News

[caption id="attachment_29476" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Second World War veteran Cdr (Retired) Peter Chance (left) prepares for an interview at his home in Sidney, B.C., with Don Foster of the Legacy of Honour video collection. Credit: Legacy of Honour[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — An Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel has been recognized for his video project featuring veterans’ accounts of the D-Day landings. Don Foster, a Senior Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns, volunteers as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Vancouver-based 15th Field Artillery Regiment army reserve unit. On March 3, he was presented with a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The award comes mostly for his tireless work establishing and directing the Juno Beach Centre’s Legacy of Honour video collection. The Juno Beach Centre is a museum established in 2003, built to tell the story of Canadian military members at war and to preserve their legacy for future generations.  It is located in Normandy, France, on a section of beach where 14,000 troops landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Foster launched the centre’s video program in 2017. The collection of oral histories offers veterans’ accounts of their experiences landing on the beaches. “The award embodies everything I have been doing with my colleagues at the Juno Beach Centre,” he says. “Our efforts are to acknowledge the difference those who served have made to our freedoms we enjoy in Canada.” The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was established in 2001 to formally recognize outstanding volunteer service to the veteran community, or individuals who represent commendable role models for fellow veterans. Five other B.C. residents were honoured during the ceremony, which was presented via Zoom. Upon accepting his commendation Foster acknowledged the work of his videographer Chris Ainscough. The pair travel across the country to interview veterans in their homes and capture their stories.    He was nominated for the award by two Canadian Second World War veterans featured in his project, George Chow and Norm Kirby, who have both since passed away. Foster says he develops...

[caption id="attachment_29470" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The ship’s badge for the future HMCS Max Bernays was unveiled during a ceremony on March 30.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — T he unveiling of the future HMCS Max Bernays’ badge signified a major step in the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel’s (AOPV) progression to serve the Royal Canadian Navy. Max Bernays will be the first AOPV homeported in Esquimalt. “Although you will bring the future HMCS Max Bernays to life here in the Atlantic, you will prove her ready for operations in all of Canada’s oceans and bring Max Bernays to her homeport in British Columbia in 2023,” said Capt(N) Sheldon Gillis, Deputy Commander, Canadian Fleet Atlantic, speaking to the ship’s crew at a ceremony in Halifax on March 30.  The ship’s namesake Acting Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays was a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. He served as Coxswain of HMCS Assiniboine during the Second World War. On Aug. 6, 1942, during an intense battle with a German submarine, CPO Bernays ordered two junior telegraph officers to clear the bridge before taking the helm.  Surrounded by smoke and fire, he single-handedly steered the ship and dispatched orders to the engine room, eventually managing to ram and sink the U-boat. He received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his courage. “The name Max Bernays in our navy is directly associated with the character traits that led the allies to victory at sea: personal courage, loyalty, and integrity, all qualities Max Bernays demonstrated so valiantly under fire from an enemy submarine in 1942,” said Capt(N) Gillis.  Family members of Max Bernays watched the ceremony online. A letter written by his granddaughter was shared as part of the ceremony.  “We are a navy family. Max’s son, Max Bernays Junior, continued the naval tradition and joined at 17,” wrote Shannon Bernays. “Grandpa always said that the navy ran in his blood. We know that both of them would have been overjoyed to see the ship and meet her crew. They...

Emma Moon Human Factors Support Cell DGLEPM/DSSPM — Anthropometry is a science that deals with the standardized measurement of the human body. It ensures appropriate fit of equipment and clothing. Anthropometrics are used to answer questions about fit and form such as: “Where should we place pant pockets, and at what angle, so the most military members will be able to comfortably access them?” Anthropometric data can also be released to industry in order to ensure their designs align with the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) population. That is why the CAF is introducing a fleet of 3D scanning technology to systematically capture the body morphology of military members and provide key measurements for sizing and fit. Given the individuality and diversity of its members, the CAF will also modernize the collection methods and database. This will improve the procurement of individual clothing and equipment to ensure all body types and gender considerations are taken into account. The process is being led by the Directorate Soldier System Program Management who also maintains the database of information for these updates. This change comes as the CAF evolves to attract members of different genders and ethnic backgrounds. As the CAF membership changes, the way they outfit their members must also evolve. The goal is to get as close to customized clothing and equipment for each individual as possible. Updating the survey Currently, the procurement of individual equipment and clothing is done using a database of measurements generated in 2012. As the demographics of CAF members have changed, the existing anthropometric data is becoming obsolete and less reliable for acquisition decision making. The new portable scanners will be deployed across Canada to capture more inclusive and relevant data. This will also support targeted efforts for data gathering in specific under-represented populations such...

