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[caption id="attachment_16030" align="alignnone" width="450"] United Way Board Member Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell, Base Commander CFB Esquimalt, was on hand at the recent Spirit Awards where local campaign contributors at the Department of National Defence were recognized with induction into the United Way Greater Victoria’s “Thanks a Million” Club.[/caption]James Vassallo, Base PAO ~Helping those less fortunate, providing hot meals for the hungry, giving kids in need new opportunities, and caring for sick animals are just a few of the reasons why the local Defence Team deserves recognition for charitable giving.But at the recent annual Spirit Awards, the United Way Greater Victoria (UWGV) found 10 million more reasons when they made the Department of National Defence (DND) one of the first inductees of the “Thanks a Million” Club.“To become a member of this club you have to raise more than a million dollars, which is pretty amazing,” says Hazel Braithwaite, community campaign director, UWGV. “DND has surpassed that milestone ten-fold. As the only member of this exclusive $10-million club, the department’s dedicated employees have something to be very proud of.”The award recognizes the fundraising efforts of the local Defence Team, comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees working at more than 100 DND units within the Greater Victoria Area. The United Way of Greater Victoria and Healthpartners then distributes these donations to registered Canadian charities based on the choices made by individual donors when they contribute.Since 1994 – when United Way began keeping electronic records – the Defence Team has raised $10,062,690.35 to support charitable causes.Eleven organizations in the Capital Regional District (CRD) have met the $1 million philanthropic milestone in their workplace campaigns: Island Health, University of Victoria, Coast Capital Savings, RBC Royal Bank, City of Victoria, Camosun College, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ESIT Advanced Solutions Inc., and the Canada...

[caption id="attachment_16027" align="alignnone" width="450"] Left to Right: Major Mark Kierstead, Commanding Officer of Real Property Operations (Pacific), Maj (Ret’d) Ed Vishek, and Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell break ground on the demolition project of Dockyard Building 11.[/caption]Peter Mallett with files from Lt(N) Pamela Hogan, Staff Writer ~When Maj (Ret’d) Ed Vishek climbed aboard an excavating machine on May 5 to take a ceremonial first swipe in the demolition of Dockyard Building 11 he couldn’t help but reminisce.That’s because for Vishek, and hundreds of other sailors, the aging building was his home for two of the most important years of his life.DY11 was the lifeblood and administrative headquarters for the Royal Canadian Navy’s junior officer training complex HMCS Venture, which Vishek attended from1959 to 1961. The program grew out of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Venture Plan that was established in 1954 to address critical officer shortages.Peering from the excavator cab window, the 77-year-old former Venture graduate gazed across the parking lot that was once the Parade Square to DY29, which served as the barracks for him and the other trainees.“It’s a somewhat sad moment for me because this place was where I began my 30-year career in the navy,” said Vishek who went on to enjoy a lengthy career as a naval pilot.During the height of the Cold War the two buildings were the centre of a sprawling training facility that also included a chapel, sports field, gymnasium and boat shed.DY11 was a 36,000 square-foot facility built in 1941 to provide offices and naval training classrooms as part of HMCS Givenchy, a speciality school that ran from 1943-45 for naval gunners crewing civilian vessels in the Second World War. It also contained a mess hall and orderly room, while its 22,000 square foot sister building DY29 was built the following year.Both...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Esquimalt’s military units will soon have something to crow about with a revamped Cock of the Walk sports competition taking flight again in May.With fun, fitness and friendly competition between the base’s military units in mind, Personnel Support Services (PSP) sports staff will roll out the seven-event, year-long multi-sport competition.Cock of the Walk kicks off with a ball hockey tournament May 15 to 19, and concludes eight months later in February 2018 with ice hockey as its final event.Other competitions include:Slo Pitch, June 26 to 30;Soccer, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1;Badminton and Squash, Oct. 2 to 6;National Sports Day, Oct. 20;Basketball, Jan. 15 to 18, 2018, andHockey, Feb. 5 to 9, 2018.Although bragging rights and an overall Cock of the Walk trophy will be handed out, the competition has less to do about athletic competition and more about getting everyone out on the field of play, says PSP Sports Coordinator Heather Catte.“Cock of the Walk is really an effort to maximize fitness opportunities and participation across base units and members of the Fleet,” says Catte. “We hope it succeeds in efforts to increase morale, promote fitness and establish esprit de corps.”The launch of the competition requires unit sports representatives to promote and communicate details of the events, prepare eligibility lists, and assist in the recruitment of support staff for scorekeeping and officiating duties throughout the competition.The last time a Cock of the Walk competition was held at the base was 2015.The term Cock of the Walk originated from an 18th Century tradition of the Royal Navy. It has been used in naval and civilian circles with its connotation to mean a champion of a regatta or sports meet, or a combination of these events. According to naval tradition, the winning ship of a Cock of the...

[caption id="attachment_15984" align="alignnone" width="450"] HMAS Ballarat and HMCS Ottawa sail in formation with HMCS Winnipeg as part of manoeuvres. Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Matt Golding, HMCS Ottawa ~Sailing through the South China Sea on Poseidon Cutlass, HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Winnipeg conducted a CROSSPOL (cross pollination of sailors) with the Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat.The CROSSPOL occurred over three days, where six crew members from each ship got the opportunity to get a firsthand experience of how the other navy operates.For most of the Royal Canadian Navy sailors it was the first time being on an Australian frigate, and all were impressed by the ship and by the professionalism of their team.HMAS Ballarat is one of Australia’s Anzac-class frigates; it is slightly smaller than the Halifax-class but includes a number of upgrades, including a 5-inch main gun, phased array radar, and an air conditioned gym space.The days commenced with a short RHIB transfer over to the Australian ship, where the sailors were greeted by several members of their crew who were eager to show them around. The Australian counterparts gave tours, talked about life onboard their ship, and even let the Canadians try vegemite.Ordinary Seaman Robichaud, a steward on board Ottawa, spent the day with the Australian stewards and cooks; he described it as “one of the greatest experiences he’s had in his military career so far.”

