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HMCS Ottawa is currently taking part in multinational exercise La Perouse 25, centered around a French Carrier Strike Group. The exercise involves nine partner nations and takes place in the coasts and straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean: Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. During the exercise, commanding officers from the different ships had the opportunity to meet face-to-face onboard French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle while French sailors visited and learned more about the Royal Canadian Navy.  Photos:  Sailor 3rd Class Jacob Saunders  

Shannon Childs, PFP®, Personal Financial Planner, SISIP Financial  —  January always seems to be a buzz with talk of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and income tax; you hear about it on the news, at the dinner table and at work and of course, at your local SISIP Financial office, it is no different! Make your finances part of the conversation throughout the year. As financial planners, we are always extolling the tax advantages of RRSPs, but often hear “No thanks, I have a great pension plan, I don’t need an RRSP”. While it is true that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) does offer an excellent Pension Plan it is also true that no two financial situations are alike. Even though your friend or co-worker may have the same rank, monthly allotment and years of service as you, your financial needs and goals may vary widely. RRSPs can add significant value to your financial plan during your working years, in retirement and within your Estate plan. Whenever you contribute to an RRSP it reduces your taxable income today, which means you pay less tax now and you are putting money away to grow, tax sheltered, for the future. You can save even more money by strategically planning your RRSP withdrawals. Let’s look at some situations that people may not always consider when they think of an RRSP. Is the cost of buying a home to high in your current province? If you plan to buy a home at a future posting or in retirement, consider using the RRSP homebuyers program (HBP). The HBP is not just for first-time homeowners. You can utilize the HBP more than once provided you and/or your spouse have not owned a home in the four years prior to the home purchase. You can “borrow” up to...

[caption id="attachment_36827" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Representatives from HMCS Ottawa, the Town Council of Onagawa, and the Kanda family, surround the memorial to Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray VC, DSC, following the ceremony on Nov. 26 in Onagawa, Japan. Photo: Sailor 3rd Class Jacob Saunders.[/caption] Defence Stories, Canada.ca  —  Members of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, currently deployed on Operation Horizon, participated in a special ceremony in Onagawa, Japan, on Nov. 26, honouring a Canadian war hero. Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Hampton Gray, a Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Pilot, received the Victoria Cross as a result of his actions and sacrifice in the skies over Onagawa Bay during the Second World War. This particular monument is very special: it is the only monument to a foreign military person ever built in Japan. The main local supporter for the project was Mr. Yoshio Kanda, a former communications officer in the Onagawa Defense Force. Taking into consideration the climate between our nations at the time of Lt Gray’s action, Mr. Kanda chose to raise a memorial in 1989 to honour the sacrifice of all parties and to create a symbol of peace between nations. Mr. Kanda was instrumental in convincing the local population to change their existing narrative on the tragic end to the conflict and make Lt Gray’s sacrifice in Onagawa Bay a symbol of enduring peace. “It is not enemy soldiers we hate, but the war itself,” Mr. Kanda stated. This is not Mr. Kanda’s first involvement with memorials as he was also among those who had helped build a memorial to commemorate the area’s Japanese victims which was completed in 1966. The Lt Gray monument was relocated from its original site following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that wreaked havoc across the bay. Local volunteers from the Onagawa Lions Club found the...

Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) SeeEun “Rachel” Kim is presented with the Merritt Chisholm Sword for Esprit de Corps and Perseverance by Lieutenant-Commander (retired) Gerald Pash on behalf of the Naval Officers Association of Vancouver Island with Reviewing Officer, Commander Vincent Pellerin, Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg. The Sword, with a Naval Association [...]

CFB Esquimalt’s annual Sailor's Appreciation Dinner brought together the wisdom of veterans and the enthusiasm of junior members in a heartwarming ceremony filled with tradition. Witness the symbolic swapping of ranks and the honoring of those who keep our base running strong.

