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  The Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) 12-year mission in Afghanistan recently ended. It assisted in making the war-torn country more secure, better governed and more stable, but it did not come without sacrifice.While serving their country with honour, 161 Canadians – 158 CAF personnel, a diplomat, a Department of National Defence contractor and a journalist – lost their lives in Afghanistan. In addition, 43 United States Armed Forces members sacrificed their lives while serving under Canadian command during operations in Afghanistan. “One of the ways Canada is commemorating the mission in Afghanistan is by honouring the fallen through the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil, which will travel across Canada this year and in 2015,” said Capt Indira Thackorie, Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) Public Affairs Officer. The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil consists of 192 plaques representing the 204 fallen. Originally, the plaques were part of the Kandahar Air Field cenotaph – a memorial structure built for soldiers by soldiers to commemorate their fallen comrades while deployed in Afghanistan. The first stop in the Memorial Vigil travel schedule was May 4 in Trenton, Ontario. On May 9, it was displayed in the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill during the National Day of Honour and some of the families of the fallen were in attendance. Three CAF personnel – Captain Patrick Lottinville, Corporal Martin Labelle and Chief Warrant Officer David Mahon – will travel with the exhibit across Canada. During his time in the Canadian Army, CWO Mahon has been deployed to Germany, Egypt and Afghanistan. This task, however, holds an important significance for him.The opportunity to be a part of the Vigil Party will round out his 41-year career with the CAF. “Working with soldiers who are tasked to set up and tear down the Vigil, and then discussing the intent and meaning with Canadian citizens has been the most meaningful experience of my career,” he explained. “My task is ceremonial and drill. I feel that my years in the field and on...

This was it; 2014 would be the year I learned to ride a motorcycle and ride with the pack. None of my friends would ride with me unless I took a proper “learn to ride” course. And, as if the hog gods were listening, an ad appeared in the Lookout newspaper for “Learn to Ride” motorcycle training. I could almost hear leather-clad angels cooing “ahhhhh.” With my application accpeted and Class 6/8 Learner’s License obtained, I was set for the two evenings of four hour classroom theory, and two full days of learning on a 250cc motorbike – courtesy of  Learn to Ride Motorcycle Training Ltd. In hopes of staying ahead of the pack, I eagerly studied the ICBC “Learn To Ride Smart” booklet. A few days later, I was seated next to four other rider wannabes at the Econo Lodge Gorge View board room, our eyes set on Richard Beaumont, a Petty Officer Second Class sailor who has 14 years experience on two wheels, and seven as a certified trainer. He tossed out bike jargon that I found novel such as “space cushion.” No, not a silver lamé throw pillow, but a descriptive term for the necessary distance in front of you that allows time enough to stop or react safely. Or “road snakes,” the literal meaning sounds more fantastical than the actual. It pertains to the wiggly tar lines meant to repair the cracks in the road. They are slippery, especially when wet and are to be avoided where possible. In terms of real world threats to a motorcyclist, road snakes are on the lower end of our worries. We learned that everything is a potential hazard when you are riding, and it is best to practice SIPDE: scan, identify, predict, decide and execute. From the classroom, we...

[caption id="attachment_6972" align="alignnone" width="300"] Above: Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Kristan Chung (right) of the British Columbia Regiment lays a wreath at the cenotaph in the Canadian Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. Attending the ceremony are, from left: Captain Leah Yauck, C/MCpl Roger Mak, C/Sgt Holly Johnson, C/Sgt Sharon Wong and C/MWO Richard Vo.Wayne Emde[/caption] For five Vancouver cadets from 2290 RCACC (British Columbia Regiment), a tour that combined the battlefields of the First World War with the events of the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings proved to be moving and memorable. During the first week of June, after tourist stops and museum visits in London and Paris, Captain Leah Yauck and cadets Kristan Chung, Rich Vo, Holly Johnson, Sharon Wong and Roger Mak travelled to Normandy, France. Their first stop was Pointe du Hoc on the coast of Normandy, where, during D Day, the United States Army Ranger Assault Group assaulted and captured the area from the Germans after scaling the cliffs. “We were rendered speechless after learning of the carnage and battlements, which were so visible and oppressive,” said Capt Yauck. They were surprised to see the numbers of re-enactors at the site; French citizens who dressed in vintage American army uniforms driving restored vintage jeeps, trucks, and motorcycles. Their second stop was Arromanche, which was established as an artificial temporary harbour to allow the unloading of heavy equipment during the Second World War. The town is home to the Arromanche D Day museum. “We stood at the monument there and tried to imagine what it looked like 70 years ago,” she said. On June 5, the group travelled to Honfleur, where they toured the oldest wooden church in France, and then the ancient harbour surrounded by tall, narrow buildings. After an emotional stop at the Ardenne Abbey, the location...

[caption id="attachment_6969" align="alignnone" width="300"] War Veteran Peter Chance added another medal to his collection, the the Ordre national de la Légon d’honneur.[/caption] Seventy years after his ship, HMCS Skeena, took part in the D-Day landings, Cdr (Ret’d) Peter Chance received recognition from the French government. Along with 500 other Canadian army, navy and air force veterans of the pivotal Second World War battle, the 93-year-old was named a Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre national de la Légon d’honneur, France’s highest honour. Five hundred is all that remains of the more than 34,000 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen who participated in Operation Overlord and began to push German forces back out of France. Chance and 14 other B.C. veterans gathered in Vancouver on May 21 to accept the medal from Consul General of France M. Jean-Christophe Fleury, who presented it on behalf of the President of France. The event included dinner and speeches from dignitaries including Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino, Premier Christy Clark, and Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon. Each recipient was assigned a cadet escort “to make sure we didn’t fall down,” Chance jokes. Though he earned several other medals and awards through his more than 30-year naval career, this one is special, he says. “It is very special because it recognizes Canadian participation in the Normandy landings.” Chance was the navigating officer in HMCS Skeena when the allies made their Normandy assault on June 6, 1944. As part of Escort Group 12, Skeena’s duty was to block German submarines from entering the landing area. The most memorable moments of that mission came on June 8 when two homing torpedoes – designed to target the frequency of a ship’s propellers – streamed through the water and exploded in Skeena’s Canadian Anti-Acoustic Torpedo (CAT) gear. It was a...

