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[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...

Cpl Dustin Renz, Military Police Unit Esquimalt ~The time of year is once again upon us when we find our schedules busy with holiday parties and visits with friends and family. During these occasions, gifts will be exchanged, laughs will be shared, and drinks will be enjoyed.With so much going on in the holiday season, we urge you to remember something very important: Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada estimates there are between 1,250 and 1,500 impairment-related crash deaths in Canada each year (3.4 – 4.1 deaths per day).It only takes a few minutes and a couple of extra dollars to arrange a safe ride home, and with so much at stake (lives, mobility, careers, etcetera), it is well worth it.It is a criminal offence to operate, or be in care or control of a motor vehicle whether it is in motion or not, while your ability to operate the vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs.Military Police have seen an increase in cannabis-related impaired drivers in recent months, and these matters are dealt with no differently than alcohol-related impaired drivers.If you are at fault for a death as a result of impaired driving, you will be eligible for life imprisonment.The best thing you can do to stay safe is to plan ahead. There are many options to get you home safely, such as cabs, sober friends, designated driver services, or dial-a-driver. Remind your guests and friends of these options to ensure they have a safe ride home at the end of the night.It is important to be aware that even the morning after you have consumed alcohol, you still may be over the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol takes time to be eliminated from the...

[caption id="attachment_14706" align="alignnone" width="425"] CAF Mobile App[/caption]DND ~Canadian Armed Forces members now have access to a variety of tools and services essential to CAF members, their families, and the extended defence community through a new tool, the Canadian Armed Forces Mobile Application (CAF Mobile App).The app, developed at the request of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), ensures that you will be provided with the latest useful, unclassified information about defence directly from the CDS and his command team.Want to check for housing at 3 Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton? There is a section for that.Need the latest numbers for family support? It has that, too.Want to see the latest Canadian Forces General (CANFORGEN) message? It has that.The CAF Mobile App includes plenty of other resources for members and their families, including compensation and benefits, relocation, education and training, legal, morale and welfare, OUTCAN, and contact information for Veterans Affairs.The app also makes it easy to stay current on the latest social media posts, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. You can tailor it to your needs so that you always know what is going on.Download it here: http://bit.ly/2hPOAAmThe app is available for free from the iOS, Android, and BlackBerry stores.

[caption id="attachment_14668" align="alignnone" width="450"] OS Anna Cocquyt and LS Ashton Marlow participate in the Dancing with the Stars of 911 competition in London, ON.[/caption]Lt(N) David Lewis, HMCS Prevost PAO ~Members of HMCS Prevost, the Naval Reserve Division in London, Ontario, swapped their sea boots for dancing shoes.OS Anna Cocquyt and LS Ashton Marlow recently competed in the 7th annual Dancing With The Stars of 911 Gala event hosted by the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund. The Fund is dedicated to the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public buildings in the name of fallen law enforcement, fire, EMS and military members who have died in the line of duty.The gala event is an evening of dinner, silent auction, and dance performances by sailors, police, paramedics and communicators.The Naval Reserve mission is not only to generate trained individuals for Canadian Armed Forces operations but also to support the navy’s efforts in connecting with Canadians in our local communities. This was a great opportunity for these two young sailors to unlace their sea boots and slips on their dance shoes.OS Anna Cocquyt joined the navy this year with a deep desire to serve her country. She is training to be a boatswain. Having grown up in a small town she kept herself entertained by making up a dance or skit in the backyard with her sister. She started dancing ballet and learning gymnastics when she was little and has loved dance ever since.“I heard about the DWTS of 911 event and I jumped on the opportunity to aid in such an honourable and meaningful cause,” she said “I am always up for a challenge and willing to put myself out there for a little laugh while I’m at it.”LS Ashton Marlow is already a member of Prevost. He is a boatswain and has volunteered...

[caption id="attachment_14665" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Shipmates across the MARPAC Defence Team, as 2016 draws to a close, we all look forward to ­celebrating the holiday season with our families and friends while taking the time to reflect on our year past.As your Commander, I look back over the past year with great pride in, and admiration for, everything that you – and our Navy in general – has accomplished!Our ships have travelled far and wide to participate in operations, exercises, and visits – having been prepared and sustained by a world-class engineering effort!We have provided disaster relief to an earthquake-stricken region, stopped drug smugglers in their tracks, and forged important bonds with partner nations and allies around the globe, and especially in our Indo-Asia Pacific neighbourhood.Here at home, meanwhile, we’ve also made a difference in everything from rescues at sea and in the wilderness, to contributing in our local communities with our time – an amazing 500,000 hours annually – and money. Beyond these impressive measures of operational excellence and citizenship, the MARPAC/Naval Reserve team has stood-up the Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG) and we’re advancing the Naval Security Team (NST) proof-of-concept.Importantly, we’ve also returned Chicoutimi to sea and made her ready for a busy year ahead.Meanwhile, we’ve begun the vital work of transforming and modernizing the RCN’s individual training system and we’ve continued to make good progress in evolving the Naval Reserve so that our citizen-sailors can more conveniently make significant contributions to our One Navy’s readiness and capability. And, most importantly, notwithstanding the substantive progress we’ve already realized, we have resolved and recommitted ourselves to improving our workplace environments in order to ensure that ours is one free of inappropriate behaviours and re-categorizes us as one of the nation’s best employers.In retrospect,...

