News

[caption id="attachment_14937" align="alignnone" width="425"] Members of 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery instruct Parks Canada Agency staff on how to position the site on the C3 Howitzer gun. Photo by SLt Melissa Kia, Public Affairs Officer, MARPAC[/caption]SLt Melissa J Kia, MARPAC PAO ~Deep in the heart of Glacier National Park, the majestic mountains in Rogers Pass put even the loftiest skyscrapers to shame. They form a deep and impressive valley containing both the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway corridors that connect British Columbia to the rest of Canada.This area is also home to some of the most treacherous avalanche country in the nation, containing over 134 known avalanche pathways. To counter this winter threat, Parks Canada Agency (PCA) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) run the avalanche control program, Operation Palaci, which first started in 1961. Operation Palaci stays true to its Latin name by taking care of Canada’s “palace” in the sky, keeping it safe for trains and winter commuters to make the leg from Golden to Revelstoke, B.C., at the western side of the Pass. Palaci has led the charge in the battle for winter avalanche safety for the past 56 consecutive years, making it Canada’s oldest and longest running domestic operation.Avalanche control is serious business and is run by joint agency collaboration between the CAF and PCA. Over 4,000 vehicles and up to 40 trains crisscross Rogers Pass each day during the winter months. Keeping the Pass open amounts to billions of dollars in commercial trade annually, and road and rail closures due to an avalanche cause substantial impacts on the Canadian economy.“Operation Palaci is the largest mobile avalanche control program of its kind in North America,” says Captain Mark Hynes of Maritime Forces Pacific’s Land Operations cell. “We are extremely proud of our continuing partnership with...

Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~CFB Halifax is taking another step towards inclusivity with the establishment of a working group that will focus on supporting the many LGBTQ+ Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees who make up part of the DND community.The CFB Halifax Positive Space Working Group stood up in August 2016, and the group’s charter was recently signed by Base Commander Capt(N) Chris Sutherland. The founding executive consists of a military and civilian co-chair, an executive champion and a small but diverse group from across the base.The initiative gets their root from a diversity program created by the Ontario Public Service; in 2013 it was sanctioned by the Treasury Board with a set of guidelines for use across the Federal Public Service.“As far as we know we are the first on a DND base to actually stand up a positive space working group,” says Tracy Mitchell, a technical support employee with Base Information Services and civilian co-chair of the Halifax group.“It’s a very good program; it’s moving through the public service, and I think we’d all like to see go across DND and the CAF.”The group plans to fulfill its goal by establishing a wide network of champions across the formation - volunteers who will be expected to become leaders in the promotion of positive spaces and challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes. This could include encouragement of a welcoming environment, discussing different sexual orientations and gender identities in a positive way, or simply referring questions and concerns to the appropriate resources. Champions will also display positive space indicators in their personal workplaces to help visually represent the initiative.Champions will receive training and guidelines, but will not be acting as counsellors to employees.While the work of volunteers will be the heart of the initiative, Mitchell said the group’s executive...

[caption id="attachment_14930" align="alignnone" width="450"] Sailors competed in the Admiral’s Cup Regatta, Dec. 7 to 10 in Kerala State, India.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two sailors from Esquimalt’s Naval Fleet School (Pacific) joined another military member from Halifax to take part in the Admiral’s Cup Regatta Dec. 7 to 10 in India. The three-person Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) team took a 13th place overall finish.The seventh edition of the annual all-military international sailing competition, held on the waters of Ettikulam Bay in Kerala State, was a five-day event hosted by the Indian Naval Academy. It brought together 54 participants from 24 nations.“The overall mission was not strictly to race, it was really about encouraging international cooperation, understanding, and friendship,” says Lt(N) James Lee, an Above Water Warfare Training Officer at Naval Fleet School, and team leader. “Our team returned home having made new friends from all over the world and memories that will last a lifetime.”It was the first time a CAF team participated in the competition. Team members were Lt(N) Lee, Lt(N) Allana Foscarini, and Lt(N) Kevin Pallard from Halifax.Competitors used standard 14-foot radial rig laser sailing dinghies. The final team scores were determined by combining scores from individual races.“We put our team together on rather short notice and some of the other teams were very competitive, so 13th overall is a good achievement especially for a first time participating in the event,” said Lt(N) Lee.There was also a bronze lining for the team as Lt(N) Foscarini finished 11th overall amongst all sailors, and third in the female category, picking up a bronze medal.“Alanna finished exceptionally well to due to her experience and individual sailing skills,” said Lt(N) Lee.The passage to India for Lt(N) Lee and Lt(N) Foscarini was a gruelling 54 hours in duration including five flights, four layovers, and...