[caption id="attachment_29449" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Snowbird pilot Capt Logan Reid.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A Victoria-born pilot will be at the controls of one of nine CT-114 Tutor jets, when the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic display squadron takes to the skies over Canadian cities this summer. Tucked in the cockpit of Snowbird 8 will be Capt Logan Reid, donning the familiar red pilot flight suit. However, before he and his fellow pilots can delight air show fans across Canada with their signature manoeuvres, which include the Canada Burst, formation heart, and solo head-on crosses, they must first complete training camp. From April 19 to May 11 the 24 member show team will relocate from 15 Wing Moose Jaw to CFB Comox. 19 Wing has been the site of the Snowbirds’ annual spring training camp since the mid-1970s. “Getting to Comox is an exciting time for us because the flying tempo steps up considerably and it’s a significant milestone as we get our manoeuvres put together,” says Capt Reid. “It’s also the first time you get the feeling of really taking up the mantle for the new pilots and technicians who have joined the team.” After spending his Easter weekend with wife Nicole and their four-year-old son Mackenzie in Moose Jaw, Capt Reid and his teammates will hop in their jets and fly west. Under normal circumstances, he and the team would head to Comox to refine their routine for airshows in May. But some exceptional issues including bad weather, COVID-19 restrictions on personnel, and maintenance factors have put them behind schedule. Their first airshow will be June 18 and 19 over Borden, ON. After that, they will zigzag across the country performing into September before crossing the border for a few shows in California. During training, they plan to make two flights a day, six days a week with their flight paths very close to the Courtenay-Comox region. The practice is all for a good reason, says Capt Reid. When performing...

[caption id="attachment_29444" align="aligncenter" width="596"] S1 Simeon Weststeijn of the Naden Band speaks with students during a virtual concert for students while Image Technician S1 Sisi Xu manages MARPAC Base Imaging’s YouTube livestream. Photo by Steve MacDonald, Naden Band.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Classrooms across British Columbia came alive with the sound of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy’s music last month. Students of all ages watched a series of livestream concerts throughout the month of March. Concerts were produced and streamed live by MARPAC Imaging on YouTube. Four separate performances by the band were delivered each week, two for Elementary School students and their teachers, and two for Middle School and High School. The band traditionally performs live in-person, but due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions in early 2022, the decision was made to deliver the programs via live-stream. The idea came about after discussions between Lt(N) Ben Van Slyke, Naden Band Music Officer, and, Lt(N) Catherine Norris, Naden Band Commanding Officer, following a presentation by the directors of music of the six United States armed forces special bands at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.  The presentation included discussions on the virtual outreach they had accomplished during the pandemic. “In the end, this was a very effective method for the Naden Band to reach out to schools across the entire province,” says Lt(N) Van Slyke. “MARPAC Imaging was integral to the success of this project as their professionalism, flexibility, and the quality of the video were top notch.” Each week saw different instrumental group or style of music delivered. On March 2 and 3, it was brass instruments and percussion performances; March 9 and 10 woodwind instruments and percussion; and March 16 and 17 the focus shifted to the sounds of jazz. Percussion was...

[caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Cpl (Retired) Jonathan Lafleur and his fiancé Kristyn Moore in happier times.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A fundraising campaign is underway for a former Port Inspection Diver whose Cowichan Valley home was destroyed by a fire on February 6.    The blaze completely gutted the newly-built container home of Cpl (Retired) Jonathan Lafleur, which was located in a remote section of Cowichan Valley. Lafleur says the fire started when an article of clothing ignited from the hot exhaust of a propane-fuelled on-demand water heater. He does not have fire insurance. He had attempted to buy insurance for his home but had difficulty finding the proper policy for a container home.    He is a former member of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific and Atlantic, CFB Comox Fire and Rescue, and previously served with NATO security forces in Afghanistan. Following his service in Afghanistan, Lafleur was clinically diagnosed with PTSD. He built his off-the-grid metal container home himself and had been living there for almost a year before the fire. It was meant to be a sanctuary and escape from the stresses of urban living, says Lafleur. Due to the nature of his mental health condition, he cannot tolerate loud noises, be in big crowds, or heavily populated areas. Fundraiser launched His fiancé Kristyn Moore recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for personal items lost in the fire and to rebuild. Lafleur says reaching out for help has been extremely difficult.  “I am a proud veteran and I used to be the person who helped other people. Today, I am admitting very candidly that I have problems in my life and that it is hard for me. But in a situation like this you need to throw all of that out the window, ask for help, and take it.” Lafleur and his fiancé managed to escape the blaze with only the clothes on their backs and their cell phones. Everything else the couple owned including their identification,...