[caption id="attachment_14662" align="alignnone" width="400"] HMCS Toronto pushes off from Irving Shipyard after the ship’s ceremonial return to the fleet on Nov. 29 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo by OS Paul Green, Formation Imaging Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~It’s not often government officials get to tout large procurement projects as being completed on time and under budget. But those were the words of the day on Nov. 29 when HMCS Toronto returned to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), marking the completion of the Halifax-class Modernization (HMC)/Frigate Life Extension project.A ceremony was held at Irving Shipbuilding Halifax shipyards, where ­leaders involved with the project, including VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, gathered to mark the occasion and spread the good news.The HCM project had a budget of about $4.3 billion, and while final total costs aren’t available, ADM(Materiel) Pat Finn said a portion of that budget is already being returned.A number of speakers focused on this point in their remarks at the ceremony, including Finn, VAdm Lloyd, and Halifax MP Andy Fillmore.VAdm Lloyd said trust and communication with stakeholders and the public is important, and communicating this project is a way to show that government and industry can cooperate to deliver high-quality equipment with cost efficiency.“When Canadians take a look at their shipbuilding industry now, they can be proud of another success story,” he said.The goal of the HCM/FELEX project, which began more than a decade ago, was to see all 12 Halifax-class frigates undergo refit and installation of modern equipment to allow sailors to continue to work in defense of Canada at home and abroad. The process involved Irving Shipbuilding on the East Coast, Seaspan Shipyards on the West Coast, Lockheed Martin Canada, and more than 30 other firms working with the Government of Canada.The result is a fleet...

[caption id="attachment_14659" align="alignnone" width="500"] Esquimalt school children gather with crew of HMCS Calgary and members of the Esquimalt Lions Club aboard HMCS Calgary, Dec. 8 2016. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Twenty-four children from Esquimalt area schools got into the holiday spirit early with a Christmas-themed, three-hour tour of HMCS Calgary on Dec. 8.The annual visit facilitated by the Esquimalt Lions Club and PO2 Brad Warford, a weapons engineering technician from Calgary, enabled the children, ages eight to 11, to get a first-hand look at the inner workings of the Halifax-class frigate. They were given guided tours of the vessel’s machinery control room, and the bridge, and also a look at the Bofors 57 mm rapid-fire main gun.After their walkabout, the children then enjoyed lunch in the ship’s cafeteria where they also watched Christmas movies and played games with members of the crew and Lions Club. Then, towards the end of their lunch came the biggest thrill of their day as the Jolly Old One, Santa Claus made a surprise appearance in the cafeteria, sharing warm embraces and high fives with the children. One by one they sat on Santa’s lap and he handed each child a present, laughing with great delight as each gift was handed out.“This year’s tour was an overwhelming success and the ship’s staff were very excited to have the children on board with us today,” said PO2 Warford. “HMCS Calgary is very proud to host this event again this year, and is happy to carry on a tradition that was originally started by the Esquimalt Lions Club and the former HMCS Protecteur.”Protecteur and members of the Lions Club began the annual Christmas Tour 31 years ago, but since the supply ship’s decommissioning three years ago, Calgary has taken over as host.

[caption id="attachment_14656" align="alignnone" width="560"] LS Steven Waddell (left), better known as Captain (Navy) and Base Commander, and Capt(N) Michael Fortin (right), Base Commander for the Day, with retired military member Bill Emberly as he carves the ceremonial turkey during the CFB Esquimalt Veteran’s Dine with Service Personnel Yuletide Luncheon, Nelles Block Galley. Photos by MCpl Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14644" align="alignnone" width="560"] Left photo: Retired military member Bill Emberly (right) and Robert Marshall (left) (retired fire chief) enjoy the festive meal together. Right photo: Retired military members Harry Miller (left), Gerry Lee (center left), Ed Widenmaier (center right), and Jim MacMillan enjoy the turkey dinner.[/caption]Retired military members enjoyed a festive meal together during the CFB Esquimalt Veteran’s Dine with Service Personnel Yuletide Luncheon.