[caption id="attachment_14927" align="alignnone" width="450"] HMCS St. John’s sails out of Halifax Harbour on the morning of Jan. 9 to begin an extended deployment to the Mediterranean in support of Operation Reassurance (Photo LS Peter Frew/FIS Halifax). A member of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group repels off HMCS St. John’s as the ship transits across the Atlantic Ocean to participate in Operation Reassurance (Photo by LS Ogle Henry, Formation Imaging Services).[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident ~After months of preparation, HMCS St. John’s and crew departed Halifax Jan. 9, the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to deploy in the new year.It will join NATO partners as part of Canada’s continuing contribution to Operation Reassurance.The newly modernized Halifax-Class Frigate replaces HMCS Charlottetown as the navy’s representative with NATO Standing Maritime Group 2, a mission focused on enhancing regional security and stability in the Mediterranean.Despite frigid weather, which many people remarked was colder than any departure or arrival ceremony they could remember, hundreds of family members and loved ones of the crew were on hand to watch the ship sail through the sea smoke out into the harbour.Cdr Sheldon Gillis, the ship’s Commanding Officer, spoke to media shortly before departing, expressing confidence in his crew and the job they’ve done through the workups program. Speaking on the mission of Op Reassurance, Cdr Gillis said the deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe are an important part of demonstrating NATO resolve against aggression in the region, and that the Canadian Armed Forces plays an important role.“As a NATO ally, it’s important for Canada to demonstrate our resolve and our partnership with other NATO countries. We will be demonstrating some of the interoperability of maritime assets, working closely with many of our partners.”The frigate is expected back in Halifax in the late summer or early fall.“We’ll be deployed...

The gnasty rumours are true: the Gnaval Gnome has been gnome-gnapped, and is currently being held by a gnefarious faction of gne’er-do-wells who operate under the name “Joe Gnapper”.On Saturday Jan. 14 while attending a social event in one of the messes, the Gnaval Gnome was overpowered and transported to an ungknown location.His friends waited gnervously for word of his status, and later found it in the form of a Facebook post showing the Gnaval Gnome bound and blind-folded in the back seat of a gnondescript sedan, along with a ransom demand. Subsequent photos released by Joe Gnapper’s Facebook page show the Gnaval Gnome in apparently good condition. The photos suggest the Gnaval Gnome is being held at some sort of air-related location, perhaps an RCAF base or somewhere similar.Gnaval Gnome supporters have made a plea to the gnome gnappers to treat the Gnaval Gnome gnicely, and to provide him with his unique dietary gneeds, including medicinal mugs of moose milk, soup every day at 10 a.m., weiner supreme, steak on Thursdays, and gnaval clam chowder on Fridays.  Additionally, attempts have been made to contact a Liam Gneeson and to use his “very particular set of skills, skills acquired over a very long career”.At this time, every effort is being made to secure the return of the Gnaval Gnome, and authorities are spreading their gnet ever wider.

[caption id="attachment_14921" align="alignnone" width="450"] Team captains Cole Pickup of the Victoria Grizzlies (right), and Spencer Hawson of the Nanaimo Clippers get set for the ceremonial puck drop by PO2 Allan Kobayashi, Wounded Warriors Canada, at the Q Centre Arena in Colwood, Jan. 12. The BCHL team has designated the month of January Wounded Warrior month and is auctioning off specially-designed team jerseys on behalf of the non-profit and its upcoming Wounded Warrior Run. Photo by Kyle Robinson Photography[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Victoria Grizzlies are giving hockey fans the shirts off their backs as part of a fundraising effort to support Wounded Warriors Canada.The Junior ‘A’ hockey club has designated January Wounded Warrior month and are now wearing specially-designed jerseys that feature the non-profit organization’s name intertwined with the BCHL team’s logo at their home games.It’s all part of an effort to raise funds and awareness for the charitable organization that honours and supports Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and first responders, and their families.The white sweaters with black and gold trim are being worn by the team at all five January games played at Colwood’s Q Centre Arena and will then be auctioned off during their Jan. 27 game against the West Kelowna Warriors, with 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jerseys and 50 percent from ticket sales going Wounded Warriors Canada. “I am super-stoked to see this interaction between our group and these hockey players because it is all very positive, and they seem to be massively eager and driven to promote and support us,” said Wounded Warrior Run B.C. cofounder PO2 Allan Kobayashi, who works as an analyst for the Naval Training Development Centre.PO2 Kobayashi will be part of the six-person team running this year’s six-day Wounded Warrior Run B.C....

[caption id="attachment_14887" align="alignnone" width="400"] Team Canada captain Bruno Guevremont of Victoria competes in the 2016 Invictus Games rowing competition at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A study investigating the role of adaptive sport in the rehabilitation of current and former military has been launched by researchers at Dalhousie University ahead of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.Invictus Games officials announced their involvement in the research during the 7th Annual Military and Veteran Research Forum held in Vancouver in November.They will fund the sports psychology study that will involve approximately 200 competitors and 30 family members.Established by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran service members. The Toronto edition of the Games will be the first time Canada has hosted the event. It will bring together 550 competitors from 17 nations competing in 12 sports.The study, conducted by Dalhousie University and the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR), will survey 200 Canadian and international competitors and ask a series of questions about their experiences in preparing for the games, during competition, and the long-term impact of the Games.Researchers will then look for common trends in their responses in an effort to improve both policy and program delivery for current and former military service members with illnesses and injuries.Lead researcher Celina Shirazipour said the study will provide unparalleled opportunity to fill research gaps and allow for the exploration of sport participation and its effects on the health and well-being of military personnel and their families for the short and long term.“We know sport has the potential to be beneficial, but we want to know what aspects...