CF Morale and Welfare Services Directorate of Fitness has joined the push to generate a fitter and healthier military. They are going beyond the FORCE Evaluation - the new assessment tool to determine if a member is fit for duty - and are now looking at a way to indicate a member’s general fitness level.  Researchers have been to four bases putting select members through the FORCE Evaluation to gather specific data. Last week, 150 men and women of varying ages volunteered for the research at CFB Esquimalt . “We’re going across country collecting data on 600 CAF personnel to see what their fastest FORCE times are, and we’re plotting them on the incentive chart where they’ll be compared to their age and gender counterparts,” explained Dr. Tara Reilly, Research Manager Human Performance in Ottawa. The Human Performance Research team is developing a Fitness Profile, which is a measure of fitness that goes beyond the minimums for job performance. That profile will include an incentive program that will be used to encourage members to improve both their operational and general physical fitness.  In the previous EXPRES test the incentive was an exemption on the next year’s test. However, the new motivational program is still in the development phase, so the four incentive levels and rewards have yet to be confirmed. The new fitness profile expands on the existing FORCE Evaluation in two main ways:   Firstly, it offers an incentive program where members will be compared to their age and gender groups in order to encourage maximal performance and improvement on the FORCE Evaluation.  In this way the member will be provided with a scaled measure of his or her operational fitness compared to other people of his or her age and gender, rather than simply a pass or fail....

[caption id="attachment_6949" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt J. J. ‘Yank’ Cummings, Nimitz’s Executive Officer and a former naval aviator, gives an informational tour of flight operations on the carrier’s flight deck.[/caption] The hulking silhouette of USS Nimitz, a United States Navy (USN) aircraft carrier and lead ship of the Nimitz-class, was an impressive sight on the water during its stay in Esquimalt from June 13-16. “We pass by here every time we get underway thinking ‘Wow, it would be great to pull into Victoria.’ So we’re pleased to be here,” said Captain Jeffery Ruth, Nimitz’s Commanding Officer. Arriving from its home port of Naval Station Everett in Washington state, “Old Salt”, the carrier’s official nickname, laid at anchor off Royal Roads near CFB Esquimalt. Here for a brief port visit before proceeding to Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental Test Range Nanoose Bay, Nimitz arrived in Esquimalt with over 2,800 sailors and family members on board. With the addition of the carrier’s air component, Carrier Air Wing Eleven, the ship’s personnel would number well over 5,000; however the Wing remained in California. Despite the absence of the carrier’s Air Wing, media were given an informational tour of air operations on Nimitz’s massive flight deck by Captain J.J. “Yank” Cummings, Nimitz’s Executive Officer and a former naval aviator. Capt Cummings described the force behind the carrier’s catapult aircraft launching system as a “40-tonne double-barrel shotgun below deck.” The launching procedure is an intricate process that involves a number of personnel on the flight deck working in close conjunction with one another amongst explosives, jet blasts and steam-driven launching catapults. “It’s one of the most dangerous places on earth,” stressed Capt Cummings. When the aircraft and catapult are primed for launch, the press of a button releases a massive amount of force, literally flinging the aircraft...

[caption id="attachment_6944" align="alignnone" width="300"] David Yates, National Vice-President of the Navy League Cadets, presents CPO1 Charity Cole with the Medal of Excellence Award at the June 1 Annual Ceremonial Review.[/caption] Sometimes it’s good to stand out in a crowd, especially if it’s because of your accomplishments. A few weeks ago 12-year-old Charity Cole soared far above her peers when she was named Top Navy League Cadet of Canada (NLCC), in addition to being the Navy League Cadet of the year for Vancouver Island Division. It was at the June 1 NLCC Admiral Rayner’s Annual Ceremonial Review in Work Point that she was called to the front and given the Medal of Excellence Award. “I was shocked. I heard that I’d won Top Cadet for Vancouver Island, but didn’t hear about the other one until they were presenting it to me,” says CPO1 Cole. “It was a huge honour, and everyone except my Commanding Officer was very surprised.” CPO1 Cole was chosen out of more than 7,000 Navy League cadets across Canada for the honour. Because she was named Top Cadet of both her region and country, the medal features two anchors on the bar instead of the customary single anchor. She is not cut from the usual pre-teen cloth. While most 12 year olds’ eyes are on their cellphone or computer screen, CPO1 Cole has hers set on many horizon-expanding activities. Cadets is just one of a long list of extracurricular pursuits that includes Girl Guides, playing violin, curling, swimming, and volunteering with city organizations. She also plays the bass drum in her cadet corps. Born into a military family - her father is a Sergeant at 443(MH) Squadron and her brother was a coxswain of his cadet corps in Halifax - naval cadets seemed like a good place for...