[caption id="attachment_14639" align="alignnone" width="400"] Capt Federico N. Garcia Leyva and Cdr Yves Tremblay release the ribbon for the commemoration wreath for José Marti in Havana, Cuba, on Nov. 20. Photo by Corporal Kenneth Galbraith, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Sean Ritchie, MARLANT PAO ~I cultivate a white rose/In July as in January/For the sincere friend/Who gives me his hand frankly/And for the cruel person who tears/out the heart with which I live,/I cultivate neither nettles nor thorns:/I cultivate a white rose. – Line from Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca by José MartiThe Apostle of Cuban Independence, José Marti, still holds a special place in the hearts of his countrymen 121 years after his passing. He has become such a prominent symbol in the Cuban culture that it is now a custom for visiting dignitaries to place a wreath at one of his memorial statues throughout the country.In 2016 prominent North American leaders, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Barack Obama took part in this ceremony, and now Cdr Yves Tremblay, Commanding Officer of HMCS Fredericton, can say the same.On Sunday Nov. 20, Cdr Tremblay stood with members of the Canadian Embassy to Cuba, Commodore Craig Baines, and Capitan De Navio Lazaro Rodriguez Perera, before the José Marti memorial in Parque Central, Havana, and watched as Cuban soldiers marched up with the traditional wreath in hand. With 50 smartly turned out members of his ship’s company behind him, Cdr Tremblay and Capitan Rodriguez approached to unveil the ceremonial ribbon, as has been done by those before him.“It was a memorable experience for the crew and I to have participated in the wreath laying ceremony at the José Marti statue in Parque Central,” said Cdr Yves Tremblay. “Involvement in an event such as this allows the ship and the Royal Canadian Navy to generate goodwill,...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two large Satellite Ground Terminals (SGTs) will soon be perched on a rocky outcrop on Signal Hill.The stage for installation will be set following the completion of foundational and electrical work in December. At that time, the two 13.2-metre satellite dishes will be brought in and assembled.“They will be the most prominent structures on Signal Hill and will stand out from any infrastructure located there, but will be located slightly lower down [the hillside] than the current SGTs,” said LCdr Mike Erwin, Senior Staff Officer Computer and Information Systems Operations (N61), while noting the project at Esquimalt has been in the works since 2013.The SGTs are part of the Mercury Global Project, and they will increase access to the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) communications system and its constellation of nine satellites. Signal Hill is one of the project’s three primary locations for SGTs in Canada, in addition to those in Great Village, NS, and Ottawa, ON.The new communications network will enhance the ability of Canadian deployed forces to exchange large amounts of information and improve operational capability. Current military satellite communication consists of a number of temporary Canadian ground stations that communicate with the WGS constellation, including the domed antenna that can be seen on Signal Hill. The new SGTs will greatly enhance the volume of information transferred.“Mercury Global will expand the number of high-speed digital channels for deployed military units from seven to 50 channels, with the ability to expand to 125 channels, and greatly enhance communications capabilities,” explained LCdr Erwin. “As our operations become ever more network-centric, the increased capacity the new anchor stations provide will certainly have a positive impact.”Increased access to the WGS system will allow the flow of greater amounts of data, text, video and audio transmission for critical communications, such...

[caption id="attachment_14617" align="alignnone" width="225"] Julianna in dance mode, with her artificial arm.[/caption]As The War Amps marks the 70th anniversary of its Key Tag Service this year, it has put the spotlight on a young B.C. amputee with a passion for dance.Julianna, 18, was born a right arm amputee and is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program.She is currently being featured in a War Amps public service announcement (PSA) that shows her dancing using an artificial arm that gives her flexibility and balance.As a member of CHAMP, Julianna is eligible for financial assistance with the cost of artificial limbs and to attend regional seminars where she meets other amputees just like her.CHAMP is part of The War Amps ongoing legacy, which began in 1918 when amputee veterans returning from the First World War started a fraternal organization based on an “amputees helping amputees” philosophy.These veterans then launched the Key Tag Service in 1946 so that returning Second World War amputees could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association.Today, it continues to employ amputees and other people with disabilities, and has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to date. Public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service funds the Association’s essential programs for war, adult and child amputees across Canada.For her part, Julianna says support from The War Amps has meant a lot.“The War Amps has played a huge role in my life, not only by providing funding for my artificial limbs, but also the seminars and just making me feel more comfortable with who I am.”The War Amps receives no government grants. For more information, or to order key tags or address labels, visit waramps.ca or call toll-free 1...

[caption id="attachment_14614" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lieutenant-Commander Donald Allan[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~Lieutenant-Commander Donald Allan lives two lives, one of which is pure fantasy.An information warfare specialist in the Royal Canadian Navy by day and an award-winning self-published fantasy novelist by night, LCdr Allan is a self-affirmed “large geek and sometime nerd.”“That’s a good thing today, thankfully!” he says.LCdr Allan’s first book, Duilleog, which is Celtic for leaf, recently won a Gold Medal in the Fantasy/Other World category in Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards.“I was nominated and then unexpectedly I won Gold for my category,” he says. “I am my own worst critic. People tell me ‘I love your novels’ and internally I am wincing, thinking ‘how did they miss this or that?’ It’s still sinking in. I’m not used to bragging, but I’m starting a little! So it felt good. It affirmed that I am indeed an author; an honest to goodness real author.”In fact, LCdr Allan is currently writing the third book in what he calls the “New Druids” series and already has plans for a fourth. All the books have Celtic titles (along with Duilleog there is Craobh [branch], Stoc [stalk] and Freamhaigh [root]), which is a natural fit for him since he grew up in a Scottish household.“My mum and dad and my brother immigrated from Port Glasgow, Scotland in 1962. I was born in Ottawa but have been surrounded by all things Scottish my entire life, so I naturally lean towards Celtic things. Except Scotch pies - I hate those things,” LCdr Allan laughs.He has been writing his whole life, but mostly for enjoyment, he says. A teacher at the Glebe Collegiate Institute in Ottawa where he went to high school, Brian Doyle, also an established author, wanted LCdr Allan to become a writer and...