Lt(N) R. Davies, Uncrewed System Officer, ANCU  —  From October to November 2024, Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU) took part in Bold Quest 24, a significant multinational event hosted by the United States Joint Staff in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This prestigious event brought together approximately 2,000 personnel from 17 different nations, fostering collaboration and enhancing capabilities among allied forces. The ANCU team had three primary missions during the exercise: to integrate into the intelligence cycle of the exercise, participate in a medical demonstration and practical field test of modern medical networking technologies, and support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. To achieve these goals, ANCU deployed a team comprised of an Intelligence officer, a medic and Uncrewed Systems operators flying the CU-175 Puma – a miniature fixed wing Uncrewed Aircraft system used both on land and at sea. One of the standout achievements of the ANCU team during Bold Quest 24 was their support for the first successful execution of the Intelligence Requirement Management and Collection Management (IRM&CM) process using solely Canadian assets through Federated Mission Network (FMN). ANCU sailors played a critical role in providing Full Motion Video (FMV) to the FMN and the Mission Partner Environment. This FMV was subsequently transmitted to the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre and Trinity in Halifax, marking a significant advancement in the speed and efficiency of intelligence collection and processing. Leading the intelligence efforts, Lieutenant(N) Jeong served as the Naval Intelligence lead for Bold Quest 24, heading a team focused on the practical use of Common Intelligence Picture tools and implementing the IRM&CM cycle. Meanwhile, ANCU’s medic, Master Corporal (MCpl) Patterson, integrated with the Royal Navy and the United States Marine Corps to evaluate the United States Air Force Research Laboratories Battlefield Digital Data Collection Kit (BATDOK), to address medical needs and gather vital...

His Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Protecteur during its Naming Ceremony at Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver on Dec. 13. Photos: Sailor 3rd Class Jordan Schilstra, MARPAC Imaging Services   Teri McKinnon, HMCS Protecteur’s Sponsor, speaks during Naming Ceremony at Seaspan Shipyards.   The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.   Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.        

January Pacific Region Surgeon Honoured for Saving Teammate’s Life RCN Honoured in Hockey Day in Canada Festivities CFAD Rocky Point Sends Ammunition Donation to Ukraine A Heartfelt Farewell to 103-year old Major (ret’d) Murray Edwards First Woman Appointed as Chief Boatswain’s Mate   [caption id="attachment_36751" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Members of Victoria's Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club perform a Lion Dance, Feb. 14, at the Canadian Submarine Force Headquarters in Dockyard. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption]   February Combat Divers Return to Metchosin Waters with Exercise Roguish Buoy Trading Places: RCN Ships Complete Hull Swap RCN Sailor Traverses the Antarctic Waters with the Chilean Navy ‘Globetrotting’ Benefits Base Athletes Muggins, the Historic Pooch Remembered and Restored   [caption id="attachment_36754" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Staff Sergeant Daryl Baswick of the Victoria Police Department waves during the Day 2 Woss to Sayward leg of the Wounded Warrior Run BC. Photo: John Penner Photography[/caption]   March Bayleigh Rules as Base Commander for a Day International Day of Forests Highlighting Canadian Rangers’ Role in Protecting B.C.’s Wilderness New Boats for FDU(P) FMFCB Secures New Radar System Dedicated Naval Communicator Named Sailor of the Year   [caption id="attachment_36748" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Teddy, a three-year-old Akita, greets a visitor at the Y-Jetty security gate. Teddy is a therapy dog who helps Commissionaire Bob Cosman. Photo: Bob Cosman[/caption]   April Community Commemorates HMCS Esquimalt Tragedy Langford Pays Tribute to Heroes of Vimy Ridge HMCS Max Bernays Returns Home Y-Jetty Welcomes its Fluffiest Greeter, Teddy Comox Air Show Returns for RCAF Centennial RCN Recognizes Transgender Resilience   [caption id="attachment_36755" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Base Commander, and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Sue Frisby, CFB Esquimalt Base Chief, march in the parade at Buccaneer Days on May 11. Photo: Master Corporal Nathan Spence, MARPAC Imaging[/caption]   May A Royal Encounter:...

