News

National Aboriginal Day from Lookout on Vimeo.

MARPAC Change of Command 2012 from Lookout on Vimeo.

Candlelight Tribute at God's Little Acre Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt from Lookout on Vimeo.

HMCS Oriole relaunched! from Lookout on Vimeo.

Blood donation contribution ceremony. from Lookout on Vimeo.

The MARPAC EXPO Maritime Forces Pacific Expo CFB Esquimalt - Education & wellness trade show MARPAC EXPO from Lookout on Vimeo.

The product launch of the Roger's Chocolate bar with the Navy wrapper.

Training prerequisite for those who will serve on a ship or seagoing unit. Members learn how to potentially save the ship.

This is a quick introduction to what the Naval Boarding Party Course includes. Some of the tasks that are more popular include container searches and range practice. This 5 week course for up to 20 people per course runs five or six times in a year.

Face to face opportunities to market your business directly to this niche market. MARPAC Expo Feb 6, 2014 Industrial Supplies Tradeshow Sept 18, 2014 Email for more info or to secure your vendor placement. melissa.atkinson@forces.gc.ca Maritime Forces Pacific Expo Education & Wellness TradeshowFebruary 5, 2015 Download the booking form.Email for more info or to secure your vendor placement.melissa.atkinson@forces.gc.ca See video of our 2012 show. Industrial Tradeshow Supplier Trade Show September 18, 2014 Download the booking form. Email for more info or to secure your vendor placement.melissa.atkinson@forces.gc.ca Watch the video about our 2012 show.

Escape to cover, one of the new 6 new tasks in the CF fitness test.

Changes in military fitness standards coming soon. The new tasks are a picket and wire carry, escape to cover, sandbag fortification, causality extraction, a stretcher carry, and a latrine dig.

[caption id="attachment_1896" align="alignnone" width="300"] Team MARPAC during the 2012 Nijmegen Marches cheers with the crowd as they march through the streets of Groesbeek, Netherlands, during day three of the four-day marches.[/caption] It was blisters and bliss for the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) contingent when they marched in one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages. From July 17 – 20, MARPAC’s team joined more than 45,000 military marchers from around the world for the 96th annual Nijmegen March held in The Netherlands. “It was definitely physically challenging for everyone,” said Lt Pam Harris, MARPAC Nijmegen 2012 team leader. “Even with all the training we did it really took a toll on my body doing four days marching that pace.” Each day marchers strapped on a rucksack loaded with 10 kilograms of sand, laced up their combat boots, formed up, and marched, while singing songs to take their minds off the aches and pains. The route was different each day, but always led back to the small village of Nijmegen where the march began in 1916. “It was initially a military incentive to keep military members in shape and was started by the Dutch, but it is now more geared to honour military members who helped liberate that area of Holland during the war,” said Lt Harris. Each night back at the camp marchers soaked their feet, tended to their blisters and prepared for the next day. “We would march for about eight hours a day,” said Lt Harris. “No one complained and everyone interacted with the kids and civilians we met along the way. The team spirit and morale was great. I was very proud of our team. They were amazing.” Nijmegan veterans CPO2 Chris Koblun and Sgt Kim Arnold went as sweepers, supporting the Canadian and British teams when they...

[caption id="attachment_1888" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cdr Bradley Peats of NOTC accepts a donation of 50 hand made quilts from Marilyn Fuller, the Vancouver Island Representative for Quilts of Valour.[/caption] History and valour melded last Saturday at Fort Rodd Hill during Fab Fort, a celebration of Canada’s military. Amidst the howitzers, medieval re-enactors, vintage military vehicles and thousands of visitors, two dozen local quilters delivered 50 hand-made quilts for injured veterans and service members. Accepting the quilts on behalf of the Canadian Forces was Cdr Bradley Peats of the Naval Officer Training Centre. “The CF is like a family. That family isn’t just its active service members,” said Cdr Peats. “It’s our families, civilian organizations, and grassroots organization like Quilts of Valour that do such remarkable things for service men and women.” The women of Quilts of Valour have been stitching these hand-made coverlets since 2006, when the organization was founded by Lezley Zwaal of Edmonton, Alberta. Since then, chapters have sprung up all over Canada and delivered more than 1,500 quilts. The Vancouver Island chapter is headed by Marilyn Fuller, who was on hand to make the Aug. 19 presentation. “We wouldn’t have what we have if the military didn’t do what they do,” said Fuller, who’s had the opportunity to personally deliver quilts to a number of veterans. She says the meetings often ended in tears of happiness.  “They just didn’t understand that so many people are appreciative of what they do.” The quilts are created from donated fabric and materials, including two huge boxes of scrap fabric given to Quilts of Valour by Parks Canada. The scrap fabric began as 19th century-style clothing for historic displays and will find new life warming and comforting injured veterans. “Quilts of Valour is very close to what we do at Fort Rodd...