[caption id="attachment_14611" align="alignnone" width="500"] Operation ChromeDome[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~In one week LCdr Judith Harlock will sport a new look: “Cue-ball bald.”She agreed to go under the barber’s clippers Dec. 15, 11 a.m., and lose her hair to raise money for cancer research and show support for a co-worker battling the disease.Dubbed Operation Chrome Dome, the fundraiser is a formation-wide show of support for PO2 Fiona Borland who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.“Operation Chrome Dome is really an open-hearted act of solidarity for PO2 Borland,” says LCdr Harlock.The two women have been friends for over 20 years since they were posted to HMCS Malahat back in the early 1990s.“Operation Chrome Dome was Judith and another co-worker’s idea,” said PO2 Borland. “When I said I wanted to raise money for cancer research and treatment she declared if I could raise $3,000 before the holiday break she would go bald.”The money will be used to support the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, and the funds will be part of the base’s NDWCC grand total.LCdr Harlock’s hairless fate was determined in mid-November when the initial $3,000 target was surpassed. The buzz about Operation Chrome Dome and LCdr Harlock’s dare spread quickly with comical police-blotter style posters posted around Naden, a Go Fund Me Page www.gofundme.com/raising-money-for-bc-cancer-agency, and Facebook page, which all helped generate substantial support.PO2 Borland was touched by the response and admits that creating something positive following a crushing diagnosis didn’t seem possible a few months ago.In late August, when the 49-year-old was doing a self-examination on her breasts she noticed an inconsistency and reported it to her physician. On Sept. 8 she learned the “ripple” was breast cancer.PO2 Borland has been undergoing treatment and chemotherapy once a week for the past 12 weeks and is...

[caption id="attachment_14608" align="alignnone" width="400"] The recipients of Cert 2, 3 and 4s on Nov. 5.[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~While visiting HMCS Vancouver in Brisbane, Australia, last month, Rear-Admiral Art McDonald presented 18 awards, certificates and promotions to members of the crew. Six of those presentations were for new Marine Engineer certifications, including four Cert 2Es, one Cert 3 and one Cert 4.“Generating forward is all about getting the training done at sea and on time so we can continue to achieve operational excellence throughout the fleet,” said RAdm McDonald.“These engineers have just successfully completed a very intensive training process and now we have six new certifications on board HMCS Vancouver. That’s really a remarkable success, both for the ship and for the Royal Canadian Navy.”LS Christopher Albin earned his Cert 2E while on board the ship. He was attached posted from HMCS Calgary for WestPloy and said he’s very appreciative of the opportunity to complete his training on deployment.“Having everyone else training around you allows you to bounce ideas off each other and learn things you wouldn’t necessarily notice on your own,” says LS Albin. “If I’d been ashore, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity for the hands-on training that allowed me to get my certification done as quickly and effectively as I did sailing in Vancouver.”According to the ship’s Engineering Officer, Lt(N) Tony Carter, forward Force Generation deployments such as WestPloy 16 are ideal conditions for certification training. While deployed at sea, it is easier to simulate the realism of an engineering problem or emergency, including aspects such as communicating options and recommendations to the Officer of the Watch. The realism of the training environment better prepares the trainees to assume the responsibilities of their new classifications. Another advantage of completing certifications during a deployment is that it allows...

[caption id="attachment_14605" align="alignnone" width="550"] Touch football teams representing HMCS Calgary, dressed in white (left), and HMCS Ottawa, dressed in black (right) gather for a group photograph ahead of their pre-Grey Cup game. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~With brimming smiles, sailors from HMCS Ottawa proudly hoisted the flag of the 2016 CFL Grey-Cup Champion, the Ottawa Redblacks, up the mast of HMCS Calgary on Nov. 28.The two ships are the namesakes of both Grey Cup combatants and ahead of the 39-33 overtime win by the Redblacks over the Calgary Stampeders, the commanding officers of both ships agreed to a friendly wager on the game.The first portion of the wager involved a touch football game between the two ships, played Nov. 25 at Langford’s Westhills Stadium, which Calgary easily won 36-6 in front of 350 spectators.“Friendly wagers like this produce winners on both sides, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Cdr Blair Saltel, Commanding Officer of HMCS Calgary. “Seeing the outstanding support the ship gave to their crewmates who took to the Field at Westhills, and defeating Ottawa during our mini Grey Cup, was the highlight of my year.”But unfortunately for Cdr Saltel and his crew, the fine print in the agreement also included one important caveat that read: “The ship representing the losing city in the Grey Cup game would be required to hoist the team flag of the winning city on its mast for the duration of the day, from sunrise to sunset.”HMCS Ottawa’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Sylvain Belair was away on business and unable to attend the informal flag-raising event held at 9:30 a.m. at Dockyard’s A Jetty Monday Nov. 28. So SLt Julian Yates, the acting executive officer of Ottawa, and three shipmates unraveled the Red Blacks’ banner and hoisted...

[caption id="attachment_14598" align="alignnone" width="225"] A portrait painting of CPO1 Mike Howlett who died of cancer in 2010.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Hull technicians past and present will lace up their skates to honour a departed colleague who loved hockey.The naval tradespeople who work out of Galiano, Colwood’s damage control building, will line up on their respective blue lines for the third annual Mike Howlett Memorial Hockey Game on Dec. 8, 1 p.m. at the Wurtele Arena.CPO1 Howlett succumbed to pancreatic cancer in March 2010.Organizers LS Keelan Cook and PO2 Mark Lavoie say the annual hockey game began five years ago as a buildup to their annual year-end holiday party.“It began as an excellent way to get some exercise, blow off some steam, and build camaraderie and friendship,” said PO2 Mark Lavoie.When Chief Howlett died, they decided to play the game in his memory.“The more recent editions of the game gets all the Hull Techs together for an afternoon of fun, playing a game they love while remembering a man we loved,” says LS Cook.CPO1 Howlett, of Stephenville, NFLD., was a loyal Edmonton Oilers fan and loved hockey so much he once had a ball hockey court built at their unit.Proceeds from each hockey game participant’s $10 registration fee will be donated to cancer research.Both PO2 Lavoie and LS Cook have competitive hockey experience. Prior to his military career, PO2 Lavoie played for Les Gaillards de Jonquière of the Quebec Collegial AAA Hockey League, while LS Cook is the team Captain and coach for the CFB Esquimalt Mens Tritons, and also played with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Neepewa Natives and Portage Terriers, and the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.CPO2 (Ret’d) Butch Boucher, 69, a former co-worker of CPO1 Howlett and experienced senior recreational league goaltender, will be...

