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Looming before me is the colossal hull of a warship.From the vantage of my kayak, which is level with the ocean, the water mirrors the ship in a wrinkled gray reflection.I crane my neck to see the portholes and then the bow high above.The ship is berthed at one of the jetties in dockyard at CFB Esquimalt.Tethered to another jetty is the long black body of a partially submerged submarine bobbing eerily in the dark water.My destination today is the pebbly shore of Fisgard Lighthouse across the harbour.I dip my paddle into the water and pull the kayak forward.I feel the water resist and my uncertainty grow to navigate the distance.This is only one of a handful of times I have eased my body into the tiny cockpit and clutched the double-ended paddle.But that novelty will dwindle today as I am taking part in the Pacific Fleet Kayak Club’s introductory course – a two-phase course that starts in a pool and ends on the ocean.Before launching my kayak into Esquimalt harbour from the Naden boat launch, I and five other rookie kayakers were taught basic safety skills and manoeuvres in the morning at the Naden pool.Corporal Aaron Miller, lead instructor for the club, started us with a wet exit. We had to self-tip, and while upside-down under the water, unlatch ourselves from the kayak and swim to the surface.I paddled to the shallow end and steadied my kayak.With a deep inhale I threw my weight to one side and tipped over.I kept my eyes tightly closed underwater to guard against the chlorine, and felt for the latch on the rubbery skirt.I pulled it back and freed myself from the kayak. When I came to the surface, I realized my paddle was not in my hand.Perfecting this maneuver would have to...

[caption id="attachment_10323" align="aligncenter" width="229"] Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr.[/caption]German film-maker Judith Voelker spent three days in June at CFB Esquimalt filming a segment for her latest documentary called The Great Impostor.With the help of a local Victoria film crew from Gamut Productions, she researched Ferdinand Waldo Demara at the CFB Esqumalt Naval and Military Museum, filmed scenic shots around the base, and interviewed Retired Commander Peter Chance, who met the impostor during the Korean War.Demara masqueraded as many people over his life, but his most infamous was as a ship’s surgeon on board HMCS Cayuga. After meeting a young doctor named Joseph C. Cyr in Maine, he took his identity and boarded the Royal Canadian Navy destroyer.Peter Chance’s first encounter with the “Medical Officer” was in 1951 when he needed his infected toe looked at before shipping out in Cayuga.“I went down to the ship, and met this affable, round-faced and beaming man who took a look at my foot and assured me that he would take care of it,” says Cdr Chance, 94.Rather than treat the toe right away, Demara requested the small operation take place the next morning. Unbeknownst to the young Chance, Demara spent the night pouring over medical textbooks.“The next day he injected my foot with freezing medicine, cleared up the infection, wrapped my foot up, and sent me on my way with crutches,” says Cdr Chance. “He knew exactly what he was doing, and he didn’t hesitate or falter at all. It healed perfectly.”Cayuga deployed shortly after, taking Demara and Chance with it. Bound for west of the Yalu River, Cayuga was sent as part of a United Nations Task force of commonwealth naval allies poised to fight in the Korean War.“Joe, as we called him, continued to get along well with all the men on...

[caption id="attachment_10285" align="aligncenter" width="170"] MS Mark Ritchie[/caption]Master Seaman Mark Ritchie braces himself for the echoing boom of the Navy Run start signal.He holds his body taut, left foot pointed in front of him, knees slightly bent.Around him are hundreds of runners frozen in similar stances.He focuses on breathing.Running through his mind is the 10 kilometre course, every turn and hill well studied and memorized beforehand.During the past 30 years, the sailor has been a fixture at the start line of hundreds of races.In any given year he will run between five to 20 races.“I started off on the high school track team in Grade 11,” he said before the race.“But when school was over, there was no more track team, and I started racing on my own.”A few years later, in 1997, he joined the Army Reserve in Hamilton, ON, as a Diesel Mechanic.When he wasn’t working, he was running all over the Ontario landscape, training and competing.“There’s the attraction of being better every time you do another race, to see yourself improve,” he says.His main goal is always to run faster than his previous time.He says a big component of achieving that is his familiarity with his own running ability.“You have to run at a precise pace, and maintain that pace from start to finish so you don’t crash half way through,” he says.“And you have to be aware of your endurance level throughout.”After moving to Victoria in 1999, and joining the Regular Force Navy, he found the temperate climate allowed him year round racing.By 2012, he was running 10,000 metre races on the University of Victoria track with local elite runners.He also ran the entirety of the Galloping Goose Trail, a 56-kilometre, 4.5 hour run.He is familiar with the Navy Run, and the 10k route that winds through...

After two years leading the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet on the west coast, Commodore (Cmdre) Bob Auchterlonie relinquished command of Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC) at a change of command ceremony last Wednesday.Standing dockside with HMCS Calgary at his back, Cmdre Auchterlonie officially signed over command to Captain (Navy) Jeffery Zwick.“When I took command we weren’t talking about domestic terrorism, Russian aggression in the Ukraine, ISIS nor the potential collapse of the European Union,” said Cmdre Auchterlonie during his address.“But all of that has come to pass with more events on the horizon – events that the Canadian Fleet Pacific is ready to respond to. The qualities of courage, superior training and leadership exist throughout this fleet, and they will continue to guide us in the future regardless of the circumstances around the globe.”During a traditional two-year term at the helm of CANFLTPAC and the Canadian Naval Training System, Cmdre Auchterlonie has navigated the fleet through some stormy seas.Only two months after taking command in July 2013, he was pressed into action after a collision involving HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Protecteur.Then in February 2014, Protecteur suffered a major, debilitating fire.The incidents led to the premature paying off of both ships.In July 2014, he ordered HMCS Whitehorse home after three incidents of misconduct during naval exercises off San Diego.“Bob, it has not been an easy two years, but you tackled every challenge with professionalism and composure demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities,” said RAdm Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, who presided over the ceremony.“You and I have weathered a few storms together and I can’t thank you enough for your personal friendship, support and solid advice.”There were bright moments for the Commodore and the fleet during his tenure, including the Pacific Fleet’s participation in Operation Caribbe.In March of this year, HMCS Winnipeg assisted the...

