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[caption id="attachment_16957" align="alignnone" width="450"] A view of the new monument commemorating the service of 40,000 civilians and military who served in Afghanistan. The memorial was created by the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project Society and will be unveiled Sept. 30.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A monument honouring Canadians military members and civilians who served in Afghanistan will be unveiled at a ceremony in downtown Victoria Sept 30. The public is encouraged to attend.Official proceedings for the dedication ceremony of the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial will commence at 2 p.m. at Victoria’s Courthouse Park, located at Quadra and Courtney Streets.The bells of Christ Cathedral Church will ring at 12:15 p.m. followed by a performance from the 5th Field Artillery Band and the choir of the Cathedral School.The military parade will arrive at 1:45 p.m., led by the Pipes and Drums of the Canadian Scottish (Princess Mary’s) Regiment.Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will be joined by the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project Society (GVAMPS) Directors, the Premier and local and national government and military officials for the unveiling and dedication.The 8,600 kilogram, granite memorial measures 3.5 metres by 2 metres and recognizes the 163 Canadians killed during the conflict and the 40,000 who served in Afghanistan.Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Joseph Gollner, who served 37 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, and twice visited Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry [PPCLI] battlegroups in Afghanistan as Colonel of the Regiment, in 2008 and 2010, played a key role in bringing the monument to reality as President of GVAMPSHe says the ceremony will pay special tribute to  the Memorial Cross families. They are the loved ones of 16 British Columbia-based Memorial Cross recipients who paid the ultimate price for their service in Afghanistan.“The theme of the unveiling is honouring families of both those who have returned and those...

I am sorry to advise that I lost my only brother Thomas suddenly Aug. 3.He was in his late 50s and was enjoying retirement after 21-plus years of service in the Canadian Navy. He lived a simple bachelor’s life in Victoria, British Columbia, after his last posting at the naval base in Esquimalt, B.C.Thomas was a Master Seaman; his occupation was Naval Electronic Technician, a trade that he loved from the beginning. In fact, he had a real knack at fixing all kinds of communications tech. He sailed the world many times over and had a few major accomplishments on these long trips that were up to six-plus months. This included numerous NATO events and supporting the Vietnam “boat people” migration. Thomas was based at both the West and East coasts of Canada plus “onshore” in Aldergrove, B.C. Some of the vessels that he sailed on included HMC Ships Provider, Yukon, Nanaimo, Halifax, Annapolis, Restigouche and a few others. He served his country with pride and honour.Thomas was loved by all his extended family in British Columbia, Quebec, and Germany. We miss him very much.Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Languara Golf Course in Vancouver on Sunday, Sept. 24.Michael Nagelmnagel@shaw.ca

[caption id="attachment_16947" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Royal Canadian Air Force is presented with new Colours during a military parade and ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Sept. 1. Photo by Sergeant Christopher Bentley, 16 Wing Imaging[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada David Johnston presented the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with new Colours during a military parade and ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, on Sept. 1.Colours are consecrated ceremonial flags carried by designated Canadian Armed Forces combatant formations and units. The RCAF carries two Colours: the Queen’s Colour, a maple leaf flag with the Sovereign’s cypher in the centre, which symbolizes loyalty to the Crown, and the Command Colour, a blue flag with the RCAF’s badge at the centre, symbolizing the RCAF’s pride, cohesion, and valour. The RCAF Colours replace the Air Command Colours that were presented 35 years ago in 1982.“Our Colours are precious, and embody the pride, dedication, duty, and honour of all RCAF personnel, past and present,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander of the RCAF. “As we accept these new Colours, all members of the RCAF, regardless of rank, occupation, or experience, symbolically rededicate themselves to upholding these qualities. I am delighted that we are celebrating this historical event with the citizens of Toronto, a city rich in RCAF history and present-day connections.”Before presenting the new Colours, Governor General Johnston reviewed the parade.Coinciding with the parade, the RCAF, with civilian partners from Vintage Wings of Canada and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, conducted a “parade of aircraft” in the sky above Nathan Phillips Square. The flypast included vintage aircraft from the Second World War and aircraft from current RCAF fleets. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demonstration Hornet, which are in Toronto for the Canadian International Air Show Sept. 2-4, participated.The...

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~Want to know what it will feel like when the “big one” hits?On Friday, people can experience a rumbling, earth-moving earthquake, without the devastation, when the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) ShakeZone simulator arrives at the CANEX parking lot in Naden.The simulator is designed to prompt awareness about earthquake safety and preparation.“Most people are aware of the risks posed by an earthquake, but what we really want is for people to reflect on their earthquake preparedness,” says Lieutenant (Navy) Jim Smith, Deputy Base Operations Officer.With the risk of a large earthquake striking southwestern British Columbia, it is important people ensure they are properly equipped to deal with the effects of a large-scale earthquake and its after-math.“This is about public awareness and preparation. We want people to start thinking about next steps in terms of what they can do to be ready,” says Michael Lee, Manager of Consumer and Stakeholder Relations with the IBC.The ShakeZone Tour has been touring for three years across the country. This year the Tour has visited 28 communities from Quebec to Vancouver.For more information about the ShakeZone Tour, visit www.ibc.ca/bc/disaster/earthquake/shakezoneInformation on earthquake safety and preparation can be found here.