[caption id="attachment_14595" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo by MAPAC Imaging[/caption]DND ~HMCS Edmonton assisted the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in the disruption of three separate illicit drug shipments from Nov. 15 to 18, in international waters off the Pacific Coast of Central America. The combined weight of the disrupted drug shipments, confirmed to be cocaine by the USCG, was an estimated 2,120 kg.In each instance, the collaborative efforts of the Royal Canadian Navy, USCG Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET), USCG cutters, and USCG aircraft led to the disruptions. Most of the cocaine from each disruption was recovered from the ocean after being jettisoned by suspected smugglers in panga-style fishing vessels. In all cases, a USCG aircraft provided observation and vectoring information to teams deployed in rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and USCG cutters served to house and transport the suspected smugglers who were apprehended.“Edmonton’s interceptions this week are the result of the crew’s focused training in advance of deployment and tireless effort while deployed,” said Lieutenant-Commander Lucas Kenward, Commanding Officer HMCS Edmonton. “I am incredibly proud of their efforts to date. Edmonton has demonstrated the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to communicate, share information, and seamlessly integrate with the maritime patrol aircraft and surface units of our USCG and USN allies to combat narcotics trafficking in the Eastern Pacific.”In total, 32 bales of cocaine were recovered during three disruptions, weighing an estimated 1,510 kg, while an estimated 610 kg of cocaine were lost to sea despite an extensive search. A total of seven suspected smugglers were also apprehended by the USCG.In the Nov. 15 incident, a total of one bale of cocaine weighing an estimated 40 kg was recovered from the ocean, with an estimated 610 kg lost to sea, despite a 10-hour search by HMCS Edmonton. A panga-style fishing vessel was boarded by a USCG LEDET...

[caption id="attachment_14579" align="alignnone" width="250"] Colonel Elizabeth Lawrie Smellie. CWM 20000105-054 Beaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum[/caption]Lynn Capuano, Army Public Affairs ~In 1944, Colonel Elizabeth Lawrie (Beth) Smellie became the first woman to reach the rank of colonel in the Canadian Army, a high point in a truly remarkable career with many accomplishments in the field of both military and public health care.Col Smellie entered the First World War as a nursing sister, worked tirelessly between the wars on public health matters, and by the close of the Second World War she was Matron-in-Chief of Nursing for the entire Canadian Army. She was described as a genius of organization, efficient, disciplined and always a “lady” by those with whom she served.Born in 1884 in Port Arthur, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay, Ontario), Col Smellie was the daughter of a frontier physician who was a chief surgeon for the Canadian Pacific Railway as it was being built, and who was also a businessman and politician.Col Smellie’s desire to become a nurse was strongly influenced by her father’s vocation and the illnesses and deaths of two siblings. Despite her father’s discouragement, she left home to study nursing at Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of 25 in 1909, diploma in hand, she returned to Canada to as the night supervisor at McKellar General Hospital in her home town, followed by a stint as a private nurse.First World War serviceWhen the First World War broke out in 1914, Col Smellie was one of the first to be accepted to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a nursing sister.Nursing sisters were enlisted as officers at the rank of lieutenant, numbering about 3,100 during the First World War. She served in military hospitals in the regions of...