HMCS Yellowknife — Just two weeks into their deployment on Operation Caribbe, HMCS Yellowknife and crew, with its embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), interdicted a go-fast vessel carrying approximately 800 kilograms of cocaine. The operation is Canada’s contribution to the U.S. led enhanced counter-narcotics mission Operation [...]

[caption id="attachment_29406" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Bernice “Bunny” McIntyre is seen distributing poppies in 2018 alongside her friend and fellow Somme Branch Legion member MWO (Retired) Paul O’ Boyle, RCN/CF.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — The changing role of women in the Royal Canadian Navy took centre stage in a new exhibit that opened March 8 at the Naval Museum of Halifax. While COVID restrictions still prevent members of the public from visiting the museum in person, museum director Jennifer Denty and exhibit co-curator CPO1 (Retired) JoAnn Cunningham, invited Capt(N) Sean Williams, CFB Halifax Base Commander, and CPO1 Alena Mondelli, Base Chief, to join them on a virtual tour that was also live streamed on the museum’s Facebook site. “Traditionally, we would have had a large opening with speeches and finger food but given the COVID environment we’re still in, that just wasn’t feasible,” said Denty during a pre-show sneak peek. The new exhibit is housed on the lower level of the museum, in the former communications exhibit space. With large panels and artifacts from the early 1900s to present day, the display tells the story of women in the Royal Canadian Navy, highlighting their contributions and how the role of women in the navy has changed over the years. “We’re quite pleased with how it turned out. It’s a story that needs to be told,” says Denty.  Nursing Sisters served with the Canadian military from the late 1800s through to the First World War, but women were not permitted to enlist in the navy until the Second World War, when on July 31, 1942, the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) was established.  Following in the British tradition for the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the women in the WRCNS were known as Wrens, and several panels and displays in the exhibit tell their story. At their peak during the war, more than 6,800 women served as Wrens in the RCN, with nearly 1,000 Wrens housed on the top two floors of a...

[caption id="attachment_29400" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Master Sailor David Murphy at the wheel of a hybrid electric small boat in Halifax Harbour during trials in 2021. RCN Innovation continually explores new ideas and technologies to ensure the Navy is ready to meet the future operating environment.[/caption] RCN — The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Innovation team – a small group focused on matching emerging technologies of today with the needs of tomorrow – is ensuring the navy is finding and exploiting state-of-the-art technologies for its future capabilities. The RCN is in the midst of its largest naval recapitalization program since the Second World War, which includes building new classes of ships and life-extending others, as well as pursuing necessary infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to shore and training facilities. Preparing for this future fleet isn’t just about building ships. It’s also about future-proofing vessels to ensure that systems stay relevant for years to come, and more importantly, that tomorrow’s sailors have the equipment they need when sent into harm’s way. “Staying at the frontier of rapidly evolving new technologies is essential to maintain a warfighting advantage,” says Commander (Cdr) Lee Vessey, Director of RCN Innovation. “The capabilities of our future fleet will include some of the novel technologies we’re trialling now.” The team had a very busy 2021 and continues to have a busy 2022. For instance, last year, members of the RCN Innovation team joined a group from private industry to test hybrid electric small boats in Halifax Harbour. “When they switched off the diesel engine, the boat went completely silent, and changing the battery after three hours felt as normal as swapping cans of gas. It’s exciting to get a first look at what could be the future of the navy,” says Master Sailor David Murphy, who participated in the trial.  Later...

[caption id="attachment_29397" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Stadacona Band Celtic Ensemble[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — When the Stadacona Band posted a video clip of the newly formed Celtic ensemble playing the Irish folk tune ‘Sí Beag, Sí Mhór’ on the band’s Facebook page recently, it generated a bit of buzz, racking up more than 6,000 views in the following days. “Celtic music is very well loved here on the East Coast,” says S1 Mark Morton, a percussionist with the Stadacona Band and the ensemble coordinator. “Actually, because this audience knows the music so well, there was some apprehension about forming the ensemble.” The four members of the ensemble are PO1 Charmaine Chaddock, who plays tin whistle and occasionally spoons; PO1 Larry Bjornson on bass and guitar; PO2 Jeff Brancato playing mandolin, Irish bouzouki and guitar; and S1 Morton on violin and mandolin. All, with the exception of PO1 Bjornson, play secondary instruments. While the band has performed in the past with many Celtic-inspired arrangements and played with East Coast musicians, such as Scott Macmillan and Dave MacIsaac, the idea of forming a dedicated Celtic ensemble first came up at a Christmas party back in 2018. It wasn’t until a year and a half later that it really took hold.Casting about for a project to work on during the initial “lockdown” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, S1 Morton and some other band members returned to the ensemble idea. Knowing the band had two “nice old violins from the 1800s” in its inventory, S1 Morton took one home to try out. “I had taken violin lessons as a kid but when I first tried it again, I had to relearn everything. I felt like I was 10 years old again,” he says. Still working to improve his proficiency on the violin, S1...