[caption id="attachment_16926" align="alignnone" width="560"] Left: Lt(N) Nico Lightbody competes in the 10-kilometre run portion of the CAF 2017 National Triathlon Championship, July 7, Gatineau, Que. Photo by Cpl Michael MacIsaac Right: Lightbody navigates his way through the 1.5-kilometre water course. Photo by Cpl Stuart Evans, DND[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An accomplished competitive swimmer and distance runner has made the successful transition to triathlon.Lieutenant (Navy) Nico Lightbody, a 25-year-old Ship Support Team Officer with Base Information Services, says he surprised everyone, including himself, with his second place finish in the Canadian Armed Forces 2017 National Triathlon Championship held July 7 in Gatineau, Que.“The Nationals gave me a huge feeling of accomplishment and a confidence boost,” he says. But adds the last 200 meters of the race still stings. That’s because the winner of the race, Capt Phil Reynolds from CFB St-Jean, got across the finish line just three seconds ahead of him.“Still, I was very surprised to finish second since I was racing against a bunch of people who had been doing this sport for much longer.”A triathlon is one of the toughest tests of athletic endurance and stamina. It includes a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-km bike ride and 10-km run, and Lt(N) Lightbody says his success didn’t come by accident.He has always exceled at swimming and recently captured a silver medal and five gold medals at the Canadian Armed Forces Swimming Nationals held March 24 to 27, 2017, in Unionville, Ont. On the pavement, he has proven himself a capable distance runner, capturing a top overall finish in his age category in the 2016 10-kilometre Navy Run.His nearly seamless transition into triathlons continued in August. He was the top Canadian finisher in the Open Age Category at the CISM (International Military Sports Council) 19th World Military Triathlon Championship in in Warendorf,...

[caption id="attachment_16922" align="alignnone" width="450"] Reviewing Officer, Commodore Jeff Zwick (centre), signs the certificate officiating the command change between Outgoing Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg, Commander Jon Hutchinson (left), and the Incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Michael Stefanson (right), during the Change of Command Ceremony at A Jetty, Aug. 23. Photo by LS David Gariepy[/caption]SLt Warren Bush, HMCS Winnipeg ~On the morning of Aug. 23 Commander J.J. Hutchinson turned over command of HMCS Winnipeg to Commander Mike Stefanson, concluding a successful chapter in the ship’s history.Recap of Cdr Hutchinson’s Command:A native of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, Cdr Hutchinson joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1991 and has sailed extensively on both the east and west coasts.He assumed command of HMCS Winnipeg from Cdr Pascal Belhumer on Jan. 16, 2016, while alongside Penang, Malaysia, during the vessel’s 2015 Operation Active Endeavour deployment.Cdr Hutchinson took his new charge from Penang to Singapore, on the south tip of the Malayan Peninsula, and from there to Tokyo, and then back to Esquimalt via Pearl Harbor, arriving Feb. 22, 2016.Cdr Hutchinson again took Winnipeg to sea on the heels of a mid-April namesake city visit, with May 2016 seeing him lead the ship through Ship Without Air Detachment training, Basic Single Ship Readiness Training, Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Force Generation, and the Fleet Navigating Officer course.The ship’s company subsequently employed lessons learned during numerous exercises off of Southern California with the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard over September and October, a highlight of which was San Diego Fleet Week.Winnipeg spent winter of 2016/17 preparing to sail for Poseidon Cutlass, a five-month voyage throughout the Indo-Pacific Region, designed as a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to regional stability and security through interoperable naval operations and diplomatic liaisons.Cdr Hutchinson took the ship out of Esquimalt March 6,...

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~Base Commander Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd made a splash at the annual Military Police Block Party.An attendee with good aim soaked the naval officer in the dunk tank. The annual community party, held Friday Aug. 25 in Belmont Park, was a fundraiser for the MP Unit’s charity of choice, the Military Police Fund for Blind Children.The charity was founded in 1957 and specializes in assisting visually impaired children up to the age of 21. The fund is operated entirely by Military Police volunteers and has no paid employees.Activities at the block party brought fun for both children and adults. A barbecue satisfied hunger pangs, and a fire truck from CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue Services, a face painter, and inflatables grabbed, and kept, the children’s attention.“The whole idea of the Block Party is to bring people together and celebrate living in the same area, while supporting a great cause,” said Leading Seaman Andrée Noye, an MP member and Block Party organizer.This year’s party raised about $2,000 for the charity.“I’m really happy that everybody enjoyed it and I already have some ideas for how to make it even better next year,” said LS Noye.For details on the Military Police Fund for Blind Children and information on how to donate, visit www.mpfbc.com.