Carmel Ecker, Contributor ~Queen’s University is looking for military families, educators and health care providers to take part in a study on the mental health of children in military families.Dr. Heidi Cramm of the university’s School of Rehabilitation Therapy initiated the study after finding that very little information exists about the effects of the Canadian military lifestyle on children.While working as an occupational therapist in Kingston, Dr. Cramm noticed that a disproportionate number of the children she was seeing in child and adolescent mental health were from military families. She searched for answers as to why, but found very little outside of government reports.“There wasn’t any external research I could look at that could tell me about Canadian military families and their health,” says Dr. Cramm.While plenty of information has been gathered and analysed for their American counterparts, very little is known about the mental health of Canadian military families, she says.“Almost all the information we have available is based out of the U.S. – almost 98 per cent of it,” says Dr. Cramm.Countries with military and medical systems similar to Canada, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, are sadly lacking in data as well.The reason for the lack of Canadian data may be the difficulty in gathering it, she says. The American military health system treats the entire family so the data is all in one central place. In Canada, only the military member is treated within the military system. The family falls under provincial care. So links between a child’s mental health issues and military family events such as a posting or a deployment are difficult to explore. An inpatient drug rehab austin offers treatment to mental illness such as anxiety , etc which people can make use, when needed.Dr. Cramm says military families face a formidable...

[caption id="attachment_14880" align="alignnone" width="425"] MWO (Ret’d) Bart Armstrong with British Columbia Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon during a presentation of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at Government House, Jan. 5. Photo: Don Craig, Government House[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~MWO (Ret’d) Bart Armstrong was among 30 people from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland to be presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.Recipients were honoured in a Jan. 5 ceremony at Government House with LGov Judith Guichon presiding.The medal recognizes exceptional achievement by Canadian volunteers in a wide range of fields across the country. It was presented to Armstrong and the other recipients on behalf of Canada’s Governor General David Johnston by LGov Guichon.Armstrong, the sole Canadian in the United-States based Medal of Honor Historical Society, has written and researched extensively about Canadians who fought in the American Civil War, the Spanish American War, the First and Second World War, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines, and received the Medal of Honor.Armstrong joined the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves in 1965 and retired in 1985 after serving with the Toronto Scottish (then the Princes Louise Fusiliers at Halifax) and the 11th Victoria Service Battalion.“I was truly humbled by the honour of joining such an incredibly diversified and dedicated group of Canadians at this ceremony,” said Armstrong. “When the Governor General makes these awards, and so many others, he or she perpetuates the highest level of good Canadian citizenship. This highest office teaches us that as we walk through the streets of Canada and see problems it is our duty to fix them.”Other recipients of the award with ties to the military community included retired Second World War veteran Harry Hardy of Burnaby, who volunteers his time with the Tetra Society of North America, an organization that offers assistance to people with disabilities; Second World War nursing veteran...

[caption id="attachment_14877" align="alignnone" width="425"] Capt(N) Steve Waddell and CPO1 Gino Spinelli joined CANEX staff Tracy Horner and Sara Johnson, and Health Promotion’s Allie Jones in handing out healthy food choices to patrons of Naden’s CANEX outlet Jan. 11. The food items are now labelled with “Benefit” identifiers as part of a new healthy food program at the retail store. Photo: Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new food labelling initiative designed to assist Canadian Armed Forces personnel in making healthier food choices when shopping at CANEX stores across the country has been launched.Canada’s military store teamed up with the Health Promotion wing of Personnel Support Programs (PSP) for the kickoff off its BeneFit program; at CFB Esquimalt Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell launched the program Jan. 11.The BeneFit labelling system helps customers determine a food product’s nutritional value based on protein, fibre, vitamins, calcium, calories, sodium and fat.“Having healthy food options has always been a big concern of military members and others who work here at the base, and this latest initiative is a step in the right direction,” said Esquimalt CANEX Manager Sara Johnson.BeneFit was developed by PSP Health Promotion dietitians Renée Racine, who works at CFB Gagetown, and Julie Riopel-Meunier of CFB Valcartier, and employs a points system to identify healthier options. It’s all part of an effort to help CANEX shoppers quickly and easily identify the nutritional value of foods and beverages sold on store shelves and vending machines. Foods that meet the nutritional requirements have the BeneFit logo affixed to them or the shelves.The program is based on a similar initiative initiated by PSP staff in 2014 in the lunchroom of the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruitment School at the Saint-Jean Garrison in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, says Michael Spivock, Senior Manager of Health Promotion Delivery with...