[caption id="attachment_1883" align="alignnone" width="300"] Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle launches from the flight deck of HMCS Charlottetown during Operation Active Endeavour with Standing NATO maritime Group 1 in the Mediterranean Sea.[/caption] In late August, HMCS Charlottetown wrapped up a seven-month deployment and bade farewell to the ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detachment that shared the flight deck with Osprey, the Halifax-class frigate’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter. Charlottetown is the first Canadian warship to carry a UAV detachment throughout an expeditionary deployment. UAVs are new to the Canadian Forces — the first was the CU-161 Sperwer, which entered service in Afghanistan in February 2006 — so the skills required to launch, fly, recover and maintain them are still sourced from a variety of military occupations in the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Because the ScanEagle is still under trial, the Charlottetown UAV detachment included civilian technicians as well as soldiers, sailors and airmen. Integrating and synchronizing all their capabilities required a high degree of collaboration among the UAV detachment’s members. This teamwork produced an exceptional synergy. “Coming from the army, there were certain things that my team and I had to adjust to when operating in a marine environment,” said Sgt Michael Jenkins of the Royal Canadian Artillery, the senior UAV operator and controller in HMCS Charlottetown. “The constant movement of the ship made launch and recovery different from on land, and there was naval lingo and acronyms that we had to learn to be able to operate smoothly with the sailors in the Ops Room.” The Operations Room is the nerve centre of this collaborative effort. Typically, the ship detects a vessel on radar or receives an intelligence report about a “vessel of interest.” Traditionally, a ship reacts in one of two ways:...

DND is stepping up their authority to keep civilians out of the rifle range in Nanaimo. Despite well placed “No Trespassing” signage, people continue to use the DND property as recreation land. The threat of fines and court appearances has garnered the attention of local media and vocal opposition from mountain biking, running and hiking groups who trespass on the federal property along the Westwood Ridge. With safety in mind, DND has placed additional barbed wire fences to keep the public out, and increased patrols. The range has been used by the military, RCMP, the B.C. Rifle Association and other private groups since the 1920s. Two weeks ago, Base Public Affairs officer, Lt(N) Michael McWhinnie met with CTV Vancouver Island at the range to inform the public on this safety issue. “We are asking for a change in the behaviour of specific groups that knowingly trespass upon DND property,” said Lt(N) McWhinnie. “The Nanaimo Range is a restricted access military training area where live ammunition is used, which is clearly identified on regional maps. Any unauthorized access to the property constitutes an illegal act, and it is unsafe.” The military needs to conduct necessary training in an environment that is free of public risk, due to the inherent danger of weapons firing. This eight-kilometre range is licensed to fire up to 7.62 millimetre ammunition from weapons ranging from pistols to machine guns.  “Bullets have the ability to travel anywhere in this danger template,” explains MWO Bill Murphy, range control officer for CFB Esquimalt. Situated near the Morrell Nature Sanctuary and Westwood Lake, the Nanaimo Range is a geographically remote area and has been used by civilians as a short cut to the Mount Benson lookout station.  “About five or six years ago there was a (one-time only) non-military use agreement signed to have the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club traverse through our property for a race,” said MWO Murphy. “Since then, it’s become popular to hikers and bikers and they have established...