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Employees working on the Fleet Maintenance Facility’s Phase V construction project are being encouraged to think about workplace safety this week.With the overlying theme: Make Safety A Habit, contractors and subcontractors will join CFB Esquimalt employees in observing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) May 7 to 13.Stephanie Morand, Project Safety Coordinator with EllisDon Kinetic, says getting people engaged in safety is key to reducing preventable injuries and illness in the workplace and at home.“Talking about proper safety procedures is a big part of safety. However, new or inexperienced workers on design and build projects are often afraid to ask safety questions out of fear of looking stupid,” said Morand. “However, speaking up and asking a question about something they are unsure of makes a big difference in workplace safety, and we are encouraging all employees and their supervisors to initiate the conversation.”Approximately 120 construction workers, engineers and management staff are employed by EllisDon Kinetic on the final phase of the FMF Cape Breton project, which started in 1996. To create awareness about NAOSH Morand walked the construction site last week, affixing promotional posters at various locations. She also has work crews including NAOSH in their weekly “tool box talk” sessions, which are regular informal discussions on work-related issues.Part of Morand’s job is to review safety documents and information, and educate workers about site-specific safety habits and regulations. She says there is sometimes resistance by workers to follow regulated safety practices. She recalls a recent discussion with some iron workers who said they found their safety harnesses uncomfortable. Others grumble about wearing proper hearing and eye protection, safety vests, or helmets.“The promotion of good safety habits may seem like a hindrance or an inconvenience to some, a similar attitude when mandatory seat belt laws...

[caption id="attachment_15978" align="alignnone" width="450"] After conducting drug interdiction operations during a three month deployment on Operation Caribbe, HMCS Saskatoon returns home April 28. Photo by Cpl Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]William Chaster, MARPAC PA Office ~As HMCS Saskatoon pulled alongside Y Jetty Friday, April 28, cheers broke out from the dozens of family members and friends waiting on the jetty.Once it safely docked, the brow was lowered and Petty Officer First Class Jamie Burno walked off and into the arms of his wife Kim, while their three children crowded around them. The two were the winners of the traditional first kiss following a lengthy deployment.Within minutes the jetty was teeming with crew and family members embraced in warm welcome home greetings.“It’s just great to be home, especially after such a successful deployment,” said Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon, Saskatoon’s commanding officer.The return of the coastal defence vessel marked the end of its 53-day deployment on Operation Caribbe. The yearly, bi-coastal operation is Canada’s contribution to the multinational Operation Martillo, which aims to improve regional stability and reduce criminal activity off the Pacific Coast of Central American and in the Caribbean on the East Coast.Throughout the deployment, Saskatoon’s crew seized 44 bales of cocaine, totalling 1,124 kilograms, and disrupted an additional 1,500 kg in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). In addition to interrupting ­illegal drug smuggling, this deployment also focused on interoperability exercises with the USCG and elements of the Mexican Navy.“These exercises were focused on improving coordination between us and our allies. Throughout these operations we were treated fantastically by our allies, and units from all three nations had really come together as one group by their end,” said LCdr Bacon. This was Saskatoon’s second deployment on Operation Caribbe. On its first deployment in the spring of 2016, Saskatoon seized...

[caption id="attachment_15975" align="alignnone" width="450"] A soldier from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), conducts a security check on a “Canadian citizen” entering the processing centre. Photo by Capt Elizabeth Tremblay-Lewicki, 2 Wing Public Affairs[/caption]Exercise Ready Renaissance, Exercise Ready Angle prove whole of government approachCapt Jeff Manney, NDPAO Vancouver ~Despite moving more than 290 navy, army and air force members to British Columbia in April to practice large-scale evacuations of Canadian citizens in an unruly country and bring them to a safe-haven, there wasn’t much to see on Exercise Ready Angle 17.That, of course, is precisely the point when the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), working at the behest of Global Affairs Canada, is asked to withdraw Canadians from hostile or dangerous situations abroad.“Discretion is a key element of a non-combatant evacuation operation,” says Exercise Director Col Normand Gagné, 1st Canadian Division. “No government wants to see large numbers of foreign armed soldiers on its territory. So when Canadians are in danger in another nation, it is expected that CAF personnel have authorization to not wear their uniform. We need to be low-key and agile, moving in numbers small enough not to arouse alarm. Coordination with our government partners is critical, which is why this type of integrated training is so important.”Twice this year, Vancouver Island was the fictitious nation of Macadamia, as the regions of Nanaimo, Comox and Port Alberni hosted exercises to support the 1st Canadian Division’s unique skillset and mandate.In February, “Macadamia” suffered a major earthquake and tsunami. Exercise Ready Renaissance tested the ability of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to react to a major disaster in another nation.In late April, the government of “Macadamia” was unable to adequately restore services, and the social order was faltering. Armed gangs roamed the streets. Macadamia’s security services...