[caption id="attachment_10277" align="aligncenter" width="204"] SGT Jeffrey Spricenieks with the Sacrifice Medal[/caption]With the blood pounding in his ears, Sergeant Jeff Spricenieks pulled his battered partner out of the Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV) in Kandahar, Afghanistan.While completing a re-supply mission as part of Operation Athena on Aug.17, 2007, their vehicle hit a Taliban roadside improvised explosive device.  At a ceremony last Thursday, Sgt Spricenieks received a Sacrifice Medal for injuries he sustained that day as a result of enemy action, and was promoted to his current rank.He says that getting the medal brought back memories of what happened that day.“After the loud pop of the explosion, we were flipped over about 30 metres off the road,” he says. “Given that the vehicle is about 29,000 pounds, it was a pretty massive bump.”When they came to a stop, Sgt Spricenieks, then a Master Bombardier, struggled to free himself from the driver’s hatch of the TLAV. Despite injuries to his back and left ear, he managed to remove his co-driver from the vehicle.“My initial reaction was to make sure the site was secure, so we wouldn’t get ambushed,” he says.“So after doing an initial check for the enemy, I gave him my pistol so he could cover us while I performed first aid on him, because he was definitely more banged up then I was. All our other weapons were destroyed.”Sgt Spricenieks says his months and months of training took over.“I didn’t want to move him because it was possible he had spinal injuries, possible broken femurs, and he had a broken nose.”While stabilizing his co-driver, he waved up the next vehicle to conduct security.But due to the surrounding terrain, communications from the security vehicle were not possible.Sgt Spricenieks then ran 100 metres to the next Canadian vehicle to call MEDEVAC before succumbing...

[caption id="attachment_10218" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The crew of HMCS Winnipeg said goodbye to their families last Monday prior to departing for Operation Reassurance.[/caption]Last Monday, tears, embraces, and heart-felt good-byes were exchanged between the crewmembers of HMCS Winnipeg and their family and friends.Shortly after 10 a.m. the brow was removed and the lines hauled in as the warship set sail for a deployment that could last up to nine months.Before plotting a course for the Mediterranean Sea where it will join Operation Reassurance, Winnipeg and crew will take part in Operation Caribbe, a multinational effort to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.Prior to leaving Esquimalt, Commodore Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, addressed the crew.“The level of support you are seeing right now will stay with you as you travel throughout the globe,” he said.“You have an absolutely tremendous opportunity ahead of you. Many of you joined the navy to see the world and you are going to be doing that over the next eight months.”Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Pascal Belhumeur praised the crew for its diligence and determination in preparing for a mission that comes with a great deal of responsibility.  “My pledge to the families is I am going to take care of the people while we are deployed,” he said.“Operation Reassurance is NATO’s response to Russian aggression in the eastern Ukraine and it’s important for us to show that Canada takes collective defence of NATO seriously, and to also show our NATO partners, who feel threatened by aggression, that we are committed to the mission.”Winnipeg will replace HMCS Fredericton, which is nearing the end of its deployment in the Mediterranean.After leaving CFB Esquimalt, Winnipeg sailed past Clover Point off Dallas Road in Victoria where members of the public waved goodbye to the crew before...

[caption id="attachment_10215" align="aligncenter" width="300"] HCapt(N) Cedric Steele had the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales at the reception during the Royal visit to CFB Esquimalt in 2009.[/caption]Businessman and philanthropist Cedric Steele has been involved with countless charities and community groups over his life, but says his role as Honorary Captain (Navy) stands out as a great achievement.Last Thursday, the 71-year-old honorary sailor bade farewell to his position, retiring after 18 years donning the officer uniform, (although his official retirement is December 2015).“My job was to build a bridge between the community, the navy and the Canadian Forces,” says Steele. “I think that bridge is secure, but it will always need polishing and upgrading, and I will always be there to continue with that job.”The successful real estate entrepreneur - originally from South Africa – has been instrumental in raising the navy profile in Victoria for over two decades.His most visible legacies are the Homecoming Statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2010, and the two highway signs that read:Welcome to Victoria, home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet.“At the end of the day it is the community that bought into the idea of supporting the navy,” he says. “So many people were there to help; I was just the messenger.”He also championed bringing American aircraft carriers to the island as a way to boost Victoria’s tourism economy and raise the profile of our American ally to Victorians.This earned him the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal in 1999, and Gold Star in lieu of a second achievement medal in 2000 for his work with the aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis and USS Abraham Lincoln.His relationship with the Canadian military developed while serving as president of the Greater...

[caption id="attachment_10206" align="alignleft" width="250"] LS Tom Eustace[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10207" align="alignleft" width="250"] LS Firat Ataman[/caption]          For eight hours a day, seven days a week, a team of rotating military members guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Ontario, as part of the National Sentry Program from April 9 to Nov. 10.Rain or shine, these members stand guard over the tomb of an unidentified Canadian soldier from the First World War who represents all who sacrificed their lives for the peace and freedom of Canadians.Leading Seaman Firat Ataman and Leading Seaman Tom Eustace, both sailors from HMCS Vancouver, were two of seven CFB Esquimalt members chosen to guard the tomb in early May.“I applied out of pure honour and pride,” says LS Eustace. “I was just hoping I’d be able to get it.”LS Eustace, named after a family member who died in service during the First World War, says he applied to continue upholding the honour of his military family.LS Ataman, who moved to Canada from Turkey 13 years ago, says he wanted to wear his military uniform in Canada’s capital city.After both made it through a competitive application and interview process, they were approved to attend in late March. From there, the sailors set about preparing for sentry duty.“I started off by doing research on the tomb itself, so that I would have a stronger appreciation for what I was about to do,” says LS Ataman.Apart from learning the history of the tomb, the sailors had their uniforms freshly tailored, and got duplicates should they need a change of uniform.The large kit list filled four suitcases with boots, slacks, formal shirts, and even their gabardines.The biggest preparation challenge was honing their sentry duty skills.“We practiced drills constantly up at the Naden drill shed with navy members who guarded last year,” says AB Eustace.“I think we were both a little nervous about the drills, because that’s not something the navy practices routinely.”From the moment they arrived at the 33 Brigade Headquarters...