Reviewing Officer, Capt(N) Jeff Hamilton (center), signs the certificates of the Incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Sylvain Belair and the Outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Chris Peschke during the Sea Training Change of Command Ceremony held at the Wardroom, CFB Esquimalt on Aug. 25.Photo by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~After several incidents, the Military Police Unit Esquimalt has reached out to the Victoria Police Department in order to increase law enforcement at the intersection of Esquimalt and Admirals Roads.This is in response to a number of complaints in which pedestrians have almost been hit by individuals turning left onto Admirals Rd from Esquimalt Rd between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.In the majority of these cases, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and DND members have been identified as those endangering pedestrians and running lights.In order to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, Vic PD will step up patrols in the area.“Vic PD will be at the location and they will not be giving out warnings,” said Leading Seaman Andrée Noye, Community Relations Coordinator with MPU Esquimalt.Aside from endangering the lives of others, dangerous driving can come with its own legal ramifications.“The consequences can be pretty severe; if you’re caught breaking the law you could face demerit points on your license and a fine of over $150,” says LS Noye.When moving through a busy intersection, drivers have to be mindful of the dangers of not paying attention.“I understand everyone wants to get home but think about the consequences; pedestrians are very vulnerable to someone with their mind on beating the traffic crawl,” she says.CAF personnel are reminded to always obey traffic regulations and maintain extra levels of vigilance for pedestrians.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The year-old Naval Security Team has taken another step towards providing improved port protection to Royal Canadian Navy vessels after a successful deployment to Fiji.Ten members of the Naval Security Team and two personnel from the Maritime Tactical Operations Group travelled to the South Pacific Nation’s capital city of Suva Aug. 11 to 20 to train alongside 12 personnel from the Republic of Fiji Navy.Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jeff Chura says although his unit is still “growing and refining,” he has been impressed with its initial efforts to enhance understanding and cooperation with partner navies through global engagements and bi-lateral training exercises.“The biggest takeaway from the deployment to Fiji was that it gave our personnel a better understanding and perspective of how other militaries do business, how to interact with other navies, and how they would approach situations,” he said. “They are normally stationed domestically or in continental North America, so expeditionary overseas operations gives them the international experience naval reservists need.”Canadian and Fijian sailors focussed on the safety and security of vessels approaching a berth, alongside and departing, while learning the dynamics of setting up force protection (secured) zones in both military and non-military harbours.The deployment was part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Poseidon Cutlass, a series of training exercises with regional partner navies at sea. The Naval Security Team completed a deployment to Busan, South Korea, in June, also part of Poseidon Cutlass.Since the RCN’s visit occurred just ahead of Fiji’s integration of women into their military next year, there were discussions with LCdr Chura and his team about gender equity in Canada’s military.Their hosts had a strong interest in visiting Canada to interview Canadian female personnel about their experiences in the military and to see them perform in a working environment.“They wanted...

[caption id="attachment_16906" align="alignnone" width="450"] PO2 Kenwar Nijjer, co-chair of the Defence Visible Minority Action Group, congratulates one of 85 new Canadian citizens after receiving their official citizenship certificates. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A sailor with over 22 years of experience in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is educating teens and young adults from Canada’s South Asian community about career opportunities in the military.Petty Officer Second Class Kanwar Nijjer, a Sikh from the Punjabi region of India, is promoting life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to bolster diversity recruitment.“Many Canadians, including those in the South Asian community, really don’t know what the military has to offer in terms of a career path,” he says. “They need to be aware the CAF is not all about combat; they can become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or a trades person.”For 10 years he has worked at annual Vaisakhi festivals and other community events in Vancouver and Victoria handing out recruiting information. Part of his focus is mentoring wayward youth drawn to gangs and crime in an effort to change their path.A few weeks ago he broadened his recruitment scope to JoyTV, a Vancouver cable station, where he talked about his experience in the military and his mentorship efforts during a taping of the Harpreet Singh Show.“By wearing a turban on the show, it really makes me stand out, and if the viewers see someone like me on TV they realize that I could be them, or their children, or grandchildren, and that they have a place within the CAF,” he says.At 15, PO2 Nijjer moved to Edmonton from his birthplace in a small northern India village. Beyond the culture shock of 1981 in Canada, language was his greatest hindrance. His enrolment in a second language English program...

[caption id="attachment_16884" align="alignnone" width="450"] Images of Major (Ret’d) Rene Boileau past and present are depicted in a promotional photo for the film The Home Front: In the footsteps of Canadian Armed Forces families. Boileau’s daughter, St. John’s-based director Renée Boileau, and cinematographer Tiffanie Green will begin filming their documentary in Esquimalt next month before traveling to other military bases across the country in spring 2018. Photo by Tiffanie Green[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Are you unpacking or packing up for your latest posting? If you believe ‘home is where the heart is,’ independent documentary filmmaker Renée Boileau wants to interview you.From Sept. 13 to 17, CFB Esquimalt will mark the starting point of the Newfoundland-based filmaker’s ambitious 10,000-kilometer, cross-country journey to interview military personnel at bases in all of Canada’s provinces and territories. The Home Front: In the footsteps of Canadian Armed Forces families will be the 53-year-old engineerturned-director’s first movie collaboration with her best friend and cinematographer Tiffinie Green.In spring 2018, Boileau and Green plan to take their production on the road and follow Boileau’s father, Major (Ret’d) René Boileau, across the country. During the journey he will revisit bases where he trained and served throughout his military career. Together, father and daughter will gather stories from new and long-serving military personnel that reveal their beliefs and experiences about their notion of ‘home.’“The concept behind my film is that Canadian Armed Forces members have a completely different culture than other Canadians, because they have given something up that most Canadians take for granted: a permanent home,” says Renée. “Most Canadians know where their home is but often when people join the military they are really taking a huge leap of faith into the unknown and giving up many personal freedoms for the protection of the freedom of others.”Living the nomadic...