Pacific Tattoo 2014 features performers from across North America in recognition of the anniversaries of World Wars One and Two. The 3rd Annual Pacific Tattoo, held July 12 and 13 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, features military and civilian performers from across Canada and the U.S.A, in a theatrical production that honours veterans and recognizes the centenary of the First World War, and the  70th anniversary of D-Day. “We have the familiar tattoo ingredients: military bands, precision marching, pageantry, uniforms, historical recognition, nostalgic music and of course pipes and drums and highland dancers,” says Roger McGuire, producer of the Pacific Tattoo. “Each year the Tattoo incorporates a central theme. This year we recognize anniversaries associated with both World Wars, and we’ll honour veterans who will be in attendance.” New to this year’s event are the New Guard America, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry Drum Corps, and the Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. New Guard America, holder of 13 Guinness World Records and 11 world championship competition titles, is the world’s only internationally touring professional civilian fixed bayonet rifle exhibition drill team.  Widely regarded as the best in the world, New Guard America features six rifle sequences of such extreme risk and difficulty; they are the only drill team in the world to perform them. The non-firing weapons used during their performances are the M1903-03 rifle. These weapons were used by U.S. military during both World Wars. Returning performers include The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy; the Tattoo Pipes and Drums including members of the Canadian Scottish Regiment and Seaforth Highlanders of Canada; and the “E” Division RCMP Ceremonial Troop. Pacific Tattoo organizers are scheduling free daytime performances around Victoria July 9 through 11.  Watch for impromptu “10-minute Tattoo teases” in the Inner Harbour and in Centennial Square....

[caption id="attachment_6880" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm Gilles Couturier[/caption] For nearly a year, whenever RAdm Gilles Couturier has travelled, he has packed a large binder dedicated to the summer training goals of 23 nations.The Canadian admiral is the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2014, the largest maritime exercise in the world. Along with the lengthy job title comes the responsibility to make sure everyone who participates in this year’s event sails away with new skills and lots of practical experience. While still fulfilling his duties at National Defence Headquarters, since September RAdm Couturier has been attending RIMPAC planning meetings and poring over documents to make sure he understands what each participating nation is hoping to achieve. His RIMPAC binder, which has been steadily filling up as planning has progressed, will remain by his side until the end of the exercise so he can keep tabs on what all 48 surface ship crews and six submarine crews have done, and what they still need to accomplish. For a sailor who’s been in Ottawa for the past year, it’s a dream job, he says. “It’s back to the navy, and for a navy guy it’s very interesting. It’s operational; it’s all about ships and aircraft at sea and sailors. At the end of the day it’s all about the people, making sure our sailors leave there as better sailors, a better ship’s company able to operate in a multi-national maritime context.” A new role for CanadaNot only is CFMCC a big job, this is also the first time a Canadian has taken on the role. Americans filled key RIMPAC leadership roles up until the last RIMPAC in 2012 when an Australian filled the CFMCC shoes and Canada fulfilled the Deputy Commander role with RAdm Ron Lloyd...

[caption id="attachment_6874" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMC Ships Nanaimo and Whitehorse approach Esquimalt Harbour.[/caption] While the training areas in the waters around Hawaii teem with 25,000 military personnel from all around the world, HMC Ships Whitehorse and Nanaimo will be at work 4,000 kilometres away. Operating out of San Diego, California, the two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels will participate in scenario-driven Naval Mine Countermeasures exercises with a task force made up of personnel from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. “It’s a great opportunity for us to work with allies we don’t see very often,” says LCdr Jeffrey Hopkins, Commanding Officer of Nanaimo. “They bring in elements to operations we don’t have; and learning how to utilize the specific skills and equipment we all bring is an integral and hugely beneficial part of the exercise.” During the exercises both Whitehorse and Nanaimo will use different specialized mine-detection equipment. Aboard Nanaimo will be a side-scan sonar, a torpedo-shaped piece of equipment that is towed through the water behind the vessel at variable depths, scanning the surrounding area for potential mines. “We don’t get much time with the side-scan sonar so we’re happy to have any chance to brush up on it,” says LCdr Hopkins. “It’s been a while, so we’ve been hard at work training on it and making sure the newer crew members know all the ins and outs.” Whitehorse will be tasked with investigating and inspecting contacts Nanaimo may find. They will do this using a remotely operated vehicle and a Bottom Object Inspections Vehicle (BOIV). “Whatever Nanaimo may find we get a team and equipment in the water to get more complete information on what it is,” says LCdr Michael Sorsdahl, Commanding Officer of Whitehorse. “We will have a team embarked from the Fleet Dive Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P))...

[caption id="attachment_6868" align="alignnone" width="300"] From Left to right: C/MWO Jayden Worth, C/CWO Curtis Whittla (Corps RSM) and C/MWO Tyler Cardinal show their National Star of Excellence Level 4 insignia.[/caption] During the 2483 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Commanding Officer’s parade on May 27, a very rare event happened.  Three Master Cadets were presented with Level 4 of the National Star of Excellence. This is the highest level of achievement within the Army Cadet Programme in Canada.  Out of 51 Army Cadets Corps in B.C., parading approximately 2,000 Army Cadets, only 10 Level 4 - National Stars of Excellence have been presented so far, three of which are C/CWO Curtis Whittla (the Corps Regimental Sgt-Maj (RSM)); C/MWO Jayden Worth; and C/MWO Tyler Cardinal. The National Star of Excellence (NSE) is a merit and performance-based system of achievement, where progression within the programme is based on the capacity of cadets to collect merit and performance points in various areas of assessment to reach the four distinct levels of excellence.  More points are given for higher levels of achievement within specified training or levels of participation (be it local, regional, national or international levels).   The NSE recognizes senior cadets that display superior involvement in Army Cadet activities and is the most comprehensive Army Cadet Challenge.  Areas of assessments are a combination of compulsory and participation training and events including, but not limited to: leadership, citizenship, fitness and healthy living, community service and community leadership, general cadet knowledge, attendance at compulsory and advanced training, drill, dress, deportment, navigation, wilderness survival, instructional techniques, marksmanship, expeditions, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, music, and participation in optional training teams such as first aid or drill teams. These three cadets displayed impressive level of commitment within the Army Cadet Programme at the Corps,...