[caption id="attachment_29392" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Canadian Ranger, Master Corporal Christine Kuizema has been skydiving for four years, with almost 400 jumps and her C licence. This month, she will become the first Canadian Ranger to try out for the SkyHawks, the Canadian Armed Forces’ military parachute demonstration team.[/caption] Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group — Two years ago, Master Corporal Christine Kuizema became the first Canadian Ranger chosen to try out for the Skyhawks military parachute demonstration team. The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to her attempts to earn a spot on the team and jump under the SkyHawks’ distinctive Canada flag canopies in 2020 and 2021. But this month she is getting her chance. CR MCpl Kuizema, the Second in Command of the Gold River Canadian Ranger Patrol on Vancouver Island, has left for training in Ontario. SkyHawks demonstrator selection training includes six weeks of theory and practical instruction. Ground training, which is held at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, will begin with the Parachutist Physical Training test, which includes a 1.6-kilometre run in 7.5 minutes, seven chin ups, and 31 sit ups. Having gone through all the preparation for the selection training once before in March 2020, she is feeling ready. In the two years since she was originally chosen for selection training, she has been jumping a lot, refining her skills, and learning new disciplines. She loves skydiving so much it hasn’t been hard to stay motivated. “I think once you have a passion for something, then it’s kind of self-motivating. So over two years, I’ve gotten better at jumping and took on different disciplines and took some training courses,” she says. “It’s been pretty easy to be self-motivated in that sense. It’s a good community to be around as well, so it keeps the stoke high.” She started skydiving four years ago and fell in love with it right away. Last summer she started wingsuiting – flying with a...

[caption id="attachment_29388" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The children's space at the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Esquimalt branch.[/caption] The wait is over for library lovers in the Esquimalt area with Greater Victoria Public Library’s (GVPL) relocated Esquimalt branch doors now open. After months of planning and construction, the new library, which is located inside the Esquimalt Town Square development at #101-503 Park Place, opened Thursday, March 31. Replacing the branch that had been located in the Esquimalt Municipal Hall, the new library is a true community living room with a modern design and décor. With large floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors will be immediately struck by the dramatic design features of the space, including soaring ceilings, exposed natural wood beams, concrete floors, and a calming colour palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa said she is thrilled to welcome the community into the beautiful new space. “We are especially proud of the children’s area, which has been thoughtfully designed to encourage discovery and safe play for children who are crawling, learning to walk, and interacting with the space. The space is anchored by an interactive learning play structure that was purchased with funds from the Friends of the Library. The Play and Learn Pod will allow children aged five years and younger to develop and practice early literacy skills through play.” “With dedicated areas for children and teens, comfortable reading areas, public computers with printing, bookable study rooms, flexible program space, and Wi-Fi throughout the branch, this is truly a flexible and inclusive space that will both inform and inspire the community,” added Sawa. The library’s collection features the latest fiction and non-fiction books for adults, youth, and children, as well as mystery, romance, and other fiction genres. Audiobooks and music on CD, feature films and TV series on DVD and Blu-ray, video games, and newspapers and magazines are also available. The branch also features resources that are staples of GVPL’s system-wide collections, including large print books and an Indigenous Reads display. Surrounded by a vibrant town...

Royal Canadian Navy — For Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Daniel Pelletier, receiving a letter from the grateful parents of a student with learning disabilities was unexpected and touching. A 20-year veteran and instructor at Naval Fleet School (Pacific), PO2 Pelletier teaches classes in the Marine Technician trade. Along with fellow instructors Petty Officer First Class David Van Egmond [...]

[caption id="attachment_29378" align="alignnone" width="595"] Lynn Carroll (front row, third left), Quilts of Valour Society Canada representative for Southern Vancouver Island, gathers with members of the Esquimalt Transition Centre for a group photo in December 2021 after receiving a Poinsettia as recognition for her volunteerism. Carroll and her organization have teamed up with the Transition Centre to distribute hand-made quilts to injured military veterans. Photo courtesy of Transition Centre[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer   —    A troop of dedicated quilters is providing warmth, comfort, and gratitude to Canada’s injured veterans. Armed with the tools of the trade - scissors, rotary cutters, stitch rippers, and sewing machines – members of the non-profit Quilts of Valour – Canada Society (QOVC) are on a mission to wrap quilts of comfort around ill or injured Canadian military veterans. Since commencing operations in 2006, QOVC has distributed 18,409 quilts across the country. Nora Johnson, Service Coordinator for the Transition Centre at CFB Esquimalt, says the efforts of QOVC are very beneficial. “I think this is a wonderful initiative that is allowing people outside of the Department of National Defence to recognize military members’ contributions,” she says. “They are truly beautiful gifts and a heartfelt way to recognize people who have been injured in their service.” A few years ago, QOVC on Vancouver Island teamed up with the Transition Centre at CFB Esquimalt to distribute quilts on Southern Vancouver Island. The centre is part of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group network and works with Veterans Affairs Canada and other partners to provide professional, personalized, and standardized transition services to discharging Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Johnson adds the gratitude is a two-way street and being recognized in this manner is a morale booster for veterans as well. National Movement The charity was founded by Lezley Zwaal, who says its origins stem from a personal visit she made to an Edmonton hospital back in 2006. Zwaal, who now lives in Parksville, B.C., had seen the news about...