[caption id="attachment_16881" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lara Agapow (center right) and Tristan Vanderklok (center left), workers from B.C. Wildfire Services, are married at Camp Riske Creek, B.C., on Aug. 19 during Operation Lentus. Photos by Cpl Blaine Sewell, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Paul PendergastOp Lentus Land Task Force (Pacific) Public Affairs ~Saturday, Aug. 19 was a special day at the Riske Creek fire camp in B.C.’s fire-ravaged Cariboo region. It was the wedding day of Tristen Vander Klok and Lara Agapow, and although they had been working side-by-side for over a month managing the Riske Creek equipment warehouse for British Columbia Wildfire Services (BCWS), they took a few hours off to say their vows, with Army vehicles from Operation Lentus providing the backdrop.It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. The young couple travelled from Alberta to the home of Lara’s parents in Hanceville, B.C., on July 7 to finalize their Aug. 19 wedding plans. Within five hours of their arrival, all arrangements for rings, dresses and flowers had to be put on hold as a major forest fire erupted near Lara’s family home.The young couple spent the next week fighting fires 24/7 alongside Lara’s parents, saving their family home, and most of the nearby homes as well. Lara’s father, Juri Agapow said, “Our neighbours in the First Nation community of Anahim were a tremendous help. They fought the fire with us, brought us food so we could keep fighting the fire, and they even fed and watered our pigs.”When BCWS offered Tristen and Lara jobs, they decided to relocate to from Alberta to Hanceville, and when the fire season is over, they intend to settle there permanently and take up cattle ranching.Father of the bride, Juri Agapow, is a Canadian Ranger, who is part of the Operation Lentus force working nearby in Williams...

Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~The lead organizer of an annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) fighting competition says he hopes it will help bring what is known as “combatives” training to the forefront of essential military skills development in Canada.Training a soldier, says Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Burgess, is like building a house. It’s best to start with the foundation and build up from there.“Hand-to-hand combat is the essence of warrior training,” he says. “I would argue that when you start training soldiers by exposing them to the application of projectile weapons such as firearms, prior to developing their baseline hand-to-hand combative skills, that’s starting from the roof and going down.”That, he added, is how great warrior cultures such as the Samurai of Japan did it.“They believed that to master a weapon, you have to master yourself first. You are the ultimate weapon in a fight. So it’s not what you’re holding in your hand, it’s your ability to use it in a fight and develop the mindset to manage your fear.”LCol Burgess is a Senior Military Combatives Instructor in the CAF. He holds black belts in karate, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and, since joining the CAF in 2001, has spent most of that time teaching hand-to-hand combat to both conventional and special operations forces.Most experts consider combatives techniques as those used to engage an opponent at a distance of 25 metres or less, either hand-to-hand or with small weapons.In search of a way to increase the visibility of hand-to-hand combat in the CAF, LCol Burgess organized the inaugural Military Combatives Grappling Championship (MCGC) at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in 2013.“I was trying to figure out a way of actually bringing this back to more of a level of importance to the CAF itself,” he says. “So I figured the easiest way...

[caption id="attachment_16874" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lynn Gardner’s husband, Jamie Allin (centre) and their son, Gregory, join former Rocky Point Commanding Officer Major Jean-Luc Rioux during a gazebo dedication ceremony for Gardner on Aug. 3. Photo by Cpl Stuart MacNeil, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A gazebo has been dedicated in memory of long-time Rocky Point employee Lynn Gardner, who passed away on July 13, at the age of 54.The gazebo, located just outside the ammunition depot’s canteen, is a fitting tribute to Gardner, who worked for the Department of National Defence as an Ammunition Technician and Acting Materiel Processing Officer, says former co-worker and close friend Sandra Nelson.“She was an upbeat, perky person and everyone truly loved her because she never had a bad word to say about anybody, never played into gossip and had a high degree of compassion and respect for everyone here,” Nelson said. “Whenever we look out the windows of the canteen towards the gazebo we will think of her.”On July 11, Lynn, her husband Jamie and their son Gregory were in the Vancouver area traveling back from visiting family in Quesnel, B.C., when she suffered a brain aneurysm, tragically passing away just two days later. When news of Gardner’s death reached her coworkers it hit everyone pretty hard.  “There were lots of tears as her extended family here at Rocky Point were left speechless when we heard the sad news,” said Nelson.A dedication ceremony in remembrance of Gardner was held at the structure on Aug. 3, and was attended by her husband, their son, and numerous friends and colleagues. During the ceremony a plaque was affixed to the gazebo with the inscription:Dedicated in memory of Karen Lynn Gardner, 30 January 1963 – July 13, 2017. Lynn started as a groundskeeper and excelled at everything. She advanced...