[caption id="attachment_10135" align="aligncenter" width="225"] PO2 Siska at Holten Canadian War Cemetery with a local whose village was liberated by the Canadian Scottish Regiment during the Second World War.[/caption]The memory of marching through the crowded, cobblestone streets of Weinhagen, Holland, with the Canadian Flag gripped firmly in his hands is still very vivid for PO2 Derrick Siska.It was just over a month ago that he joined 150 Operation Distinction members in the 70th Anniversary Liberation March.PO2 Siska, an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor in HMCS Vancouver, says the march is the highlight of his military career.Along the six and a half kilometre parade route were 150,000 cheering Dutch people, ready to show their gratitude for Canada’s liberation of the Netherlands at the close of the Second World War.“Once we hit the street, our emotions took over. All I could see were 20 rows deep of parents and little kids waving flags.”Present at the parade’s mid-way point was Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who declined to make a speech, but showed his appreciation to the marchers with a broad grin.When the hour and a half long parade ended the sailor says a little melancholy set in.“I just wanted it to start all over so I could experience it again and again,” he says.  With the march over, Dutch children wanting photographs swarmed them.In mid April, he was approached with a nomination for the merit-based Operation Distinction. He was the only West Coast navy representative selected.“I think the work I do on board was noticed,” he says. “I take every day for what it’s worth, and I try to walk around with an outgoing, positive attitude and hope that other people can pick it up.”He made it into the top three contenders at CFB Esquimalt, but says an interview with the Fleet Chief secured his spot.“When...

[caption id="attachment_10132" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The glass showcase displays a fingerprinting kit, evidence bags, a current military police cap (far left), and a historic military police cap (far right).[/caption]Private Jeffrey Baker brushes away a piece of lint from an immaculate Military Police (MP) uniform, one of many adorning the mannequins at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum as part of a display celebrating the MP unit’s 75th anniversary. “As a MP reservist, I feel proud that we are being represented at the museum with both reservist and regular force displays,” says Pte Baker, who helped curate the exhibit with museum exhibit designer Clare Sharpe and fellow Military Police member Master Corporal Ian Beswick. When Pte Baker brought his seven-year-old son, Joshua, into the museum one day, a query to Sharpe about including more army representation turned into challenge.Sharpe invited Pte Baker to turn his personal knowledge of the military police into a display. As a self-professed military history buff, he says curating is not out of character for him. For the past eight months, MCpl Beswick and Pte Baker have been collecting Military Police antiques, memorabilia, and artefacts for the display, which now takes up almost half of one display room. “We have head gear, helmets, Second World War uniforms and battle dresses on loan from my own unit, (1 MP Regt/12 Platoon), and courtesy of LCol Leaker at Ashton Museum,” he says.A large glass display case holds a mix of modern and historical artefacts, including a fingerprinting kit from the 1990s, air force MP arm bands, evidence bags, and antique cap badges. Many of the artefacts were borrowed from MCpl Beswick’s private collection and the Ashton Armoury Museum, some of which originally belonged to Provost Marshal George Wilkinson. The Provost Corps was the military branch that evolved into the modern...

Dressed in their black ceremonial uniforms, the last crew of HMCS Algonquin lined the rails of the ship for a final salute as it was paid off after 41 years of distinguished service.During the ceremony in HMC Dockyard last Thursday were stirring tributes and even a few tears. “Algonquin was such an important part of the fleet and after more than four decades the ship has served its country well,” said Lieutenant-Commander Jonathan Lafontaine, Algonquin’s final Commanding Officer.“Today is a day of mixed emotions because this ship served as a second home for so many sailors.”More than 300 current and former crew attended Thursday’s ceremony.Among them were two surviving members of the original HMCS Algonquin, a V-Class Destroyer that was paid off in 1970 and was part of the historic 1944 D-Day invasion at Normandy.Jack Buller and Andrew Irwin have remained good friends since their role in the historic Second World War mission.“It’s a very meaningful experience for me to be here. I’ve never felt like a hero before until today,” said Buller, 89, who was raised in Victoria but now resides in Sacramento, California, Buller was just 17 and Irwin 19 when they first served together in Algonquin. “I can still remember the evening of June 5, (1944) like it was yesterday. Our commanding officer called ‘clear all decks’ for a full gathering around the torpedo tubes and gave us our orders for the next 48 hours. We all knew something big was about to happen; there were so many ships in the harbour that day.”Watching the current Algonquin leave the RCN forever was tough for the two veterans.“There will never be another Algonquin. It’s a little bit like a funeral or the passing of a good friend for so many sailors past and present,” said Irwin.  MS Elisabeth...