[caption id="attachment_15972" align="alignnone" width="450"] Metchosin Biodiversity co-founder Moralea Milne walks under a large moss-covered fallen tree as the group makes their way down a slope at Mary Hill during Bioblitz 2017.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A team of 14 scientists and outdoor enthusiasts combed over moss-covered hills and rain-drenched dales at Mary Hill military training area in Metchosin on May 1 for Bioblitz 2017.They were recording all plant and animal species, including rare species, on the DND property, as part of the Metchosin Biodiversity Project to identify and catalogue the biodiversity of Metchosin.Metchosin Biodiversity Project co-founder, Moralea Milne says Bioblitz is a scientific endeavour to create a definitive list of species in this West Shore community. It is also an effort to better educate the public about the natural environment in which they work and live.“People need to know we are not alone here and share this community with thousands of other species,” says Milne. “When people realize the number of species and ecosystems that exist, it helps us develop a better stewardship ethic for the land.”During their afternoon search at Mary Hill, investigators divided into three groups and fanned out across the property. The largest group searched for unique vascular plants and mosses, while a second group looked to identify shoreline species located in shallow water and intertidal pools. A third group searched and catalogued insects.They were assisted by three Natural Resources Canada employees and Tracy Cornforth, Environment Officer at CFB Esquimalt’s Formation Safety and Environment Branch, who noted the biodiversity group’s work gives DND a better understanding of the species thriving on the property.“The more we know about the plant and animal life, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions about activities on the base and where they can happen,” says Cornforth. “We are so fortunate to host...

March 17, 1927 – April 14, 2017Bob was born in Vancouver, B.C., to W.J. and Kitty (Hill) Peers of Burnaby Lake.His early years were in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, before moving to Victoria in 1941. He went to Oak Bay High School where he excelled ­academically and athletically - playing rugby and soccer, winning the track and field ­championship, and graduating as Student Council President and Valedictorian.He attended the Royal Canadian Naval College (Royal Roads 1944-46) and was awarded the Sword of Honour on graduation.Bob then went overseas to train with the Royal Navy and was posted to HMS Vanguard, the last of the 15” gun battleships. In 1947 Bob participated in the Royal Family visit to South Africa with their Majesties and the Royal Princesses. Sadly, he was the last surviving Canadian Naval Officer from this deployment.In 1950 he joined HMCS Sioux and completed two tours in Korea.On March 12, 1952, Bob married Cleone Kathleen Thompson of New Westminster, spending their early years in Ottawa, England and Halifax.He was honoured to be one of three Canadian Naval Officers to attend the 1953 Coronation of Elizabeth ll.In December 1956, he was appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Trinity and subsequently HMCS Chignecto. From 1958-60 Bob was seconded to the U.S. Navy to the Commander Carrier Division 16 (USS Valley Forge). After a posting to RCN HQ in Ottawa, Bob commanded HMCS Annapolis on her commissioning in 1964. Thereafter, he commanded the Sea Training Unit (Halifax) and the Second Escort Squadron (Esquimalt).In July 1970 Bob was appointed Commandant, Royal Roads Military College. In this capacity he negotiated with the Province of B.C., giving the College a Charter to grant degrees. He retired in August 1976 and subsequently participated in various non-profit endeavours including the Goldstream Salmon Hatchery and the Charter Fishing Association.Bob spent his last years at the Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria.The family wish to thank the Lodge staff for the love and care they gave Bob. Thanks also goes to Dr....

SLt Kassandra O’Rourke, HMCS Ottawa ~The shorelines were turquoise and the seas were calm as HMCS Ottawa entered the South China Sea to come alongside Malaysia.Travelling in consort with HMCS Winnipeg, Ottawa is deployed for Poseidon Cutlass 17-1 to bolster Canadian diplomatic engagement and defence relations while developing their sailors in a world entirely new to most onboard.The ship left CFB Esquimalt March 6 and proceeded south along North America’s west coast. They conducted a successful missile exercise and then proceeded across the Pacific Ocean to Pearl Harbor. The crew enjoyed shore leave at the surf, the beaches, and a Luau before bringing Sea Training Pacific on board for Directed Ship’s Readiness Training.The transit from Hawaii to Guam was gruelling as the heat and humidity turned up, but the team proved strong and able as they underwent training that consisted of fires, floods, man overboards, hazardous material spills, mass casualties, simulated explosions, and elaborate battle situations.Ottawa’s team, under the watchful eye of Sea Training, developed the skills needed to meet the challenges of the environment they would soon enter. After successfully completing this milestone, the crew celebrated their achievement and admission into the high-readiness state by swimming in the Mariana Trench – the deepest part of the world.Leading Seaman Madeline Kuiper noticed the changes in Ottawa’s crew and said, “We worked really well together during the mission work up program. People can become very negative when undertaking a busy schedule, but the team was optimistic. I think the team has melded together over the past two months, and we continue to build stronger relationships with each other as time goes on.”After a few days to refresh in beautiful Guam, the ship set sail for the Philippines. On completion of a busy month, the daily schedule was more relaxed and the crew...

[caption id="attachment_15939" align="alignnone" width="450"] Group photo of volunteers during 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Day Banquet held April 20 at the Wardroom. Photo by Cpl André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Jon Chabun, MFRC ~It was a magical night, both figuratively and literally, when 108 volunteers gathered at the Wardroom Thursday April 20 to be celebrated for their charitable spirit.The event, sponsored by CANEX, recognized the contributions volunteers make to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), Personnel Support Programs (PSP), and the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum.“Volunteers contribute thousands of hours to the military community,” said Ekaterina Gregory, coordinator of volunteers at the MFRC. “Many programs, services and events depend on volunteers for their success.”The night featured a buffet dinner and the magic of Paul Kilshaw. There were speeches from Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and Danielle Sutherland, Senior Manager PSP. Other attendees included 60 guests of the volunteers.“Volunteer contributions are very broad and diverse,” added Gregory. “Some volunteers lead our base clubs, some officiate sports, while ­others staff special events. Some make workshops and groups possible for ­military families. Some help contribute to preserving our history.”At the MFRC, volunteers help run 35 Away Cafes, 10 Deployment Dinners, 36 Playing Together parent-child drop-in sessions, six Sunday Information Sessions and various other support programs for our community. Overall, over 100 MFRC volunteers donated 3,212 hours last year. Youth volunteers contributed 90 hours to help with childcare support.At PSP, volunteers played a vital role in assisting with various activities and special events such as the Navy Run, Formation Fun Day, base sports, base clubs and special interest activities throughout the year.  Approximately 80 volunteers contributed at special events setting up and tearing down events, marshalling run routes and manning booths. More than 50 volunteers supported teams and events at base sports, both...