Declining enrolment and financial losses have forced the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) to shut down its daycare service at Lampson School.After Aug. 15, the MFRC will no longer offer daycare at this location. “It was a difficult decision and we are very sad to see the daycare close,” says Linda Scott, MFRC Program Manager. “But we are looking forward to having a good last summer with the kids.”Daycare is not a mandated service for the MFRC. In 2009, CFB Esquimalt leased Lampson School from the school board to fill a need for daycare services. However, since 2013, there has been a decline in enrolment of children aged three to five years old, and  an increase in growing deficits from running the operation. “As a non-profit organization, our board of directors had to make the decision that this service is no longer financially viable for us,” says Gaynor Jackson, MFRC Executive Director. “We understand that change is difficult and we are committed to assisting families throughout this process.” Due to annual transitions, the MFRC will be able to accommodate all families currently in Lampson’s Infant Toddler program at their Colwood location. Some spaces will be available in their three to five-year-olds daycare in Colwood as well. Those not accommodated have been provided information on other daycares in the Esquimalt area that have vacancies for September. The closure will also impact casual child care and children’s deployment workshops at Lampson School; however, these services will continue at CPAC in Colwood. Parents may contact the MFRC directly with questions or concerns or visit www.esquimaltmfrc.com for more information.

Two brothers, both military reservists and Victoria police officers, have exceeded expectations in keeping the roads safe by successfully enforcing the province’s impaired driving laws. That diligence has earned PO1 Graeme LeBlanc and Major Brendon LeBlanc an Alexa’s Team Award from ICBC, the Justice Institute of British Columbia and the Alexa Middelaer family. They are two of 313 officers who formed the 2013 Alexa’s Team in Surrey, Greater Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George.“It’s not about receiving an award, it’s about recognizing hardworking officers who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the safety of Victoria,” said PO1 LeBlanc, who works part-time at HMCS Malahat. The award, named after a four-year-old who died at the hands of a drunk driver in 2008, honours British Columbian police officers who have arrested 12 or more impaired drivers over a year. In 2010, the Middelaer family challenged the RCMP, municipal police officers, and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of British Columbia to reduce the number of deaths caused by alcohol impaired driving by 35 per cent by the end of 2013, the year Alexa would have turned 10 years old. In February, the Ministry of Justice announced there was a 52 per cent decrease in alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths, representing 190 lives saves. Alexa’s Team members were responsible for almost 50 per cent of the impaired driving enforcement in B.C. in 2013. PO1 LeBlanc was acting sergeant in the Integrated Road Safety Unit with seven officers in 2013. They were part of 80 Victoria police officers who formed Alexa’s Team. “That is really what it’s all about. It is a team effort. Just do the math; if a total of 80 officers all took a minimum of 12 impaired drivers off the road, think of how much of a difference we...

When military personnel are injured in the line of duty it doesn’t just change their lives, but the lives of their families as well. In these times of need Honour House is there to help.Founded in 2013, Honour House is a facility in New Westminster that provides lodgings for families of military members and emergency personnel receiving medical care in the area.Based in a fully restored 10-bedroom heritage house on a quiet tree-lined street, Honour House lends a helping hand to military families when they need it most.“When a family member is receiving treatment it’s hard on the entire family,” say Al De Genova, President of the Honour House Society. “Especially with all of the hard work and sacrifice the military gives to the people of Canada it’s only right for us to give back any way we can.”The idea for Honour House came to De Genova, delray beach real estate and former Park Board Commissioner for Vancouver, one night while watching a documentary on Capt Trevor Greene.Capt Greene suffered an axe wound to the skull that nearly killed him while serving in Afghanistan, putting him on a long road to recovery with his wife Debbie. De Genova and his wife began talking about how the families of service members are impacted in situations such as this.“We started talking about how there aren’t really any facilities available for the families of service members who are receiving treatment and medical care,” says De Genova, also one of the founding members of Ronald McDonald House that  provides similar lodging for the families of children receiving care at B.C. Children’s Hospital.“We came up with the idea of a place that would act as a sort of Ronald McDonald House, but for the families of military members receiving care. It was my wife who...

[gallery link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDctc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDciLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDguanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0wOCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] The Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force were prominent features in the 71st annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race on Saturday, May 24. HMCS Nanaimo was at anchor as the seaward mark boat, and HMCS Oriole returned to Swiftsure to compete with some of the fastest boats in her class.  The race start drew hundreds of spectators out on the sunny and thankfully windy Saturday morning. This year marked the 57th time Oriole has participated in Swiftsure. Its unique silhouette stood out among the competitors at the race line. The veteran vessel started the race from Clover Point at the front of the pack with full sails and a speedy clip. The 40 kilometre an hour wind pushed the 93-year-old sailing ketch upwards of 10 knots. “We had an awesome start and crossed the start line with the fastest boats,” said LCdr Jeff Kibble, Commanding Officer of Oriole, and a Swiftsure veteran. “Saturday saw good winds and Oriole made great progress despite battling to windward. The winds slowly died throughout the evening and by late Saturday night Oriole was becalmed. We withdrew at 11 a.m. Sunday with no chance of rounding the mark boat within the time limit.” LCdr Kibble has competed in Swiftsure 13 times, this being his fourth race as Oriole`s Captain. Only three of the 23 competitors in her class would finish the race, all of them struggling under light winds.  The Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre worked closely with the Swiftsure Race Committee to ensure search and rescue assets were ready to execute a fast response should need be, as well as implementing other safety measures for the race. Gathered crowds viewed an exciting search and rescue demonstration, which was a chance to see the working relationship between the Air Force, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Organization (RCM-SAR). A spectacular display was executed by the Air Force and partner organization showcasing the expertise and abilities...