[caption id="attachment_16870" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Capt Christopher Daniel[/caption]Major Krzysztof StachuraPublic Affairs Officer, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training CentreDr Tara ReillySenior Officer Human Performance Research DFit, PSPPhysical fitness is an integral component of military service and Canadian Army (CA) soldiers must be physically fit.  Strength and endurance could mean the difference between success and failure in a military operation. The CA has traditionally used a load-bearing march, familiar to most as the Battle Fitness Test (BFT), as the accepted physical fitness Individual Battle Task Standard (IBTS) designed to ensure CA soldiers are physically prepared for Land Operations. While the current and familiar FORCE evaluation was being developed, Human Performance Research and Development was monitoring and evaluating the physical demands of typical CA operational tasks conducted in various environments. The conclusion:  the BFT no longer had broad operational relevance for the CA and a new physical fitness IBTS needed to be developed. The result is FORCE Combat; the most comprehensive and scientifically validated physical fitness IBTS ever developed for the CA. FORCE Combat represents an evolution of the existing IBTS based on modern and relevant CA operational tasks observed over the last 15 years.  Those required to complete FORCE Combat will shortly begin transition training in order to prepare for the formal implementation in October 2017. Research was conducted by Personnel Support Services and the CA to validate the transition from the old to the new IBTS.  For example, trials were performed to determine the optimum number of practice attempts to account for the initial learning curve associated with the new evaluation (three times).  The DFit.ca training program developed for those who were originally unable to complete FORCE Combat was also validated with great success (all participants who followed the program successfully achieved the new IBTS).  Field trials in various locations in Canada have resulted in...

[caption id="attachment_16867" align="alignnone" width="450"] Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP are working together to help B.C. residents as part of the ongoing emergency response to the wildfire threat. Photo by MCpl Malcolm Byers, Wainwright Imaging Services[/caption]Capt Jeff ManneyOp Lentus Land Task Force (Pacific) Public Affairs ~The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) say the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 6), with its thermal imaging camera and ballistic-steel hull, is “designed to operate in the world’s hot spots.” Well, they certainly got that right.LAVs and their military crews are currently at work in B.C.’s fire-ravaged interior, where more than 1.1 million hectares have burned to date in the worst wildfire season in the province’s history.Instead of conducting battlefield reconnaissance, they’ve been supporting RCMP and provincial authorities, monitoring evacuation perimeters, looking for looters at night and using their vehicles’ advanced thermal imaging system to help firefighters better protect communities.“The assistance of the CAF has been absolutely essential,” said RCMP Sergeant Aaron Sproule. “Their ability to quickly mobilize large amounts of equipment and personnel has been a crucial part of ensuring the safe notification of residents when fire evacuation orders are issued by local governments. This has been especially true when the evacuation orders were applied to some of the more remote regions.”LAVs aren’t the only asset designed for the battlefield that are at work this summer in B.C.  Nearly 500 soldiers are deployed to Williams Lake on Operation Lentus, the Canadian Armed Forces effort in the ongoing emergency response to the wildfire threat.Soldiers are staffing observation and reporting points with their RCMP colleagues, providing information to the public and helping support evacuations. “We train to survive in an austere environment,” said Captain Rico Spiller, an infantry officer with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.  “We’re self-sustaining, so we don’t need much to...

[caption id="attachment_16864" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Royal Canadian Navy sailors taking part in Replenishment at Sea training with the Chilean Navy pose for a photo on board the Almirante Montt.[/caption]By Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie Officer in Charge of Canadian Crew on board Almirante Montt ~Seventeen Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors, ranging from the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) to Ordinary Seaman, took part in three weeks of Replenishment at Sea (RAS) force generation training on board the Chilean tanker Almirante Montt.With the absence of an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) platform in the Pacific Fleet since the de-commissioning of HMCS Protecteur in 2015, many junior sailors have not had the opportunity to operate with a tanker, let alone on board one. In preparation for the arrival of Canada’s own AOR, MV Asterix, in 2018, this timely opportunity to train RCN sailors on board Almirante Montt proved very beneficial.The Montt travelled from its home naval base in Valparaiso, Chile, to meet the Canadian sailors in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, in mid-July. The Montt then proceeded west to rendezvous with HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Winnipeg, who were on their journey home to Esquimalt after a five-month deployment on Poseidon Cutlass.Once the three ships met, the RAS force generation training was in full swing, carrying out a multitude of exercises ranging from liquid replenishment at sea (fuelling), heavy jackstay (for transferring provisions) and two-point and multi-ship replenishments. The RCN crew onboard Montt consisted of twelve boatswains, four bridge watchkeepers, and a Maritime Surface and Sub-surface Officer Lieutenant who was the Officer in Charge of the team. They all found great benefit from this hands-on experience as it allowed them to put their training into practical use, furthering their professional development.The Canadian crew observed the first two seamanship evolutions conducted by the Chilean crew, and then actively participated in...