[caption id="attachment_15927" align="alignnone" width="450"] A boatswain onboard HMCS Saskatoon reads on the sweep deck during Operation Caribbe. Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]SLt Susannah Anderson, Operation Caribbe PAO ~The tropical heat settled like a wet wool blanket over the ship and the Weapons Engineering Technician was wedged into a small sliver of shade on the sweep deck, avidly reading a paperback on his break.“Have you read Ready Player One? One of the boatswains gave it to me; I just can’t put it down.”On HMCS Saskatoon, 47 days into a deployment in the eastern Pacific on Operation Caribbe, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is being passed from hand to hand throughout the ship.In a world of instant connectivity, sharing a beat-up paperback with friends seems old fashioned. The loss of instant connectivity can come as a shock to new sailors; Internet speed at sea varies based on the position of the ship’s mast or the necessity for operational security.Even with transmitting and receiving turned off, access to cell phones is strictly controlled and instant texts are replaced by thoughtful emails or a mail drop in a port far from home. The lack of connectivity with home quickly fosters a deeper connectivity on ship; meals are taken together, sleeping is done in bunks stacked two and three high, and crewmembers work together on watch.Common experiences and shared books like Ready Player One are links in a chain that bring crewmembers closer together, says Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon, Commanding Officer of Saskatoon.“Saskatoon sailed from Esquimalt in February 2017 with a new crew, brought together from across Canada, both Regular and Reserve Force,” he says. “Through hard work and excellence in training, they have grown together and have performed seamlessly in theatre. After two months sharing the exhilaration of successful interdictions, and long...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The love affair for automobiles and motorcycles continues to rev up the hearts of enthusiasts with a new Victoria-based club dubbed Cars and Coffee.CFB Esquimalt is the backdrop for their first meet and greet Sunday, May 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Canteen Road parking lot behind Lyall Street Service Station.Anyone interested in showing off their ride and talking all things mechanical is welcome to attend.The driver of the club, Ilya Ford-Ruckle, a contractor with Houle Electric who works in Dockyard, is hopeful the inaugural event will bring plenty of owners out to show off their chrome and wheels.“The ultimate goal of Cars and Coffee Victoria is to build a routine, established family-friendly community event that brings a vibrant group of people to enjoy a common passion,” he says. “Cars and Coffee events started in California over 10 years ago and have been replicated all over the world ever since.”The club’s other founding members are LS Aarron Bernardin from HMCS Victoria, and former Royal Canadian Navy sailor Scott Watson.Coffee, water and pop will be on sale courtesy of Cora Restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_15920" align="alignnone" width="450"] Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A blue Cold-War-era Jeep languishing in storage in the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum garage will be pressed into action as a ceremonial staff car for the Base Commander.The 1967 Willys Jeep CJ5 has been refurbished by mechanics from the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers workshop.“I’m happy it will have a future with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN),” says Glendon Smith, who oversaw the work. “I’m an experienced mechanic but also a history buff. I even owned an old army jeep myself once, so I am really delighted to see things coming full circle for this Jeep. It’s good to know it will have an official capacity again and hopefully used at the base for many years.”The CJ5 is a two-wheel drive, four cylinder with a three speed standard transmission and seating for four to five personnel.Much of Jeep’s history is unknown, but it is thought to be one of a number of vehicles employed by commanders of RCN ships and used as a “Port Jeep” during the 1950s and 60s.In 1985, when the navy celebrated its 75th Anniversary, the vehicle was totally rebuilt by the Base Maintenance Workshop, and presented to then-Base Commander Capt(N) Harry Hal Dzioba, says Smith. Prior to that it had sat idle for several years in a parking lot at Work Point, with its paint fading and rust creeping in.After the 75th it was once again mothballed.“Honestly I would love to hear from anyone in the military community who has information about this vehicle and where and when it might have been used,” says Smith.While there are gaps in its history, Smith does know the CJ5 model was purchased specifically for the RCN by the Government of Canada, and is markedly different...

[caption id="attachment_15916" align="alignnone" width="450"] The winning team: Leading Seaman Jorge Medina, Master Seaman Victoria Tavares, Michael Connelly, a culinary student from Heritage College, and Ritsh Purran, head of culinary instruction at Heritage College. Photo by Darcy Boucher, Royal Canadian Navy[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An event akin to the famous Iron Chef TV show took place two weeks ago in Ottawa, pitting navy and civilian chefs against each other to cook up a delectable win.Battling it out in the Mystery Box Cooking Challenge were two teams of four comprised of navy chefs, a local Ottawa chef, and a culinary student from Heritage College in Gatineau, Que.The event was held at Naval Reserve Division HMCS Carleton and was judged by local food critics and Capt(N) Steve Irwin, Director of Naval Logistics.CFB Esquimalt chef LS Jorge Medina, who cooks for Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, was on the winning team.However, the win was not a simple fare. The two teams had to cook two courses - appetizer and main – using the secret ingredients of polenta, Jerusalem artichokes, cod, citrus fruit, shitake mushrooms, beef, and asparagus.The winning team dished up an appetizer of Tatami beef, a variation of a traditional Japanese dish that included asparagus, balsamic vinegar and tomatoes, and steamed cod with a citrus butter sauce accompanied by ravioli served in a shitake mushroom cream sauce.LS Medina’s teammates were Master Seaman Victoria Tavares, HMCS Carleton; Michael Connelly, a culinary student from Heritage College, and Ritsh Purran, Head of Culinary Instruction at Heritage College.A refrigeration issue almost brought catastrophe to LS Medina’s team.“We thought we wouldn’t be able to overcome the huge setback with the change to our appetizer course,” said LS Medina. “It created a fair degree of nervousness and as a group we were clearly agitated by the development,...