[caption id="attachment_10074" align="aligncenter" width="300"] HMCS Saskatoon comes alongside the sea wall as HMCS Whitehorse passes under the Burnside Bridge.[/caption]The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) featured prominently during this year’s Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week festivities, with HMC ships Calgary, Whitehorse, Saskatoon, and Oriole participating.Things kicked off with the arrival of Oriole last Tuesday, the first naval ship to arrive at the historic city. Although Oriole was greeted with a heavy downpour, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Astoria Regatta Court, a group of young women from Astoria high schools who boarded the sailing ketch for a day sail.Festival organizers welcomed the 10 ships from the RCN, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. “One of the purposes of Fleet Week has always been to celebrate and thank the active and reserve military personnel and all veterans,” said Portland Rose Festival Foundation CEO Jeff Curtis.“Their arrival [navy ships] commemorates a relationship that has lasted more than 100 years, and over 80 years of visiting Portland during the Rose Festival. It is a significant commitment by the navy to make the Rose Festival Fleet Week one of the premier Fleet Week events in the country.”Thousands of people toured the RCN ships, many entertained by a contingent from the Naden Band as they waited in line. Those who toured HMCS Calgary saw the latest in Canadian naval technology as the ship’s crew showed off the suite of upgrades.  “Since we completed our upgrades, this ship has been very busy on operations and exercises, as well as testing  our new systems and supporting force generation activities,” said Executive Officer, LCdr Jake French. “The Rose Festival gives this crew a nice port visit as well as an opportunity to showcase to thousands of visitors the great work we do.” The Rose Festival attracts more than a million visitors annually.With the RCN, USN...

[caption id="attachment_10080" align="aligncenter" width="300"] DRDC technologist Tim Murphy pours water around hand planted icepick geobuoys at the DRDC ice camp north of CFS Alert.[/caption]For two weeks this spring a team of scientists, technologists and logistics support staff from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) evaluated the performance of newly improved geobuoys on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).“In order to conduct Arctic underwater surveillance in areas where the surface of the ocean is covered in ice, geobuoys play an important role in detecting and tracking underwater sounds,” said Major Glenwood Gullison, from the Directorate of Air Requirements in the RCAF.Geobuoys contain vibration sensors that can detect sound that travels through the water and into the ice; they are one of the best ways to detect underwater sounds below the ice.“Science and technology plays a pivotal role in the development of Department of National Defence capabilities,” said Maj Gullison. “The trial conducted by DRDC is part of this capability development and is an important contributor to maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the RCAF.”Due to their specific expertise and extensive experience in underwater acoustics and geobuoy technology, DRDC are uniquely positioned to conduct the evaluation of the redesigned geobuoy, Maj Gullison added.“DRDC is the only organization with the unique expertise to effectively test the product in operational conditions,” said Scott Campbell, an Undersea Sensor Systems Engineering Manager from the Department of National Defence.This year’s trial is testing the effectiveness of the geobuoy’s modifications. The geobuoys were modified by updating the battery, weight, and centre of gravity. The goal is to validate the technical refresh in an operational environment.Geobuoys are cylinder-shaped and contain a vibration sensor and radio transmitter, as well as a parachute on its tail and an icepick for a nose. They are dropped from an aircraft...

[caption id="attachment_10071" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A member of a Canadian Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspects a simulated improvised explosive device at Victoria International Airport as part of Exercise Ardent Defender.[/caption]For the past two weeks, over 175 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), 11 partner nations, and civilian law enforcement agencies gathered at CF Ammunition Depot Rocky Point and locations around Greater Victoria to observe and practice military bomb disruption techniques.At the heart of the two week exercise, dubbed Ardent Defender, were potential real life scenarios such as a threat to mass transit.“Every country has seen the potential devastation of IEDs (improved explosive devices) on mass transit. All you need to do is turn on a TV,” said CPO1 Rob DeProy, a planner for the exercise.“So we need to evolve with the threat. With Ardent Defender, we’re doing that by sharing our techniques with our civilian agencies and with other countries. We’re teaching at the same time as we are learning.”  Over the two weeks, teams from military bomb disposal units across Canada had the opportunity to improve their readiness to counter explosive threats, and test their specialized equipment in a variety of scenarios, including a simulated attack on 443 MH Squadron and a bomb scare on a B.C. ferry, and on B.C. Transit buses.Within those scenarios, local police and ferry staff were able to test their response to a bomb threat, and work with their military counterparts in the search and disabling of located IEDs.  During the first week of Ardent Defender at the Rocky Point demolition range, observer nations (Austria, Mexico, New Zealand and Poland) watched as Canadian, Australian, Belgian, Dutch, Swedish, American and  British military set-up, blew up, and impeded IEDs.During one exercise, makeshift bombs were placed on the range, including one placed in the trunk...

[caption id="attachment_10019" align="alignleft" width="300" class=" "] A portrait of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Max Bernays is unveiled during the naming announcement of the third Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship, held at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. From left: Rear Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force (Pacific); Marilyn Bernays, daughter-in-law of CPO Bernays; Max Thompson, great-grandson of CPO Bernays; Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence; and Carly Bernays, great-granddaughter of CPO Bernays.LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]            The courage and bravery of Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays will forever be remembered with one of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship named in his honour.Last Monday, the Bernays family and naval personnel gathered in front of  the Naval and Military Museum at CFB Esquimalt to officially name the third Harry DeWolf-class vessel HMCS Max Bernays.At the naming ceremony Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, addressed three generations of the Bernays family.“Chief Petty Officer Bernays is a true Canadian hero who served our country with great distinction during the Second World War,” said the Minister.  CPO Bernays served as Coxswain in HMCS Assiniboine during the Battle of the Atlantic. During close range action with a German submarine U-210 on Aug. 6, 1942, he maneuvered the ship in and out of fog in an attempt to allude and ram the submarine. But a fire caused by the enemy submarine’s shells engulfed the bridge and wheelhouse. Surrounded by smoke and flames, CPO Bernays ordered two junior sailors to leave the bridge for safety. He stayed at the helm and continued to navigate Assiniboine against the U-boat for nearly 40 minutes. During that time, he completed the work of two telegraphmen, dispatching over 130 telegraph orders to the ship’s engine room.Despite taking prolonged machine-gun and cannon fire to the...

