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[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cpl Dominic Larocque will be competing in the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.[/caption] Cpl Dominic Larocque will represent Canada with pride at the XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in March.“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Cpl Dominic Larocque for making the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team,” said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Cpl Larocque’s drive and determination serves as an inspiring example for us all. This March I urge you to join me cheering on Cpl Larocque, and all of the men and women who will represent Canada as part of our Paralympics teams.” In 2007, Cpl Larocque was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he was wounded in an improvised explosive device attack. As a result, his left leg was amputated above the knee.Following an extensive rehabilitation period, Cpl Larocque was introduced to the Soldier On Program and to the sport of ice sledge hockey.“In 2010 I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver during the Paralympics. It really inspired me and I decided that I would like to be part of the national team in Sochi. I am extremely proud and excited that my dream has become a reality,” says Cpl Larocque.Military/sport connectionThere is a long relationship between sports and military service in our country. Canadians serving in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War often took part in games days and other official and unofficial athletic contests. This military/sport connection has continued in the post-war years. Not surprisingly, some of these ‘soldier-athletes’ have worn both a military uniform and an Olympic athlete’s uniform for our country.Paralympic GamesThe origins of the Paralympic Games are closely tied with military service. In the years after the Second World War,...

[caption id="attachment_5798" align="alignnone" width="300"] Runners (left) PO2 Allan Kobayashi and (right) Sgt Dan Bodden meet up with sponsor Dr. Richard McIlmoyle of Achieve Health for a health assessment just before commencing the Wounded Warrior Run BC.[/caption] Five Canadian Armed Forces members have undertaken an arduous journey this week, running from one end of Vancouver Island to the other in the name of mental health. PO2 Allan Kobayashi, creator of the Wounded Warrior Run B.C., began the initiative following his own personal struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “I did everything they told me. I went to therapists, support groups, psychiatrists, and doctors, but I never felt like it was enough,” he says. “Once I got involved with Wounded Warriors I found there was an organization looking to help people just like me, and I wanted to do what I could to contribute back.” The six-day relay style run across Vancouver Island started Sunday in Port Hardy and will end Friday in Colwood. “It’s quite a distance,” says PO2 Kobayashi before the run. “We’re all experienced runners, so I think we’ll be just fine.” That being said, PO2 Kobayashi isn’t looking to take any undue risks for the team. Runners will only be on the road during the day, and will be followed by support vehicles full of food, water, and medical supplies should any need arise. “The only thing we had to worry about was packing on a few pounds before we ran,” he says. “We’ll be shedding more than our fair share of weight running that far.” Money gathered through fund raising will go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada. Founded in 2006, Wounded Warriors Canada helps injured CAF members with...

[caption id="attachment_5795" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Chris Horsman demonstrates how to use fire fighting hose pipe. Filipino children took part in a tour of HMCS Regina as part of the ship’s outreach initiative in the community of Helping Land during a port visit to Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2.[/caption] The busy seaport of Manila, Philippines, was HMCS Regina’s third port of call during its Operation Artemis deployment; the city provided a welcome five-day break from operations at sea. While on shore leave, a number of Regina sailors participated in community outreach activities in Manila.Members of Regina’s crew accompanied Irene Hansen-Reeder, wife of the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, and Project Pearl (a non-profit organization focused on ending child poverty) outreach workers during a guided tour of Helping Land and a community school in the area. Helping Land is located on the outskirts of Manila and is home to hundreds of people who earn a living by recycling and re-purposing garbage from the city’s landfills. Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world with approximately 12 million people inhabiting an area roughly the size of Edmonton, AB, which in comparison, has less than one million inhabitants. Following the sailors’ tour of Helping Land, children from the community were bussed back to Regina, given a tour of the ship, and enjoyed lunch in the crew café. “It was obvious from their smiling faces they had a wonderful experience, and if the kids had half as much fun as we did then the day was a huge success,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “This day would not have happened without the outstanding efforts of the ship’s company who put their hearts and souls into this initiative.”The outreach activities continued until the end of the port visit when Regina’s Padre,...

[caption id="attachment_5763" align="alignnone" width="300"] The dive team of HMCS Regina conducts operations from the ship’s Sea King helicopter in the South China Sea.[/caption] HMCS Regina completed its last set of mission specific workups and achieved high readiness in the Pacific Ocean waters east of Guam while en route to its deployment on Operation Artemis. This achievement was the culmination of months of pre-deployment training. High readiness means a ship is capable of conducting the full-spectrum of combat operations. “Our deployment demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ capability to support our allies and gives Canada an opportunity to operate within a responsive international force,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “It also increases the RCN’s capacity to execute any number of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, regional military engagement, and international diplomacy.” HMC Ships undergo a period of sea training to either achieve standard readiness or high readiness. Standard readiness means a ship is capable of conducting core naval training and executing assigned Canadian Armed Forces continental and expeditionary missions that do not entail the possibility of high intensity, full spectrum combat. Regina’s mission work-ups were tailored to the specific operational scenarios and potential threats that the ship may encounter during Operation Artemis. Mission work-ups included enhanced navy boarding party training with greater emphasis on flag verification boardings and contraband search and seizure techniques, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training at sea. The ship’s company also underwent cultural sensitivity training to improve their ability to interact with the many diverse countries, cultures and people they will encounter. “Regina achieved mission high-readiness due to the outstanding dedication, hard work and positive attitude of the ship’s company,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “They took each challenge in stride and did whatever it took to get the job done.” Op Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the...