[caption id="attachment_15879" align="alignnone" width="425"] CPO2 (Ret’d) Neil Laur, his wife Maggie, and their dog Daisy take a break from their daily activities to enjoy some chocolate chip cookies on their back porch.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~For the past 22 years a retired sailor and his wife have been opening their home to support vulnerable youth, and are encouraging others in the defence community to follow their lead.“We believe every child deserves a second chance,” says CPO2 (Retired) Neil Laur. “They are all different, come from different communities, different family settings and have different cultures, but we welcome all of them with open arms as if they were our own.”Before his retirement in 1998, Neil Laur enjoyed a 40-year career with the Royal Canadian Navy as an electrician working at CFB Halifax and later CFB Esquimalt. Towards the end of his career, he and his wife Maggie decided to become a Care Family for the Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria.Since then they have provided over 85 youth between the ages of 13 and 19 with safe refuge, a comfortable bedroom, warm meals, and a stable family environment.“We don’t mind being called ‘Grandma’ and Grandpa’,” says Maggie.She says fresh-baked cookies, greetings from their dog Daisy, and a loving environment all serve as excellent ice breakers for newly arriving guests at their home on a quiet street in suburban View Royal.The Laur family are currently enrolled in the Boys and Girls Club’s Full Time Attendance  Program, which focusses on assisting male youths on probation, who normally come from communities outside the Greater Victoria area.Temporary family members are required to help with the household chores such as washing dishes, folding clothes, and cleaning their rooms.Household rules also include no swearing “unless it happens when we are playing cards,” says Neil. He...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Victoria author Michael Dupuis’ fascination with the Halifax Explosion has led to a 194-page book, Bearing Witness: Journalists, Record Keepers and the 1917 Halifax Explosion.The retired history teacher’s latest literary work recounts one of the most infamous and defining moments in Canada’s history through stories of journalists covering the event.“It’s been 100 years since the explosion and no one has really recognized the work of the journalists and how their words tell the entire story of what really happened in Halifax,” says Dupuis. “They were a major catalyst for the remarkable relief effort by Canadians and Americans that ensued.”For two years Dupuis dug deep into the national archives, library microfilm, and interviews from that fateful morning of Dec. 6, 1917, to recapture the tireless efforts of more than 20 journalists from Canada and the United States whose job it was to tell the world about the grisly scene.Many newspaper reports spell out in great detail the devastating 2.9-kiloton blast that occurred when Norwegian vessel SS Imo struck the munitions-laden French freighter SS Mont-Blanc in Halifax Harbour, causing a fire to break out that soon after ignited her cargo. The shockwave from the explosion resulted in a firestorm and tsunami that flattened four square miles and killed 2,000, injured more than 9,000, and left 12,000 homeless.Dupuis notes in the opening passage that survivors first claimed “to see a blinding flash of light and giant fireball, then heard a horrendous, ear-slitting roar and crash.”The book is dedicated to Halifax Daily Echo reporter John ‘Jack’ Ronayne who was the only journalist to die in the explosion.“As soon as he heard Mont-Blanc was burning at Pier 6, Ronayne rushed to the scene,” said Dupuis. “When the munitions-laden ship suddenly and unexpectedly exploded he was very close to ground zero. Ronayne...

[caption id="attachment_15873" align="alignnone" width="425"] LS Manuel Dussault Gomez has the helm of PCT Grizzly for the departure. Photo by PO1 Al van Akker[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, HMCS Malahat PAO ~HMCS Malahat celebrated the end of another successful training year on Saturday, April 8, by hosting family and friends at Victoria’s Naval Reserve Division as a way of thanking them for their support.Members of Malahat know full well they could not fulfill their commitment to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) without their families, who are the real strength behind the uniform.With Lt(N) Kay van Akker on her first sailing opportunity as a newly qualified Orca Class Officer In Charge, Malahat guests were divided into two groups – one sailing in the morning and one in the afternoon.It was an action-packed two hours in Patrol Craft Training Grizzly with man-overboard drills, seamanship demonstrations, and individual trades and skills refresher training for some Malahat members.There were opportunities for family members to try controlling the vessel by taking the helm, and RHIB rides for the kids.As this training year concludes, some Malahat members will continue with their Monday to Friday civilian jobs, while others will take summer contracts to sail in RCN ships based out of Halifax or Esquimalt. Still others will be engaged in summer training to further their qualifications or be employed as instructors in the naval training system.When the members return in September, Malahat will be ready, as planning is already well underway for another busy training year.

[caption id="attachment_15870" align="alignnone" width="450"] CPO1 Shawn Taylor touches up a miniature Blackwatch Highlander soldier used in his replica model of the Vimy Ridge battlefield. CPO1 Taylor and his collegue Robert Dunlop were invited to display their work at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa over the April 8 weekend. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A sailor’s miniature depiction of the Vimy Ridge battle site garnered plenty of onlookers at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa over the April 8 weekend.CPO1 Shawn Taylor, from Naval Personnel Training Group headquarters, was on hand to discuss his three-dimensional, historically accurate model with visitors during the 100th anniversary weekend commemorating the battle.“Our table was surrounded by a large crowd of museum patrons the entire weekend,” he says.The level of interest and interaction was so high he and his colleague Robert Dunlop were not able to battle using the 2,500 painted miniature soldiers meticulously placed on the 10 x 6 foot battlefield they had created, which replicated the 10 kilometre by 6 kilometre area where the battle took place.“It caught us by surprise. The plan was for Robert and I and the two other volunteers at the display to conduct the battle throughout the day, but we spent all of our time answering people’s questions,” says CPO1 Taylor. “It also surprised me that so many of the approximately 2,000 people who attended had a personal or family connection to the war.”CPO1 Taylor, 54, describes himself as hailing from an “all-military” family with his mother, father and four brothers all serving the Canadian Armed Forces during their lifetime. He also has a connection to the First World War. His grandfather William Holmes, a Lance Corporal with the 10th Battalion Canadian Infantry (today the Calgary Highlanders), was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his...