Second Lieutenant Cameron Park,The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) ~Under a tall oak tree near a small white church in Comox, British Columbia, a tall pyramid of grey stone stands.The Sandwick Cairn rises from the ground to support a cross as a memorial to fallen Canadian soldiers. It has stood as a quiet sentry of remembrance since November 1922. It is named for the neighbourhood in which it stands; a brass plaque with the names of soldiers from the Comox area who fell in the First World War faces the nearby road.Unveiled by then Governor General Lord Byng of Vimy, the Sandwick Cairn was built as a memorial for Comox residents. It was built from stones brought from the fields in the surrounding farms. Many stones were contributed by families of the fallen.As described by the Vancouver Daily Province at the time, “It is a pyramid of stones gathered from the farms which the lads it commemorates knew and loved so well.”As the community grew, other cenotaphs became the focus of Remembrance Day ceremonies, and the cairn did not receive the same attention it once did.Enter Lt WilkinsonIn 2016, a name on the cairn became an item of special interest to The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), an army reserve unit based on Vancouver Island. Victoria Cross winner, Lieutenant Thomas Wilkinson, from Little River near Comox, was listed on the cairn. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for actions on July 5, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme while serving with the British Army.As the centennial of his award approached, his connection to Canada was explored, and it was discovered that Lieutenant Wilkinson’s military service began with The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), then known as the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), Canadian Expeditionary Force.Joining as a private, upon...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Canada Company’s mission to assist veterans in their transition to the civilian workforce has received a $1.1-million boost from the Government of Canada.Minister of Veterans Affairs Kent Hehr made the funding announcement on behalf of the Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour at the Canada Company’s 2016 National Transition Exchange Conference on Nov. 15 in Ottawa.The funding will be used to create a searchable online database and analytics tool to help former military personnel transition to existing high-demand private sector jobs and compatible educational and skills upgrade programs.“Helping Canada’s veterans find good jobs in the private sector is truly a win-win for everyone involved because veterans get to put their training and hard-earned skills to good use following their release from the military, while Canadian businesses benefit from the unique skills veterans offer,” said Hehr.Canada Company’s  National Transitions Exchange held at Canada’s Aviation and Space Museum brought together more than 250 veterans and their families, and close to 200 corporate employer partners representing 70 different companies. The event featured several Educational Labs in the morning, which included corporate and military guest speakers, and an exclusive Career Connect fair in the afternoon.Canada Company, a Toronto-based non-profit, was established in 2006 with its pledge to “stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the troops for the sacrifices they make every day.” With only a handful of members in its first days, today it boasts over 600 members and has become a growing outreach between the Canadian Armed Forces and the business world.Canada Company President Angela Mondou said the funding announcement by Minister Hehr was “a massive boost” which will assist her group’s efforts to reach out to members on digital programs with new interactive job-search software.“Put simply, the new software operates much like a Match.com [dating service] and is a two-way street for veterans to showcase their skills and unique experience to potential employers, and the corporate world to get information about their employment needs to veterans,” said Mondou.Mondou was a...

[caption id="attachment_14569" align="alignnone" width="400"] Cdr Clive Butler, Commanding Officer HMCS Vancouver, meets New Zealand MP Ron Mark in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Photo by Cpl Amanda McErlich[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA Office ~This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The country organized a number of events throughout the year to mark this milestone and celebrate the service, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who serve and have served in their naval force.The highlight of these events was to be the International Naval Review in Auckland Harbour from Nov. 17-22. A total of 22 countries, including Canada, planned to be in attendance at the Review to celebrate alongside their Kiwi allies.However, just three days before the start of the festivities, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s South Island, claiming the lives of two people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure in the area. Without hesitation, five nations who were already in the region to attend the Naval Review offered their support to the New Zealand government. Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States and Singapore all contributed to the humanitarian relief effort for the people of New Zealand hit hardest by the powerful earthquake.HMCS Vancouver travelled to the remote area of Kaikoura delivering supplies and helping the community begin to repair and rebuild.If honouring the RNZN’s anniversary alongside their allies and partners can be seen as a way of showcasing the importance of fostering the alliances that help maintain peace and security on the world’s oceans, then the humanitarian response in the wake of New Zealand’s earthquake demonstrates the power of those partnerships in action.In the vast maritime environment, success in times of peace and conflict is closely linked to teamwork and collaboration between partner navies.Modern security challenges, including criminal networks, natural...

[caption id="attachment_14566" align="alignnone" width="400"] LS Christopher Pearson[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Supply Technician from Base Logistics’ Return Stores is the recipient of a Commander Royal Canadian Navy (CRCN) Commendation for his life-saving revival of a man in downtown Victoria earlier this year.LS Christopher Pearson, 28, is set to accept the award in the near future. The award recognizes Canadian Armed Forces members who go beyond the demand of normal duty with a good deed or activity.For the sailor, his good deed took place April 14, while travelling to work. At the corner of Douglas St. and Yates St. he came across a man who appeared to be unconscious. Upon closer inspection he discovered the man had no pulse and was not breathing. Using recently learned first aid techniques he revived the man while a bystander called 9-1-1.Weeks earlier he had taken his standard St. John’s Ambulance First Aid Training. While the training is mandatory for all Canadian Armed Forces members, LS Pearson says the timing couldn’t have been better for both him and the victim.“I was able to go through everything step-by-step in my mind,” he says.Paramedics and Victoria Police arrived on the scene within 10 minutes and transported the man to hospital.For LS Pearson, the story ended there. Then Nov. 15 he received an unexpected visit from Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander. After a handshake between the two, the Base Commander told him of the award.“His visit was a complete, but pleasant, surprise; he joked with me and then asked ‘Weren’t you expecting me?’” said LS Pearson.After the presentation the sailor will be able to wear the commendation, which features a silver bar bearing three maple leafs, on his uniform.“I wasn’t expecting any kind of recognition or commendation to come from any of this,” said LS Pearson. “Helping that...

[caption id="attachment_14562" align="alignnone" width="400"] Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, Formation Chief Petty Officer, ready for the ceremonial puck drop between Adam Brooks, Captain of the Regina Pats, and Ryan Gagnon, Captain of the Victoria Royals, at centre ice.[/caption]The Western Hockey League Major Junior Victoria Royals hockey team held their Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Nov. 19 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in a game against the Regina Pats. Special commemorative jerseys worn by the Royals during the game were auctioned off at the end to raise funds for the Poppy Fund, Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), and Victoria Royals Education & Scholarship Fund.