Paul Dagonese, Staff Writer  —  When Master Sailor (Retired) (MS (Ret’d)) Elysia Stevens sat down to write Smelling Daisies, she never imagined it would grow into a creative partnership with her husband, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Mark Stevens. What began as a fun project evolved into a novel that’s as much about love, humour, and resilience as it is about the military experience. Drawing from their shared backgrounds in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their 18-year marriage, the couple combined Elysia’s knack for storytelling with Mark’s classical literary sensibilities to create a novel that defies genre labels. “It can’t be put into a cookie cutter,” Mark said. “You couldn’t say it’s a rom-com, or an adventure, or a drama, or a historical novel. It’s a little of everything because Elysia has the rom-com background, and mine is classic literature. So, when you smash the two together, this is what you get.” Smelling Daisies tells the story of Daisy, a modern-day female soldier and veteran of the CAF, who finds herself thrust into medieval Scotland after a mysterious time-travel twist. Daisy’s training and survival instincts are tested in a world far removed from her own, where gender roles and medieval dangers collide with her modern identity. The couple’s collaborative writing process mirrored the playful banter between Daisy and her romantic interests in the book. “We were pinging off each other,” Mark said. “She’d write an idea and then pass it to me, and I’d write an idea and pass it to her, getting a male and female perspective.” He explained how this process of exchange between them really comes out in the characters. Elysia added, “You see, I’m always funny, but my husband is hilarious. Where I was like—’Ooh, I think he’ll like this’, he’s then like, ‘Okay, I see where...

In a five-set nailbiter against Base Administration (BADM), Calgary continues their intramural winning streak, remaining undefeated for the 24/25 season. Congratulations to HMCS Calgary, BADM and all other unit teams who participated in this month’s intramural competition. Intramurals will be returning to CFB Esquimalt with 3-on-3 basketball Jan. 27 –31.

SLt Simon Gonsalves and A/SLt Josh Grinstead, MARPAC Public Affairs — On an annual basis, the Navy League of Canada’s Exceptional Sailors Programme recognizes outstanding sailors across the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) formations, who’ve gone above and beyond professional expectations. During Navy and Coast Guard Appreciation Day, those awarded travel to Ottawa [...]

Paul Dagones, Lookout Staff — Every day people in British Columbia lose their lives to an overdose. National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), held annually during the third week of November, confronts this crisis by building awareness and promoting practical solutions. Led by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), NAAW workshops [...]

[caption id="attachment_36670" align="aligncenter" width="597"] CFB Esquimalt’s first Holiday Shop & Sip hosted at the Chief & POs’ mess on Dec. 1.[/caption] Lookout Staff  —  The first annual Holiday Shop & Sip event hosted by the Chief & POs’ Mess and Lookout Newspaper debuted on Sunday, Dec. 1. Bringing together the extended Defence community and local artisans, the holiday market was a dashing success. Showcasing talents including woodwork, baking, preserving, crafting, leatherwork, art, photography, soap-making, stained glass, printing, jewellery-making, thrifting, and so much more, the 66 vendor booths offered holiday gift ideas to more than 300 attendees that afternoon. Entrance to the event was by donation of a non-perishable food item or cash donation to support Rainbow Kitchen, a community kitchen and hub for food security programming in Esquimalt. A big thank you goes out to all attendees, vendors and organizers as $800 and a large car full of donations was raised at the event. As attendees sipped on beverages provided by the onsite bar, others indulged in the free popcorn and hot chocolate courtesy of CANEX. Attendees were also entered into a draw to win over 30 door prizes, donated generously by the event vendors. The holiday spirit is in full swing at CFB Esquimalt, and planning is already in the works for the next Shop & Sip event. [caption id="attachment_36669" align="aligncenter" width="597"] The reason for the season. Food donations for Rainbow Kitchen fill the trunk at the event. [/caption]