[caption id="attachment_5759" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sebastian Preston, 10, (left) and Owen Sparshu, 10, hold on tight during Wolf’s high speed manoeuvres.[/caption] In the deep, cold waters off the coast of Victoria a handful of lucky community members got a chance to hit the high seas in Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessel Wolf (PCT 59).The 16 passengers were on a short voyage as part of a Legion Foundation auction, having bid on and won tickets to sail during the organization’s Christmas fundraising dinner.“I thought it was such an interesting and educational opportunity I couldn’t resist,” says Bridget Preston, who won her ticket along with passage for three others with a bid of $400. “I’ve never had the opportunity to sail on a naval vessel, and I’ve lived in Victoria for so long I had to see it from this side.”“Day sailors” were treated to a sunny and relaxing ride on the waters near Dallas Road, Clover Point, and Discovery Island.They were also shown the speed and manoeuvrability of Wolf during some exercises.“I was surprised as how quick they are,” says Preston. “You wouldn’t think a vessel so large could go so fast and turn so quickly. It was a real joy to witness.”Preston was accompanied by her son Sebastian, 10, and his friend Owen Sparshu, 10. The two got out of school to get a peak at naval life.“It was super fun, I’ve never done anything like this before,” says Sebastian. “We got out of school, which is cool, and we got to see so much cool stuff on the ship. Now we want to join the cadets.”Lt(N) Les Gunderson, Officer in Charge of Wolf for the day sail, says such events are a great opportunity to show the community the other side of the navy.“It’s important we show people what...

Employees of CFB Esquimalt will see a sea of pink come Feb. 26 in support of Anti-Bullying Day.This marks the second year CFB Esquimalt personnel have lent their support to the National Anti-Bullying initiative. The CFB Esquimalt efforts, headed by Nora Johnson, Manager of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and MCpl Kyle Mitchell, one of the MARPAC Safety Representatives, are encouraging personnel to don pink shirts in solidarity with the victims of bullying.“Things went really well last year and I was pleased by the volume of participants, with nearly 500 participants,” says MCpl Mitchell. “This year we saw an opportunity to work more directly within our community by partnering with School District 62, specifically Belmont Senior Secondary School.“They were really responsive to the opportunity to work with. Bullying is a huge issue in schools, especially during high school, so this is a cause close to their hearts.”Belmont’s t-shirt campaign has gotten off the ground thanks to a donation from the Pacific Fleet Club. MCpl Mitchell and EAP approached the school about making their shirts available for sale around the base, further supporting the school’s anti-bullying fund raising efforts. The shirts were designed by Belmont students and will be available for purchase through EAP or MCpl Mitchell. Bullying isn’t unique to schools, as anti-bullying awareness applies to the workplace as well.“It’s not talked about as often because for some reason some people believe bullying can’t happen to adults,” says MCpl Mitchell. “In reality, bullying can occur in the workplace.  We want to make sure anyone who feels like they’re being intimidated or taken advantage of has the resources available so they can feel comfortable coming forward for help.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

Last week, colleagues, family members, and loved ones were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of CPO2 Gilles Duquette.The 54-year-old Base Accommodations Officer and 29-year member of the Royal Canadian Navy was found dead in his home in Work Point’s Married Quarters Jan. 28.While the exact circumstances of CPO2 Duquette’s death are under investigation, the Defence Community has come out in support of his wife and two children in their time of need.“I’ve put a team in place to provide his family with our full support,” says Cdr Wes Golden, Base Administration Officer in a branch-wide email. “They, like many of us, are struggling to make sense of this tragedy. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn his passing with them.”CPO2 Duqeuette served on a multitude of ships including HMC Ships Kootenay, Annapolis, Vancouver, Huron, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.He was also the veteran of two deployments. In 1989 he deployed to Syria on a United Nations’ mission and in 2002 deployed on Vancouver to Bahrain as part of Task Force South-West Asia.Plans are being made to honour his life and achievements.“He was an exceptional sailor and warrior, and enjoyed a distinguished career in the RCN,” said Cdr Golden. “We will, respecting his family’s wishes, remember him as the warrior he was. We will miss him dearly.”-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5703" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naden band practices with the University of Victoria Symphony in preparation for their Feb. 7 concert.[/caption] A long anticipated collaboration between the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Wind Symphony, will come together next week for the first time in history. The two groups have been great acquaintances in the musical industry for a long time, but have never performed together quite like this.“This is going to be such a unique experience and a night people will remember for a long time,” says Eugene Dowling, Canadian Tuba professional, Juno Award Nominee and conductor of the UVic Wind Symphony.On Feb. 7 at the university’s Farquhar Auditorium the two bands unite to raise awareness of the Naden Band Scholarship, established in 1994. PO2 Robyn Jutras, a recipient of the Naden Band Scholarship in Music Performance, returns to the stage as a bassoon soloist. “It is very exciting having a previous recipient of the scholarship and former UVic graduate play on our stage again. It is great to have her give back to the scholarship for future recipients,” said Dowling. Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Director of Music and Naden Band Conductor, is thrilled to produce an evening of music of such aptitude and raw talent. “I know this night will be inspiring to all. Not just for listening pleasure but also for the musicians in the audience and University of Victoria students performing along side us. A lot of people are unaware that the Canadian Armed Forces is the largest employer of musicians in Canada. This night will showcase the level of professionalism the Canadian Armed Forces can offer for music enthusiasts seeking a respectable, professional future in music.”One of the awaited works on the program is the massive reproduction of David Maslanka’s...