LS Stephon Mullet of HMCS Vancouver might feel a little chafed when he competes in the Aug. 26 Iron Man Canada Triathlon. The layers of green nylon that form the tutu he’ll be wearing may rub in the wrong places. Triathlons are hard work on the best of days, and a tutu isn’t exactly standard endurance gear. But if LS Mullet meets his fundraising goal of $10,000, he’s pledged to compete in the running and cycling portions of the triathlon in a tutu. It isn’t the first time he’s donned the costume. He wore it for this year’s Times Colonist 10K, as well as the Victoria Triathlon. Why? In support of his charity “Fighting Cancer Below the Belt”, a organization that raises funds and brings awareness to the various forms of gynaecological cancer that affect approximately 80, 000 women world-wide. “My friend’s mom is battling cancer, so I figured I’d wear the tutu for her,” he says. “I’ve lost a friend to cancer in the past, so I want to do what I can to help.” LS Mullet isn’t a stranger to endurance sports. He competed in Iron Man Canada last year, sans tutu. To prepare for this year’s event, LS Mullet trains six days a week for between three and five hours a day. “I’m swimming three days a week, running four days a week and I cycle every day.I’m ready,” he says. Fitness is a priority for LS Mullet, who believes all Canadian Forces members should stay fit. “If I don’t stay fit, I can’t do the job. It helps me keep in fighting shape, and I can help support a great cause.” To donate to LS Mullet’s cause, a donation page can be found on www.uncoverthecure.com Shawn O’Hara,  Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_1828" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Haida, a Tribal-class destroyer built in England, was commissioned into the RCN in 1943, serving in many theatres of operation through the Second World War. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through Korean War and Cold War until she was decommissioned in 1963.[/caption] For those who know little or nothing about the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), stumbling across a vintage warship on the waterfront in Hamilton, Ont., can be a revelation. HMCS Haida, a Tribal-class destroyer built in England, was commissioned into the RCN in 1943, serving in many theatres of operation through the Second World War. After a post-war refit, Haida continued in service through Korean War and Cold War until she was decommissioned in 1963. That year a group of Toronto businessmen formed an organization called Haida Inc and saved her from the scrap yard. The ship was later acquired by the Province of Ontario and moved to Ontario Place in Toronto in 1971. She was designated as a national historic site in 1984 and ownership was transferred to Parks Canada in 2002. Haida was moved to Pier 9 in Hamilton on August 30, 2003, the 60th anniversary of her commissioning. “In our experience, many people who visit the ship have minimal to zero knowledge of Haida or the navy,” says Darryl Jones, past president of Friends of Haida, an organization partnered with Parks Canada and devoted to the preservation of the ship. “When our volunteers inform the public about the history of the ship, her accomplishments and the living conditions aboard, they come away amazed and carry an appreciation of the ship and our navy that they never realized previously.” Haida is now an “irreplaceable historic artifact” managed and presented as a living, operating ship, according to Mr. Jones. Visitors...

[caption id="attachment_1786" align="alignnone" width="300"] OS Dallas O'Dell of HMCS Protecteur hopes to raise enough money so he can rappel down the 13 story CIBC building in downtown Victoria dressed as Boba Fett as a part of the Easter Seals Drop Zone charity event.[/caption] OS Dallas O’Dell plans to trade his Naval Combat Dress for something a little more, or less heroic. On Sept.13, in a patchwork costume resembling the villain Boba Fett of Star Wars, he’ll rappel down the side of the 13 storey CIBC building in downtown Victoria, all in the name of charity. He’ll be doing this as a part of the Easter Seals Drop Zone, an event that raises money to send children with disabilities to summer camp at Shawingan Lake. As a member of the Canadian Forces, OS O’Dell feels it’s important to become involved in the community. “Working with the community is part of our job. It shouldn’t just end at the base,” he says. “I think that Drop Zone is a great cause. I’ll take any chance I can to contribute and be a super hero for a child in need. I think everyone, not just Canadian Forces members, should live by that.” While he admits rappelling down the outside of the towering office building is intimidating, he is just as afraid to not meet his fundraising goal of $1,000, the minimum amount required to participate. “This event is really important to me,” he says. “To put all this effort and thought into it and not meet my goal would be a huge disappointment. It’s for the kids after all.” OS O’Dell is well on his way, having collected more than $300 to date, but he needs more to make the rappel in a quirky costume. To donate, you can contact him directly in...