[caption id="attachment_14555" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lisa deWit poses for a photo with RAdm William Truelove, Commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (Washington) and Canadian Defence Attache, following her address at the Girls Can Do Event.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Lisa deWit got an uplifting surprise in the form of long, loud applause following her speech on empowering women at the Girls Can Do event held in Washington, D.C.’s historic Warner Theatre.“I remember the cheers from the audience roared right back on stage at me, letting me know those in attendance genuinely appreciated my message,” said deWit, from Formation Review. “After the presentation, during a meet-and-greet, there were hugs and kisses from total strangers, people wanting photos, and I even had requests for autographs.”Girls Can Do is a U.S.-based non-profit that hosts events internationally with an emphasis on inspiring girls to be possibility thinkers. The event allows young women to engage, connect and share their struggles and accomplishments with others.During deWit’s 10-minute oration, she talked about growing up on Wet’suwet’en First Nations territory in northern B.C.  She emphasized the importance of how young women can “eliminate fear of perceived failure” in their lives and begin to see themselves as “matriarchs in training.”deWit, also the  Civilian Regional Co-Chair for the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group, was the only Canadian invited to speak at the event, which included Krishanti Vignarajah, Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama; hip-hop recording artist and former bassist for Beyoncé, Divinity Roxx; and the founder and designer of the anti-bullying software application Sit With Us, 16-year-old Natalie Hampton.deWit extended a special invitation to former Maritime Forces Pacific commander Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, now Commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (Washington) and Canadian Defence Attaché, and his wife Brenda Truelove. RAdm Truelove, who worked with deWit and the DAAG for several years before his departure from Esquimalt in 2015, described her address as “passionate and inspirational” and congratulated her afterwards.“Dressed in First Nations regalia with brilliant red colours, Lisa confidently took...

Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie, HMCS Ottawa ~Three weeks ago, family members and friends of the crew of HMCS Ottawa were invited to experience a day in the life of a sailor at sea.The day sail was well-attended by 200 friends and family members, including Honorary Captain Derek Turner who is a notable Second World War veteran.During this rare opportunity, guests experienced the ship manoeuvring at high speeds, a man overboard recovery, a diver deployment and recovery by a CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and an overall tour with stations throughout the ship.Upon exiting the harbour, the Captain brought the ship to full speed ahead on both gas turbines and guests were urged to hold on to something as the ship accelerated quickly through the water. The ship’s rudder was then moved from 30 degrees to port and over to 30 degrees to starboard in order to demonstrate the turning radius of the ship, and how much the ship heels over during high speed manoeuvres.Guests also experienced how quickly the ship stops when full speed astern is ordered on both engines.Upon completion of the high speed manoeuvring serial, the ship’s training dummy Oscar was thrown in the ocean and the ship’s rescue stations organization closed up to rescue him. The ship’s zodiac was launched and Oscar was quickly brought back onboard for medical care.The ship’s divers had an opportunity to display their training and skills through a helicopter deployment demonstration where they jumped off a CH-124 Sea King into the frigid waters of Constance Bank wearing their full diver gear, and were recovered by the helicopter moments later.Another engaging aspect of the day sail was the shipboard tour stations throughout the ship. While touring the ship, guests were given a chance to don bunker gear worn by firefighters, and handle a charged firefighting...

[caption id="attachment_14500" align="alignnone" width="400"] LS Sydney Huyghe[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~When a sailor from HMCS Chippawa spoke at a high school in Winnipeg three years ago about life in the naval reserves, one student saw a way to make some money over the summer to help pay for university.Fast forward three years, and that student, now LS Sydney Huyghe, is thousands of nautical miles away from home on a great adventure with HMCS Vancouver.Vancouver is on WestPloy 16, which is an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with partner navies in the Asia-Pacific.As a naval communicator, LS Huyghe is responsible for establishing and maintaining communications with national and allied networks, an essential element of mission coordination. It is also her department’s responsibility to advise the ship’s command on tactical signalling and ship maneuvering, as well as encoding and decoding signals.“Sailing in Vancouver is a huge opportunity for me to sail and complete some of my training package,” she says. “It is also an incredible opportunity to travel to some amazing places.”Since joining the warship in September, she has visited Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Before she returns home in December, she will also visit Fiji and Hawaii. Not bad for her first deployment.Although she’s been adjusting well to life at sea, she admits it can be challenging. Shift work leaves limited time for sleep. She says it’s the support of her crew mates that has helped her stay positive and meet the demands of a busy sailing schedule.Work and play is also mixed with charitable activities. In Singapore she joined 20 other crew members at a school at the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, playing and singing with students. In Vietnam, she helped paint buildings at a shelter for homeless...

[caption id="attachment_14496" align="alignnone" width="200"] Order of Military Merit[/caption]Bart Armstrong, canadianmedalofhonor.com ~Last week the best of the best arrived at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to be recognized and awarded for their services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada, and the world. There were 46 in all, men and women, both commissioned and non-commissioned, and coming from Newfoundland across to British Columbia.Only one tenth of one per cent of the total population of the CAF gets the honour to make that trip. However, these members stood in front of their Commander in Chief, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on Nov. 10.He presented each with the Order of Military Merit, each being recognized for meritorious service and dedication to duty. Most were inducted into the Order for the first time, but eight recipients were promoted from the Member level to that of Officer. Two received an even higher promotion, to that of Commander. Each would thus be authorized to use the Post Nominal initials of MMM, OMM or CMM, depending on ranking in the Order.MARPAC members know the name Rear Admiral William Truelove. His command here on the West Coast came to an end a few years ago when a new posting took him to the Canadian Embassy at Washington, D.C., where he now commands the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff. His promotion within the Order now has him wearing the Order of Military Merit insignia with the rank of Commander around his neck.Fleet School’s CPO2 Dave McAlpine was also honoured with induction into the Order at the Member level, as was CPO2 Dave Wilson from Sea Training (Pacific.)“You are dedicated professionals who inspire others to achieve excellence in all you do. Never underestimate the power of your example no matter what your particular role; you are all leaders,...