[caption id="attachment_29372" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Gordon Quan in London, UK, 1945. Photo courtesy The Chinese Canadian Military Museum.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Second World War veteran Gordon Quan, 96, has an intriguing story to tell, one that includes top secret work in South East Asia in the final months of the war. He got his chance to join the fight in 1944 after the Canadian government allowed a select group of 600 Chinese Canadians to enlist. He underwent Basic Training in Saskatchewan and was then dispatched to England for training by the British Secret Service. Quan and other Chinese Canadians joined Special Force 136, a branch of the British Special Operations Executive. Chinese Canadians were deemed the perfect recruits to fight against the Japanese because they could blend in with local populations, and understand some Southeast Asia languages, says Quan. In 1945, with the war in Europe already over, Special Agent Quan worked as a secret agent in Malaya, Burma, and India. His mission was one of sabotage against Japanese forces using his training in demolition. “We were trained in small groups of 15 in how to be effective and how to destroy and disrupt supply lines, fuel depots, ammunition dumps, transportation networks, and other Japanese controlled infrastructure.” His service lasted only a few months before the war with Japan drew to a close following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Quan believes the use of the H-Bomb was a necessary evil of war. “When the Americans used this weapon on Japan it gave us the opportunity to survive,” he says. “The world would have been changed completely if the Japanese and Germans maintained their control.” He has few clear recollections of his experiences as a secret agent, and many more he doesn’t want to remember. “It really boiled down to a case of kill or be killed, so that’s why remembering or thinking about these moments can often be difficult,” he says. Quan was discharged from the military in 1946...

[caption id="attachment_29367" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Retired RCMP officer and former Army Reservist Richard Hessler poses with some military-themed gnomes he makes at his home in Cranbrook, B.C. A portion of the proceeds from sales goes to benefit the Calgary-area veteran’s charity Homes for Heroes. Credit: Richard Hessler[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A retired RCMP officer has launched a unique fundraiser for veterans, selling military-themed gnome bird houses and feeders online. In late January, Richard Hessler of Cranbrook, B.C., launched his charitable initiative called Gnomes For Homes. A portion from sales of his woodwork go to Calgary charity Homes For Heroes. The charity helps integrate homeless military veterans back into a community, and offers them places to live and support programs. They build special villages of 15 to 25 tiny homes arranged inwardly-facing in a park-like setting. So far Hessler has shipped over 100 bird feeders and bird houses to locations across the country. They are selling faster than he can make them, he says. “The interest level and response from veterans has been overwhelming, and it’s pure satisfaction for me to know I am bringing a bit of joy to veterans and families.” His military gnomes sell for $60 via the Facebook Page Canadian Veterans Marketplace. Five dollars from each sale goes to charity. Gnomes can be personalized as well, with a uniform to match any regiment or unit of the Royal Canadian Navy, Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force, complete with personalized regimental badges.    Accuracy is crucial, says Hessler. He knows military clients closely inspect and scrutinize everything he makes, especially when it comes to regimental badges on the gnomes.  A self-described former ‘Base Brat’, he lived on or near military bases for most of his childhood and knows when it comes to authenticity it is important to get every detail of a military uniform correct. His father was a member of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). He joined his local army reserve unit...

Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs — Crew members from HMC Ships Moncton and Goose Bay are currently deployed to promote maritime safety and security in West Africa, building relationships everywhere along the way. The Kingston-class ships are working alongside partners and allies on Operation Projection (West Africa) and Exercise Obangame Express 2022. [...]