[caption id="attachment_16832" align="alignnone" width="450"] Private John Hill from Vanderhoof Patrol of 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group is deployed near Williams Lake as part of Operation Lentus 17-04. Operation Lentus is the Canadian Armed Forces response to the wildfires in the interior of B.C.[/caption]2Lt Cameron Park, 39 Canadian Brigade Group,Canadian Scottish Regiment Land Task Force (Pacific) PAO ~Private John Hill, from Vanderhoof Patrol of 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, is in Williams Lake, B.C., with the Canadian Armed Forces as part of Operation Lentus 17-04, which is providing support to the province to combat the wildfires.Canadian Rangers, along with soldiers of the Canadian Army Reserves and Regular Force from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment are assisting the RCMP in the Williams Lake area.Private Hill and other Rangers are manning an observe and report point with RCMP members on a route into the evacuated city. They are also assisting in monitoring traffic near the evacuated area and providing information on possible dangers to residents.“It’s very exciting, getting prepared, and then finally getting our order to come out and deploy,” he says. “After many years of training and working with the military and other units, everything came into place. As a reservist, being here and helping out my community really brings out a sense of pride and joy from being able to assist those who need it.”

[caption id="attachment_16826" align="alignnone" width="450"] Master Corporal (Retired) Sandy Bate prepares for the Invictus Games. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A military veteran and talented athlete from CFB Esquimalt who endured two painful knee replacement surgeries says her inclusion in the upcoming Invictus Games has re-invigorated her life.Master Corporal (Retired) Sandy Bate is competing in golf at the Invictus Games  in Toronto. She says win, lose or draw, competing in the Games will be a victory.“Being part of Invictus has given me something to shoot for, and makes me feel great that I am part of a team and getting back on track with a healthy and active lifestyle.”That optimism wasn’t apparent following her medical release in 2009 after a 21-year career in the military.Sports was her pride and joy, and her downfall.Whether it was golf, ice hockey, floor hockey, broomball or slowpitch, she was on the team leading them to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) national and CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) championship titles.  She was recognized for her achievement in sports when she was inducted into the CF Sports Honour Roll in 2007 for multiple sports.“Sports was always a way for me to fit in but when I was unable to participate any longer it became very difficult for me to cope” says the 57-year-old.Injuries slowly began to plague her, including bulging disks in her neck and knee damage. She underwent two knee replacement surgeries on her left knee, one in 2013 and another in 2014, but recovery was fraught with setbacks including two painful manipulations of her artificial knee. “Golf has always been such a huge part of Sandy’s life, so not being able to play the game she loved so much was incredibly hard for her and was having a terrible impact on her,” says...

[caption id="attachment_16822" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Players from the Chilean supply ship Almirante Montt’s soccer team scored a lopsided 17-1 victory over an impromptu team of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors in an exhibition soccer game at the Colville Road sports field on Aug 11.Approximately 25 players from the Chilean Navy showed impressive ability during two 45-minute halves against an RCN team of personnel from HMCS Regina and HMCS Calgary, including six sailors from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), who unofficially dubbed themselves ‘The Coalition Forces.’“It truly was an international friendly and everyone out on the field seemed to be smiling and enjoying the competition,” said Able Marine Technician Joe Mataele of the RNZN.The Coalition Team got some late consolation with a shutout-busting goal midway through the second half, but it was the fun factor and not the final score that seemed to matter most to participants and approximately 75 spectators, who cheered and shouted encouragement to both sides right up until the final whistle.“We knew going into this game that we would be outmatched and that it was only for fun and it was great to see all of the players on our team with good attitudes towards our opponents and enjoying the esprit de corps,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Andrea Leitch, who works as the Logistics Officer aboard Regina.After the final whistle the players from both teams gathered for the traditional post-match handshake before posing for a group photograph in the centre circle.

[caption id="attachment_16819" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Eighty-five people from 23 different countries were officially welcomed aboard as Canadians in a citizenship ceremony hosted by Maritime Forces Pacific on Aug. 16 at Duntze Head.With an overflow crowd of supporters looking on, the new Canadians took their Oaths of Citizenship, were presented their citizenship certificates, cheered, embraced family members and loved ones and then sang O’ Canada.Youngest among this new group of citizens was 15-month-old Wesley Yuki Lau who comes to Canada from Yokosuka, Japan. Wesley Lau is the newly adopted son of Lieutenant Commander Jimmy Lau, a Submarine Technical Officer in Canada’s Submarine Force, and his wife Crystal Lau, who works as a Registered Nurse at Victoria General Hospital. Although Wesley is young and likely won’t remember the ceremony, LCdr Lau said it’s a moment he and his wife will never forget.“It took a lot of paperwork and we are very happy to get this done before my next posting,” said LCdr Lau. “This moment really marks the beginning of a great new chapter in Wesley’s life and thankfully we will have the pictures to show him when he gets older.”The citizenship process was a fairly stressful one for LCdr Lau and his wife because they were in a race against the clock to have citizenship granted before the family moves to England. After Labour Day, LCdr Lau will be cracking open the books during a 16-month posting in a sponsored post graduate program at the University College of London studying for his Masters in Naval Architecture.Jimmy and Crystal met in 2006 and had their minds set on adopting a child prior to their marriage in 2012. Wesley was placed with the Lau’s in Japan when he was just one-month old in...