[caption id="attachment_15867" align="alignnone" width="425"] Brigadier General (Ret’d) Larry Gollner, chair of the Afghanistan Memorial Society, after unveiling a new monument commemorating the service of 40,000 civilians and military who served in Afghanistan.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The goal to create a physical memorial commemorating the 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan has come to life.Members of the Afghanistan Memorial Society, military veterans, community leaders and press gathered at the Bay Street Armoury April 19 for an advance viewing of the newly created monument.The rectangular, grey-colored memorial is made of durable Light Barre Granite that was acquired from a quarry in Stanstead, Que. It was created by Victoria-based Stewart Monumental Works Ltd.  and measures 11 feet long, three feet in depth and stands six feet high at its tallest point.The names of the 163 Canadians killed during our country’s decade-long military campaign are inscribed on the monument. Also commemorated are the families of the fallen and those who returned home with mental or physical wounds.The dominant image of the memorial is a Canadian soldier embossed in black silhouette holding the hand of a young Afghan child.Afghanistan Memorial project chair, Brigadier General (Ret’d) Larry Gollner emphasized the importance of the black silhouette design as he lifted up the canopy to reveal the monument to the crowd of onlookers.  The image was from a battlefield photograph taken by Reuters photographer Finbarr O’Reilly, and Gollner says the symbolism is really central to both the message of the memorial and the mandate of the memorial committee. “This memorial and the imagery really speaks for itself,” he says. “A huge part of our mission in Afghanistan was about assisting the children of that country.”Gollner added that while combat missions are often the predominant theme in the media, the humanitarian aspect is really the fundamental component of those missions....

[caption id="attachment_15864" align="alignnone" width="425"] Artist’s impression of the Harry Dewolf-Class Arctic/Offshore Patrol Vessel. Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Navy[/caption]DND ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has annouced that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has agreed to become the sponsor of HMCS Harry DeWolf, the lead ship in the RCN’s upcoming class of Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships.The appointment of a ship’s sponsor is a long and storied naval tradition. The function of a sponsor is to be part of the naming of a ship, typically breaking a bottle of champagne across the ship’s bow during its naming or launching ceremony. Sponsors are often prominent women who have served their communities in a variety of capacities. Many sponsors continue their relationship with their ship for many years and remain key stakeholders and supportive members of the RCN family.Grégoire Trudeau is a volunteer, speaker, and long-time champion for causes such as gender empowerment, mental health, self-esteem, and equality issues relating to women and children.“I am honoured to serve as the sponsor of HMCS Harry DeWolf. Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf was a true Canadian hero who is remembered for his legacy of service, courage, and determination,” said Grégoire Trudeau. “I am confident this ship, and all those who serve on it, will continue to build on that legacy—one that all Canadians can be very proud of. I have great respect for the men and women who serve in the Royal Canadian Navy, and I’m very eager to meet the sailors and their families.”Construction of HMCS Harry DeWolf is now underway by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax. The ship is expected to be launched in a naming ceremony that will involve Grégoire Trudeau in 2018.All of the RCN’s commissioned ships have sponsors and many prominent women have served or are currently serving as sponsors, including Aline Chrétien, the sponsor...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The creation of a new navy occupation has led to a fresh training program that will launch at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) in May.Approximately 1,500 Regular Force marine engineers, electrical technicians, and hull technicians, as well as Naval Reservist Marine Engineering Systems Operators from across the country have been united under one trade – Marine Technician.The first phase of training is a pilot course focussing on new recruits. “The Naval Personnel and Training Group will look at the training process, the course content, and feedback from the students and instructors, and then see if they can tweak the training to best suit the needs of the students,” says LCdr Mark Bartek, Naval Technical Officer Occupational Manager with the Ottawa-based Director Naval Personnel and Training.“The entire rollout will not be a static process, but instead fluid, and is designed to continuously improve the process of training delivery as we go forward.”The first wave of junior ranks training will take up to eight months. Training will then move through the ranks and finish with its most senior, experienced tradespeople.Marine Technicians will continue to retain a sub-occupation of mechanical or electrical designation.LCdr Bartek says the new trade was created in an effort to address critical shortages of specialized personnel on board warships and submarines. It will increase the number of qualified personnel needed to support operations at sea. This is amplified as the Royal Canadian Navy starts the largest fleet recapitalization of its modern history that includes three new classes of ships.“The biggest driver is the future fleet. New ships will have technology that crosses traditional occupational boundaries,” says Chief Petty Officer Second Class Shaun Perry, a member of the Occupation Analysis team that developed the new occupation. “Future leaner crews will demand more broadly-skilled marine systems engineering sailors capable...