 [gallery columns="2" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRW1waXJlLURheXMuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFbXBpcmUtRGF5cyIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTUuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNSIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTYuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNiIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] HMCS Nanaimo has always had a strong presence throughout many communities along the coast of Vancouver Island. This May provided opportunities to further strengthen those ties in Nanaimo and Victoria. Every year the City of Nanaimo celebrates Empire Days on the Victoria Day long weekend, a tradition that goes back 147 years, and includes the crowning of a May Queen to usher in the return of summer. Nanaimo and crew joined the festivities again this year attending the crowning of the May Queen, marching in the Empire Days parade, and hosting tours of the ship to the citizens of her namesake city. The end of the festival was marked by an on board reception with the ship’s company hosting the Empire Days Society, local politicians and the “Friends of Nanaimo”. Friends of Nanaimo are a group of loyal Nanaimo citizens that engage their namesake ship to ensure she is welcomed each time she visits while facilitating her participation in local activities. Nanaimo also partook in the 71st annual Swiftsure Sailing Race in the Strait of Juan de Fuca May 24 and 25, providing a platform for members of the race committee and guests at the start line. Nanaimo signalled the start of each race using its saluting cannon while forming the seaward mark of the start line at Clover Point. Four members of the Race Committee remained embarked once all five race classes had commenced, while the remainder of the guests were disembarked at Ogden Point. The ship then proceeded to Swiftsure Bank to act as a rounding mark race while also providing standby search and rescue support. Both of these events were successful from the standpoint of community engagement providing great opportunities for Nanaimo’s sailors to interact with the public and building community relations. MS Daniel Robinson, HMCS Nanaimo

[caption id="attachment_6758" align="alignnone" width="300"] Click image to animate[/caption] They might occasionally wear chaps and stirrups, but their crowns signify them as Calgary royalty.  Calgary Stampede Queen Danica Heath, along with Stampede Princesses Shannon Black and Stephanie Patterson, made good on their royal duties by visiting HMCS Calgary May 23 for “Cowboy Up”, the ship’s annual celebration. Before the evening’s shindig, the visiting royals toured Calgary with Executive Officer LCdr Josh Yanchus, getting a peak at the bridge, crew quarters, and naval life in general.“It’s great going on these kinds of visits because we get to experience so many new things,” said Heath. “I’d never been on a ship like this until today, and it’s very interesting getting a first-hand look at how sailors live day-to-day.” They also took the time to present Calgary Commanding Officer, Cdr John Wilson with a new white Stetson hat, a traditional symbol of Calgary’s western hospitality. “We have a special place in our hearts for the people of Calgary,” said Cdr Wilson. “Even just the little affectations, like the Stetsons we wear, the Coxswain’s sheriff badge, and the Calgary Stampede paraphernalia all over the ship helps us strengthen that connection. We love having visitors from the city know that we take our bond seriously.” The Queen and Princesses of the Calgary Stampede are positions dating back to the 1940s. Selected through a competition that includes interviews, presentations, and shows of riding skill, Heath, Black, and Patterson began their terms in September 2013, touring the world and singing the praises of Calgary and its Stampede. “To represent our city and meet people in our hometown and as far away as Germany has been amazing,” says Black, who has dreamt of playing that part since childhood. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” The visit was more than just an opportunity to shake hands and share a square dance. Each vessel in the Royal Canadian Navy has a special relationship...

Forty members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Fraser received a glimpse into naval life and operations during a visit to the base May 20. The Corps was accompanied throughout the day by members of the Royal Canadian Navy and shown a variety of units and vessels. Also touring the base was a group of 30 cadets from the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps, having recently arrived from a welcoming tour in Vancouver hosted by their Canadian counterparts.Their day began with a tour of HMCS Yellowknife, followed by a tour of Wolf and Orca, two Orca-class patrol training craft, and Fleet Diving Unit. But perhaps the highlight of their day was a tour of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg, having recently undergone extensive maintenance and upgrade work under the Frigate Life Extension/Halifax Class Modernization project. Cadets saw the warship’s new and improved combat and engineering systems, including a state-of-the-art damage and fire control system, the small arms locker and a demonstration of the various firearms used by members of the naval boarding party, including a C7 rifle and an MP5 submachine gun. The Corps’ Commanding Officer, Lt(N) Bryan Watson, enjoyed supervising the tour and expressed his pride in watching cadets mature. A graduate of RCSCC Fraser himself, Lt(N) Watson reminisced with a fellow cadet from his corps, SLt Smirnov, Winnipeg’s Dive Officer who was conducting the tour. “It’s fun watching them grow up from shy and timid kids to confident leaders who are comfortable giving a presentation to their peers and others,” said Lt(N)Watson.    Jamie Cook, MARPAC PA Office