[caption id="attachment_1763" align="alignnone" width="300"] With a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel as back drop, command of Coastal Division was passed from Cdr James Sprang to Cdr Lorne Carruth in a change of command ceremony last Wednesday. A 
congratulatory hand shake sealed the passing of command.[/caption] Coastal Division said goodbye to a fine leader last Wednesday. In a change of command ceremony on Y Jetty, command of Coastal Division was passed from Cdr James Sprang to Cdr Lorne Carruth. Cdr Sprang will become Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat. At the podium, he addressed the assembled ships companies and reminisced on two years at the helm of Coastal Division. “It feels like just yesterday I was preparing to give the last speech, instead of the first,” says Cdr Sprang. “It has been my privilege to be your Division Commander. I have been humbled by your character and perseverance as you embraced the navy’s motto of ready, aye, ready, and I thank you for your service.” RAdm Peter Ellis, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, was the Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, and took some time to say a few words about Cdr Sprang’s service to the military. “He is a true professional whose dedication to Canada and the navy is inspiring. He’s a great Canadian, and a tremendous leader. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership and his guidance.” RAdm Ellis then addressed Cdr Carruth, congratulating him on his new postings, and the new phase of his career. “Lorne, you’ve got some huge shoes to fill, but I think you’ve got the focus and the determination to do this job,” he said. “I’m sure under your guidance Coastal Division will continue to grow.” Following the address, the papers were signed, officially relieving Cdr Sprang from the post of Commander of...

[caption id="attachment_1763" align="alignnone" width="300"] An art exhibit opening was held on the top floor of the Maritime Command Museum, show casing (left) Mr. Thomas De Vany Forrestall C.M., O.N.S., B.F.A., LL.D, R.C.A. and the amazing collection of paintings he has contributed to the museum.[/caption] The Maritime Command Museum has a new display of sketches by Annapolis Valley-born artist Tom Forrestall. The sketches are his preliminary work before painting HMCS Assiniboine, a mural-sized image that hangs on a wall in the Wardroom.   Forrestall was present for the official opening of the display and, with the assistance of RAdm Dave Gardam, unveiled the focal artwork, an egg tempera painting of Assiniboine in battle with German submarine U-210 in August 1942.    Acting museum curator Rick Sanderson thanked the 76-year-old artist for his contribution of sketches. “For me as a curator, it’s important to know the history that these sketches represent,” said Sanderson. “When you look at these sketches, there is a beauty to them. I find it a fascinating look into the mind of an artist.” Each sketch was made in preparation for the mural-sized painting that depicts the painter’s view of a battle at sea. “You have certainly captured the life of the mariner,” said RAdm Gardam. “Everything from the quality of light to the sea state contributes to the realistic and accurate effects. For those of us who have stood on the bridge [of a ship] you have captured our memories with precision.”   RAdm Gardam presented Forrestall with a MARLANT Certificate of Appreciation in acknowledgement of his service to the Royal Canadian Navy. In his remarks, Forrestall thanked LCdr (ret’d) Doug Thomas, who acted as a consultant from 2004-05 during the creation of the painting. He also expressed his appreciation for the navy and their support of his...

[caption id="attachment_1702" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ships participating in RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise, sail in formation in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands.[/caption] After months of preparation and weeks of training, 25,000 personnel from 22 nations breathed a collective sigh of relief as the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2012 came to an end.   Conducted in operating areas on and around the Hawaiian Islands and in the Southern California exercise areas, the world’s largest maritime exercise officially ended Aug. 3.  The exercise included more than 1,400 Canadian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. “I am truly pleased with what we have achieved as part of this exercise,” said Rear Admiral Ron Lloyd, the Deputy Combined Task Force Commander and the senior Canadian participating in the exercise. “The challenging scenarios allowed Canadians and our Pacific Rim partners to develop the skills we will need to work successfully with each other, wherever we may be called upon to deploy.”  Royal Canadian Navy participation in the exercise included Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Algonquin, Ottawa, Brandon, Saskatoon, Victoria and Yellowknife, as well as two teams from the Fleet Diving Unit stationed in Victoria, B.C.   The Royal Canadian Air Force provided four CF-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft from 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., and 19 Wing Comox, B.C.; seven CF-188 Hornet fighter jets from 3 Wing Bagotville, Que., with augmentation from 4 Wing Cold Lake, A.B.; and two CH-124 Sea King detachments assigned to Algonquin and Ottawa.  The Canadian Army provided more than 122 members from the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) including augmentation from 1 PPCLI, 3 PPCLI, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment and 1 Field Ambulance.  Finally, more than 100 members of the Canadian Forces occupied a variety of staff and leadership positions within the exercise. “A...