[caption id="attachment_10022" align="alignleft" width="596"] Cpl Carbe Orellana, Canadian Forces Support Unit, Ottawa Imaging ServicesJason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, and Warrant Officer (Retired) Patrick Tower unveiled the commemorative plaque at the Valour Building May 25 in Ottawa.[/caption] Last Monday, Master Warrant Officer David Shultz, Range Control Officer, was in Ottawa to take part in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Valour Building, formerly known as La Promenade Building at 151 Sparks Street. The solider was joined by 11 other military members, all recipients of the Star of Military Valour. The bronze plaque, unveiled by Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, is in honour of the heroic actions of 20 military members during Canada’s 12 year military mission in Afghanistan. “This plaque, and the name of this building, serve as a reminder of the self-sacrifice and devotion to duty embodied by our Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan,” said Kenney, addressing 12 of the Star of Military Valour recipients, and two families of the fallen who were present at the ceremony. “We honour these remarkable individuals who have been presented with the Star of Military Valour for their service to their country.” The plaque and building also serve as reminders of the contributions made by all men and women in uniform during the Afghanistan mission. MWO Shultz received the medal for his actions in Kandahar in May 2008 when he formulated and executed a flanking manoeuvre to attack the enemy ambush. His manoeuver neutralized the insurgent’s position and allowed his patrol to secure the surrounding area; but quickly after, his patrol was attacked again. Disregarding personal risk to himself, MWO Shultz plunged into intense enemy fire to direct his soldiers and engage the enemy. He repeatedly re-entered the danger zone to remove injured personnel, and execute the patrol’s fighting withdrawal. Due to his actions, countless other casualties were prevented. “A lot of it goes back to the training that we’ve had,” he says. “And I would be lying if I...

[caption id="attachment_10016" align="alignleft" width="300" class=" "] Bruno Guevrémont, owner of CrossFit Stasis, holds a medicine ball – one of the many workout tools used during the varied CrossFit workout.[/caption]         “When you’re fit physically, you’re fit mentally,” is the mantra playing on loop in Bruno Guévremont’s mind as he lifts weights, rows, and runs. The former navy clearance diver not only lives this philosophy, but also encourages everyone who crosses the threshold of his new business, CrossFit Stasis, to live it as well.Guévremont opened his training gym a few months before being medically released in January 2014 after a second tour in Afghanistan. Difficulty sleeping and anxiety led him to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis in 2010.“As a bomb technician on the Afghanistan tour, I was part one of the busiest counter-improvised explosive device teams,” he says. “It impacted me. When I got back to Victoria I had to think hard about when I had last felt good.”He turned to CrossFit to get him back to mental and physical health.As a Clearance Diver he needed to function at an extremely high fitness level in order to reduce air consumption under water. He used CrossFit strategies at the Naden gym each lunch hour, such as rowing, skipping, and weight lifting.“When people saw what I was doing, they asked me what I was training for. Pretty quickly I had a solid group of people with me every lunch hour.”Up to 20 people joined Guévrement as he led an informal CrossFit workout each day.“I started feeling really good about helping other people get fit, and I was getting myself back to a strong physical place,” he says. With his impending medical release date at the forefront of his mind, Guévrement began brainstorming alternate career paths. He even began a police officer application. But he kept being...

[caption id="attachment_9947" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Peter D. Smither, President and Senior Project Manager of Iron Triangle Project Management Inc., Lt(N) Colin Dudeck, Project Manager of HeroWork, and Paul Letour, Founder and Executive Director of HeroWork are set to work on this year’s renovation project: the Citizen’s Counselling Centre.[/caption]The HeroWork Program Society is calling out for  volunteers to help them complete their 2015 project– the overhaul of the Citizens’ Counselling Centre.Over 1,000 low income individuals a year find solace in the counselling services offered by the Centre. However, the 50-plus-year-old building they operate out of has not had repairs in 25 years.The mix of charitable work in a diminished infrastructure meets HeroWork’s mandate – to help other charities thrive by renewing and refreshing their physical building through events called Radical Renovations.Helping plan the Citizens’ Counselling Centre renovation is Lt(N) Colin Dudeck, who lends his experience and skills from his role with the Halifax Class Modernization to the Herowork project management team.  “Military volunteers have helped in our past two projects,” says Lt(N) Dudeck, referencing base volunteers who were key to renovating Threshold Housing in 2014, a transitional housing centre for at-risk youth, and the Mustard Seed Food Bank in 2013.The extensive experience military volunteers have working in teams, combined with their specializations in the trades, make them an incredibly valuable resource for the project, says Lt(N) Dudeck.  “In the navy, we do a lot of work in small groups; on a ship it might be something like changing out a pump, where we coordinate getting a job done together with our different skills sets.”HeroWork needs more volunteers for three successive weekends: May 29-31, June 6-7, and June 13-14, with the first weekend being the biggest need.Work varies from demolition to carpeting, trim work to carpentry, to moving furniture.Paul Latour founded HeroWork six...