 As the sun sets on the Red Sea, the officers onboard HMCS Regina can be seen climbing the ladders to reach the bridge top. They are not wearing their naval combat dress and this is not to reach a better vantage point.   They are formally dressed to honour a naval tradition.    Upon reaching the top, the off-watch officers take a pause to soak in the sights, snap a photo and enjoy the setting sun. This does not seem normal for a group of tenacious and driven individuals deployed in a warship on operations in the midst of transitioning from one mission to another. That is because this is not. The officers of HMCS Regina are honouring the age old of a tradition of wearing Red Sea Rig while having the unique opportunity of sailing in the Red Sea.   This harkens back to the 1800s when the officers of the Royal Navy were expected to wear full appropriate uniforms (think mess kit) to all functions. When they reached the Red Sea, they soon discovered heat and humidity made this quite impractical. In an effort to avoid heatstroke, the officers were allowed to remove their jackets. In the mid 1800s, when British Army personnel were stationed in India, cummerbunds were added, taking after the colourful East Indian kamarband, to enhance the informal look. Over the years this formal dress was adopted by many navies and even some merchant mariners around the world for use in warmer climates at sea. Some navies even allow people to wear miniature medals, as with mess kit; not so much the case with the Royal Canadian Navy where the short sleeve shirt is kept void of any decoration but rank. By 1920 the modern cummerbund was widely used with the pleats facing up to hold opera tickets for men whose tuxedos had no pockets. To add some colour to an otherwise predictable outfit, each branch in the CAF elected a different colour cummerbund.  “What makes...

May 29 the people of Vancouver Island are invited to God’s Acre Cemetery in Esquimalt for a candlelight  tribute to honour the service and sacrifice of Canada’s armed forces. The Candlelight Tribute, which takes place every year, honours fallen military members and the sacrifices of military personnel throughout history. This year a special focus will be given to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landing. “We want to pass on the torch,” says Bob Haldane, Vice President of the Esquimalt Legion, which hosts the event. “It’s important for kids to remember the people who came before them, who fought for everything they have now. “With this special anniversary, it’s especially important to remember the events through history which contributed to the sacrifices of these men and women.” Every year the event hosts guest speakers, musical acts, and presentations. The Victoria Children’s Choir will be in attendance this year performing “How Can I Keep From Singing”, “A Song for Peace”, and the popular Second World War ballad “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”. “Getting so many generations in one place to remember the efforts and values of the past is really the goal,” says Haldane. “We have to open our hearts and our minds and remember the values that all humanity shares in our pursuit of peace, safety, and happiness.” Guests of honour include members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Merchant Navy, Peacekeepers, and veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War. Mayor Barb Desjardins will also be in attendance as well as Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, and Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. Following the presentations, those in attendance may place candles on the gravesites at God’s Acre. Last year over 1,000 candles were placed by the 1,000...

[caption id="attachment_6588" align="alignnone" width="300"] Bill Stewart shakes hands with RAdm Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, after receiving the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award.[/caption] “Eagles tend to appear when I perform the Travelling Song,” says Bill Stewart, Technical Data Specialist at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and member of the Ahousaht First Nation at a May 15 Sunrise Drumming event. “They embody the spirits of our ancestors, the “Old Ones”, who are keeping an eye on their people and watching over us,” he says. “I take it as a good sign.” During his early morning ceremony last Thursday, six eagles flew overhead, two coming within a few metres of the attendees. “They are always watching, showing us they care and are protecting us,” says Stewart, who was awarded the Minister of National Defence/Chief of Defence Staff 2014 Management of Human Resources Employment Equity Award. The award recognizes significant achievements by people who represent under-recognized groups in the Department of National Defence (DND) such as women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, and visible minorities. Stewart received the award due to his work as co-chair of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) and his efforts to promote cooperation and friendship between the First Nations and Defence communities. With a 90 per cent hearing impairment, Stewart has also worked with the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Group. “I was shocked when I found out I’d won the award. I don’t think it’s really even sunk in yet,” says Stewart. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and think we are all closer to understanding the values of one another. The work will continue for future generations.” Stewart’s advocacy work include a “Travelling Song” written and first performed by Stewart in 2008 in the traditional...

  [caption id="attachment_6585" align="alignnone" width="300"] PO1 Josh Barnes, Team Leader of the 2014 MARPAC Nijmegen team, raises funds during the team Boot Drive at the Dockyard Gate.[/caption] Lacing up his well-worn combat boots and hoisting his rucksack on his back, PO1 Josh Barnes is ready to take the 2014 Nijmegen March by its tulip-adorned horns.Having participated in the four-day 160 kilometre march three years in a row, PO1 Barnes is more than prepared to take on the role as this year’s Maritime Force Pacific (MARPAC) team leader. “It’s been an interesting experience seeing the team from this side of things,” says PO1 Barnes, who has acted as a marcher as well as 2IC for the team in the past. “I’m much more focused on the administration of the team - where we are in terms of training and seeing who among our candidates is ready for the march. Whereas the 2IC is focused on making sure everyone is happy, the team leader is making sure everyone is ready and being pushed to their limits.” PO1 Barnes takes over from CPO1 Chris Koblun, who participated in the Nijmegen March eight years in a row. “Last year, as 2IC, Chris acted as my mentor. I spent a lot of time talking to him about what it takes to lead a team,” says PO1 Barnes. “I’m so thankful for his experience. I picked up a lot of tricks and advice that has already proved invaluable.” Right now, PO1 Barnes is focused on narrowing down the potential candidates from the current pool of 26 hopefuls. With only nine positions available on the team everyone has their work cut out for them. “We started with 52 people, but once we got into marching 40 kilometres in our boots with a 35 pound pack people started...