[caption id="attachment_14493" align="alignnone" width="400"] Brad Gable (center right), the Director of Contract Sales for Sysco, presents a cheque for $750 to the Commander of MARPAC/JTF (P), Rear Admiral Art McDonald (left), Base Administrative Officer Commander Jeanne Lessard (center left), and Base Commander Captain (Navy) Steven Waddell (right), during the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign fundraising Pancake Breakfast at the Chief’s & Petty Officers’ Mess, Nov. 16. Photos by MCpl Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Royal Canadian Legion’s mission statement of “acting in service to Canada’s communities” is now coming in loud and clear on the new sound system at Rockheights Middle School.Over $6,300 in charitable funding from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Esquimalt Dockyard Branch #172 was used to purchase a new state-of-the-art sound system for the Esquimalt public school’s gymnasium and auditorium.During a Nov. 2 ceremony students and staff thanked Branch #172 Manager Doug Grant and 1st Vice President Jim MacMillan-Murphy for the donation, and gave a demonstration of the new system and its wireless microphone and hands-free blue tooth capabilities.“It makes me proud to be a principal at a school in Esquimalt where we know we can come together to build positive relationships like this one in our community,” said Principal Maryanne Trofimuk.The new sound system will be used to play music during concerts for its music program, for gym classes and dances, and as a public address system when the school hosts assemblies, guest speakers, parent-student orientation, and sporting events.Trofimuk and Grade 7 teacher Sanjiv Galhon said the previous sound system was antiquated and sounded terrible. It used a plug-in microphone that would constantly cut out and deliver ear-wrenching feedback noises. Galhon who teaches physical education classes at the school says the Legion’s generosity has helped the school build a new alliance.“Our students have just...

Capt Graeme Kaine, 39 CBG Public Affairs ~Recipients of the Memorial Cross who live in British Columbia now have a new commemorative licence plate.At a ceremony, held at the Beatty Street Drill Hall in Vancouver on Nov.10, Ron McCully was the first Memorial Cross recipient to receive the special plate.“This new licence plate is meaningful for my family, as this pays tribute to my son, Corporal Matthew McCully,” he said. “Thank you to the B.C. government and ICBC for developing and producing this new licence plate for those of us who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”The Memorial Cross is an award that has been granted since 1919 to loved ones of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who have died in service or whose death was attributed to their service. It is granted by the Government of Canada and is often referred to as the Silver Cross. In the past, it had only been given to mothers and widows, but recent changes now allow CAF personnel to designate up to three Memorial Cross recipients.Besides British Columbia, Saskatchewan is the only other province that currently offers a Memorial Cross plate.“The Canadian Armed Forces are delighted and humbled that the Government of British Columbia has decided to honour those who have died as a result of their military service to Canada, and the sacrifice of their loved ones who were left behind in such a meaningful way,” said Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. “This Memorial Cross licence plate will be a daily reminder of the sacrifices members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families make for their country, and I welcome this thoughtful initiative.”The licence plate features purple letters on a white background, with the Memorial Cross symbol on the left and the Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_14487" align="alignnone" width="400"] HMCS Summerside conducts Unmanned Aircraft System trials at sea, on Oct. 25. Photo by Master Seaman Ronnie Kinnie, Formation Imaging Services Halifax[/caption]DND ~Historically, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been actively pursuing, on a very modest and experimental basis, a number of remote technology applications in each of the three maritime domains: air, surface, and sub-surface.In terms of the undersea domain, the navy has operated everything from side scan sonars to remotely operated vehicles, and continues to actively participate in the development of these technologies.The RCN was also active in the 1990s in developing remotely controlled surface targets and those investments are now reaping real benefits for Canadian industry.In recent years, the RCN had great success operating the Scan Eagle from deployed frigates by leveraging a contractual mechanism that was put in place by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support our forces in Afghanistan.Between 2012 and 2014, the combined organic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability resident in Halifax-class frigates along with the embarked Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) allowed the RCN to play a prominent role in expeditionary operations. Through cueing, detection, surveillance, and reporting from the shipborne Scan Eagle UAS, over nine metric tons of illegal drugs were intercepted by HMC Ships Charlottetown, Toronto, and Regina.It proved to be an incredibly versatile and important extension of the ship’s sensors and embarked aircraft. It also allowed the RCN to learn valuable lessons on how to employ this capability, how to integrate into the maritime and littoral battle space, and how to operate in conjunction with an embarked maritime helicopter. It is a great force multiplier for a single ship or for a Naval Task Group.Disruptive TechnologyAs technologies mature and evolve, the RCN is anticipating the gradual introduction of remotely piloted vehicles in all three maritime dimensions....