[caption id="attachment_1697" align="alignleft" width="300"] On 20 July 2012 at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Wardroom, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific Rear Admiral Bill Truelove presents the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Dolly Desjarlais, who accepst the award on behalf of her late husband Leonard "Len" Desjarlais.[/caption]                     It was an emotional moment for Dolly Desjarlais July 20 when she accepted the Diamond Jubilee medal on behalf of her husband Leonard. Only weeks before, Leonard Harry Desjarlais lost his battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. RAdm Bill Truelove presented the medal to Dolly, Leonard’s wife of 53 years, and Norval, his younger brother, at the Wardroom.  “Very few Canadians will be honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, and Leonard deserved it on many levels,” said RAdm Truelove. “With this medal, we are honouring a great leader, a great Canadian, and a great veteran.”  Leonard served in the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from 1951 until 1964. He fought in the Korean War, most notably during the counterattack at the Battle of the Hook in May of 1953. After retiring from active service, he became a member of the Korean Veterans Association of Canada and the National Aboriginal Veterans Association. Last April, Leonard escorted a fallen comrade for burial in Korea. It was this dedication to his comrade, his fellow veterans, and the First Nations communities that earned him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. In recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne, the Government of Canada unveiled the Diamond Jubilee medal. The medal recognizes significant contributions by Canadians to their communities. Leonard is survived by his wife, Dolly, his children Len Jr, Marvin, Michael, and Corinne. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Morgan, Graham,...

[caption id="attachment_1690" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sgt Dan Bodden of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre recently completed a 515 mile bicycle race across Oregon State.[/caption]                    The human body has limits, but no one seems to have told Sgt Dan Bodden.  The search and rescue technician at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre scratched another high intensity race off his bucket list July 22 when he finished the Race Across Oregon.  For two days he rode his bicycle non-stop across the Oregon countryside, racking up 828 kilometres. The bicycle race starts and ends in Hood River, Oregon, and offers up 40,000 feet of vertical climbs through the mountains that dot the state. Sgt Bodden has been competing in endurance sports for almost 20 years. He has completed a number of Ironman Triathlons, and twice the Hawaii Ultraman Triathlon, a three-day event that circumnavigates the Big Island of Hawaii.  This particular course was tough, even for him.  “There isn’t a lot of flatland. If you’re not ascending, you’re descending. There isn’t a lot of time to rest. You really have to stay alert.” The plan was to complete the race in 36 hours. But the best laid plans can lead to exhaustion, forcing him to extend his time in the saddle into the next evening.  “I took a 20 minute nap, but besides that I hadn’t slept, having trained for that.  I really suffered that second day, and it obviously slowed me down significantly,” he says.  Sleep deprivation lead to hallucinations for most of the second night.  “I started seeing animals and people on the side of the road that weren’t there. For a while it was kind of funny, but after a couple hours it really became a problem. I didn’t know what was real.” ...

Each military member has his or her own unique way to say “I love you” to the people they leave behind when deployed HMCS Regina Naval Communicator LS Devin Maxwell chose to write 241 love letters to his wife Crystal – one for each day he would be away. Several hours after the ship sailed away on July 3, Crystal learned of her husband’s expression of love and was so touched she decided to share it on “reddit.com”, a social news website where users exchange thoughts on various topics. “I simply couldn’t believe he did this. I was so touched,” she said. “It was such a great surprise and such a sweet story I wanted to share it.” Crystal soon learned about the incredible power of social media. The post went viral and soon after she received an interview request through Reddt.com from a Globe and Mail reporter. The day after it was published there were more than 26 million hits to the website. “I had no idea it would get this big,” admitted Crystal. “I received calls from CTV, Global, CHEK, and Shaw shortly after.” Each wanted to cover the heartfelt story – one example of a couple’s love separated by duty. “I have received a lot of wonderful responses from people online. I believe it is really inspiring people and it made me happy to make them so happy,” said Crystal. Though the overwhelming response has been positive, Crystal has received some negative feedback. “One military spouse expressed resentment at the attention being drawn to Devin’s gesture and said she felt the story diminished the service of the other sailors onboard Regina.   Of course this was never the intent and it made me sad that someone would react in this way. I know firsthand how difficult it...

