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Teams from HMC Ships Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Protecteur, Algonquin and Ottawa hit the pavement in an Amazing Race.

Melting ice will likely open up new maritime routes to Europe for Chinese exporters.

[caption id="attachment_951" align="alignnone" width="300"] Combating piracy and oil theft in Nigeria[/caption] Royal Roads University, the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, and Maritime Forces Pacific will be holding the biennial Maritime Security Challenges conference in Victoria, B.C. from Oct. 1-3, 2012. One of the conference panel discussions will focus on security issues in the Gulf of Guinea. This article explores key maritime concerns in this region and discusses some of the political and economic factors that make improving security in the Gulf of Guinea such a challenge. More information on MSC 2012 can be accessed at www.mscconference.com Much has been written about Somali piracy and its threat to the international shipping industry. However, there is also a growing piracy problem on the other side of the African continent, in the Gulf of Guinea. According to the International Maritime Organization, 2011 marked a peak year for pirate activity in the region, with 64 reported attacks, a 28 percent increase from 2010. The waters off Nigeria are particularly risky: Africa’s most populous country and top oil producer is home to a strong network of criminal organizations that have increasingly targeted ships carrying valuable cargo. In coming years, shipping traffic off the coast of Nigeria is projected to increase, as world demand for its oil grows. The risk of hijacking, however, could discourage international shipping vessels from approaching Nigeria’s ports. Improving security in Nigerian waters will not be easy. It will require coordinated action among naval and coast guard fleets to fend off pirate attacks. It will also require taking action against land-based criminal groups, and the government corruption that allows them to thrive. In addition, a long term strategy against piracy and organized crime must include measures to address the extreme poverty and inequality that have driven Nigerians to pursue illicit activities....

[caption id="attachment_947" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="CPO2 Richard Boileau on board HMCS Protecteur Remembrance Day 2011 in San Diego."][/caption]CFB Esquimalt is mourning the loss of a submariner after a recreational diving incident on the Victoria Day long  weekend claimed the life of HMCS Victoria’s coxswain CPO2 Richard Boileau. On May 19, 47-year-old CPO2 Boileau was scuba diving with two friends in the Saanich inlet when he experienced complications underwater that resulted in his death. “As a core member of the command triad and the submarine community, he will be missed both professionally and personally,” said HMCS Victoria’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Christopher Ellis. CPO2 Boileau came to serve in Victoria Nov. 18, 2011, as a last minute replacement on the eve of the submarine’s sailing work ups. “Even though he had been away from subs for a few years he stepped up to the challenge of being the senior sailor. He had such a positive influence on the crew through his mentorship,” says Cdr Ellis. “He was fair and just. He was a man of integrity. With the dynamic manning of Victoria, he was a catalyst in making sure members, many from out of area, got integrated into the team, so they were welcomed and not overcome by the demands that were placed on them. He will be missed.” On Sunday, Cdr Ellis recalled the crew to inform them of the tragedy in person. “It was hard to deliver that message. Because of his key role and because we are such a small unit; his absence will be felt.” Before taking on the role of Victoria’s coxswain, CPO2 Boileau served as the Logistics Coordinator in HMCS Protecteur, and prior to that as a cook in HMC Ships, Vancouver, Regina, and Victoria in 2003. “He was an avid diver and had been for years....

[caption id="attachment_943" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Coast Salish carver John Marston's work as he poses with it."][/caption]Aboriginal Week was the perfect occasion for Base Commander, Capt(N) Craig Baines to launch an initiative to honour First Nations people, their heritage and their connection to CFB Esquimalt. On May 23 at the Wardroom, he unveiled an Aboriginal display cabinet full of art. Among the spectators were the Chief’s of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, the Songhees Nation drummers, spiritual advisors and several First Nations artists and their guests. The unique display, a project managed through Public Works and Government Services Canada, includes the work of Aboriginal artists from various Nations including Esquimalt, Songhees, Cowichan, and Haida. While some pieces have been gifted to the base, the majority are on loan in what will be a rotating display showcasing work of local Aboriginal artists. Coast Salish artist John Marston of Ladysmith brought five pieces to display including sun and moon masks, a canoe box and two bentwood boxes. “When I heard about this display I wanted to be a part of it. I felt it was a good initiative to support,” he said. Marston has been carving since age eight and learned from his artist parents. His sun and moon masks each took five to six weeks of full-time carving to complete. Clarence Dick Jr, an artist from the Songhees Nation, carved a cedar panel of sea creatures he made especially for this base exhibit. “This piece is called The Life Cycle. It shows the whale chasing after the sea lion and the sea lion chasing after the salmon. I’m happy to be a part of this exhibit,” he said. Other pieces include two eagle masks more than 100 years old from the Haida Nation, on loan from Mary-Ann Thomas of Esquimalt Nation; a toggling...

