police boats zoomed up and down the shoreline shining their lights, while local boaters waved and followed alongside. Police weren’t the only services on the water either; local fire departments put on a beautiful spectacle with coloured water cannons blasting high into the air with their lights at full brilliancy. The mist from the water cannons cooled the sailors on deck as they were greeted by cheers and friendly waves from Portlanders lining the shores and bridges. The hospitality did not stop there; sailors in their uniforms walking the streets had several kind words find their ears. Two phrases that were heard frequently were “welcome to Portland” and “thank you for your service.”  The streets were lined with welcome signs as local businesses showed appreciation by offering special deals for sailors.  Locals walking by often showed appreciation by treating sailors to a free drink or snack.The five days alongside were not all about being treated...