Whether fighting in the trenches of the First World War or fighting in the political arena for full rights for his people, First Nations soldier Sergeant Francis Pegahmagabow is a Canadian hero.The Ojibwe soldier from Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario, was not only one of the most effective snipers and scouts in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF), but of the Aboriginal peoples who participated in the First World War, he is the most decorated.Recognized three times for bravery and devotion under fire in Belgium and France, he is one of only 38 Canadians to earn the Military Medal with two bars, each bar referring to a recognized act of bravery.The modern equivalent to the Military Medal is the Medal of Military Valour, the third highest award for military valour in the Canadian honours system.Sgt Pegahmagabow was (most likely) born on March 9, 1889, in what is now Shawanaga First Nation, near Parry Sound.His father, a member of Wasauksing First Nation on Parry Island, died when Sgt Pegahmagabow was a baby.His mother also fell ill, so he was raised by his Shawanaga relatives, only returning to Wasauksing First Nation as an adult.As a young man, he turned his hand to several trades, including working as a seaman on boats in Georgian Bay.At 21, he learned to read and write English, a rare skill for a First Nations person of that generation.“We have great admiration for him for that,” said the veteran’s great-grandson, Dr. Brian McInnes.When Britain declared war on Germany on Aug. 4, 1914, Canada too was at war as a member of the British Empire.Sgt Pegahamagabow was among the first recruits, signing up on Aug. 13, 1914, despite an early prohibition against the enlistment of Aboriginal Peoples.Sgt Pegahmagabow served with the 23rd Northern Pioneers Regiment, based in Parry...

On a hot summer afternoon in 1947, 27-year-old Verna Mary Smith, a Victoria entertainer, performed a hand balancing and acrobatics show on the grass in James Bay’s MacDonald Park.A few days later, a photograph of Smith’s show in the local newspaper caught the eye of Gerry Gosley.He was amazed at the balancing act Smith accomplished in the photo as she lifted her entire body off of the ground and contorted it in the air, supported by a single hand.Gosley, who was interested in performing himself, couldn’t resist approaching Smith and propose the two pair up and start a show to tour around Victoria.Smith, an adventurous and vivacious young woman, agreed immediately with one condition - that she direct and choreograph the show and train accompanying performers.With an agreement in place, the two started “The Smile Show.”“Our first show as a group in Victoria was at the Britannia Legion,” recalls Smith, 95, and the last surviving member of the original group.“Gerry and I went out and got some posters, and we used water and flour to paste them up on all the telephone poles, and we filled the Legion that night. We had a heck of a good show, and we got a heck of a good write up done in the local paper.”Their performance was based off English comedy and variety shows, and featured different acts of singing, dancing, and acrobatics accompanied by band-style music.Victoria is Smith’s home-town, and she first learned to sing as a girl at St. Anne’s Academy.“I did my first show when I was three-and-a-half-years-old. It was on account of my mother’s influence – she started teaching me songs early on, and she loved the English comedy shows.”As she grew up, and her musicality became more pronounced, she trained with a German opera singer.On her own,...

[caption id="attachment_9904" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Naval Boarding Party from HMCS Winnipeg practices ship clearing drills during Exercise Trident Fury off the west coast of Vancouver Island on May 5.[/caption]Exercise Trident Fury ended last Friday with more than 1,200 personnel going back to their units with a strong sense of accomplishment having flexed their mettle / metal.The warfare exercise, that took months of preparation for 12 days of round-the-clock training, is a biennial, and often multinational naval exercise held off the coast of Vancouver Island by Maritime Forces Pacific.From May 4 to 15, seven Canadian and American naval vessels conducted maritime scenarios and weapons firing off in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This location provided some challenges because to the south are active shipping lanes, but safety was at the forefront of the exercise.Challenges and mounting complexity were built into each scenario by the planners.Under assessment were air and surface joint operations that included maritime surveillance, live air and surface weapons firing, and anti-submarine warfare training.Several government agencies were brought into the exercise.Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the United States Navy (USN) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) all brought their particular skill sets.Over the course of the exercise these agencies enhanced their skills required to operate seamlessly with the military during real-life international operations.Special guest Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism, joined HMCS Winnipeg during the exercise to witness the full scope of Canada’s navy and air force capabilities.Also participating in Trident Fury were HMCS Ships Calgary, Saskatoon, and Yellowknife, United States Ship Cape St. George, United States Coast Guard Cutter Active, and RCN Orca-class vessel Wolf.Royal Canadian Air Force assets included the CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft and CH-124 Sea King ship-based helicopters.American air assets included the USN P-3 Orion...

“If our frigates and destroyers are our eyes, ears, and hands, then surely Protecteur was the heart of the fleet,” said Lieutenant Commander Blair Brown, the ship’s last commanding officer, to those witnessing Protecteur’s paying off last Thursday.Behind him loomed the ship’s grey hull, sitting high in the water because it no longer carried fuel and cargo to replenish other warships.  Commissioned on Aug. 30, 1969, Protecteur served for 46 years on both coasts as a replenishment oiler that kept Canadian and allied ships stocked with the necessary provisions to successfully complete combat operations. “In her 46 years of service, Protecteur’s reach has far exceeded her grasp,” said LCdr Brown, the 33rd commanding officer of the ship.“She’s served her community well.” Before LCdr Brown were guests, a mix of former Protecteur sailors, dignitaries and civilians, sitting in neat rows, all gathered to mark the historic event.Adding to the celebratory occasion was the music of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Hovering in the distance was a Sea King ready to give an aerial salute with a fly past. Protecteur’s legacy is long and varied, full of colorful stories and heroic moments. In 1982, the ship with Sea King embarked, and crew were responsible for the rescue of 28 Norwegian sailors from motor vessel Essi Silje, a chemical tanker whose port engine room had caught fire. Protecteur was involved in combat missions during the first Gulf War in 1991 on Operation Desert Shield.A year later it deployed to Florida as part of the relief effort after Hurricane Andrew.Following a violent outburst in East Timor in 1999, Protecteur was deployed as part of the Australian-led peacekeeping task force.In 2014, the navy decided to retire the veteran ship. But the end date was accelerated because of a crippling engine room fire...