[caption id="attachment_5700" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Tipper family work an assembly line to build sandwiches to give to the homeless.[/caption] Beyond texting, playing video games and Facebook chatting, it seems unlikely a sixth grader would care about the greater world around them. But that myth is dispelled with 11-year-old Emily Tipper, daughter of a military member, and one of the city’s youngest humanitarians.For the second year in a row she has rallied friends and family to feed the homeless over the holidays. On Dec. 23, 2013, she hand delivered 300 homemade lunches to those in need of a full belly. She achieved this feat by collecting and recycling pop bottles and soliciting donations from Thrifty Foods and Country Grocer. It all started with one conversation that left an indelible mark. “I remember asking a man laying on someone’s door step what he has to eat on Christmas and he told me the homeless don’t have enough money to buy food for Christmas, and that they try to see what they can get at shelters,” Tipper said. “This made me really sad and I wanted to help.” She secured 150 lunches in her first year, and doubled that number last Christmas. Each bag contained one sandwich, two cookies, two oranges, a bottle of water, some candy canes and a book.With a car brimming with paper bags, she started her endeavor in Sooke and made her way through Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt and downtown Victoria. With the help of family and friends each bagged lunch was distributed directly to someone in need. “I even got to know some of the homeless people. At first I was a little scared but once I started talking with them I realized they were just like you and I, just not as fortunate.” Left over lunch bags were...

[caption id="attachment_5654" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of HMCS Toronto’s naval boarding party board a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Arabian Sea region on Jan. 17 during Operation Artemis.[/caption] The crew of HMCS Toronto made yet another drug bust after intercepting a suspicious vessel in the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Artemis. Roughly 40 nautical miles off the coast of Tanzania, navy personnel boarded the vessel and found 265 bags of heroin weighing in at 280kg. Cdr Mathew Bowen, Commanding Officer of Toronto, credited the allied nature of Operation Artemis to the success of the seizure. “It is the ongoing collaboration with our multinational partners that enabled us to achieve a positive outcome in seizing illegal narcotics during our latest boarding,” he says. This latest seizure brings the total narcotics seized by Toronto to a staggering 8.5 metric tonnes in 12 months, including seizures of cocaine, heroin, and hashish. The seizures have all been a part of Operation Artemis, the Canadian Armed Forces’ current participation in counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea. Toronto has been deployed on Operation Artemis since January of last year; it has been a busy year for the Halifax-based patrol frigate. In March the crew seized 500kg of heroin valued at $100 million. A series of interdictions between May and June resulted in the seizure of an additional seven tonnes of narcotics including heroin and hashish. Then in October the crew made another bust, uncovering a shipment of 180kh of heroin off of Cape Horn. According to Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, Toronto’s highly successful deployment has struck a heavy blow against narcotics smuggling. “I commend the crew of the HMCS Toronto,” says Nicholson. “Their tireless work with our allies in the Combined Maritime Forces has lead to the interception of tonnes...

[caption id="attachment_5651" align="alignnone" width="300"] Centre Ice puck drop at the Save-on-Foods arena during the Defence Team Appreciation Night where the Victoria Royals and the Kelowna Rockets played their second of a two game series on Jan. 18. In front (left to right): Kelowna Rockets team captain Madison Bowey and Victoria Royals team captain Jordan Fiansoo face off. In the rear row (left to right): PO1 Ian Biller; navy mascot Sonar; Sailor of the year LS Dale Armstrong with daughter (and puck dropper) Naomi Armstrong; Director of Civilian Human Resources at CFB Esquimalt Michael Holt; Base Commander Capt(N) Luc Cassivi; Victoria Royals representative Darren Parker, and Victoria Royals mascot Marty the Marmot.[/caption] The Victoria Royals hit the ice of the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre last Saturday Jan. 11 against the Kelowna rockets, and from the stands the Defence Community cheered them on.The event marked the 2014 Defence Team Appreciation Night, where the “Boys in Royal Blue” offered discounts, prizes, and activities to the community they hold so dear.“Victoria is a military town. It always has been and always will be,” says Darren Parker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the Victoria Royals. “We want to honour the connection and heritage while giving something back to our fans in the community.”For CAF Appreciation Night the Royals offered 250 complimentary and discounted tickets to military and civilian defence personnel, 50/50 raffles, interactive displays and a bit of military flair.The Royals wore special Defence Team Appreciation Night jersey during the game, which were auctioned off to raise money for the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).“Organizations like the MFRC are the lifeblood of the military community. It’s important to support something which supports so many people,” says Parker. “The jerseys also serve to highlight the connection our players feel towards the military, and they...

When was the last time you took the stairs instead of an elevator? Or parked at the back of the lot and walked the extra 100 feet to the door?As small as it may seem, just walking those extra couple feet contributes to a person’s overall health.To get base employees into the “active living” mindset, the MARPAC Health and Wellness Team is launching the Base Administration Active Living pilot project from February to April. Everyone is invited to the launch party at the Naden Athletic Centre upper gym at 8 a.m. There will be prizes and a short active living demo to get people moving. Active Living champion Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, along with the BAdmo, Cdr Wes Golden will discuss the benefits of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for both the individual and their family. Each Base Administration employee will be given a log book to track their daily routine; the goal is to encourage change. A person should be active 30 minutes a day and every child at least one hour. The ultimate goal is to have families active every day of the week.Maryse Neilson, Health Promotion Director for Personal Support Programs, and Chair of the Active Living Working Group, says the families of civilian and military employees play a vital roll in the well being of those on the Defence Team, and therefore should be included in the project.“A healthy, happy family at home is a stronger and healthier front line,” she says. “It has been proven that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can give a person more energy, a clear mind and a longer life expectancy, reducing the chance of developing dementia or other life threatening conditions.”The idea is to create attainable goals that drive people onward to a healthier life. For those struggling to get...