[caption id="attachment_14870" align="alignnone" width="400"] Canadians must register online no later than Feb. 28 to attend France ceremony. Stock photo[/caption]Veterans Affairs Canada ~Canadians planning to travel to France to attend the Government of Canada commemorative ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, at Canadian National Vimy Memorial must register online by Feb. 28. Safety and security are paramount to this ceremony, therefore registration is mandatory. If you do not register in advance, you will be denied access to the site. Attendees will need to provide a printed copy of their official e-ticket and government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, on the day of the event.To register, please follow the instructions found at: www.veterans.gc.ca.If you have questions about the registration process, please email VAC.Vimy2017.ACC@vac-acc.gc.ca.An official Government of Canada delegation will travel to France to attend ceremonies and events during the week of April 5-12. Event information will be added to the Veterans Affairs Canada website as details are confirmed.There will be site restrictions between April 1 and 10 at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial due to event preparations. Visitors should note the site will be closed April 6 to 9. The site will reopen on April 10 at 9 a.m. with restricted access.For more information about the commemorative events, please visit Canada.ca/vimy-100For information about travelling to France, please visit Global Affairs Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for France.Share your thoughts at facebook.com/CanadaRemembers.About VimyPart of the broader Arras offensive, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began on the morning of April 9, 1917. The four-day battle was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as one formation. The Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge is considered to be a defining moment for Canada.The Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_14864" align="alignnone" width="425"] PTSD: Beyond Trauma will air on the public broadcaster’s documentary program on Jan. 19 at 8 p.m.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new documentary focusing on the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) outside of military circles will make its world broadcast premier on CBC’s The Nature of Things this week.PTSD: Beyond Trauma will air on the public broadcaster’s documentary program on Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. The film is written and directed by award-winning Patrick Reed (Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr and Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children, Triage) and produced by the independent Canadian TV and film production company White Pine Pictures.His latest work covers such topics as the PTSD research and the search for a cure, new treatments available, patient recovery, the daily struggles of the diagnosed, and effects of PTSD-related medication.“Most Canadians have never gone to war or lived through genocide,” said Reed. “But many know people who struggle with traumatic memories, friends and family who often suffer in silence – whether out of guilt or a belief that PTSD somehow only affects the military or humanitarians, or other ‘exceptional’ people.”Reed admits to having a personal connection to the disease through a family member. His father was involved in a bus crash near Syracuse, N.Y., that killed four people. Both of Reed’s parents were riding in the bus, his mother recovered in time from her physical injuries, and his father was diagnosed with PTSD.  Eventually after seeking treatment his symptoms subsided.“PTSD hits more civilians than soldiers, and more women than men,” said Reed. “It manifests itself with a dizzying range of symptoms, from flashbacks and nightmares to aggression and depression.”One of the subjects in PTSD: Beyond Trauma is retired Canadian Armed Forces member Stephen O’Brien who did tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan and was...

[caption id="attachment_14861" align="alignnone" width="425"] Barge Master Shawn Taylor says he and his crew are proud of the work they do aboard North America’s only remaining operational steam powered crane barge, YD 250.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~One of the oldest steam-powered crane barges in Canada resides at CFB Esquimalt, and this year it celebrates 60 years of service.YD 250 is part of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Auxiliary Fleet on the west coast, and while many barges of its kind have been converted to diesel power or tossed in the salvage yard, this 1957 barge continues to move entirely on steam power, the same technology used in the Titanic.On the main deck of the vessel’s stern is the massive 400 horse power, Scotch Marine, single return-flue, fire-tubed boiler that creates the steam.The boiler, along with the machinery room, boom and winches, is original, which, according to Bargemaster Shawn Taylor, makes YD 250 an intricate living, floating, working museum, and an engineering marvel that pays tribute to a bygone era when steam modernized the world.“It shocks people when they realize this crane barge is still up and running,” says Taylor, the barge’s commander, a marine engineer with over 31 years of experience. “But we have kept this vessel in excellent shape and the crew is very proud of what they do.”A vessel this old does require a fair amount of maintenance, and the six civilian crewmembers spend about 40 per cent of their time inspecting, tweaking, and repairing the barge.In September 2016 Dyan Day and two other crewmembers donned full HAZMAT onesies and respirators to clean out the sooty boiler.The boiler is ignited by a fine spray of diesel fuel into the boiler’s injector tubes that in turn helps light the furnace, heat the water, and provide steam to turn the engines...

BZ to all award and promotion recipients!View photos (PDF)

[caption id="attachment_14840" align="alignnone" width="400"] Author LS David McColl. Photo by Corporal (Cpl) Mélani Girard, CFSU(O) Imaging Services[/caption]Sara Keddy, Aurora Newspaper ~A First World War battlefield is the backdrop to a historical fiction book written by Leading Seaman David McColl, an intelligence operator at Canadian Forces Intelligence and Command headquarters in Ottawa.The “Shadow of Vimy” follows Thomas Kirby, a lieutenant in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, as he pursues an escaped German prisoner through the French countryside. It is the first in his planned eight book series.His desire to pen a book about the historical conflict began after he visited Ypres in Belgium. He was amazed with the Belgians’ care of war cemeteries dedicated to Canadians, Australians, French and British. In 2012, when the Canadian Mint released the Frontier Series of bills featuring the Vimy national monument, LS McColl felt the silhouette wasn’t as well recognized as it should be.“I realized we were losing knowledge of those experiences – and it is so unfair to the memory of the people who made a contribution,” he says.A great reader of historical fiction himself and with the urge to write, LS McColl shaped his book with the philosophy that “people like to learn while they are being entertained.”“You’re allowed a certain amount of liberty with fiction, but you’re constrained by actual history. You can create characters with that leeway, but there is always the major worry, ‘How would this come across to people who have all the facts and research?’”LS McColl feels he captured the “big story” of the battle, and his main character’s “small story” brings to light what war was like for one man.His research led him to family diaries, letters home from the front, public broadcasting documentaries, battlefield tour operators and museum curators. He also credits much of his...

To all personnel that were planning on attending the CFB Esquimalt USAR team recruiting lecture initially slated for Dec. 9, 2016, due to uncooperative weather, the base was forced to close on that day.Therefore, this lecture has been rescheduled for Jan. 16 10 a.m. to noon.CF Fleet School Esquimalt (Naden, Bldg 92) in the MSE Theater (located just inside the main doors by the canteen).If you have any questions, please contact Chance Sheffield chance.sheffield@forces.gc.ca.The Urban Search and Rescue team is looking for new team members to join its ranks.Do you like to help people in your community?Do you enjoy activities that are both mentally and physically challenging?Do you have a desire to belong to an elite team and learn new specialized unique skills?If you agree with any of the above statements then this is a special opportunity for you to enter the exciting specialized environment of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).Don’t know anything about USAR but might be interested?