[caption id="attachment_9896" align="aligncenter" width="199"] MGen Christine Whitecross answers questions during a media event at the Wardroom, at the conclusion of her visit to CFB Esquimalt.[/caption]Major-General Christine Whitecross, commander of the new Canadian Armed Forces Strategic Response Team on Sexual Misconduct, visited CFB Esquimalt to clarify details of the new action plan dealing with sexual misconduct in the military.The base visit is just one of many underway to have face-to face interaction with military members in a town hall setting.On May 13, she conducted three separate town halls at Esquimalt, reaching about 1,000 military members, which provided an opportunity to interact directly with CAF members.“I think the biggest thing we need to communicate is that people need to be aware of their actions and their language and how it affects other people,” said MGen Whitecross.“So we’re giving them some tools to do that, because ultimately we have a responsibility to our people that they work in a safe and respectful environment.”Her 25 person team, comprised of military and civilian personnel, is responsible for conducting a detailed review of former Supreme Court Justice Marie Deschamps final report on sexual misconduct.They will then develop an action plan to address and implement the report’s findings that says the “sexualized culture” in the Forces disproportionately affects lower-ranking female members.The plan will address all 10 of Dechamps’ recommendations for the Canadian Armed Forces, including establishing a centre for survivors of sexual harassment and assault that is independent of the chain of command.“We want to make sure that people who go to the centre are not unduly influenced by their own chain of command; so they feel compelled and empowered to go to a central agency that will help them in terms of victim support and advocacy.”She adds, “My mandate was clear from the Chief of the...

[caption id="attachment_9857" align="aligncenter" width="200"] The Land of the Sun crew on location in Vancouver, with Sasha Popove filming (center), Melissa Flagg (far right), and Jason Segal (far left).[/caption]Leaving loved ones behind is an all too familiar experience for any military member, and Victoria director Melissa Flagg portrays this in her new film, “Land of the Sun.”The 17-minute short follows the story of a Canadian military family struggling to make it through a long separation when husband Shale is away on tour in Afghanistan.It is the deep longing followed by the joy of reunion that Flagg’s film so accurately captures.“I wanted people to identify with the struggles of a Forces member who must leave what they love, and to give people a sense of how hard it is in military families – what people actually go through when they spend time apart,” she says.Flagg grew up in Victoria and became interested in photography when she was in high school, printing and developing her own photos in the school’s darkroom.From there, she started experimenting with digital media and film.After a number of small student films produced during her time studying at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Flagg produced her first independent film, “Finding and Fraying”, in 2008.The medium of film became the perfect creative outlet for her through the solitary time spent script writing and the cooperation during production and post-production.“What I love about film is that I have time to be alone with my ideas, but I can creatively play with others,” she says.“And what amazes me about the collaborative aspect is that everybody who contributes something makes the project so much fuller and richer. It’s not something I could have ever made on my own.”Flagg’s idea for the military-themed film started to percolate when she was finishing post-production...

[caption id="attachment_9854" align="aligncenter" width="164"] The crew of the first HMCS Iroquois, commissioned in 1942, crowd the deck of the ship.[/caption]The Naval Ensign has been lowered for the last time in HMCS Iroquois.The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) honoured the Tribal class destroyer for its 43 years of service with a paying off ceremony at HMC Dockyard Atlantic, May 1. Commissioned on July 29, 1972, the anti-submarine warfare destroyer served as the command ship of the East Coast Fleet.Iroquois was the first of its class, one of four RCN destroyers. Iroquois completed a Tribal Class Update and Modernization Project refit in 1992, when it was made a modern area air defence platform. VAdm Mark Norman, Commander RCN, said for those on the outside, a ship is just a lot of steel. “Those of us who go down to the sea in ships see it differently. We see it as a living thing, brought to life by the passion, energy and professionalism of the crew.” He said one synonym for a vessel is a container – “a container of unbridled enthusiasm.”He shared one memory from his own time in Iroquois, running the main passageways of the ship playing peek-a-boo with his then four-year-old daughter, upon return from a long deployment.To the ship’s company past and present, as well as the trades people of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, VAdm Norman said, “I thank you for keeping the old girl running. It is truly time to thank her and say farewell.” He spoke of transition, turning tides, and moving forward.“It’s time to close a chapter. It’s time to say goodbye.”RAdm John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, told stories from many Iroquois missions, such as fighting through 70-foot seas while en route to Iceland at the height of the Cold War, thereby testing the kit...

[caption id="attachment_9848" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Soldier On group starts their fitness testing for the day at PISE, on May 5, completing jumping jacks.[/caption]The Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence (PISE) was the backdrop for the kickoff to a five-day Soldier On Multisport Camp.A team of 29 serving and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members from across Canada spent May 5 to 9 training for rowing, cycling, and triathlon with Olympic and Paralympic coaches.Participants were flown to Victoria, free of cost, to push themselves physically and mentally as they were introduced, or re-introduced, to a sports intensive lifestyle.“The intent of the camp was to inspire and motivate ill and injured members and former members through the transformative power of sport,” says PO1 Joe Kiraly, Operations Warrant for Soldier On.“We wanted to provide an opportunity to show the positive role physical fitness plays in an individual’s journey to recovery.”Successful applicants were chosen from across Canada, based on regional priorities and first time participation.Five members were from Victoria. Only those who have suffered a permanent physical injury or mental health illness while enrolled in the CAF were eligible to apply.Many participants had either minimal experience in their chosen sport group, or had never tried it, while others had been near professional athletes in their sport of choice before sustaining injury.“We kicked off the week with a series of physical tests measuring body data, musculoskeletal strength, and aerobic fitness capability, all of which were organized by Jonathan Ritchot, the PISE Adapted Strength and Conditioning Specialist,” says PO1 Kiraly.Aspiring student physiotherapists and strength conditioning professionals from Camosun College’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Education carried out modified push up tests, sprint tests, and grip tests.A quick game of wheelchair basketball followed, sponsored by the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.The remainder of the week saw the participants split...