[caption id="attachment_5617" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Winnipeg prepares to leave the drydock.[/caption] On Thursday, Nov. 28, HMCS Winnipeg emerged from the Esquimalt Graving Dock repaired and ready to take on the challenges of trials and an operational programme that commenced in the New Year.  Its five week and five days in the graving dock was related to damage sustained during the allision with “American Dynasty” in April. Winnipeg had just moved to dockyard from Victoria Shipyards Limited, having completed a docking work period, and was in the midst of its post docking extended work period when the allision occurred.  “American Dynasty” struck Winnipeg on the port bow causing it to strike the jetty, which resulted in further damage to the starboard side, starboard quarter and stern flap. On Oct. 25 it entered the graving dock to allow Victoria Shipyards Limited to conduct structural repairs suffered during the allision.     Concurrent to these repairs, Winnipeg received maintenance on its sonar, various underwater sensors, and completed a thorough cleaning of the props. Victoria Shipyard’s staff rectified damage to areas on the starboard side, just outside of the oparations room and the main cafeteria, while Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton had repaired the damage done to the port side and transom prior to entering the graving dock. In total, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and Victoria Shipyards Limited replaced nine vertical structural beams that form the structure of the ship, nine longitudinals that form the horizontal frames of the structure of the ship, three bulkheads and five sections of shell plating. As well they had to repair two sections of deck and three shock mounts.While the allision of April 23, 2013, setback Winnipeg’s original timeline for commencing sea trials, the exceptional flexibility and superb coordination between the Formation, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton, Victoria Shipyards...

[caption id="attachment_5614" align="alignnone" width="300"] Changes to the base clinic operations will soon include the ability to book sick parade appointments online.[/caption] In the New Year, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members may notice a few differences at the Canadian Force Health Services Centre (Pacific) (CF H Svcs C(P)), colloquially known as the Base Medical Clinic.To increase the efficiency of unscheduled appointments, all unscheduled appointments will be moved to Care Delivery Unit (CDU) 3 in the Clinic’s main building, as opposed to being done separately under the previous Urgent Care model.The change comes following the Defence Reduction Action Plan (DRAP), a nation-wide restructuring program that imposed new funding pressures and resulted in the loss of several Public Service employees.“We had to look closely at how we deliver primary care to ensure it was as efficient as possible,” says LCol Joane Simard, Commanding Officer of CF H Svcs C (P). “Through collaborative consultation and review, we saw changes could be made so we took the steps toward the course we thought will optimize access to care and decrease wait times.”To this effect, CDU 1 and 3 staff swapped locations within the Clinic. CDU 3 and the old Urgent Care Clinic have combined into a Duty CDU to align support to the Fleet and look after unscheduled appointments.LCol Simard wants to assure people that there will be no noticeable difference in care at the Base Clinic, aside from some patients going to a different area of the facility to see their physicians.“We are still providing the same level and quality of care by the same physicians,” she says. “This is an efficiency and consolidation process rather than a restructuring.”Changes are also on their way for how CF H Svcs C (P) handles its day-to-day appointments. Currently, CAF members arrive at the hospital at 7:30...

Every year, Department of National Defence’s (DND) shelter charges (rents) must be revised to ensure they reflect local market values for similar homes in the local market. This guarantees fairness and equity for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families regardless of whether they choose to live in the private sector or in DND housing. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA), a Special Operating Agency of DND, manages Crown housing on its behalf and therefore administers the rent adjustment process annually in accordance with governmental and departmental policies and regulations. Historically, rent values for DND housing have been appraised by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) annually. The appraisal was based on a number of factors, such as type, size, age, access to amenities, and general condition of the units. In 2013, CMHC announced it would no longer provide appraisal services for residential Crown housing. CFHA and other government departments affected by this change worked with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to establish an interim, fair solution for this year’s rent adjustment exercise. An indexed value for the housing units was determined by PWGSC, based upon the three previous annual increases. Based on the indexed values provided by PWGSC, the recommended average 2014 rent increases for occupants in B.C. DND housing was 2.2 per cent. CFHA then reviewed the provincial rent control legislations to determine each province’s maximum for rental increases this year to ensure families living in DND housing will not experience a rent adjustment that is too large.For 2014, rental increases in B.C. are restricted to the lowest of the provincial rent control legislation limits of 2.2 per cent, or a maximum of $100 per month regardless of the CMHC appraisal value or PWGSC indexed value. In Esquimalt, this translates to an average increase in rent of...

[caption id="attachment_5576" align="alignnone" width="300"] MCpl Chris Downey treks along the icy Antarctic landscape with his pulk. In the distance is a member of the U.K. team and the film crew.[/caption] When MCpl Chris Downey stepped from the plane into the icy, hostile environment of Antarctica Nov. 25 there was only one thing on his mind: closure.Along with fellow Canadian Armed Forces member Cpl Alexandre Beaudin D’Anjou and other wounded veterans from the U.K., the U.S. and Australia, he landed at the South Pole to tackle Walking with the Wounded 2013 - South Pole Allied Challenge.A week later three teams embarked on one of the most high profile and toughest expeditions of modern times -  walking 330 kilometres to the geographic South Pole in a treacherous environment. But for MCpl Downey, it was also about remembering and saying good-bye to a fallen comrade. “When I initially heard about the expedition through Solider On I couldn’t pass it up,” says MCpl Downey. “I’ve always had a thirst for adventure and after my time in Afghanistan I had a debt to repay, even if it was a personal one.”Three years ago, on May 3, MCpl Downey witnessed the death of his friend PO2 Douglas Craig Blake. The two were assigned to dispose of an improvised explosive device (IED) located 25 kilometres from Kandahar, Afghanistan. The terrain was so rugged they had to leave their vehicle and hike to their destination. When the mission was complete, they began the walk back to their vehicle. For PO2 Blake one step would be his last. A nearby IED detonated and killed him. MCpl Downey was severely wounded. He suffered shrapnel wounds, burns and lacerations to his thighs, upper body and face, a collapsed lung, a broken and shattered jaw and right hand, two aneurysms, the loss...