This holiday season, we are grateful for those who serve in uniform, veterans, civilian workers who support those who serve, our local community members, and the families with unwavering strength who feel like home to members ashore and afar. Your dedication, sacrifice, and resilience continue to inspire the work we do each day. The Lookout Newspaper is committed to writing your stories and sharing important information to improve morale and welfare at CFB Esquimalt.  This year, the Lookout shared stories from the Navy past, present and future. The past was specifically highlighted in our three Remembrance-focused editions in November as veterans reflected on their unique experiences with the Canadian Armed Forces and we honoured those we lost this year who had a tremendous impact on the Navy and local community. We shared stories of the present as we captured the ever-changing nature of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and its members, ongoing operations and exercises, and the units and sailors who continue to strive for greatness at CFB Esquimalt. Looking ahead to the future, we shared updates as local and RCN leaders discussed what the new Navy will look like and how changes will support the CAF’s goals while maintaining peace, security and global support. This year, the Lookout Newspaper also experienced some changes. We went from publishing weekly to biweekly, we said goodbye to some beloved team members, and we brought in a new team to support the redesign of our website to be launched this Spring. It will offer new tools, resources, and ways to communicate quicker with our dedicated readers. Whether you enjoy reading the paper in print, online, or with your mobile device, we’re working hard to ensure you can continue to do so effectively. We’d like to take this moment to thank all our readers...

CFB Esquimalt Teammates, It is with gratitude and appreciation that we wish you a warm and healthy holiday season. Most importantly, we hope that all have opportunities to connect with your friends and loved ones, even for a short rest. As the end of 2024 approaches, we pause and reflect on the many achievements of the Team. We see your hard work and dedication to keep the Base running every single day, and we deeply appreciate it. In 2024, the Base supported the busy operation schedule of the Fleet. Internationally, we’ve participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise by Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix, HMCS Max Bernays, HMCS and Vancouver. This was followed by successful deployments into the Indo-Asia Pacific with HMCS Vancouver, and now HMCS Ottawa, and their helicopter air detachments.  Domestically, our fleet has supported tremendous Force Generation and Task Group Exercises in our local waters. Not only have we supported operations, but we’ve also fostered and strengthened our connections, both with our local communities and with each other as members of the Defence Team. Through various ceremonies, days of recognition, and events such as the National Public Service Week BBQ, the Victoria Class Cup in support of the Esquimalt MFRC, Healthy Workplace Month, Go by Bike Week, the Royal Canadian Navy Bike Ride, the Navy Run, CAF Appreciation Nights, Remembrance Day, and so much more, we came together as a team to laugh, to recognize others, to improve our metal health and fitness, and to remember the sacrifices of those who have come before us. As part of our collective group effort to give back to our communities, this year we surpassed our local National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign goal of $80,000 raising over $115,000. We would like to highlight the exceptional work of the campaign administrative team and ambassadors...

As we gather to celebrate this festive season, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you – my dedicated military and civilian teammates. This year was filled with remarkable achievements along with some challenges and opportunities. MARPAC welcomed and commissioned our first Harry DeWolf-class ship, HMCS Max Bernays; HMCS Windsor deployed on multiple surveillance patrols; HMC ships Edmonton and Yellowknife successfully took part in Operation Caribbe; and HMC Ships Vancouver and Ottawa deployed across the pacific on Operation Horizon. We also surged hundreds of people to support RIMPAC 2024 and hosted another incredible Fleet Week in North Vancouver. Our training system has made remarkable strides to streamline training and produced thousands of new graduates in every naval trade and rank level. In service to Canada, our ships have sailed far and wide, from the heights of the Arctic circle to the heat of the equatorial Indo-Pacific. Your commitment to excellence, on deployment, in training, or within your communities, has not gone unnoticed. We are particularly proud of our progress in fostering an inclusive environment for all personnel. These initiatives are crucial as we prepare for the future and ensure that our Navy remains ready to help, lead, and fight. As we enjoy this holiday season, let us also remember the importance of family and the sacrifices made by our loved ones. They are a critical support structure, and we encourage you to take this time to connect with them, recharge, and celebrate the joy of the season. Our thoughts are particularly with the deployed members of HMCS Ottawa (including those supporting them from ashore) as they spend a holiday season separated from their loved ones while conducting their mission of promoting peace, stability, and the rules-based international order. Let’s also...