A medical emergency had HMCS Vancouver making a u-turn on its way to Hawaii with HMCS Regina.  On July 11, Cdr David Mazur, Commanding Officer of Vancouver, received a report from medical personnel that a crew member was experiencing a serious medical issue.  The ship was out of helicopter range, and 1,800 nautical miles away from Hawaii.  The captain decided to change course and bring the ship to a destination where “We knew the patient had to get ashore, probably in the next 24 hours or so,” said Cdr Mazur.  When the sailor’s condition worsened, extra measures were taken.  “It became clear the patient would need potentially life-saving surgery within the next few hours, so we had to find a way to meet search and rescue a lot sooner,” recounts the ship’s captain. Engineers revved up both engines and took manual control. They also drained the ballast tanks to make the ship lighter so it could travel faster.  Vancouver rendezvoused with a Comox search and rescue helicopter 240 miles off the shore of Vancouver Island, marking the farthest possible trip by a Cormorant helicopter. The patient was airlifted off of Vancouver at 2:30 a.m. July 12 and taken to Victoria General Hospital for surgery. The sailor was released from hospital two days later. Vancouver won’t be heading back to Hawaii.Cdr Mazur says the display of teamwork between Vancouver’s crew and search and rescue, and getting the crew member to safety was what was important.  “It all went very smoothly,” says Cdr Mazur. “The work that was done between the crew, the engineers, and search and rescue made it so we could get the patient the medical attention they required.” Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_1636" align="alignleft" width="300"] Base Commander, Capt(N) Bob Auchterlonie; Chris Alexander, Ulrich Suesser and Chief of Staff, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi pose for a photo following a press conference announcing a major project.[/caption] Weather watching just got a boost.  Last Tuesday, Chris Alexander, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of National Defence, announced a $61,980 contract has been awarded to renovate the Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre (METOC) at CFB Esquimalt.  Joining him at the Wardroom was Base Commander, Capt (N) Bob Auchterlonie; Chief of Staff, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi; and Officer in Charge of METOC, Ulrich Suesser. Two other bases - CFB Gagetown and CFB Halifax – are being upgraded, collectively part of the $28.1 million Canadian Forces Weather and Oceanographic Service (CFWOS) Transformation Project. “Weather services play a vital role in the operations of our personnel on all three coasts, and on deployments around the world,” said Parliamentary Secretary Alexander. “This project will help to achieve better results for our men and women in the field who depend so heavily on accurate information to make crucial decisions for the safety and security of Canadians. This project will make Canadian Forces weather more centralized, support technology and create a constant global weather watch, and allow us to deliver weather to our commanders on shore and at sea. Having accurate weather reports is especially important for our sailors and search and rescue technicians.”  The project includes the construction of a new wing at CFB Gagetown, renovations of the Meteorological and Oceanographic Centres at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax, personnel relocation and the procurement of new information technology systems. Stantec Consulting of Edmonton has been awarded the contract for design work associated with renovations at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax, while the $5.1 million contract for construction of CFB Gagetown’s new wing has been awarded to...

On July 19 during his visit to CFB Esquimalt, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence unveiled the War of 1812 Commemorative pins which will be worn by all Canadian Forces members for the next three years to mark the sacrifice and commitment of those who fought in this war from 1812-1815. He pinned the first one on Sailor of the Quarter LS Mathieu Blais during a ceremony held on the Wardroom patio. The 1812 Commemorative banner was also unveiled which will be flown by Canadian Forces units, formations and establishments across the country. “This tribute will be a daily reminder of a key chapter in Canada’s history, and of the courageous efforts made by the regular and militia soldiers, provincial marine and the aboriginal allies who helped define who we are today,” said Minister MacKay. “Alongside our Government’s commitment to support the men and women of the Canadian Forces for the challenges of the future, we have made important progress in preserving and promoting the history of those who served in years past.” The War of 1812 was instrumental in the development of Canada’s military and tells the story of the Canada we know today – an independent and free country in a constitutional monarchy with its own parliamentary system. French and English speaking Canadians fought and defended Canada alongside First Nations members during the War of 1812. “Canadian Forces members across the world can proudly wear their pin and fly their banners as, much like their ancestors, they proudly serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty.” As part of its initiative to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, DND created the CF War of 1812 Commemorative Banner which will be presented to CF units, formations, and establishments whose heritage embraces service in the defence of Canada during 1812-1815. The banner will be carried, flown, or displayed throughout the 2012-2015 commemorative period and paraded thereafter by units, formations, and establishments on anniversaries of...