[caption id="attachment_6579" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Miguelito Valdes played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in Havana, with the house band.[/caption] Three decades ago, 10-year-old Miguelito Valdes held his first musical instrument, a used trumpet supplied by his school. When he held it to his lips and pushed forth a burst of air, the noise was anything but musical. But his lack of skill would not deter him. This was the instrument he would master. Now, 29 years later, the Cuban-born trumpeter is a Leading Seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy, and a pillar in the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Behind the crisp black uniform and military style haircut, is a man with a rich musical history. “You start very young in Cuba,” he says, sitting amongst piled songbooks and sheet music, and surrounded by instruments in a small back room at the Naden Band headquarters. “It’s not like here where kids start lessons at 12 or 13 and play a few hours a week. In Cuba you play every day. It’s a part of your school day. If you were going into the arts it became a part of your life very quickly.” Formal training began at age 11 when he enrolled at the Paulita Conception Elementary School of Music, and ended at age 19 when he graduated from the Amadeo Roldan Provincial School of Music. “The arts are a way of life in Cuba,” he says. “I learned math, social studies, and all of the usual things you learn in school, but I was playing trumpet right alongside all of it.” Outside of school, he formed the group “Jelengue”, and at age 19 they recorded an album and toured for a number of years. He also played extensively at Club Tropicana, a world-renowned cabaret in...

[caption id="attachment_6525" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Zachariah Stopa, MARPAC Imaging ServicesCapt(N) Bradley Peats explains the role of Orca class vessels to delegates of the NATO Assembly, during their visit to CFB Esquimalt on May 2.[/caption] Forty-five delegates from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which provides an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of NATO nations, visited CFB Esquimalt on Friday, May 2 to discuss security developments in the Asia-Pacific region and their significance for Canada. The delegation was led by President Hugh Bailey from the United Kingdom and Sub-Committee Chair Neemo Knip from the Netherlands. It was hosted by Cheryl Gallant, Conservative MP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, Chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamen-tary Association. The delegations’ visit to CFB Esquimalt began with presentations and discussions. Dr. Jim Boutilier, Special Advisor for International Engagement, led a discussion on the growing importance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the impact of strong navies in Japan, China and India on international foreign policy.  “The delegation members were suitably struck by the brittle maritime environment in East Asia waters,” Dr. Boutilier noted. “One of the challenges currently facing NATO is how to enhance ties and develop a stronger presence in Asia.”Since its creation in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly provides a specialized forum for members of parliament from across the Atlantic Alliance to discuss and influence decisions on Alliance security. The Assembly facilitates parliamentary awareness and understanding of the key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, and supports national parliamentary oversight over defence and security. As stated by our Prime Minister, Canada’s economy floats on salt water, hence the growing importance of the maritime security of this region. Following the morning’s discussions, the delegates boarded two Orca Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels, and the vessels’ capabilities were showcased during a tour of Esquimalt Harbour....

[caption id="attachment_6532" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boris Martine repairs a bike inside one of the Vélofix Mobile ProShop vehicles.[/caption] With Bike to Work Week just around the corner, cyclists at CFB Esquimalt can look forward to getting their ride some on-the-spot love and care. The Vélofix Mobile Bike ProShop will be onsite at the base’s Bike to Work Week breakfast May 26 from 6:15-8 a.m., offering bike adjustments to event participants. Vélofix features all the amenities of a professional bike shop in the back of a van. Going wherever they’re called, the Vélofix team offers professional tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance. Chris Guillement, who founded Vélofix with Davide Xausa and Boris Martin in Vancouver in 2013, says, “Vancouver is a very bike-friendly town and we realized a lot of people would need some mechanical help when they wouldn’t be able to get it.  With Vélofix, people can get bike work done when and where they need it.” Cyclists can make reservations online at www.velofix.com to have the bike shop come to them. All the customer’s mechanical needs are met at their location, or the bike is picked up and returned later. “There wasn’t really anything like Vélofix in Vancouver, or anywhere we could find so we knew we were onto something,” says Guillement. “It’s been great, and we’ve grown so much in the last few years.” Vélofix now has franchises open in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. The Victoria operation has attracted some prestige, being co-owned by Simon Whitfield, former professional triathlete and Olympic Gold and Silver medalist. “It’s great having someone like Simon involved in our little enterprise,” says Guillement. “Obviously, he’s a big proponent of cycling and having his name and passion behind Vélofix has been amazing.” Guillement says he’s excited to have Vélofix showcasing its services at CFB Esquimalt’s Bike to Work Week Breakfast, which will take place in Naden’s CANEX parking lot. “We love supporting events like Bike to Work Week because it promotes the sport and...

[caption id="attachment_6518" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Kristina Gray, LS Gregory Fillmore and CPO Mick Golby (RN) (left to right). stand in front of USS NEW MEXICO not long after she surfaced beside Camp Nautilus.[/caption] Floating on a chunk of ice in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, United States Navy (USN) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel learned that Mother Nature doesn’t always accommodate military schedules.From the waterborne “Camp Nautilus”, about 100 kilometres north of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, groups of USN and CAF personnel monitored submarine manoeuvering, surfacing, and logistics exercises from Mar. 17-27 during Submarine Laboratory Ice Exercise 2014 (ICEX14). “It was a very surreal experience working out on a huge piece of ice,” says Lt(N) Kristina Gray of Canadian Submarine Force Sustainment, an organization dealing with logistics and long-term planning for Canada’s submarine force, with a headquarters based at CFB Esquimalt. “When I got there all you could see was ice in every direction and a camp made out of plastic and plywood. It was strange.” During her time at Camp Nautilus, Lt(N) Gray worked as a Range Safety Officer, monitoring submarine movement beneath the arctic ice of their camp. Using a hydrophone suspended from the flow through holes in the 9-foot-thick ice, sensors tracked movement by USN submarines USS New Mexico and USS Hampton as they manoeuvred in the arctic waters. “The subs are moving together and conducting surfacing exercises so part of that is making sure their separation space is sufficient and everything is moving like it’s supposed to,” she says. “For things to go smoothly we had to make sure everyone was directed to the appropriate waterspace at all times. Without that information, things could get really bad.” While doing their work with ICEX14, Lt(N) Gray and her Assistant Range Safety Officer MS Gregory Fillmore of...