Padre Turkington, Chaplain, CFB Esquimalt  —  The first day of December marks the point in the year when it is perfectly acceptable to start listening to Christmas music. The standard jingles are inescapable; flooding stores, malls, restaurants, radio stations, and seemingly occupying every vacant quiet space. For some this is welcomed, for others it is dreaded. I used to be in the later camp, but over time have learned to enjoy my own festive soundtrack; religious carols mixed with a few sentimental, if not slightly absurd, tracks, along with Bob Dylan’s festive album that encapsulates it all. There is no shortage of songs out there, and we have become quite accustomed to the classics being played incessantly, even when a good number of them have not aged well Do They Know It’s Christmas? comes quickly to mind).    One such standard is John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War Is Over.) After spending two years actively protesting the Vietnam War, and releasing the popular anthem, “All we are saying is give peace a chance,” Lennon released this as a protest song that put his ‘political message across with a little honey.’ He wrote it because he was tired of the sentimentally optimistic white Christmas and wanted to motivate people to action. So this is Christmas, and what have you done? It has been over 50 years since this song was released, and what have we actually done? If we look around at our world, war is far from over and we can be forgiven if these lyrics now ring sentimentally and optimistically hollow in our ears. At least one line stands out as true. Originally, The world is so wrong, was later replaced with, The road is so long. Both lines ring true, as some have argued the world hasn’t stopped being at...

[caption id="attachment_36638" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Acting Sub-Lieutenant Mitchell George Grieveson Keay, alongside his wife and child, is presented with the Welland Shield by Commander Isabelle, Commanding Officer HMCS Corner Brook.[/caption] SLt Simon Gonsalves, MARPAC PAO  —  The long path to becoming a trained Naval Warfare Officer is notoriously not for the faint of heart. However, on the Dec. 11, after four months of challenge and adversity, Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) III Fraser Division had their formal graduation ceremony HMCS Venture’s Nixon Drill Deck. This event marked the culmination of a rigorous training program aimed to transform junior naval officers into the future leaders of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). All NWO candidates attend an extensive program at HMCS Venture, the center of Excellence in Naval Training located in Esquimalt. They partake in three critical milestone courses, each building on the last prior to joining the fleet. Training consists of classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and practical training at sea. These experiences are necessary to build expertise and hands-on experience in navigation, bridgemanship, ship safety, emergency procedures, and seamanship, amongst other vital subjects. Families, friends, and distinguished guests, including Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class. The Reviewing Officer, Commander Eric Isabelle, Commanding Officer of HMCS Corner Brook, spoke to all those in attendance. Commander Isabelle stated that he completion of NWO III “marks a significant milestone for Warfare Officers as their first true career course, giving the candidates a taste of what it means of having Charge of a ship as [Officer of the Watch].” Fraser’s Course Training Offer, Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Joe Cheng, delivered the closing remarks. Always coaching and encouraging his students to do their best, “your success is my success” is his motto, noting that the combined course academic average was well above normal at...