[caption id="attachment_14832" align="alignnone" width="400"] Apprentice Millwright Mark Gauvin works on a project in the Hydraulics Shop in Dockyard. The 27-year-old says he owes much of his success to his job placement at Dockyard’s Fleet Maintenance Facility which he says has greatly enhanced his skill set. Photo credit FMF[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~When Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) apprentice millwright Mark Gauvin looks back on 2016 he’ll fondly recall it as the year he travelled to his hometown and received national recognition for his trade skills.Gauvin, who is studying for his ticket with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) through a job placement in Dockyard, took first place in the 2016 Skills Canada competition Millwright category at the Moncton Coliseum last June. Gauvin, 27, was voted top apprentice from a field of 10 other competitors who put their skills to the test in building and setting up a pump and motor alignment. “The competition was fast-paced and stressful, but overall was a fun and friendly environment to compete. I got to meet many tradespeople that are all as enthusiastic about learning the trade,” said Gauvin who works in FMF’s hydraulics shop.Competitors were marked on their ability to read and understand blueprints, the accuracy of their frame dimensions, holes drilled, quality of welds, the tolerances of their machine shaft, and their ability to follow safety procedures.“I built a gearbox and motor alignment project,” said Gauvin. “Raw materials were provided so a rectangular base could be cut and fabricated to the specs along with the motor shaft.”Once that was complete Gauvin then made sure the gearbox and bearings for the mock motor were fastened down.“Alignments could then be done so the shafts of both units ran true,” he explains.Skills Canada is a national organization with a mission to encourage and support a coordinated approach...

[caption id="attachment_14821" align="alignnone" width="560"] Left to right: HMCS Regina's winning entry in this year's Formation Christmas Tree Competition is displayed at the Fleet Club. HMCS Ottawa won an honourable mention for dressing up their Christmas tree like an Ottawa Senator’s hockey player. The Dental Unit Detachment’s entry is displayed at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess. Formation Safety and Environment’s winning entry in the Best Charlie Brown Tree category.[/caption]Once again esprit de corps was evident through the creative decorating of 21 Christmas trees distributed among each of the messes (Pacific Fleet Club, Chiefs and Petty Officers’ Mess, and Wardroom) and at Naden (Nelles Block and MPU(E) Esquimalt).Innovation and fun competition among units continues to be most evident across the Formation! Participating units competed for prizes in three coveted categories:Most Festive (traditional/seasonal);Best Griswold Design (outlandish); andBest Charlie Brown (valiant effort or lack thereof). All of the participating units are listed below, along with last year’s winners.The contest was judged on Dec. 15. The panel included myself, the Base Administration Officer, Cdr Lessard; the Base Chief, CPO1 Spinelli; the Formation Master Seaman, MS Clarke; and PSP Special Event Coordinator Christine Farrington.Given that the holiday spirit is alive and well in the Formation, it was a difficult process to choose the winners for each of the three categories. Nevertheless, when the scoring sheets were tallied, the judges awarded the title of Most Festive Tree to HMCS Regina, who regained their previously-held title from two years ago by fully embracing their unit’s motto, theme and colours.A new entrant to the competition, HMCS Chicoutimi unanimously won over the judges for Best Griswold Tree with their take on duty watches, request forms, TRANREQs and materiel challenges.Finally, Best Charlie Brown Tree went to Formation Safety and Environment for their creative, sustainable efforts to draw out the spirit...

[caption id="attachment_14817" align="alignnone" width="400"] Rear-Admiral Art McDonald salutes Brandon as the ship sails by to come alongside in HMC Dockyard. Photo by LS Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMC Ships Edmonton and Brandon returned home after an Operation Caribbe deployment Dec. 16. Brandon and Edmonton seized and disrupted narcotics during the deployment. Operation Caribbe is the Canadian Armed Forces’ recurring participation in the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean basin and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

JanuaryHMCS Vancouver visits its namesake city, giving students and business leaders a guided tour of the vessel after completion of its Halifax-class modernization life extension upgrades.DND announces the modernized, centralized Phoenix payroll system will be rolled out in February  with an expected completion in the Spring for all 102 federal departments.The crew of HMCS Winnipeg receives NATO Article 5 medal for service in support of Operation Reassurance.Six Second World War veterans are awarded France’s Legion of Honour medal for their role in the liberation of France.The Tritons men’s hockey team advances to the CAF National Championship after a 2-0 series sweep of the Comox Totems in their regional qualifier.FebruaryChief of the Defence Staff, General Johnathan Vance, announces the release of the Canadian Armed Forces progress report on inappropriate sexual behaviour. He implements a Code of Conduct as part of Operation Honour initiatives.Former RCN supply ship HMCS Protecteur is towed from Esquimalt Harbour, bound for its final destination at a scrapyard in Port Mersey, N.S.The 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait is recognized with a commemorative ceremony at the Naden Drill Shed. Several past and currently-serving Gulf War veterans take part in the event.During the annual Health and Wellness Expo, representatives from the United Way of Greater Victoria accept a $448,000 cheque for funds raised through the 2015 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).HMCS Winnipeg returns to Esquimalt after an eight-and-half month deployment on Operations Reassurance and Caribbe.MarchAssociate Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada, Kent Hehr, attends a ceremony on A Jetty unveiling the new remote naval weapons stations to be installed in Halifax Class ships.The crew of HMCS Ottawa and over 400 other MARPAC personnel participate in SMASHEX 2016, a simulated search and rescue operation involving a submarine.Goaltender PO2 Ken Simoneau of Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt puts on a show for fans at Colwood’s Q-Centre during the Heroes Hockey Challenge. Unfortunately, his team of military veterans lost the match against a squad of Canucks Alumni including...