[caption id="attachment_15817" align="alignnone" width="425"] PO1 Corey Howe (left) and PO2 Aaron Murray, both support technicians who work at Fleet Maintenance Facility, display thier flying machines. The two co-workers are currently in the application process of forming a club for model airplane and quadcopter enthusiasts. The proposed Pacific Model Aeronautics Club and its application is currently under review by Personnel Support Services staff.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A dream of forming a radio-controlled flying club for military personnel and DND civilians is on the verge of taking flight.Model airplane enthusiast PO1 Corey Howe and his co-worker PO2 Aaron Murray, who flies quadcopters, have 15 potential members, but are looking for more interest from the defence community before starting the official process of creating a club for electric powered radio controlled aircraft.“We are hoping to have the club up and running by June or July, and the next biggest hurdle is acquiring a piece of land to fly our aircraft from, and making sure it meets regulatory approval,” says PO1 Howe.They have pitched their club idea to Personnel Support Programs and now require approval before the club takes off.PO1 Howe started in the radio control hobby over 30 years ago, and began flying model fixed-wing aircraft six years ago. He says his fascination with RC models is a “natural progression” from his life-long interest in aviation.For PO2 Murray, his interest flying drones is more recent. For the last two years, he has competed in drone racing.RC modeling goes beyond the radio controls and eyes to the sky. Many enjoy building and designing their crafts.“You can buy these copters and planes readymade and get them airborne, but that takes most of the fun and challenge out of it,” says PO2 Murray. “Most people are like us and enjoy the process of building our machines...

Sergeant Moogly Tetrault-HamelIndigenous Advisor to the Chaplain General ~Since the mid-1990s, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has supported the right of Indigenous military members to wear their hair in a traditional braid while in uniform. The following story is my reflection on the spiritual and cultural significance of this practice.Growing my braid is a serious commitment. The traditional process is bound by many protocols, ceremonies and responsibilities.I have had to cut my hair a few times for traditional reasons. It always was a hard process and felt like my spiritual connections were being severed.When encountering other traditional Indigenous people, I feel a mutual sentiment of recognition, pride and respect based on the length of our braids. It sometimes feels like a badge of honour.When visiting communities outside of one’s family circle, for example, a braid is a marker of pride and respect, often designating the wearer as a role model. But this respect is not free. To deserve this honour, one must always sincerely try to carry oneself properly and follow the guidance of the knowledge keepers and sacred teachings.When one’s hair reaches a certain length, the wearer then plays an even greater role in ceremonial practices, and is encouraged to share knowledge and to assist those in need. These are obligations not to be denied.Together, my wife and I have four children: three daughters and one son. Our son has short hair because he understands the deep meanings and duties of growing traditional hair.It will be my son’s choice to grow his braid when he is ready, but it has to come from his heart. All I can do is try my best to show him the way.As a father, it is most important for me to lead by example and show my children that no matter how much...

[caption id="attachment_15810" align="alignnone" width="425"] A view of Dockyard Building 11 from the intersection of Plumstead Street and Dockyard Road south. DY11 and its neighbouring DY29 were built in the 1940s but are currently being prepared for demolition. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The first of two 1940s-era buildings in Dockyard are now in the preliminary stages of a $1.3 million demolition project overseen by Real Property Operations Section, Esquimalt.On April 3, workers from Ralmax Contracting Ltd. erected fencing around Dockyard Building 11 and began remediation work on the 36,000 square-foot two storey wooden frame building. It was constructed in 1941 to provide offices and naval training classrooms.While preparatory remediation operations are currently underway, the full-scale demolition of DY11 won’t begin until early May.Work on neighbouring DY29, a 22,000 square foot building built in 1942 as an accompanying barracks, will see its demolition process begin this summer after DY11 is razed. The entire demolition project is targeting completion at some point in mid-autumn.“The demolition project for Dockyard buildings 11 and 29 is part of the overall approach towards consolidating infrastructure, renewing facilities and seeking efficiencies within our current and existing [Real Properties] portfolio,” said Major Mark Kierstead, Real Property Operations Section, Esquimalt Officer Commanding. “The project is now entering the implementation phase where the initial preparations for demolition are being carried out.”Maj Kierstead says a Facility Condition Survey, conducted over five years ago, determined the buildings were cost prohibitive, stating they were beyond life expectancy and no longer cost effective to operate, maintain or upgrade.Remediation will include the safe removal of hazardous materials on the exterior siding, which contains lead paint, and interior asbestos-containing materials. It also includes establishing site safety, and putting other work processes in place to accomplish the demolition says Maj Kierstead.A large quantity...

[caption id="attachment_15807" align="alignnone" width="425"] Sgt Jason Cormier gives a cheer as he and members from the Junior Ranks Mess of the Canadian Scottish embark on the 2016 Walk to Fight Arthritis.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sergeant Jayden Cormier is not unlike many of the participants in Victoria’s 8th Annual Walk to Fight Arthritis, in that he has a personal connection to the Arthritis Society’s annual fundraiser.His mother Denise, is one of 4.6 million Canadians suffering from the debilitating disease. Simple daily tasks have been inhibited by frequent bouts of pain, he says. “While online a couple of years back I noticed an ad for the Arthritis Society, and The Walk immediately struck a chord with me because my mother has been battling Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoporosis for the past 27 years,” says Sgt Cormier.After seeing the ad, Sgt Cormier rallied members of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) to assemble for a special 15 kilometre rucksack portion of The Walk to Fight Arthritis.“When I phoned the Arthritis Society to explain our regiment’s Junior Ranks’ intent to ruck The Walk, they were overjoyed,” says Sgt Cormier. This year he will continue this community outreach with the help of his new unit, the 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, who will submit a 10-person team.“I think our participation in The Walk lets members of the public recognize the important role of Canadian Armed Forces personnel. By giving back to the community in this manner, it helps strengthen the ideology that we as CAF personnel are not only representatives of communities, but people within them.”Last year his team contributed approximately $1,000 to the Walk to Fight Arthritis, which raised $1.2 million nationwide from Walks held in 30 cities across Canada.“Marching a 15km distance with the weighted ruck sacks was decided upon by the group,...