[caption id="attachment_29322" align="aligncenter" width="595"] SLt Nick Zanko trys out a sextant on the bridge of HMCS Brandon.[/caption] Lieutenant(N) Pam Hogan MARPAC Public Affairs — On the bridge of HMCS Brandon Sub-Lieutenant Nick Zanko peered through the telescope portion of an 18th century navigation tool – the sextant. The Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel was on exercise for Arctic Edge 2022 off the coast of Alaska in February, to enhance Arctic warfare interoperability with the United States Navy, when SLt Zanko gave the device a try. The sextant was loaned from a Maritime Museum of British Columbia board of director who knew of his interest in historical navigation methods through SLt Zanko’s volunteer work there. Captain (Retired) Bill Noon, of the Canadian Coast Guard, loaned his sextant to the naval officer to bring to sea. “I loaned my sextant to Nick when I became aware of his interest in the old school means of navigation. I acquired the sextant when working on my nautical certificates at Camosun College under Captain Brian Silvester. Celestial navigation and the associated math was one of the tougher courses we had when going for our mate certificates.” Noon often brought his sextant on board Canadian Coast Guard ships as the sextant is still used to verify GPS positions of navigation aids. SLt Zanko, with a seasoned Navigating Officer as his guide, used the sextant as part of his training towards a bridge watchkeeping certificate. The instrument determines the angle between the horizon and a celestial body such as the sun, the moon, or a star, used in celestial navigation to determine latitude and longitude. The device consists of an arc of a circle, marked off in degrees, and a movable radial arm pivoted at the centre of the circle. “I do feel very lucky and thankful to be involved in the naval community, but also being connected to the wider maritime community - especially as a junior sub-lieutenant,” says SLt Zanko. “I’m happy to offer another journey to...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer — The process of calculating Sea Duty Allowance compensatory payments for nearly 10,000 Canadian Armed Forces members has begun. Director Military Pay Allowances Processing (DMPAP) on both coasts are working to compensate military members who deployed on international naval operations between Aug. 1, 2019 and July 23, 2003, who were entitled to allowances but did not receive them. The allowances affected are two of the Environmental Allowances: Sea Duty and Submarine, and one Operation Allowance: Hardship. Environmental allowances are meant to compensate members whose military duties involve exposure to adverse environmental conditions that are not normally experienced by other members. Hardship Allowance compensates for essentially the same conditions but applies on international operations. In an unintended omission to the original policy published on July 23, 2003, Sea Duty and Submarine Allowances were not included in the list of several environmental allowances that could not be received concurrently with the Hardship Allowance. As an interim measure, directives were issued aimed at mitigating the error and restricted the receipt of these allowances to either Hardship Allowance or Sea Duty and Submarine Allowances, but not both. However, in hindsight, those directives did not have the required authorization. As the policy itself did not specifically prohibit receiving Sea Duty and Submarine Allowance at the same time as the Hardship Allowance, members who deployed on international naval operations from the time the policy was written until it was corrected are technically entitled to receive both. For those affected, a compensatory payment will be made so they do receive both. The compensation stems from a grievance and subsequent Treasury Board of Canada decision, which resulted in multiple changes to the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Armed Forces. The process of calculating the compensation package each military member is owed is well...

[caption id="attachment_29313" align="aligncenter" width="595"] NPTG volunteers flex their muscles to celebrate a job well done.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Military personnel from the base continue to build on their legacy with the charity HeroWork. Their efforts were showcased March 12 during HeroWork’s Big Reveal event at the Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) in Langford. Approximately 450 volunteers worked on the IPS renovation including many civilians and military personnel from CFB Esquimalt. The project started in September 2021 with about two thirds of the total cost - materials and labour - donated by individuals and area businesses. Volunteer Lt(N) Robert McKay worked as a Site Manager drawing on his years of experience as a home renovator. He also organized a team of 10 volunteers from his unit Naval Personnel and Training Group to help out with a variety of tasks. He estimates logging 40 hours at the IPS over two months and says the volunteer work is highly rewarding and fully worth the time spent.  “There is a level of excitement and camaraderie felt while transforming a charity’s building that is really contagious,” he says. “You develop a great sense of pride knowing that what you are doing is not just changing a building, but the lives of people that live and work within it, and in this case far beyond.” The IPS trains approximately 1,300 people each year, mostly social workers and other support staff, who work with Indigenous communities to provide social services and other support. Some of the improvements at the site, located on Granderson Road, include newly-configured work spaces, culturally relevant designs, improved natural lighting and skylights, a redesigned interior layout, soundproofing, new washrooms, a redesigned building façade, and landscaping upgrades. “Over the past 10 years we have learned that we can count on members of Canada’s military to step up for HeroWork,” says Trevor Botkin, HeroWork Executive Director. “They volunteer their time, expertise, and positive energy in a service to our community and charity transformations. It takes...

Lt(N) Michael Cormie, Canadian Forces Environmental Medicine Establishment — The Experimental Diving and Undersea Group along with Clearance Divers from both Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) and FDU (Pacific) deployed to CFB Esquimalt Feb. 27 to March 6 to conduct open water testing and Initial Cadre Training on a new rebreather. The Canadian Underwater Mine-Countermeasures [...]

Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Susan Frisby, incoming Coxswain of HMCS  Winnipeg; Commander Doug Layton, Commanding Officer HMCS Winnipeg; and CPO1 Line Laurendeau, outgoing Coxswain sign the certificates during the HMCS Winnipeg Coxswain Change of Appointment Ceremony on March 11. [caption id="attachment_29295" align="aligncenter" width="596"] CPO1 Mark Chambers, acting Fleet Chief Petty Officer, presents a plaque to CPO1 Susan Frisby, incoming Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29298" align="aligncenter" width="596"]  [/caption] Incoming HMCS Winnipeg Commanding Officer, Commander (Cdr) Annick Fortin; Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific; and Cdr Doug Layton, outgoing Commanding Officer, sign the change of command certificates during the HMCS Winnipeg Change of Command Ceremony. Photos by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services [caption id="attachment_29297" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Doug Layton receives a gift from the crew, presented by Petty Officer First Class Brandon Ensom.[/caption]

Commodore David Mazur (centre), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific; Commander Annick Fortin (right), outgoing Commanding Officer of HMCS Regina; and Lieutenant-Commander David Dallin, incoming Commanding Officer, sign the ceremonial scrolls at the change of command ceremony held in Work Point March 10. Below: Outgoing Commander, Cdr Fortin is rowed away [...]

[caption id="attachment_29279" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Victoria Grizzlies players get ready for the draw in the ceremonial opening puck drop for Military Appreciation Night at the Q-Centre in Colwood on March 19. They were joined by MFRC Board Chair Samantha Krzywonos, her son Ben Krzywonos, and military veteran Steve Doucette. Photo Credit: Kyle Robinson.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Victoria Grizzlies Military Family Appreciation Night made a triumphant return to the Q-Centre in Colwood. The annual charity benefit game for the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 public health measures but made a successful return March 19. Despite a 2-1 loss on the ice to Coquitlam, off ice the junior hockey team scored a victory in helping raise funds for the MFRC and offering discounted tickets to the military.    “It was inspiring and uplifting to bring our military families together again and honour them with a celebration and some entertaining hockey,” says Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement Manager. “It was a fun and affordable evening for military families who attended.” A fundraising tailgate barbeque was hosted by the MFRC in the arena parking lot. Representatives from the (BC) 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron had display booths on site. Inside the arena, Grizzlies’ players wore specially designed military-themed jerseys for the game and held an online auction for them following the game. A Frisbee throw fundraiser during first period intermission and a portion from a 50/50 draw will be donated to the Esquimalt MFRC.  The BCHL team has traditionally hosted military appreciation nights over the years but their relationship with the MFRC is a relatively new one.

Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — Just before HMCS Halifax sailed away to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) in waters off Europe March 19, Commander Dale St. Croix, Halifax Commanding Officer, said he and his crew felt buoyed by the support they’ve received. Not just the extra help from base and dockyard colleagues, but also well-wishes from the general public. “Canadians usually don’t pay much attention to their armed forces, except at times of strife,” says Cdr St. Croix. “We’ve received a lot of encouragement, from people and politicians to business leaders, all telling us they’re proud of what we’re doing. It’s been very touching.” Halifax will join HMCS Montreal to provide additional military support to NATO operations in Central and Eastern Europe. The warship was to deploy on Operation Artemis in the Middle East in April, but was re-tasked by the Federal Government. While the ship is scheduled to arrive in the Baltic region in early April, Cdr St. Croix says the crew will be doing extra training activities on their way across the Atlantic Ocean, primarily working with their embarked helicopter air detachment. “We are at a level of high readiness, but with this final training we’ll be able to refine our skills so we’re even more prepared by the time we arrive.” While past deployments would see Canadian warships involved in a wide range of multinational NATO exercises over the course of their six-month deployment, the war in Ukraine has made the schedule of activities on this deployment less certain. Their main focus, Cdr St. Croix says, will be on combat-readiness operations within the greater mission, as well as providing general security, including search and rescue operations and any needed humanitarian assistance. “Any time there are people on the move in large numbers there’s a concern from a navy perspective for any incidents at sea with people in unseaworthy ships. It’s always something you prepare for,” he says. The main goal, he adds, is to be present “to assure our NATO...