[caption id="attachment_9811" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Army cadets from 3300 RCACC stand ready to march in the Vaisakhi parade, which was part of the festival celebrations that took place on April 18 in Surrey, B.C. More than 250,000 people attend Vaisakhi celebrations in Surrey each year.[/caption]3300 British Columbia Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Surrey, B.C. celebrated the addition of the honour title “Bhai Kanhaiya” to their official name with a fundraising dinner held Friday, April 10.The cadet corps is the first in Canada to be formed and supported by the Sikh community, although it is open to all youth.The name Bhai Kanhaiya was chosen to honour a historical figure in the Sikh community. Bhai Kanhaiya (1648 - 1718) practiced Sewa, translated as selfless service, which is the spirit of generosity towards fellow human beings.During the battle of Anandpur in 1704, Bhai Kanhaiya helped the wounded without discrimination for soldiers on either side of the battle.He continued to be known for his tolerance, kindness and compassion with no distinction of religion, nationality, colour, caste or creed, and is now seen as a forerunner of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.Cadets and staff of 3300 RCACC have embraced the idea of Sewa, or selfless service, as it encompasses the values of the cadet program.“As we move forward, the Bhai Kanhaiya cadet corps will continue to serve as an inspiration for other programs, which embrace Canada’s multiculturalism, and offers young Canadians opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures,” said Harbinder Singh Sewak, chairman of the Friends of the Sikh Cadet Society.The fundraising dinner was held on the eve of Vaisakhi celebrations, a traditional time of harvest and plenty, with an attendance of more than 400 guests.The event was attended by the Minister of National Defence and Minister for Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney;...

[caption id="attachment_9807" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cpl Philippe Archambault an Imagery Technician from the Directorate of Army Public Affairs, covering the 2013 Canadian Army Run in downtown Ottawa, ON.[/caption]Imagery Technicians with the Canadian Armed Forces are the trade behind the lens.They are entrusted to capture, in photos or videos, the individual moments and pervasive spirit of the Canadian military and its members.A member of the trade today is both an historian and a photojournalist.The technician is tasked with documenting the actions of the CAF for the Government of Canada and the world, and to bear witness to the amazing stories of Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen.Imagery technicians work alongside other CAF members in the Army, Navy and Air Force to document important events in the life and times of the Forces.They may work at any base in Canada, on ships at sea and overseas as part of United Nations, NATO and other missions.The images and videos they capture are used for training, flyers, posters, public affairs and higher strategic requirements.An imagery technician might tag along with infantry one day, military police another day and medics the next.Always, however, the imagery technician’s goal is to tell the soldiers’ stories of struggle, sacrifice and success with the best possible images.Sgt Dan Shouinard, Imagery Supervisor and acting Operations Warrant, Directorate Army Public Affairs, has photographed still and video images of a wide range of Army experiences since he joined the regular force in 2001 as an imagery technician.“We are witnessing and recording history,” said Sgt Shouinard, “which is why many imagery technicians say they have the best job in the CAF.”Another job benefit, according to Sgt Shouinard, is that imagery technicians get to see each and every military job and observe the dedicated work of other CAF members firsthand.Sgt Shouinard started out as a...

Seven Canadian and American naval vessels sailed from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt today to participate in Exercise Trident Fury, a biennial multinational exercise taking place off the coast of Vancouver Island from May 4-15.  Trident Fury is a naval exercise organized by Maritime Forces Pacific.The exercise tests air and surface joint operations including maritime surveillance, live air and surface weapons firing, and anti-submarine warfare training.Participants come from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the United States Navy (USN), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).More than 1,200 military personnel will participate in this exercise, which enhances the RCN’s ability to operate in a task group environment with our allies.“Exercise Trident Fury is critical in making sure that Pacific Fleet ships are ready to deploy with our allies on a wide range of operations.  Interoperability is critical to working in a maritime environment,” said Commodore Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.Naval vessels participating this year include Her Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife, United States Ship Cape St. George, United States Coast Guard Cutter Active, and RCN Orca-class vessel Wolf.Military aircraft participation include RCAF CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft and CH-124 Sea King ship-based helicopters.American aircraft participating in the exercise include USN P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol aircraft, SH-60 Seahawk helicopters and EA-18 Growler electronic warfare jets.

On Sept.19, 2014, Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), announced the retirement of four ships that had reached the end of their operational lives: HerMajesty’s Canadian Ships Protecteur, Preserver, Iroquois and Algonquin.Each ship has a slightly different story, but the common thread is that all four ships have served Canada and the RCN with honour and distinction.  Three of the four ships will be “paid off” in ceremonies on their respective coasts this spring and summer.The term “paying off” refers to the British age-of-sail practice of paying a crew their wages once a ship has completed its voyage. In the RCN, the tradition continues with the term paying off referring to the formal ceremony where the naval jack, ensign and commissioning pennant are hauled down, the crew departs a ship for the last time, and the ship is then no longer referred to as HMCS.HMCS ProtecteurAfter 46 years of great service, HMCS Protecteur, one of the RCN’s auxiliary oiler replenishment ships, will be paid off during a ceremony at CFB Esquimalt on May 14.Constructed in Saint John, New Brunswick, Protecteur was commissioned on Aug. 30, 1969, initially sailing into service with the Atlantic Fleet before transferring to the Pacific Fleet, where she completed her service.Protecteur took part in numerous operations during her service life, notably deploying to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield in 1991, to Florida as part of the relief effort after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and was part of Canada’s contribution to the multinational task force to assist East Timor from October 1999 to January 2000.HMCS PreserverHMCS Preserver has successfully served with the RCN for more than 40 years.Despite not being used as an at-sea platform anymore, Preserver continues to serve by providing a fueling service to the Atlantic Fleet.A...