[caption id="attachment_6393" align="alignnone" width="300"] MS Keith Bruce sits next to a stack of ordnance recovered from an Improvised Explosive Device during Op Medusa.[/caption] It’s been seven years since the white Afghanistan dust coated his uniform, but MS Keith Bruce continues to remember his eight months service as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the war torn country. Many of those days were spent “outside the wire”, combing the landscape for booby traps, and when necessary, skilfully disarming bombs to put an end to their destructive role. From August 2006 to February 2007 he called the Kandahar Air Field (KAF) home, and members of the 2 Combat Engineer Regiment his family. While his regiment maintained a headquarters at KAF, he spent most of his time living in the surrounding territory. “I’d be on base for a day or two and spend a few weeks in the field,” he says. “The barracks were nice, but for most of the deployment we were sleeping on or in our vehicles, or on a cot beside. It was a rough go, but we had a job to do.” The job of EOD/IED technicians was a multi-faceted one. Besides the gruelling and dangerous work of disarming a bomb, they also conducted Post-Blast Forensics. This work had them investigating the scene of a detonation to try and glean as much intelligence about the device. This job took up much of MS Bruce’s time during Operation Medusa, the largest Canadian-led offensive in Afghanistan. “If a vehicle was damaged or destroyed, or someone was killed in a blast, we would investigate the area afterwards to try and find information,” he says. “Anything that could be used at the HQ to identify the bomb maker, or figured out the materials used would be catalogued by us and sent back.”...

[caption id="attachment_6390" align="alignnone" width="300"] Besides writing, Ed Brown has also taken up carving to honour his First Nations heritage. He stands proudly holding one of his own designs.[/caption] Local poet and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran Cpl (Ret’d) Ed Brown has hung up his uniform and taken up the pen. The 19-year veteran of the CAF recently self-published “A Soldier’s Fortune and Other Poems: Moving Past PTSD and Creating a Fun-Loving Life.” The book is a collection of Brown’s musings on his struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), life in the military, and the personal effects of war. “I wanted to put my work out there as a way of showing others who suffer from PTSD that there’s help for them,” says Brown. “I came from a very old school of thought, that if you were hurting and needed help you just sucked it up and did your job. That isn’t healthy, and it isn’t right. If you need help you have to talk about it.” During his long and varied career, Brown served in all three branches of the military, seeing three tours of duty including the former Yugoslavia in 1994, Israel and Syria in 2004, and a support mission in Istanbul serving forces in Afghanistan in 2007. “I came back from Istanbul and I was angry. I was really angry,” he says. “After each deployment I came back with a head full of things I’d rather forget. Losing friends, having your life in mortal danger, the stress, the tension, the fear, it all just became too much.” Returning home that third and final time Brown took to drugs and drink to keep his demons at bay. His marriage and family life were in shambles, and he was a man on the verge of breaking. “I dealt with my...

[caption id="attachment_6387" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt Sandy Robinson works with the medical team on a patient in Afghanistan.[/caption]Captain Sandy Robinson is counting down the days to retirement, about 1,200 are left. Retirement is driven by her desire to now put her family first after 26 years of military service.“After I came back from Afghanistan, I knew the most important thing was family. I’ve since looked after my 85-year-old parents, and had a baby – I put all that on hold throughout my career, and I can’t wait to retire, get back to Esquimalt and be together.”She is currently posted at 14 Wing Greenwood as the 2IC of clinical services.Capt Robinson was posted from Esquimalt to the Kandahar multinational medical clinic from July 2006 through February 2007. Her rotation experienced the heaviest load of mass casualty events to date in Afghanistan.She says the medical team handled those casualties in a plywood hospital with attached trailers with extending walls, and nothing painted.“It was gross,” she says. “Plywood is porous; it was about 55 degrees outside, with the air conditioner inside bringing it down to about 40 degrees, and there were flies.”But, she adds, “It was the most professionally fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”She credits her medical peers, who all worked at the highest calibre, for the camaraderie and the satisfaction of being able to meet the challenge of handling multiple traumas that arrived through bay doors. Together, they provided reassurance and care to injured soldiers, and contacted family at home on their behalf to share information.“It’s like being on a baseball team, and practicing – and finally, there’s a game. But, you don’t know if you can do it. Afghanistan was the epitome of 20 years of training. I don’t feel like I ever have to prove anything to anyone – I’ve done...

[caption id="attachment_6311" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Chicoutimi crew members prepare the submarine for camber dives at Ogden Point.[/caption] HMCS Chicoutimi was under tow to Ogden Point April 16 to conduct a camber dive. This was a key moment in the submarine’s Extended Docking Work Period that began in 2010. The camber dive is an early stepping stone in Chicoutimi’s return to the fleet, expected later this year, as it advances through an extensive test and trial program. A camber dive verifies the submarine’s watertight integrity, as well as the functionality of communications and other key systems. Dives occur in protected harbours where the water is deep enough for the submarine to be fully submerged. Before returning to operational service, a submarine must be certified following the successful completion of alongside tests and sea trials. The submarine must also be manned with a qualified and experienced crew, and be deemed safe to sail, conduct trials, and execute operations in accordance with their readiness status. Chicoutimi will return to operational service with the Royal Canadian Navy once it completes its period of testing and trials required under the tiered readiness program. The submarine is expected to complete testing and trials by mid-2014.