If you have been listening to news reports, there are now several areas where significant outbreaks of influenza have been recorded across Canada. It is not too late to get vaccinated against flu and it is highly recommended! Remember: just because you’ve had the flu shot in previous years or even been sick this year does not mean you’re protected. The flu shot does not contain flu virus and there is no way to get the flu from receiving the shot.Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific) – generally known as the Base Hospital – will continue to provide walk-in vaccination to any member who requests it. Because of the circumstances of this year’s H1N1 strain of flu, we will also provide travelling clinics to interested units. If your unit will be participating in this effort, you should hear from your Chain of Command on the dates and times. DND employees and civilian family members are also encouraged to use local public health resources including flu clinics at community drug stores and public vaccine parades to receive this year’s flu-shot. Affects younger peopleThis year’s H1N1 strain of influenza has produced more sickness in adults aged 20-64 years of age than in the elderly. Youth is no protection from the flu and our close quarters environments – indoor offices; confined ships quarters, busy shops – are all perfect places for flu virus to spread from person to person. The influenza vaccine is an important part of reducing your personal risk of illness and reducing the risk of bringing sickness home to family members. Reducing risk of infectionFlu is contagious very early after a person is infected – sometimes even before the earliest symptoms start. Therefore, one of the best infection control strategies is to limit exposure to others when sick to prevent...

[caption id="attachment_5570" align="alignnone" width="300"] SLt Tyler Cole (centre) conducts routine preventative maintenance on the India Band radar with technicians MS Casey Clarke (left) and MS Nicolas Ferraro (right) on HMCS Protecteur.[/caption] A lot can change in seven weeks, as members of HMCS Protecteur learned during their recent task as the duty tanker for SOCAL Oiler 2013. There were the usual challenges of maintaining a 44-year-old ship, which the crew was up to managing; however, half-way through the trip the Combat Systems Engineering Department had to think outside the box to keep the ship navigationally safe due to the degradation of India and Foxtrot Band radars. While alongside San Diego, CA, SLt Tyler Cole, a Phase 6 Combat Systems Engineer (CSE), worked closely with the Logistics Department on board and at home in Esquimalt to procure and install a new X-Band Furuno radar. SLt Cole was particularly interested in this assignment. “It’s not every day that I have the opportunity to be involved in such a big project,” he said.He has been in the military for two years, but his interest and experience in naval engineering stems from his time as a session professor at Memorial University. “I was completing my last year of my Masters in Ocean Naval Architectural Engineering under Dr. Wei Qiu in hydrodynamics. I taught Advanced Marine Ocean Vehicles and Marine Propulsion,” he explained. Before returning to complete his Masters, SLt Cole worked as a Project Engineer at BMT Fleet Tech, where he worked on the Ice Breaking Emergency Evacuation Craft Project as a junior engineer. Once he finished his schooling, he then worked for the Sustainable Technology for Polar Ship Structures Project at Memorial University under Dr. Claude Daley and Dr. Bruce Colbourne. As a CSE, SLt Cole has the opportunity to use his educational background...

[caption id="attachment_5528" align="alignnone" width="300"] Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton employees put in a combined 27,000 hours of work to ensure HMCS Regina would be ready for Operation Artemis.[/caption] It will be a point of pride for Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton when HMCS Regina leaves its homeport for international waters this week.Throughout the warship are the results of more than 27,000 hours of hard work preparing the ship for Operation Artemis, a major deployment to the Arabian Sea to participate in maritime security and counter-terrorism operations. “It is no small task preparing a ship for deployment,” says Lt(N) Mohamed Gudal, Deputy Program Manager for FMF. “It takes the combined efforts of many of our shops to get a ship technically ready, and it’s usually done under a very tight schedule. It’s the kind of work we pride ourselves on.”The FMF team prepared Regina for its operation during the ship’s Short Work Period from Oct. 21 to Nov. 29, 2013; 135 jobs were completed. These jobs ran the gamut of mission fits, new system installations, communications fits, system upgrades, diesel generator repairs and upgrades, and inspections and certifications.“Our ability to work together and provide all facets of a job together is our greatest strength,” says Lt(N) Gudal.One of the largest jobs was the upgrades to Regina’s diesel generators. These generators provide power to the ship’s system and are integral for its operation. “We conducted work on Regina’s diesel generators that implemented product improvements to ensure enhanced reliability for the generators,” says John Yardley, Work Centre Supervisor of the Diesel Shop at FMF. “Necessary materials were obtained, and in partnership with industry, the required work was carried out.” The Diesel Shop partnered with Wartsila Canada, a Finnish corporation that manufactures and maintains combustion engines. They split up work on the generators...