[caption id="attachment_14762" align="alignnone" width="500"] Left photo: Pte Rick Milne (right) in 1985 at CFB Wainwright. Right photo: OS Milne receives his Cold War Medal from Commander David Coulombe, Commanding Officer of Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) on Dec. 7.[/caption]OS Rick Milne was recently presented the Special Service Medal NATO/Otan bar by Cdr David Coulombe. OS Milne earned the medal when he served in Lahr 1985-86 when he was serving with the Canadian Army as an ELM 431 LEME Electro-Mechanical Technician; however, he didn’t receive the medal until after he joined the Royal Canadian Navy.At 19, then Pte Milne, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as an ELM 431 LEME Electro-Mechanical Technician in the Army. He was first posted to Special Service Force 2 Service Battalion at CFB Petawawa from 1979-1981. In 1982, he was posted to 1 Canadian Brigade Group 1 Service Battalion at CFB Calgary as a Fire Control Systems (electronic) 432 EME Technician. He remained there until 1985.He was sent to 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Lahr Germany in early July 1985. This was during the height of the Cold War when Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were busy creating the SALT treaty. At the same time, the Beirut bombings of the US Embassy had just happened, which brought Lahr to a high state of readiness. Cpl Milne served there proudly until the spring of 1986, when he left military service. He was never presented his SSM Nato/Otan medal upon release.

[caption id="attachment_14758" align="alignnone" width="500"] Competitors in the Canadian Forces Pacific Region Badminton qualifier (left) and the Pacific Region Squash qualifier (right) gather for team photos upon completion of their matches at Naden Athletic Centre. Photo credit PSP Staff[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Badminton and squash players from CFB Esquimalt will be well represented at the Canadian Forces Nationals in the New Year after prevailing in Pacific Region qualifying action from Dec. 5 to 7.In badminton regionals at the Naden Athletic Centre, top-ranked PO1 William Crocker prevailed in the men’s open age category, followed by PO2 Nathan Allen (second), Sgt Noah Eckenswiller (third), and PO1 Lee Westwood (fourth). All four men advanced to the Canadian Forces National Badminton and Squash Championships being held Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 at CFB Borden.MS Stephan Girard advanced in the Masters category with a first place finish. PO1 Andrzej Buczynski took second place and will represent Esquimalt in the Senior Men’s division. Capt Jillian Doiron advanced in the women’s category after placing second in the tournament.In regional Squash qualifying play, CPO2 Tim King secured the number two spot, followed by PO1 Keith Parsons in third and LCdr Jon Audy in fourth. LS Raymond Lendt was the Over-45 placement winner. All four will also advance to nationals.

RCAF Public Affairs ~CH-147 D-model Chinook helicopters have become historical artefacts after the last two in Canadian inventory were delivered to two museums in Ontario.Aircraft 147201 arrived at 8 Wing Trenton on Nov. 17. It will be re-assembled and painted, and put on display at Trenton’s National Air Force Museum of Canada.Aircraft 147206 arrived at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa on Nov. 18. It will be re-assembled, refinished and put on display as a gate guard outside 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.The value of the D-model Chinook helicopters was clearly highlighted by Canadian operational experience in Afghanistan, with six employed as part of Canada’s Air Wing in Kandahar. These aircraft were purchased from the United States in 2009 to provide an interim capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.Throughout their two-and-a-half years in Afghanistan, RCAF CH-147D Chinook helicopters provided yeoman service, significantly reducing the threat to deployed Canadian Army soldiers by reducing the requirement for ground transport. With their capability to lift large amounts of cargo and numbers of passengers in the high elevations and temperatures in Afghanistan, the Chinooks’ support was always in big demand.These workhorse helicopters helped to save lives in Afghanistan every day, and contributed significantly to mission success.CH-147D Chinook operations in Afghanistan were not without risk. Two Canadian Chinooks were lost in Afghanistan. The first was downed by insurgent fire near forward operating Base Masum Ghar on August 5, 2010, and the second rolled over on landing in dusty conditions while conducting a night air assault mission on May 16, 2011.Canada’s Chinook historyCanada’s eight CH-147C Chinook helicopters were flown from 1974 until 1991, primarily by 447 Transport Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton and 450 Transport Helicopter Squadron in Ottawa. 447 Squadron was disbanded in July 1991 and 450 Squadron in Ottawa became 450 Composite Helicopter Squadron (later 450 Tactical Helicopter...