[caption id="attachment_939" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Larry Gollner displays some of his vivid paintings at his studio in Cobble Hill."][/caption]Seventy-four-year-old Brigadier General (Ret’d) Larry Gollner never imagined people would buy his art, even though he’s an honourary  member of the oldest fine arts club west of the Great Lakes - the Victoria Sketch Club founded in 1909. Over the years more than 30 paintings have left his studio, tucked under the arm of a new owner, destined for display on a solitary wall. “To be quite frank, it is satisfying and motivating when people actually buy your art,” he says. “It’s a compliment and recognition.” The Sketch Club allows only about 40 artists at a time, with noteworthy artists Emily Carr, Samuel McClure and Max Maynard on the register at one time. For the retired soldier, art didn’t become a passion until he borrowed some of his wife Christine’s supplies on a whim nearly 20 years ago. Christine attended the Emily Carr Art and Design Institute, and is a widely recognized artist. Canvas, brushes and paint were only a few strides away in their home. Gollner dabbled in the genre after hours; it was the military that had his full attention.   Retirement and a nomination into the club propelled him to fully explore his talent. “I moved into the true creative side – which to me is abstract painting,” he says.  “I got into abstract painting because I appreciated the amount of planning required. I figured early on I would never be good at painting apples. I don’t have the talent, or the patience to do that. Abstract just suits me better.” He starts by cutting out strips of coloured paper. Next, he makes models followed by producing a small mock up on paper, then on board. “When I am satisfied...

[caption id="attachment_861" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="RAdm Nigel Greenwood officiated a citizenship ceremony at Duntze Head which saw 58 people become Canadian citizens."][/caption]In the bright sunshine at Duntze Head last Thursday the Navy hosted a citizenship ceremony welcoming 58 new Canadians. RAdm Nigel Greenwood served as the guest presiding officer administering the Oath of Citizenship ceremony. Last October the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced that recipients of the Order of Military Merit would be added to the list of people able to administer this ceremony. RAdm Greenwood was admitted to the Order of Military Merit at the Officer level in 2004 and then promoted to Commander of the Order in 2010. A quintet from The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific played as candidates from 22 countries and their families arrived. Under the guidance of Clerk of the Ceremony Monica Ujimoto, RAdm Greenwood administered his role. “I am proud to be here today representing Canada and welcoming you as new citizens,” said RAdm Greenwood. “Your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strength. As new Canadians you can serve this country in your own way, and each of your varied origins will contribute to Canada’s great strengths. Together we can build a society which, to many, is considered the best in the world,” said RAdm Greenwood. Representatives from each of the three levels of government welcomed the new Canadians. New Canadian Terence Mitchell of Grenada said, “It is a blessed day to be Canadian. I am extremely proud. I feel fabulous.” Many in the group included families. Nine year old Miles Packham from London England and his parents Richard and Andrea were among the groups of families. “This is a great opportunity. I love Canada and now I am a part of a great country.” All new Canadians were encouraged...