[caption id="attachment_36627" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Sailor 1st Class Dante Brun-Letourneau, winner of the ship’s first kiss, greets his partner, Nadia, at the brow of the ship as the first to disembark HMCS Vancouver on Dec. 5. Photo: Sailor 1st Class Koller[/caption] Paul Dagonese, Staff Writer  —  After a six-month deployment starting in Hawaii and continuing throughout the Indo-Pacific region, HMCS Vancouver returned to CFB Esquimalt early in the morning of Dec. 5. As the ship waited just outside Esquimalt Harbour, excited onlookers gathered early at Duntze Head for the ceremonial sail-past, catching distant glimpses of their friends and loved ones. Others waited at C-Jetty where the homecoming celebrations began. Vancouver docked and before crew members and their families could embrace, one lucky first kiss sailor won the privilege of disembarking first. “I got one ticket … and that’s all I needed,” says Sailor 1st Class (S1) Dante Brum-Letourneau, the winner of the first-kiss raffle. “That’s some good luck.” His partner of four years, Nadia Tymoshuk, met S1 Brum-Letourneau at the center of the brow. They embraced, kissed, and leaned back into a pose mimicking that of the iconic U.S. Navy sailor photo in Times Square taken on V-J Day in 1945. The couple took a selfie while hundreds watched and cheered. Winning this raffle is considered to be prestigious as even the ship’s Captain had to wait to disembark until after the first kiss. “It’s a great coming home gift for my first deployment,” said S1 Brum-Letourneau. When he asked Nadia if he should buy more than one ticket for the raffle, she said, “You’ll only need one ticket to win.” But when he told her he won, she admitted she didn’t believe him at first. While waiting to disembark, Vancouver’s Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Ian Billerd, waved to his kids...

[caption id="attachment_36621" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Arthur Horn receiving one of many recognitions for his work with the Royal Canadian Navy.[/caption] Paul Dagonese, Lookout Staff  —  As Canadians, we honour those who paved the way for future generations, setting new standards and shaping the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) into what it is today. Among these trailblazers is Petty Officer 2nd Class (Retired) Arthur A. Horn, a Bellville, Ontario native who dreamed of becoming a sailor at just 12 years old. Enlisting in the RCN at 17, Horn not only fulfilled his dream but went on to redefine how Canadian Armed Forces instructors train their soldiers, leaving an indelible mark on military education. Now 81, when Art’s asked how long his military career spanned, he responds “42 days short of 23 years”. But he remembers like it was yesterday how it all started with the Belleville Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps. As a Cadet aboard ships like HMCS St. Lawrence, he experienced his first “love” for Navy life. Later, in September 1960, during his first official posting at HMCS Cornwallis, his “taste” for Navy life truly began. But it wasn’t until 13 years later, July of 1973, that his career changed. On an Any Trade Required billet, Art was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Instructional Technique at CFB Borden. They were short on instructors then, and, as Art says, “I was asked—I wasn’t ordered—if I would like to take a course to do some instructing. And I said ‘Sure, I’ll give it a try. I’ll try anything once’. So, they started me on a Standard Instructional Technique (SIT) One course right away, and two thirds of the way through it they pulled me off and threw me to the wolves in front of a classroom instructing.” That room of ‘wolves’ was really a group...

[caption id="attachment_36613" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Care packages collected by the Esquimalt MFRC and Cowichan Valley Hospital are packaged and sent off to HMCS Ottawa while deployed over the holidays. Photos provided.[/caption] Paul Dagonese, Lookout Staff  —  As the holiday season approaches, a heartwarming collaboration between Island Health’s Cowichan District Hospital (CDH) and the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) has ensured that the 250 sailors aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa won’t feel forgotten while deployed far from home. A collection of care packages and handwritten notes from hospital staff is heading to the Pacific, carrying with it a simple message: We care. “It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you,” said Cynthia Turgeon, Business Support Associate at CDH. “Our staff (at CDH) are frontline healthcare workers, and they too stand in the gap.” For Turgeon this donation is about saying “We didn’t forget you. We don’t know you, but we so appreciate all that you do, the sacrifice you make, and the sacrifice your family makes by letting you go for many months at a time.” The initiative began when Turgeon, inspired by Remembrance Day events and the military connections within the hospital’s staff, spoke to the  CDH BE WELL Committee, and reached out to the MFRC to explore how they could support deployed service members. The initiative quickly evolved into a months-long project involving donations of snacks, puzzles, and personalized holiday notes – complete with word searches and games – designed to brighten the sailors’ days.   A Partnership with Purpose Jackie Carlé, Executive Director of the Esquimalt MFRC, emphasized the significance of the donation. What’s so special about this for Carlé is it’s an ‘inclusive’ show of kindness. Members may not get packages from home, but she says with this donation ‘nobody’s going to feel left out....