[caption id="attachment_5525" align="alignnone" width="300"] Christine Duggleby reads an Imagination Library book to daughter Ellorie and son Conall at the Colwood Activity Centre.[/caption] Since its start in August 2010, military families at CFB Esquimalt have signed up 329 newborns for the MFRC’s Imagination Library.  PO1 Jeremy Duggleby and his wife Christine’s son Conall has received over two dozen books from this program through the first two years of his life. “We know that reading is important,” says Christine, who describes her family as already having a love for reading. “A book is a gateway to imagination.”Conall is not the only child enjoying the books in the Duggleby house. His four-year-old sister Ellorie enjoys the monthly treat as well, often paraphrasing the stories to her younger sibling.  “My kids love feeling they are getting something special in the mail each month,” says Christine. “For them to have a new book is fantastic. It gives them a glimpse into a new world. It opens them to new authors and stories we might not gravitate towards.”She believes the books available through the Imagination Library act as “springboards” for growth in each of her children. She says it “helps facilitate dialogue” with their children and aids in their problem solving. It also spurs their curiosity. When they read the children a story of how Spot went to the library, they want to go to the library and check out more books featuring Spot.    Andrea Callaghan also sees the benefits of the program for her family. “We love the Imagination Library,” she says. “My oldest daughter associates receiving a book in the mail to reading with her father. This is great when he is home, but when he is away she stacks the books and looks forward to reading them with him when he gets back....

[caption id="attachment_5522" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm. H.S. Rayner is seen here inspecting the Guard and pauses to speak to Guard Officer Lt. Hector Renton.[/caption] Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Rainbow recently turned 95 and celebrated with a special parade at Government House. The cadets were inspected by Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Commander Maritime Forces Pacific Rear Admiral Bill Truelove. The Lieutenant Governor presented the band with a Drum Major’s mace and five silver bugles. In addition, 11 cadets received bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.   It has been 43 years since Rainbow last paraded at Government House. 95 years of training youth Founded in 1918, Rainbow was originally called the “Boys Naval Brigade.” Many of those first sea cadets went on to join the RCN Volunteer Reserve when it started up in 1923. In that same year, the name was officially changed to the “Sea Cadet Corps.” Since the beginning, Sea Cadets have been supported by the Navy League of Canada, itself founded in 1895. Early training was very hands on with lots of sailing, boat pulling, seamanship, camping, and of course parade-ground work. The Sea Cadet program grew throughout the great depression and Second World War and spread across the country. In 1941, the RCN officially partnered with the Navy League to jointly support Sea Cadets, and in 1942 King George VI bestowed the honorific “Royal Canadian” to the Sea Cadet Corps and became their first Admiral. After the war the old RN/RCN establishment at Comox was commissioned as HMCS Quadra in 1952.  Since then, tens of thousands of cadets have spent summers training at Goose Spit in Comox Harbour. Following unification in the late 1960’s, Sea Cadet Officers were formally commissioned into the reserves as members of the Cadet Instructors List. It is now called the...

[caption id="attachment_5419" align="alignnone" width="600"] Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, Vicki Laidlaw, Honorary Capt(N) Cedric Steele, and RAdm Bill Truelove present Interim CEO of United Way Greater Victoria, Heather Gardiner, and Health Partners Campaign Manager, Ellen Louie with a cheque for $555,000 during the closing ceremonies for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign held at the Naden Drill Shed at CFB Esquimalt on Dec. 16.[/caption] Members of the Defence Team gathered at CFB Esquimalt last Monday evening to mark the conclusion of their annual Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) during the official opening of the Navy Holiday Village at the Naden Drill Shed. Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, Base Commander, presented a big cheque during the opening of the Holiday Village in the amount of $555,000 to Heather Gardiner of the United Way of Greater Victoria and Ellen Louie of Healthpartners. The figure was followed by a “plus sign” to indicate further unit contributions continuing to arrive. “Our organizers and volunteers did a fantastic job throughout this year’s campaign. There was great unit participation across the Formation and a lot of excitement generated throughout,” said Capt(N) Cassivi. “I am also very pleased to see so many members of the community here for the cheque presentation and to connect with their navy at our Navy Holiday Village.”    The local Defence Team, comprised of Canadian Forces members and civilian employees working at more than 100 Department of National Defence (DND) units within the Greater Victoria Area, has been a leading contributor to the United Way of Greater Victoria. These contributions are the result of countless hours worked by volunteers who each year make the campaign a success. The United Way of Greater Victoria will distribute the local Defence Team’s donations to the registered Canadian charities. The campaign began Sept. 19, raising contributions through...

[caption id="attachment_5421" align="alignnone" width="600"] HMCS Yellowknife is welcomed back to CFB Esquimalt by the Admiral after three months at sea with Operation Caribbe.[/caption] HMC Ships Edmonton and Yellowknife, along with HMC Submarine Victoria, returned home last Thursday after completing deployments in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, marking the end of a very successful year for Operation Caribbe 2013. It was late fall when Yellowknife and Edmonton left Esquimalt harbour for what would be a fruitful operation combating transnational organized crime off the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Central America. Brimming with anticipation, the two reserve crews sailed away in their Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels Sept. 23 for their three month deployment. The transit was 3,200 nautical miles south to the west coast of Central America. The mission:  Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to the international campaign against illicit drug trafficking in that region. While en route, the ships’ crews completed work-ups tailored to the unique requirements of their upcoming mission. Following a quick stopover in San Diego to pick up United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments, the MCDVs joined a two-day exercise dubbed North American Maritime Security Initiative (NAMSI) between the Canadian, Mexican, United States Navies and the U.S. Coast Guard. That exercise challenged the Canadian, U.S., and Mexican forces to plan and execute a combined response to a maritime security threat. Several objectives were met including coordinated planning, seamless information sharing, and command and control during the detection, interdiction and disposition of a vessel engaged in illicit activities. With training complete, the Canadian MCDVs continued south to the Mexican Naval Base in Ensenada, Mexico. Sailors were introduced to Mexico’s multiple counter-narcotic practices, such as their road search procedures and canine unit, as well as a tour of their Coast Guard vessels and Russian built Mi 17 helicopter. Each country joined in hospitality celebrations, with Admiral Victor Uribe Arevalo of the Mexican Navy awarding Yellowknife a plaque in commemoration of their involvement in NAMSI. In return, LCdr Brad Henderson, Commanding Officer...