[caption id="attachment_16816" align="alignnone" width="450"] Two candidates for the Raven Program, OS Nicole Kununak (left) and OS Sam Seven Deers (right), receive maneuvering instructions from AB Nathaniel Lewis, during the day sail on Aug. 14. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Thirty-seven members of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Raven Aboriginal Program got a taste of life at sea when sailors aboard three Orca-class Patrol Craft Training vessels treated them to a day sail on Aug. 14.The mostly high-school aged Aboriginal students who hail from communities in Nunavut, North West Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia took part in a six-week work study program at CFB Esquimalt designed to give them an up-close look at the Canadian Armed Forces and the many career options available.“The day sail is a fun day for the Ravens but it’s also an educational one as they continue to learn about what life in the Navy is all about,” said Lieutenant Commander Daniel O’Regan, the Commandant of the Raven Program. “After over six weeks together the group is very tight right now and the cohesion and sense of pride they have in themselves is great to see.”On board the Orcas the Ravens were quickly put to work, roving fenders and hauling lines before forming a human chain as, box by box, they loaded the day’s rations into the galleys. The group was given a guided tour of the vessels including the engine room, mess and bridge, where they learned about basic navigation and operations on board, and had a lesson on how to helm the ship.“It was difficult learning how to steer the vessel at first but after some practice it became fairly easy,” explained Raven Ordinary Seaman David Saviakjuk who comes from Coral Harbour, Nunavut, a tiny community on...

[caption id="attachment_16812" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lt(N) Krista Seguin waves the Invictus Games flag at CFB Esquimalt Aug. 16. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging[/caption]Will Chaster, Base Public Affairs Office ~The Invictus Games Flag Relay set off from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on Aug. 16.Lasting 37 days, the 10,000 km Flag Relay will see 152 Canadians carry the Invictus Games Flag across the country as it visits 22 military bases, 15 legions and more than 50 communities. Its final stop is Toronto where it will arrive in time for the opening of the 3rd Invictus Games, held from September 23 to 30.Founded by the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games are an international multi-sport event involving wounded, injured and ill military personnel and veterans. This year’s athletes will compete in 12 adaptive sports involving everything from wheelchair basketball to archery.In a ceremony held at CFB Esquimalt, members of the public and military witnessed the raising of the flag and heard speeches from visiting dignitaries. These included two of the athletes who will be competing in the upcoming Games: Corporal (Retired) Elizabeth Steeves and Corporal (Retired) Rob Sanders.“The Invictus Games represent a challenge, but one that I am honoured to face,” said Cpl (Retd) Steeves.All participating athletes have overcome incredible struggles due to injuries, both mental and physical, and at this ceremony both atheletes emphasised the importance that these Games play in their lives.“Training for the Games has helped me to better accept the symptoms [of PTSD] and I have regained my self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Cpl (Retd) Sanders.With more than 400 people attending the ceremony, the athletes were touched by the level of support shown for the Games and spoke to how important this support is for them and for wounded veterans and serving members at large.“The journey...

[caption id="attachment_16786" align="alignnone" width="550"] Reviewing Officer, LCdr Lucas Kenward (centre), signs the certificate officiating the command change between Outgoing Commanding Officer, LCdr Todd J. Bacon (right), and the Incoming Commanding Officer, LCdr Kristina Gray (left). Photos by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption][caption id="attachment_16790" align="alignnone" width="550"] Outgoing Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon addresses sailors and guests.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16791" align="alignnone" width="550"] Members of HMCS Saskatoon bow their heads in prayer during the ceremony.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16792" align="alignnone" width="550"] Incoming Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Kristina Gray addresses sailors and guests.[/caption]

The 7th annual UrbaCity Challenge just might be the most fun you can have supporting a charity.On Sunday, Sept. 24, hundreds of racers will take on amazing Challenge Stations that test brain and body, in a wild downtown Victoria adventure race.But before race day, the first challenge for all competitors is to fundraise for the Island Prostate Centre.The more racers fundraise, the more perks they get: high donations can bring in bonus prize draws, time reductions, and the ability to skip particularly tricky stations. A commitment to charity can literally mean the difference between first and second place.UrbaCity teams of two choose from the Fun or Fierce category, depending on how intense they like their race.All racers will need to tie up their laces and put on their thinking caps, since UrbaCity Challenge Stations are eclectic tests of physical fitness, brain power, and problem-solving. Teamwork is also the order of the day, as each tricky Challenge Station will push teammates to work together.All charity dollars raised go to the Island Prostate Centre, which cares for local men and their families here on Vancouver Island. As a non-profit exclusively funded by donations, Island Prostate Centre relies on UrbaCity and other community fundraisers to continue their vital work providing early detection, counselling, and care.In 2016, UrbaCity racers, sponsors, and donors raised over $50,000 for Island Prostate Centre, with a 2017 goal of $60,000.To better align with its charity, the UrbaCity Challenge now takes place in September, which is recognized across Canada as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.Visit UrbaCity.ca for more information and to register.