[caption id="attachment_14749" align="alignnone" width="450"] Winnipeg sailors in the Santa Claus parade with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ mascots.[/caption]“Winnipeg? You’re going there in November?!” This was the phrase heard most often by 10 members of HMCS Winnipeg who were selected to attend the ship’s Namesake City visit to Winnipeg, Manitoba.Surprisingly, the attendees enjoyed sunny weather with unseasonably warm temperatures in the high teens for most of the visit.The sailors, led by Logistics Officer, Lt(N) Michelle Baranowski, and Coxswain, CPO1 Sylvain Jaquemot, had an action-packed five days in the Manitoba capital.Highlights of the week included a visit to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. There, the team met Speaker of the House, the Honourable Myrna Driedger. The team also met with Member of the Legislative Assembly Jon Reyes, who is Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. Reyes has a special connection to HMCS Winnipeg. He served on board as a Naval Combat Information Operator from 1994-1999.Another visit was to Winnipeg City Hall, where Mayor, Brian Bowman presented the sailors with a beautiful framed painting of children playing pond hockey.On Remembrance Day, Winnipeg’s ­sailors attended a ceremony at HMCS Chippawa, the Naval Reserve Division in Winnipeg. Some of Winnipeg’s sailors formed the Colour Party for the ceremony.After the ceremony, the representatives from Winnipeg made their way to Deer Lodge Centre, a hospital specializing in the treatment of veterans. The sailors participated in their Remembrance Day ceremony as well and talked with a few of the veterans.The week culminated with Winnipeg’s sailors taking part in the city’s famous Santa Claus parade.

[caption id="attachment_14744" align="alignnone" width="400"] Crew members from HMCS Charlottetown spread some holiday cheer by helping to clean the grounds of an orphanage in Chania, Greece, during Operation Reassurance. Photos by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imagery Services[/caption]Lt(N) Benoit Plante, HMCS Charlottetown ~On Dec. 10, sailors from HMCS Charlottetown brought some Christmas cheer to an orphanage in Chania, Greece.Supported by the ship’s logistics department, Charlottetown’s Padre, Lt(N) Haupi Tombing arranged for a visit from Santa Claus and some manual labour by 35 crew members.“The ship’s company was really excited with the project. The sign-up sheet filled quickly and we even had to refuse some people as we didn’t have enough space to bring everyone on the bus,” said Lt (N) Tombing.After some research, the padre found a group called Young People of Chania. This organization operates orphanages in Chania, Greece, both for boys and girls separately. One of these is an orphanage for boys called Branch of Protecting Children.“Following a discussion with the director, we went to the boys’ orphanage. Currently, they have 31 boys living there,” said Padre Tombing. “The main goal of the organization is to provide shelter, education and guidance so that the boys can finish high school or college and stand on their own feet.”The crew members did an astounding amount of work in and around the large playground in the backyard of the orphanage. They repainted the basketball net support structures and guard rails around the stairs, repaired broken bicycles, picked up a large amount of garbage on the ground, and did some landscaping and gardening.Following the manual work, everyone gathered inside the orphanage for Christmas carols. A few minutes later, Santa arrived and all of the children received gifts.“That was a great day. It was Christmas in true Canadian spirit: Giving! We achieved a large amount...

[caption id="attachment_14741" align="alignnone" width="400"] Families react to the return of HMCS Vancouver. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~After six months at sea, holiday cheer and heart-felt embraces warmed the spirits of HMCS Vancouver sailors and their families in a homecoming last Wednesday.Temperatures hovered near the freezing mark and a brisk northerly wind greeted the Halifax-Class frigate as it pulled alongside. Still, family members smiled eagerly as they waited to welcome their loved ones home.The ship came alongside A Jetty at 10 a.m. where the ship’s company was greeted by a cheering crowd of 250 friends, family and co-workers who waved, blew kisses and held their welcome home banners high.“There is no better time than when a ship comes alongside after a long deployment and this moment is just perfect for the [holiday] season,” remarked Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, as he stood on the jetty beside Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon moments before the sailors disembarked.“When I look around and see all the families and sailors who have made big sacrifices and they are reunited, it warms my heart.”Moments after the ship docked, Cpl John Jamieson of 443 Squadron was bestowed the honour of the navy’s traditional First Kiss and proceeded with a lengthy embrace with his fiancée Racheal Wilkie. Cpl Jamieson’s name was randomly selected in a raffle with the rest of the ship’s company and said he bought 12 tickets to give him better odds of winning the draw.  He said he was likely the first aviator ever to ever be chosen for the First Kiss aboard an RCN ship.“This is the best Christmas present ever,” declared Wilkie as the two embraced and the crowd cheered.“The cold weather has nothing to do with us kissing for so long, it was because...