Peter Mallett for RCN Staff Writer — The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) on the lower mainland has resurrected a Second World War era hand-made sailor drawstring pouch. Dubbed the Ditty Bag, which in the olden days would have held toiletries and personal items, the modern day bag holds goodies and goodwill messages.  The first set of bags made by Navy League officers and volunteers were handed out to HMCS Winnipeg sailors upon their return home just before Christmas on Dec. 16. Inside the bag were puzzle books, Christmas socks, a Christmas stocking filled with edible treats, hand-signed Christmas cards, and personalized messages from sea cadets. LCdr (NL) Cliff Mah, B.C. Mainland division area officer, Lt(NL) Ryan Moore, Commanding Officer of NLCC; and Hon Clarence Wallace from North Vancouver made the trip to be on the jetty and distribute the bags to sailors  returning from Operations Neon and Projection. They received assistance from the Military Family Resource Centre Esquimalt and volunteers from Naval Fleet School Pacific. “This is all about boosting their morale because when sailors are at sea they don’t get to see their families, they miss their loved ones, and sometimes they feel underappreciated,” says LCdr (NL) Mah. “To see the ditty bags laid out on the table and then given to the sailors gave me a very emotional feeling. I am committed to this project, and with the assistance of officers, instructors, and cadets, we will see this project continue.” Going forward, the bags will be distributed while sailors are at sea. First up is a delivery of Easter-themed Ditty Bags to sailors in HMCS Yellowknife and HMCS Saskatoon, and their embarked United States Coast Guard members. Bags will arrive at CFB Esquimalt later this month. With the help of the MFRC, they will be sent to these ships currently deployed on Operation Carribe. The Ditty Bag revival has attracted interest from an NLCC Corps in New Brunswick for Maritime Forces Atlantic sailors.  LCdr (NL) Mah’s Ditty Bag idea took flight...

[caption id="attachment_29216" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt(N) Alex Kooiman (left), and the Honourable Janet Austin (centre), speak with Lt Andrew Casey, Troop Commander before the live firing at Rogers Pass. Photo by SLt Wilson Ho.[/caption] Sub-Lieutenant Wilson Ho MARPAC Public Affairs — Last week, Captain(N) Alex Kooiman, MARPAC Chief of Staff Operations, accompanied Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, on a site visit to Rogers Pass. The two met with Royal Canadian Artillery troops on March 16 who are deployed on Operation Palaci. They were also greeted by Parks Canada staff. Operation Palaci is the Canadian Armed Forces’ support for the Parks Canada program to control avalanches in Rogers Pass. If uncontrolled avalanches were to take place, they can block the essential road and railway linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada. Operation Palaci is run under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of National Defence and Parks Canada. The visit began with a tour of the firing site, followed by a live firing using a 105mm Howitzer. Coordinating with Parks Canada staff, the Howitzer gun crew were given coordinates to locations where avalanches would most likely occur. There were five fire missions in total and both Capt(N) Kooiman and the Lieutenant Governor were given the opportunity to fire the Howitzer. Following the live firing, Capt(N) Kooiman and LGov Austin were given a tour of the Rogers Pass Discovery Center. There, the Lieutenant Governor spoke to the troops and thanked them for the work they were doing to help ensure the highway and railway were unencumbered and flowing freely. She also presented a few awards to deserving members of the troop. [caption id="attachment_29223" align="alignnone" width="595"] LGov Austin prepares to fire the 105mm Howitzer while a member of the troop acts as safety.[/caption]

Peter Mallett  Staff Writer — After a two-year pause on volleyball competition, men’s players from CFB Esquimalt and Comox stepped back on the Naden Athletic Centre court for a best-of-three tournament. The end result wasn’t what the Esquimalt Tritons had hoped for though. After the blocks, bumps, and spikes were registered, the blue and gold were swept away 2-0 by their air force opponents from 19 Wing. The lop-sided result on the score sheet was a disappointing 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 in favour of Comox in Game 1, and 25-14, 25-11, 25-11 in Game 2. But the end result isn’t a major concern, says team manager and outside hitter, S3 James Watt. Canadian Armed Forces sport competitions have been making a slow return in recent weeks following the lifting of COVID-19 health and safety measures, which gave the Tritons only two weeks practice prior to the series. The entire team is new, including S3 Watt who last played volleyball in high school. “Hearing the referee’s whistle blow and signalling the team to serve certainly brought back a level of excitement I had definitely forgotten since high school,” he says. “The whole team had a lot of fun and loved the competition that we have been missing since COVID-19 happened, and we have high hopes we will be together again on the court later this year.” On the other side of the net, one of their opponents, Maj Lewis Williams was also enthused to return to action. He says the competition in the series was important to give players on both teams a “mental break” from their jobs. Maj Lewis has six years of experience in CAF volleyball play and noted his navy opponents are often hamstrung due to deployments. “With navy teams, due to the nature of their jobs it’s often a case of hit or miss,” he says. “While today they just didn’t have the formidable play we have grown accustomed to with the Tritons, in another posting season they could...

Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group – 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group is developing a new capability in disaster response, starting with the Ucluelet Canadian Ranger Patrol learning Light Urban Search and Rescue skills. Members of the Ucluelet Canadian Ranger [...]