Shannon Childs, SISIP Esquimalt  —  Transitioning from military to civilian life can seem overwhelming. Between paperwork, meetings, and decisions, it’s easy to feel like you’re in over your head. But there’s one area you can’t afford to overlook: your financial plan. From benefits to pensions, understanding your options is critical for setting yourself up for success after your release. This article aims to provides clarity on key financial topics and help you prepare for your transition. For personalized advice, your local SISIP advisor is your go-to resource. They’re experts in guiding CAF members through these changes and can tailor strategies to your unique situation. If You’ve Served 10 Years or More If you’ve completed at least 10 years of service and are medically released, you’ll receive an immediate annuity - a guaranteed monthly income. Before your release, reach out to pension services to confirm how much you’ll receive each month. Here’s how to make the most of it: Review Your Package: Meet with a SISIP advisor to go over your severance pay, pension benefits, and tax strategies. Explore Your VAC Options: If you’ve experienced a service-related injury, a SISIP advisor can help you decide between receiving a monthly benefit or a lump-sum payment from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Each option has its own pros and cons, depending on your circumstances. If You’ve Served Less Than 10 Years If you’re medically released with less than 10 years of service, you won’t receive an immediate annuity, but you’re still entitled to: Two Years of Top-Up: Provided through SISIP Vocational Rehabilitation, this gives you a financial buffer while you transition. Pension Options: The money you’ve accumulated in your pension can be rolled into another qualified pension plan, deferred until age 60, or cashed out. A SISIP advisor can explain the tax implications and long-term...

A/SLt Samantha Cortes Munoz, MARPAC Public Affairs — The Canadian Forces Environmental Medical Establishment (CFEME) completed a successful NATO Submarine Medical Officer course held Oct. 28 to Nov. 8 in Esquimalt. This important training brought together medical professionals from around the globe, including 15 students from Canada, Australia, Singapore, [...]

[caption id="attachment_36561" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Master Sailor (MS) Guay receiving his Canadian Decoration 3 Clasp. From Left to right: Lieutenant-Colonel L.J. Rediger, MS S. Guay, and School Chief Warrant Officer M.R. Lanctot.Photo supplied[/caption] Lt(N) Jonathan Lacasse, Maritime Procurement  —  Celebrating an impressive career 43 years and counting It’s been several years since we last met, and that’s the kind of thing that happens a lot in the lives of sailors. We forge bonds as a crew, growing closer over time. Though we may drift apart, the tides aways bring us back together. It was with surprise that I ran into Stéphane at a ceremony where he received the precious CD3 distinction for 42 years of service. A rare moment, as only a few comrades-in-arms accumulate this many nautical miles and experience within our organization.  I admit, I was impressed. The more my career progresses, the more I realize the effort and sacrifices that this implies. After the ceremony, I had the privilege of chatting with Stéphane at the CFS Leitrim mess; I wanted to learn more about his journey.  Stéphane joined the Naval Reserve on June 29, 1981, at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship HMCS Montcalm in Quebec City, as a Radar Plotter. In 1984, this trade was renamed to Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP). Not feeling overly passionate about the job, he changed to that of Boatswain in 1986. At that time, he was part of the Reserves to finance his studies and experience maritime adventures each summer. This allowed him to study history, geography and teaching at the university.  His highlights in the service were teaching recruits and instructing First Aid training. Over the years, he had the opportunity to teach and train members, instructors and even master instructors First Aid. In December 2022, Stéphane had the honour of receiving a...