[caption id="attachment_856" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="While on Operation Artemis LS Matthew Briggs and LS Mark Hoyles, hold the slider board to commit the ashes to the sea onboard HMCS Charlottetown during the Battle of The Atlantic and a Committal of Ashes at Sea ceremony in the Gulf of Aden on May 6, 2012."][/caption]On the morning of May 6, over two-thirds of the crew of HMCS Charlottetown gathered on her flight deck to commemorate Battle of the Atlantic Sunday while sailing in the Arabian Sea.   Despite the fact that the day was very hot and humid, almost every member of the ship’s company not on duty volunteered to take part in the event.  All departments and all ranks played a role in the preparation for and execution of the morning’s commemoration.   During the ceremony, respects were paid to six former sailors whose ashes had travelled with Charlottetown from Halifax to the Arabian Sea. Those whose remains were reverently committed to the sea included: AS Robert Gordon Boehk, PO2 Garth Trevor Crawford, LSRP2 Edward Cameron McLean, PO1 Norbert Joseph Steele, Lt(N) Charles Edward Vennall and CPO2 Paul Walker. Following naval tradition, the names of each of the 24 Royal Canadian ships lost during the Battle of the Atlantic were read aloud, followed by the ringing of the ship’s bell.  It is worth noting that a former Charlottetown is included among that number.   There was a palpable sense of peace and reverence amongst those gathered, especially during the moments of silence which solemnly punctuated the ceremony.  However, in those very same moments, below decks, HMCS Charlottetown was alive with activity as Osprey (the codename for her Sea King helicopter) and the operations room continued to search the seas in support of Combined Task Force-150.   While taking time to remember the...

[caption id="attachment_853" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Cycling enthusiast RAdm Nigel Greenwood encourages the Defence Team to "Get Rolling" during Bike to Work Week."][/caption]This year more than 7,000 cyclists will lace up their runners, strap on a helmet and ride their bicycles to work joining in the 18th annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week May 28 to June 1. Join the masses this year. It’s a win, win situation – it stimulates mental and physical health, saves on gas, reduces emissions, and provides an opportunity to win some of $30,000 in prizes. “This year we hope to have 1,000 new cyclists and this would mean we will accomplish our goal because many of them will continue to ride after the week,” said Frank Hudson, Executive Director of Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society. “Last year we cycled over 265,000 kilometers in total. If you were driving a vehicle 61.2 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions would have gone into the air. The purpose of this event is to get people to try using a bicycle as a viable means of transportation to and from work.” Hudson says that putting on Bike to Work Week removes a lot of the barriers that people perceive there is to riding a bike. Throughout the city 20 celebration stations are set up offering free refreshments from Booster Juice, Starbucks Coffee and Cobs Bread and many local bike shops set up tents where people can get their bike safety checked. “We have 29 corporate sponsors and 49 community sponsors. There is a ton of community support. It costs a quarter million dollars in cash and in kind to put this event on.” Cyclists can register as individuals or teams. “Our team leaders are invaluable champions of the week. They get people within their own work sites to sign...

A small boat in the vicinity of the Canadian warship was suspected of illegal activity, and the ScanEagle Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) was being sent to investigate.

The focus of Navy transformation Bound II is a move towards a quote one-navy unquote model, where the Navy’s core mission processes, including training, readiness and new capability introduction, are realigned around new pan-naval authorities.

Tactical manoeuvre and live fire scenarios.

Twenty-five years after starting his Man in Motion World Tour, Rick Hansen is once again on the road. This time on a tour aptly called Many in Motion.

“What I enjoy most about being in the Navy is the things that I have been able to participate in,” says Hawco. “The places in the world that I have been able to see, I know if I worked at a civilian job I wouldn’t be able to see half of them.”

Base Construction Engineering (BCE) employees had a “whale” of a day April 26 when they celebrated a milestone reached by the Canadian Military Engineer Branch – their 109th anniversary.

As the coxswain of the Patrol Craft Training Section, he tells his sailors, “There are three reasons why you go to the gym. You owe it to yourself, you owe it to your family and it’s the right thing to do for your job.”

Before sending HMCS Winnipeg across the harbour to Victoria Shipyards for its rotation in the Frigate Life Extension program, a team from Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) had to ensure it could be safely docked in the PWGSC drydock.

Effective May 1, Dockyard and Naden will each have 10 prime parking spots available for carpoolers who join the base program. The base will create more as needed. Saving gas and time, and treading a bit lighter on the environment are all good reasons to fill your car seats says the Base Chief of Staff, Michael Morrison.