[caption id="attachment_14732" align="alignnone" width="400"] Commander Sylvain Belair with Ottawa Senators mascot Spartacat.[/caption]Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie, HMCS Ottawa ~In late November four sailors from HMCS Ottawa spent a week in Ottawa, Ontario, for a Namesake City Visit. Their eventful program included visiting youth groups, seniors and navy veterans; volunteering at charities; and making official visits. Ottawa’s 20th anniversary was highlighted throughout the visit.Upon their arrival in Ottawa, the sailors – Commander (Cdr) Sylvain Belair, Captain of Ottawa; Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Alden Darragh, Coxswain; Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Ellie Aminaie, Information Warfare Officer; and Able Seaman (AB) Tyler Gallant, Hull Technician – had to hurry to their first engagement with the 3rd Orleans Scout Troop, which the ship sponsors. They spent an evening with the scout troop participating in a team-building activity and doing a question and answer session with the scouts.With little opportunity to recover from jet lag, the next morning was an early one spent at Elgin Street Public School where the Ottawa team gave a presentation to children in Grades 3 to 6 in the school gym. The students had plenty of questions, ranging from the hardest decision the ship’s captain had to make to whether we have muffins onboard ships.The follow-on engagement was a visit to the ship’s official charity, The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, where they enjoyed afternoon tea with the navy veterans at the centre. They listened to wartime stories and made a large charitable donation collected through fundraising by the ship’s crew.“The residents thoroughly enjoy it when the HMCS Ottawa crew pay a visit to the centre each year,” said the centre’s director.“The PRVHC greatly appreciates the fundraising efforts made by the ship’s crew as the funds go toward caring for our deserving military veterans.”Next up was an evening with Royal Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_14729" align="alignnone" width="400"] Sailors from the People’s Liberation Army stand at attention as they prepare for inspection in front of missile frigate Yancheng. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Chinese naval fleet showed off three of its modern war ships during a five-day goodwill visit to Victoria Dec. 15 to 19.Supply Ship Taihu (889) and guided-missile frigates Daqing (576) and Yancheng (546) were open to the public during their five-day stay at Ogden Point.As they approached Victoria, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Task Group was escorted into Canadian waters by HMCS Winnipeg on the evening of Dec. 14 and was then met off the Victoria waterfront by an ORCA patrol vessel and HMCS Chicoutimi.Under bright blue skies the following morning, the ships hoisted the flags of both Canada and China to their mainmasts during an official welcoming.Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Huang Xinjian, Deputy Commander of the PLA North China Sea Fleet and Commanding Officer of the visiting Chinese naval fleet, and RAdm Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) made brief addresses during the ceremony. They both emphasized the importance of international co-operation and security on the high seas to an audience of approximately 300 people, which included military members, representatives from the Chinese-Canadian community and the general public.“As Pacific countries, our navies have a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” said RAdm McDonald. “I look forward to engaging with the senior leadership and sailors over the next few days as they enjoy Victoria’s friendly hospitality.”As part of that hospitality, PLA members enjoyed a tour of the Naval Officer Training Centre, Damage Control School and HMCS Calgary on Dec. 16.In addition to welcoming the public aboard one of their ships, the Chinese contingent also played host as RAdm Huang Xinjiang held a deck...

As the holiday season draws near, Lookout sought out the Gnaval Gnomefor his perspective on 2016 and what lies ahead.LOOKOUT (LO): Welcome back, Gnaval Gnome. How have you been?Gnaval Gnome (GG): I’ve been busier than a one-eyed cat watching gnine mouse holes!LO: You’re looking well, but is that more white I see in your beard?GG: What? White? Gno, my beard isn’t white. It’s Arctic blonde!LO: Oh, sorry, of course. So, what have you been up to?GG: Well, it may interest you to gknow that I was away at RIMPAC 16 this summer! Best RIMPAC ever!LO: And how was that?GG: It was pretty gneato! Did you gknow that RIMPAC takes place in and around Hawaii, which was originally gknown as the Sandwich Islands? Mmm, sandwiches.LO: What did you do there?GG: I was Senior Staff Officer in charge of glitter glue and balloon animals. I learned the ancient art of balloon animaling, or zooblooning as it’s gknown in the trade, from my Uncle, Zebadiah Gnome. He had to learn a marketable skill when he lost his job at the calendar factory; they said he was taking too many days off. Mind you, I think the whole calendar industry’s days are numbered.LO: Hmm, I see. I understand you’ve also taken some leave recently?GG: Oh yes! I toured around the Emerald Isle. Hut, hut, hut.LO: And why did you go to Ireland?GG: Ah. Well, I went to visit some of my leprechaun relatives, and to get some fresh air and exercise. Some of my friends said I was looking a little peaked. I said it was just my hat. But they insisted I looked run down, and also that I have a preoccupation with vengeance…well, we`ll see about that…LO: Er, yes. So what exercise did you get there?GG: I got into Gnordic Pole Walking....

[caption id="attachment_14714" align="alignnone" width="225"] Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell with his family, wife Shuana, and children Nate and Bekah, plus the family dog Relic, in the Wardroom lounge. Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]As Christmas and the holiday season approaches we should all take the time to slow down a little and reflect on what we have accomplished in 2016 and what lies ahead for 2017. I would like to take this opportunity express how much I truly appreciate the hard work of the entire Defence Team to provide support to ships, shore units, and personnel.This is my third year as Base Commander so I have seen first-hand the significant changes in and around the Base. I only have to look at my last two holiday messages and family photos to see how much my children have grown and to notice a few new grey hairs!I am immensely proud of the work the Base team has been able to accomplish this year, working towards and supporting the revitalization of our infrastructure - which will undoubtedly cause short term inconveniences but will bring the Dockyard into the 21st century.The harbour will be a busy place as we continue with environmental work to clean up ­historic pollution through the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project. With the first phase of dredging complete, the project will now focus on the areas around the jetties in Colwood. I wonder whether we will see any treasures or interesting artefacts in this next phase; perhaps an interesting storyline from years of our Port Boats berthed there?A new wave-attenuating breakwater in Colwood will provide us with much-needed ­flexibility at D jetty during the coming years while A and B jetties are being demolished and replaced.I am very proud that so many units came together this past summer for...