[caption id="attachment_15804" align="alignnone" width="425"] Stock photo[/caption]Maple Leaf ~Military life can be stressful for children, especially when a parent deploys or the family has to relocate. As part of its continuing commitment to families, Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) recently asked Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA) to investigate how children handle the stress of parental deployment and relocation.“We found that most children were proud and happy to be part of a military family,” said Dr. Alla Skomorovsky, a defence scientist who conducted the focus group research for DGMPRA.He added that children in military families do feel different from children in civilian families, but most believe being part of a military family is a good thing. Children also enjoy some of the benefits of being in a military family, such as seeing new places, meeting new people, and feeling safe.Despite some of the enjoyments of being part of a military family, children admitted that parental deployment is one of the most stressful experiences in their lives. In large part, because they worry about the safety of their deployed parent.“Not everything he does is safe, and I worry that he is going to get hurt,” said a child from the focus group.Deployment can also affect their emotions, physical health, and school performance. Some children had trouble sleeping and eating or concentrating in school, but having supportive and understanding teachers made a big difference.“[My] teacher was aware [that my] Dad was deployed. When I broke down they were very supportive and understood,” said another teen.When a parent was deployed, children also reported changes in their responsibilities at home and having less time for extracurricular activities.They also saw their at-home parent under more stress during deployments and their relationships with siblings sometimes changed. Some children reported fighting less with their siblings in...

[caption id="attachment_15800" align="alignnone" width="425"] Lloyd Mathews, former FMF Weapons Shop worker, displays a Jan. 15, 1997, issue of the Lookout newspaper that he buried in a time capsule along with other items. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Lloyd Mathews never expected to see a time capsule that he buried “way back in 1997” ever again.But that all changed about three weeks ago when Mathews, a retired Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) worker, received a call from Rob Harman, one of his former co-workers.Harman called to tell him that a two-foot-long by six-inch-wide metallic canister had been exhumed from the site of building DY215, which once served as FMF’s Weapons Shop.The building was constructed in 1952, and in the fall of last year demolition began on the site as part of FMF’s growing modernization footprint in Dockyard. The canister was discovered during the razing process.“I was surprised to pick up the phone and hear Rob’s familiar voice on the other end,” says Mathews, who retired five years ago. “I thought back to the moment we put the capsule in the ground and never thought I would be alive when they opened it.”In 1997, the building was renovated to accommodate a gun ring, an area where weaponry was maintained and dry tested. Mathews placed the cylinder a metre under the shop floor with aspirations that some young dockyard worker would find it many decades later and discover life three years before the millennial.In February, construction company Quantum Murray Ltd. removed the time capsule from its shallow subterranean tomb.“When we went to excavate the site and retrieve the time capsule we really didn’t know what we were going to find,” said Rick Johnston, a shop move coordinator for Ellis Don Kinetic. “There was quite a level of excitement amongst the...

[caption id="attachment_15822" align="alignnone" width="580"] His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and French President Francois Hollande review the Canadian Armed Forces guard during the signature ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017. Photo by Sgt Pierre Theriault, Base Borden Imagery.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15824" align="alignnone" width="580"] A replica aircraft from the First World War battles the wind to land safely in Lens, France on April 5, 2017. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15826" align="alignnone" width="580"] Empty boots placed on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial on April 7, 2017, represent the 3,598 soldiers that died at Vimy, France, in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the battle. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15827" align="alignnone" width="580"] Members of the Canadian contingent participate in a Sunset Ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, France on April 8, 2017. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15828" align="alignnone" width="580"] Members of the Canadian contingent participate in a Sunset Ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, France on April 8, 2017. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15830" align="alignnone" width="580"] Five replica aircraft from Vimy Flight fly past the Canadian National Vimy Memorial during the signature ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, France on April 9, 2017. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15831" align="alignnone" width="580"] Aboriginal Canadians open the signature ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, France on April 9, 2017. Photo by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, CF Combat Camera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15832" align="alignnone" width="580"] Canadian Armed Forces members along with Canadians salute during the signature ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Vimy, France on April 9, 2017. Photo by...

CPO1 Joe Robert, CF Health Services Centre (Pacific) ~Canadian Forces Health Services began a mass commissioning of Physician Assistants (PAs) as part of a monumental transformation of a non-commissioned member occupation to a commissioned officer trade.A transformation of this type is the first of its kind in the history of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Four Chief Warrant Officer/Chief Petty Officer First Class (CWO/CPO1s) were commissioned and promoted to the rank of Captain on June 3, 2016, as the first round of this transition. On April 3, 2017, four members on the West Coast were commissioned and promoted at Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific).Brief History of PAsThe CAF has employed mid-level healthcare providers for over 40 years under a variety of terminologies. Rooted in the naval environment as Sick Berth Attendants before the Second World War, they became known as Medical Assistants after the war, and then QL6B Medical Technicians as they advanced their skills through training on QL6B courses.In 1984 the first class of Physician Assistants graduated from the Canadian Forces Medical Services School; the first recognized, trained PAs in Canada.In September 2002 a new PA program was realized to meet the accreditation requirements of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and in 2003 the PA occupation was recognized by the CMA as a health care profession. Since 2008 several civilian programs have emerged at McMaster University, University of Toronto, and the University of Manitoba, amongst others.On July 28, 2009, the first class of CAF PAs were awarded a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska. Many PAs who had previously completed an accredited program have since attained their Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska.Today PAs who have completed an accredited program, either from a university or the Canadian Forces Medical Services School, are certified to work not only in the CAF but in four Canadian provinces in a number of different specialty areas in the public health care system.To learn more about the PA Occupation you...