[caption id="attachment_476" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Larry Sullivan from Rogers' Chocolates, and RAdm Nigel Greenwood officially launch the navy chocolate bar.[/caption] The product launch of the Roger's Chocolate bar with the Navy wrapper. Please click here if you are interested in purchasing a ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY MILK CHOCOLATE BAR

Traumatic Brain Injury: Listening to the symptoms Two individuals suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with the same level of severity. Yet their recoveries are markedly different.  Why? A TBI can occur when a person experiences sudden brain trauma.   Although a blow to the head is a common cause, injury to the head is not the determining feature of any brain injury. Over the years, scientists have been studying the factors that play a role in TBI recovery. Dr. Donald Stuss and his colleagues, originally at the University of Ottawa and later at the University of Toronto, have focused primarily on the impact of TBI on behaviour.   The journey for Dr. Stuss started some 30 years ago in his clinical practice. He noticed that patients who appeared to have returned to normal abilities on standardized psychological tests continued to complain of problems.  He reviewed the evidence on where brain damage was most likely to occur after TBI. He found that frontal-temporal regions of the brain were most likely to be injured, regardless of what the mechanism of brain damage was. Once he started to focus on tests particularly sensitive to these regions, the lingering problems the patients were describing were clearly evident.  The frontal lobes, which constitute some 23-33% of the entire brain, were once considered as one functional entity.  However, with the help of funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Dr. Stuss has identified at least four functional regions within the frontal lobes. One region is important for drive and activation. Damage here results in significant slowing of behaviour. If damage occurs in another area of the frontal lobes, the patient may have notable personality changes. In still another region, decision making, planning and monitoring of behaviour may be affected.  And damage in the very front, just above...

From April 7 to 11, 2012, a contingent of 105 CF members took part in ceremonies in Europe commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

SgtEric Soubrier, SAR tech, stabilizes the mock casualty’s neck while SAR techs Sgt Stephane Clavette and McplSean Daniell prepare the SKED rescue stretcher/sled.

“Awareness of change and one’s reaction to it builds resilience and empowerment,” says Marie Drapeau, strategist for Transformational Change at Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources – Civilian).

You must carefully consider your option choice. At its simplest, if you do not need the cash and have enough contribution room, then rolling it into an RRSP makes sense.

Good news is on the horizon for commuters who use the soon-to-end Blue Boat internal shuttle.

Ben Green, Lookout Newspaper Since the beginning of the year, HMCS Oriole has been inside a giant temporary shed at Port Hope Shipyard, only a stones-throw away from Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour and the open ocean. The longest commissioned ship in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is turning 91 years old this summer, and the docking work period looks to inject another nine decades of life into the historic training ship. “There is an entirely new lower half of the ship,” says LCdr Jeff Kibble, Oriole’s Captain. “So the hull plating, the ribs, the frames, effectively the lower 10 feet of the ship, or almost everything below the water line, is being replaced in its entirety.” Her keel sits atop a moveable steel grid and her hull is supported by giant wood and steel beams. Oriole is literally a shell of its former self. The engine, generator, tanks, fridges, and even sections of the two-inch thick teak deck have been removed to allow workers full access to her steel hull and frames. On the “to do” check list are painting the hull and interior shell, and repairing all underwater valves, propeller, rudder and shafts. However, the area receiving the most attention is replacing the entire keel and rusted structural supports. Glen Shippam, Oriole’s refit manager, says her age still presents unique obstacles despite many of Port Hope Shipyard workers having been involved in the ship’s refits since the 1970s and 80s. “The major challenges with working on a 91-year-old ship are getting the original drawings and then carrying out the repairs on original structures using welding procedures in lieu of rivets,” he says. “Riveting in ships has gone the way of the buggy whip and horses.” When built in the early 20th century, Oriole was pieced together using rivets. Modern ship-building...