Last week, beneath the cold waters of CFB Esquimalt, divers from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) moved about like sub-aquatic bees. They were replacing the sensitive sonar domes of HMC Ships Regina and Winnipeg, and, according to MS Marc-Andre Bibeau, what is a relatively simple task in dry dock, is complicated beneath the waves. “You have to worry about a laundry list of things you don’t need to think about on land,” says MS Bibeau. “For example, if you drop a tool on land you can just pick it up, but if you drop something down there it’s gone.” Six bolts securing the six-foot-long, eight-foot-tall fibreglass dome were removed with a two-handed speed wrench. The old dome was then lowered onto a supporting structure of legs assembled underwater by the divers to ensure it wasn’t damaged. Crane operators then removed the old dome. A new one was then lowered into the water, manoeuvred into place and secured by the divers. “It’s a nice bit of team work between the divers and the guys up top,” says MS Bibeau. “There’s a lot of moving pieces in terms of workers, so it’s good to have everyone on the same page.” When it comes to the physical aspect, MS Bibeau says the difference between surface and sub aquatic can be strikingly apparent during the most routine parts of the job. “It’s an added complication, because you need leverage to use a speed wrench,” says MS Bibeau. “Anything that requires leverage down there is challenging. You’re basically weightless, so you have to secure yourself or find your own leverage. It can put you in some strange positions sometimes.” He says while all the added complications may make the job seem overwhelming his team is skilled and used to this sort of task. “The domes have to be replaced around once a year, so this isn’t out of the ordinary for us,” he says. “We’re happy with the work we’ve done on it, and we’re...

[caption id="attachment_5376" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ken Lidstone poses with his larger than life Santa and reindeer cut outs. They are just a few of the many cut outs that will adorn the Navy Holiday Village.[/caption] Piles of fluffy cotton snow, cheerful holiday music from the Naden Band, and a cast of colourful characters festoon the Naden Drill Shed this week during the inaugural Navy Holiday Village.Last week volunteers decked the hall with boughs of holly, decorated Christmas trees and created a winter wonderland walkthrough for the public to enjoy. “We wanted to come up with a replacement for the Navy Lighting Contest, and we thought this was a great opportunity,” says Ken Lidstone, primary designer of the village. “With dockyard under construction, we wanted to centralize the celebrations, and I think we’ve outdone ourselves.”Among the decorations, including an installation from the CFB Esquimalt Model Train Club, are hundreds of cartoon cut-outs constructed by Lidstone himself. The craftsman has been constructing these plywood characters for the past 35 years.“It’s just a small hobby of mine,” he says. “I’ve created about 250, but plywood doesn’t last forever so I’m currently at around 100.”Lidstone’s collection runs the gamut from the Grinch to Bugs Bunny to Santa and his Elves. “I wanted to contribute in any way I could, and this is something I love doing,” he says. “Seeing children smile when they recognize characters they love fills me with such joy.”Outside, visitors will see a lighted truck display and naval ships lit up from afar. “The view from the bluff at the Drill Shed is beautiful, and with the lights on the water it’s just wonderful,” says Lidstone. “It’s a great way to cap off the event.”Cdr Wes Golden, Base Administration Officer, says he is thrilled by the work and effort put in by...

[caption id="attachment_5373" align="alignnone" width="300"] VAdm Norman addresses sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy during a ship visit.[/caption] The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has a new roadmap to establish the navy’s direction and strategic priorities for 2013 to 2017.The RCN Executive Plan, launched in early December by Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander RCN, will help guide the organization through the most intensive period of transition and renewal ever in its peacetime history.In the Executive Plan, VAdm Norman sets out his four main priorities: to ensure excellence in operations at sea; to enable the RCN’s transition to the future fleet; to evolve the “business of our business”, leading to more effective management of resources; and finally, to energize the entire RCN institution.VAdm Norman is confident the Plan will allow the Navy to realize these goals. To this end, the RCN has set in motion a series of changes in its governance, readiness processes and structures as it seeks better, leaner and smarter ways to deliver on its mission. These changes, collectively known as “Navy Renewal”, represent the RCN’s contributions towards the broader Defence Renewal effort.“The organizing principle for Navy Renewal is ‘One Navy’, by which we will realign the RCN’s core readiness functions and processes around pan-naval authorities who will exercise their responsibilities on behalf of the entire RCN regardless of where they are located,” VAdm Norman explains.The creation of pan-naval authorities includes a clear separation of roles and responsibilities between the strategic and operational levels of command. The Naval Staff in Ottawa is being realigned toward its corporate functions, such as ensuring the delivery of the future fleet, and further decentralizing operations to the coasts.At the operational level, functions are being delegated to one of the two coastal commanders. Commander Maritime Forces Pacific will assume responsibilities for Naval Training Systems, individual training...