Last Wednesday, current and past military members converged on the B.C. Legislative Lawn to honour and remember Canada’s Peacekeepers.[caption id="attachment_16774" align="alignnone" width="550"] Parade marching down Belleville St. – Photo by John W. Penner[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16775" align="alignnone" width="550"] Photo by John W. Penner[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16776" align="alignnone" width="550"] Photo by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16777" align="alignnone" width="550"] Photo by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16778" align="alignnone" width="550"] Cdr Jeanne Lessard, Base Administration Officer, addresses the crowd. Photos by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_16771" align="alignnone" width="450"] Military members wave their white cowboy hats with Rear-Admiral Art McDonald at the Calgary Stampede. Photo by Ashley Materi, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs[/caption]Ashley Materi, 3rd Canadian Division, Public Affairs ~From July 7 to 16, visitors from around the world flocked to Calgary for “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”The Calgary Stampede provided the perfect opportunity for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to interact with the public and demonstrate the skills and equipment used by sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen.Every year, the military sets up a static display on the grounds during the Calgary Stampede. This year visitors could sit in the cockpit of a CF-18, experience the inside of a fully functional tank, explore a military ambulance, hold a variety of weapons, including a C9A2 machine gun and a M72 light anti-tank weapon, and interact with different military members in charge of each display.41 Combat Engineer Regiment had a mock minefield for guests to comb through with a metal detector. Soldiers demonstrated how to use the metal detector to find pieces of metal buried in the “minefield,” replicating their task of minefield clearing while on a mission.“A lot of countries, what they’ll do is get sneaky with their mines, and they’ll make them out of wood or plastic,” says Corporal Connor Williscroft. “The only metal in there is the fuses that explode.”He explained to visitors that once the Engineers detect metal, they get on their stomachs and prod the ground to determine what they’ve found, be it a landmine, unexploded ordnance or any other piece of metal in the ground, and they deal with it accordingly.The most popular display year after year is the Leopard II tank from Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Master Corporal Justin Monge says that while the tank gets a lot...

PO2 Katrina Bligh, Naden Band ~As Aug. 19 approaches, Canadians from all walks of life will remember the sacrifices soldiers made in the face of insurmountable challenges 75 years ago. The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy will represent the Royal Canadian Navy at four 75th Anniversary ceremonies held in Dieppe, Puys and Pourville over two days.For more information:www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/dieppe-raid/75-anniversary-----On August 19th, 1942, more than 6,000 Allied forces initiated the Dieppe Raid, code name Operation Jubilee, on a 16-kilometer stretch of heavily fortified coastline in occupied northern France. That day was to become the bloodiest chapter for Canadian soldiers in the whole of the Second World War.Three years into the war, the Allies were faced with a grim outlook. German U-Boats were inflicting heavy casualties in the North Atlantic, enemy troops were penetrating steadily into the Soviet Union and North Africa, and ‘Fortress Europe’ was considered nigh impregnable. In these dire circumstances, a plan began to take shape to capture and briefly hold Dieppe, a fortified port within striking distance of the Royal Air Force’s fighter aircraft.The objectives of this fledging plan were ambitious. They included the destruction of Dieppe’s military defences, shipping and airfield facilities, power stations, radar, and the capture of documents from the German divisional headquarters at Arques.Simultaneously in Canada, there was growing pressure to get Canadian soldiers to see action after years of training and work ups on British soil. After performing admirably in several full-scale exercises, the 2nd Canadian Division was chosen as the primary force for the raid. In total, 5,000 Canadians, 1,000 British, 50 United States Army Rangers, 58 tanks, and 74 Allied air squadrons, as well as a supporting force of 237 ships and landing craft from the Royal Navy, were slated to fight together in Dieppe.The raid was separated into six...

[caption id="attachment_16760" align="alignnone" width="450"] Personnel from HMCS Regina (left to right): Lt(N) Craig Newman, Lt(N) Jessica MacMillan, MS Jamie Boparai, Cdr Colin Matthews, and SLt Dan Presseau gather on the flight deck with Saskatchewan Roughriders’ mascot Gainer the Gopher and ship’s mascot Gunner the Gopher (right). Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Gainer The Gopher, the official mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, made the successful jump from football field to frigate, spending a day with sailors aboard HMCS Regina.The furry ground squirrel was accompanied on Sunday Aug. 6 by Roughriders President and Chief Executive Officer Craig Reynolds and two staff.“We were excited to come out to Victoria and visit the ship because it is such a special relationship we have with HMCS Regina,” said Reynolds. “We are very aware of their strong naval connection to our city, and it’s always nice to reinforce that connection to the navy and our football team.”Reynolds presented Commander Colin Matthews, Regina’s Commanding Officer, with a gift bag stuffed with Roughriders souvenirs including a team flag and autographed football signed by members of the team.“The relationship we have with the Riders is absolutely incredible and something we can really rally around,” said Cdr Matthews. “It’s great to have a professional football team that represents our namesake city that is so well connected with us; it raises our morale and gives us all a symbol to rally around.”The trip was a thanks to the ship for flying the Riders colors and being international ambassadors for the team.A barbecue lunch was held under a massive Roughriders’ flag that draped from the ship’s hangar. The flag was donated to the ship by Regina elementary school École St. Andrew in 2014. The ship and her colossal flag promote the CFL team around the world when the...