Paul Dagonese, Lookout staff  —  New Deployment, Absence & Relocation Literacy Kits for Families The Esquimalt and Comox Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) have recently collaborated with Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) to make literacy kits available for military children and families to provide support for the challenging issues of deployment, absence and relocation. Kathleen Cormie, Programs Coordinator at Esquimalt MFRC, initiated this venture with local libraries. Working on the front line for 13 years interacting with military families while being a mom and military spouse herself, she recognized how these Absence, Moving and Relocation  Literacy Kits can serve a real concern. “What we see in our workshops and in research is that talking, validating, and processing feelings with children is helpful,” she said. “Sitting down with a parent and acknowledging having mom or dad away is hard, and finding ways to connect through story is a really good bonding act for parent or caregiver and child.” Cormie added that a military child being able to talk about their feelings increases well-being and particularly helps them feel more connected to the parent at home. Each kit includes several books chosen by GVPL, VIRL, and MFRC staff. Some kits also include games, puppets, and feelings cards to complement the stories and make the experience more interactive. As part of this initiative, the MFRC aims to establish an outreach program with local schools to encourage teachers to integrate these kits into their curriculum. Cormie recently visited Sooke schools during Remembrance Day activities, a time where one of the largest ships, HMCS Ottawa, was deployed. “That’s a lot of families, a lot of kids,” she said. Cormie met with children who had parents posted to that ship. She believes teacher awareness and the use of these kits, especially...

Capt Alexandre Dutil, Chaplain, CANFLTPAC  —  Have you noticed that whatever you do in life, there will always be someone that doesn’t like it? Back when there was a dislike count on YouTube, you could see that even the most benign video could receive between five and ten per cent dislike reactions. Who has the time to dislike a cat video? Whatever the reason is, there will always be people who don’t agree with you. At some point in your career, you will meet a coworker that you disagree with. This might be based on misjudgement, a bad first impression, or even misalignment of values.  The important thing is that we learn how to deal with frustration caused by colleagues to maintain a professional workplace and feel better at work. Here are some tips on how to deal with conflict or tension: Don’t let the boiler explode. Don’t accumulate - address what is annoying you as soon as possible. It is normal not to want to confront a problematic situation immediately, but it is not helpful for anyone to ignore an ongoing problem. Don’t start with a written complaint. Most of the time it’s unnecessary and will add complexity to the issue. However, there are some situations where this is warranted, mentioned below. Start by trying to have a conversation. Stay calm, acknowledge the issue, clarify the situation and, if you must criticize, be critical of the actions and not the person. Try to find a solution to the situation. You may even learn a few lessons along the way. Forgive. Asking for forgiveness is not only apologizing but also taking responsibility, showing remorse, and trying to repair the relationship with a promise to not repeat the offence. Don’t give up if communication fails at first. Sometimes you need to have...

Lt(N) Redfern-Pucci, TRINITY Det Esquimalt — On Oct. 30, the former Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters’ (MARPAC HQ) intelligence section was integrated into TRINITY Detachment Esquimalt. TRINITY is the unit responsible for providing operational support and intelligence to the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) deployed fleet. The merger is intended

Capt. Keun Kang, Public Affairs Officer, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group — Canadian Rangers strengthen partnership with Australia’s NORFORCE From Aug. 25 to Sept. 13, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) and the Australian Defence Force’s North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) conducted Exercise Northern Lights 24. [...]

Canadian Ranger Tracy Guenard, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group — 4 CRPG with RCN conduct emergency response exercise In a demonstration of collaboration, interoperability and commitment to community resilience, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) joined forces with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for a simulated earthquake [...]

The Organizational Well-Being program aims to provide you with timely and accessible mental health and well-being services that correspond and evolve with yours and your family members’ needs to enable, educate, and empower you to improve your health and wellness. The Department of National Defence’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (you are now leaving Canada.ca, for internal audiences only) is a professional, confidential, and proactive service to support you and your family members with a variety of personal, family, and work-related concerns. Attend an Employee Assistance Program information session to learn more about the new comprehensive range of services and mental health support available for public service employees, including students and casual employees, and their immediate family members. This presentation will cover the following services: Crisis and Short-Term Counselling Life Smart Coaching Digital Mental Health Platform Peer Support Manager Support: Key Person Advice Line (KPAL) Specialized Team Services All information sessions are available in both official languages. Register now for our next session! For more information, contact us at EAP-PAE@forces.gc.ca