LS Norman Snook, HMCS Charlottetown The pipe was made, “Starboard watch, special sea-duty men, RAS teams three and five: close up for RAS with FGS Rhön! Dress: naval combat dress, negative ball caps.” Personnel from all messes in HMCS Charlottetown began to take up their positions for a “liquid RAS” — replenishment at sea with fuel — with Rhön, the German refuelling ship accompanying Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. Sailors put on their game face, for no one ever knows precisely what to expect: a calm, co-operative sea, or that stubborn windswept kind with spray tossing over the guardrails. Heavy weather can make a RAS more difficult than it already is. In my opinion, replenishment at sea is one of the riskiest things we do in a Canadian warship, and we do it all the time. On this deployment, Charlottetown is patrolling as a part of NATO task force, so we are usually at sea for more than two weeks. To keep the fuel tanks topped up, the ship needs to RAS every three to four days. To conduct a RAS, two ships with a combined mass equivalent to about 25,000 automobiles must maintain station about 50 metres apart for hours, often in difficult seas, while thousands of pounds of diesel fuel flows through 10-inch hoses suspended between them from heavy steel cables under tremendous tension. The ships are never more than a few seconds from colliding, so a mechanical failure or the smallest mistake by the bridge team could be disastrous. Nevertheless, with thoughtful preparations based on generations of experience, the crew of a Canadian warship minimizes the risk to the greatest extent possible before the refuelling ship is even in sight. The bridge team isn’t the only group with an important job to do. On the RAS deck, where...

Shelley Lipke, Lookout Newspaper Yummy goodness arrived on base last Friday in the form of a chocolate bar wrapped with a naval image. The sweet surprise was officially launched on board HMCS Vancouver’s flight deck. Larry Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of Rogers’ Chocolates, joined MARPAC Commander, RAdm Nigel Greenwood in unveiling the Navy’s own milk and dark chocolate bars in front of invited guests and cadets from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Rainbow. This initiative follows on the success of the commemorative HMCS Rainbow tin produced by Rogers’ Chocolates in honour of the Canadian Naval Centennial during 2010. “It’s significant that Rogers’ has chosen to perpetuate their efforts from the naval centennial and create the navy chocolate bar,” said RAdm Nigel Greenwood. The navy chocolate bar wrapper features a photo of HMCS Winnipeg exiting a small channel. This image was photographed from the ship’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat during a Maritime Security Patrol by CFB Esquimalt Image Technician Cpl Alex Croskery. The wrapper was graphically designed by Lookout Newspaper and Graphic Designer Shelley Fox. “We are looking forward to selling these products in our stores and giving them a high profile,” said Sullivan. “We anticipate an overwhelming level of support from the local community, but as well from the many visitors to Victoria who will be well aware of the many accomplishments of the Royal Canadian Navy.” The chocolate bars retail for $3.99 and 50 cents from each chocolate bar will be donated directly to the base morale and welfare fund. Locally, the chocolate bars will sell at Rogers’ Chocolates stores in Sidney, Saanich, Oak Bay and Government Street. Additionally, online orders can be placed at www.rogerschocolates.com

In the final weeks of 2011, the international community’s attention was focused on North Korea.

  SLt Emily Todd, HMCS Charlottetown A light morning breeze laps at the hull of HMCS Charlottetown. Thousands of miles from home, the dedicated crew, like many before them, rise and prepare for their daily watches. Thoughts of home inevitably come to mind, but they can’t dwell on them for long; their job needs to be done. This is the inevitable challenge of serving in an operational warship: balancing the imperatives of the mission with the needs of the crew. Missing home, and how people deal with missing their loved ones during a lengthy deployment, are big pieces of the puzzle. “I miss kissing my son goodnight,” says SLt Danielle Turner, who plays the dual role of mother and bridge watchkeeper. “I miss being his mom, being his hero, and giving him everything I’ve got, because I know in a short while I will be at sea again.” Regardless of occupation, we all share this burden - sailors, soldiers, airwomen and airmen. Everyone in the Canadian Forces eventually sacrifices precious time with family and friends to accomplish the mission. It’s the nature of what we do. It is important, however, to recognize that we aren’t the only ones affected by separation: our families and friends are in it with us. Our spouses miss us as much as we miss them, while also shouldering the responsibilities of the household on top of working at their own career. Service in the CF is more than a job, it’s a commitment. We make our sacrifices together, for shared purposes, and the experience binds us not just as individuals and families; but also as a crew. It is how we make up for lost time with those who matter most in our lives, and the fact that we do so collectively, that make it...