[caption id="attachment_5370" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Wesley Chao spent an unplanned night in the woods near Shawnigan Lake after a mushroom picking trip went awry.[/caption] When LS Wesley Chao drove up to Shawinigan Lake a month ago seeking the elusive and highly sought after pine mushroom, he didn’t expect to stay overnight. But inattention would leave him no choice but to brave the night in the wilderness.“The pine mushroom only grows in abundance in a few places on the island, and one of those places in Shawinigan Lake,” says LS Chao, a Weapons/Engineering Technician aboard HMCS Calgary. “I love pine mushrooms, so I thought I’d head up and see what I could find.” So he piled into car with friends and took to the hills around the lake where pine mushrooms are known to grow. The day expanded to a fairly profitable mushroom hunt, with LS Chao collecting upwards of 10 pounds of the tasty and expensive fungi. “I was having a great time. I was so engaged in the picking I started wandering higher and higher up the hill,” he says. “According to my compass I was going west, so I figured I had a pretty good idea of where I was.”The day wore on and the sun went down as LS Chao continued his hunt. Once it started getting dark he began to head in the direction of his car, or where he thought he had parked his car.“I should have gone northwest, but instead went west. I found a small path through the trees I thought would take me back, but it didn’t,” he says. “My two friends knew their way around so they made it back first; I was calling out to them but they were too far away.”With his compass, his mushrooms, and the night quickly...

[caption id="attachment_5332" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sgt Michael Oliver (right) was selected from numerous nominees as the senior MP of the year for 2013, and was awarded with a recognition certificate by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal Colonel Rob Delaney, CD, (left) on Nov. 26.[/caption] One CFB Esquimalt Military Police (MP) officer had his overseas work nationally recognized when he was given the title of Senior Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) of the Year.The award came as a surprise to Sgt Mike Oliver, who was deployed to Afghanistan for the eligible period.“It’s not often people get this award as part of a deployment,” he says. “I’m very proud of the work we did over there so to receive this acknowledgement feels really good.”Sgt Oliver was posted in Kabul, Afghanistan, from February to November of 2012. There he was employed as the Close Protection Platoon 2IC, escorting and protecting high value personnel such as politicians, dignitaries, and senior ranking military officials. “It was a very high tempo deployment,” says Sgt Oliver. “You never really knew what was going to happen, but you went out everyday well prepared and relied on your training. Our whole team made it back home and that’s what counts.”While he was the one on the ground every day in Afghanistan, Sgt Oliver says the struggle was just as real for family and friends back home. Without the support system of his family in place he says the experience would have been much different.“The courage and strength displayed by my wife Tracey allowed me to focus on successfully completing my mission and coming home safely,” he says. “I really can’t overstate how appreciative I am of her unwavering support.”The nomination comes from the ranks of Military Police across Canada of which Sgt Oliver says there are many worthy of the accolade. “We’ve...

[caption id="attachment_5329" align="alignnone" width="300"] Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) trainees Nolan Miles, Gerry Jomphe, and PO1 Dan Moeller erect a temporary shore to stabilize a simulated collapsing building during training Nov. 28.[/caption] On top of a pile of a rubble, amidst the clanging of sledgehammers and the pounding of nails, 25 people train for the worst.They’re a part of the CFB Esquimalts Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) annual training, and right now they’re stabilizing a “collapsing” building.“Simulations and scenarios help give the training a more practical edge,” says Glenn Cooper, USAR Team Commander. “When they have a clear goal ahead of them it’s easier to put their training and techniques to the test.”Standing in for the collapsing building is an old concrete shed at the USAR facility near Work Point. Temporary shoring materials are being erected using wooden beams, steel pegs, nails, nail guns, sledgehammers, and saws. “This is a very basic skill for USAR. Obviously, it’s not safe trying to get people out of a building about to fall on your head, so you have to make it safer,” says Cooper, who has been with USAR since 1999. Building stabilization is just one part of the two-week long program. Trainees also learn the basics on breaching, the use of heavy tools to break through wooden, concrete, and even metal walls in the event someone is trapped inside a structure. “There are myriad skills needed in an USAR situation,” says Cooper. “With this team training we hope to lay the groundwork so they are better prepared when we send them for certification training.”The training draws personnel from across DND, civilian and military. For PO1 Dan Moeller the training is a way of ensuring his skills are up to snuff should the real thing ever happen.“We’re taught if anything does actually...

The Christmas and New Year holiday season is an opportunity to spend well-deserved time with friends and family and to recharge for the new year. While the majority look forward to the holiday period, there are some that find it challenging. As a defence community, we have a responsibility to look out for those around us especially those who may be away from home or experiencing difficulties during this holiday season.To decrease stress and ensure your holiday season is enjoyable the following helpful tips will prove invaluable:•    Practice moderation.  Alcohol should be used responsibly as excessive use can impair mood, thinking, behaviour, and judgement. If you plan to drink, do so responsibly and plan ahead to get home safely.•    Maintain a routine.  Adequate sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating and setting healthy boundaries are the key to maintaining a Sense of well-being. Having a routine will help you cope with the potential stressors of the holiday season as well as effectively balance your needs with the needs and expectations of others.The military and civilian community are fortunate to have a tremendous number of resources for those that may encounter difficulties during the holiday period. CFHSvcsC (P) will maintain services throughout the majority of the holiday season and will post their hours of operation on the marpac webpage. The website will also include a list of other military and civilian community resources that are available during off-hours.  In case of emergency or after hours need for urgent medical treatment, members should call 911 and attend the closest hospital.If you, a family member, friend, shipmate, or co-worker are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, etc., please refer yourself or others to the many health professionals that are available to support and assist. The following is a list of available resources:•    Urgent Care...