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DND –– On Nov. 21, 2021, DND announced an effort to improve conditions for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who require specifically designed maternity or nursing clothing. These new changes allow pregnant and nursing CAF members to be reimbursed for the purchase of clothing that is designed to fit their needs. Previously, some pregnant and nursing CAF members used larger men’s sized shirts to accommodate their needs. Or they wore maternity clothing at their own expense. This approach was inadequate and is now being addressed through this reimbursement direction. This change aims to ensure that members who are nursing and/or are pregnant are accorded the respect and accommodation they deserve as they continue to fulfil their work obligations. Expecting Regular and Reserve Force members* will be provided maternity t-shirt funding assistance. The funding assistance for maternity t-shirts is to be provided to each entitled member two times during a pregnancy, for a total reimbursement of $250. Regular and Reserve Force members* who have returned to work and are continuing to nurse will be provided with the nursing t-shirt funding assistance. The funding assistance for nursing shirts will be up to $165 within a fiscal year. Members can now file their claims with their designated units, provided they have the receipts as their proof of purchase. No physical inspection of the items will be conducted at any time. Clothing must be in the environmental colours, or in black, neutral, or white. *Regular and Reserve Force members who have completed basic training are entitled under the policy to receive reimbursements. ––––

[caption id="attachment_28443" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo credit: nationalww2museum.org / German Federal Archives[/caption] Guy Black Recipient, Medal of Civil Merit (Republic of Korea) –– This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid in 1942, when the allies tested the enemy with an amphibious landing on the French coast. Almost 5,000 Canadian soldiers took part in Operation Jubilee, and only 2,200 made it back.  The Normandy battle in 1944 saw the lessons learned from Dieppe put to good use, but Canadian war dead tallied over 5,000. The Korean War followed five years after the end the Second World War. Today, it is seldom remembered but the valor of our Canadian veterans shines brightly with the people of South Korea who have not forgotten the 516 Canadian service men who died defending their country. The Government of France and the Republic of Korea would like to thank Canadian veterans for liberating their countries. The National Order of the Legion of Honour and Ambassador for Peace Medals are available to eligible veterans. If you are a Second World War veteran who participated in the campaign to liberate France from D-day June 6, 1944, to the end of August 1944, or Dieppe in 1942, you may be eligible for France’s highest award. The Korean government is looking for Korean War veterans who participated in the Korean War, 1950 to 1953 or the peacekeeping phase that lasted until the end of 1955. Korea’s Ambassador for Peace Medal may be awarded posthumously unlike the Legion of Honour. Please contact me for further information or assistance in applying for these two important medals. There is no cost involved. I am an unofficial volunteer who has helped more than 800 veterans receive these awards. Send an email to Korea19501953@Yahoo.com and use the subject “Veteran” or send a letter...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Members of the Soldier On program hit all the right notes on their road to recovery. Before the holiday break, 10 Soldier On members connected on Zoom for eight weeks of virtual guitar lessons with Michael Dias. Dias is a performer with the Victoria Guitar Trio and an instructor at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Virtual guitar lessons created a safe space for members to learn the fundamentals of reading music and playing the guitar within COVID-19 public health parameters, says Nicole Wray, Regional Coordinator B.C. Soldier On. “Virtual music lessons also offered a way for members to stay connected and enjoy an activity that promotes wellbeing,” adds Wray. A guitar was mailed to each member free of charge and was theirs to keep after the lessons concluded. There were varying levels of musical experience, with some never picking up an instrument before. “I like to help people see that being creative with music is something anyone can do,” says Dias. “The guitar is a good one because it is so portable, versatile, and featured so heavily in a lot of great music, from classical, rock, to folk music.” Members were given an introduction to strumming chords so they could play 12-bar blues. “Learning to play a guitar riff that you have heard all of your life from your favourite band is fun,” he says. “It also serves to demystify the creative process, resulting in a feeling of inclusion and a sense of: Wow, anyone can do this with a little practice.” Guitar lessons were perfect medicine for retired army Corporal Theresa Boucher, who suffered from depression before the course. The Vancouver resident used to play piano, flute, organ, and accordion prior to her trauma injuries. She had never played guitar but says she was eager to learn. “This course was just what I needed to pull me out of that depression. I was able to connect with other veterans...

[caption id="attachment_27465" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S2 Andree-Anne Dion-Tessier and Cpl Tyler Doyle shared the Sailor of the Quarter award.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Two junior members of HMCS Winnipeg are co-recipients of Canadian Fleet Pacific’s Sailor of the Quarter Award. Cpl Tyler Doyle, an aviator, and S2 Andree-Anne Dion-Tessier were recognized with the award designated for junior sailors in the final quarter of 2021. They were presented their commendations in late November while their ship was nearing the end of a four-month deployment in the Asia-Pacific region for Operations Neon and Projection. Both winners said the award came as a complete surprise. The two were told to report to Commanding Officer Cdr Doug Layton’s cabin in the early morning but had no inkling what was in store. “I was half awake when there was a knock on my door. I had to find clean clothes in the dark and then wondered what I had done wrong to be called into the CO’s cabin,” says S2 Dion-Tessier. “I ran to his cabin but then saw Cpl Tyler Doyle there and my Coxswain and the CO and they told me they had an important call for me.” Both recipients were surprised to see the ship’s entire chain of command in attendance. When the presentation ceremony began they were greeted by Commodore Dave Mazur, Commander CANFLTPAC, and CPO1 Arvid Lee, Fleet Chief, who were dialled in via telephone. S2 Dion-Tessier, 31, works aboard Winnipeg as a Boatswain. She is originally from Saint-Raymond, QC, and previously worked as a cook before joining the navy three years ago. She believes her high-energy and friendliness helped gain recognition for Sailor of the Quarter honours. “Most of the time I’m happy, smiling, helping others,” she says. “I am also a hard worker, like to get things done,...

[caption id="attachment_27433" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S3 Lorraine Cléroux serves up a dish. Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services/HMCS Winnipeg[/caption]S3 Lorraine ClérouxHMCS Winnipeg––I joined the Royal Canadian Navy for several reasons. Taking up a career challenge I had in my youth, which is to serve my country, and my passion for everything that happens on and in the water. Also, to experience the culture of unfamiliar countries and the benefit of long-term financial security.I chose the job of steward because it intertwines many of my previous jobs such as restaurant and hotel services, school bus driver, and first responder.In the Canadian Armed Forces, the job of steward can be performed on board submarines or ships (all types) and on board airplanes. On military bases we work in accommodations and as drivers for higher ranking officers.Aboard a frigate such as HMCS Winnipeg, where I am currently posted, the job includes tasks for various departments, such as food, finance, first aid and, of course, being a sailor, first and foremost.A Steward is part of the Logistics department. We take care of the inventory and supplying the various messes with soft drinks, alcohol, sweets, ship’s paraphernalia and other items. The accounting is done by the supervisor of the canteen, and that person works alongside other members of the Logistics department.In terms of food, we serve meals to the Officers, due to the configuration of the dining rooms. At events or just for fun, a carved fruit may appear in the middle of the table. I can confirm that food sculpture is a skill that requires a lot of practice and tape (depending on the sea state). Being a mom helps me plan the preparation of the “touski”, a French expression for “tout-ce-qui-reste”, or all that remains of leftovers from the morning or...

[caption id="attachment_28434" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HCapt(N) Jeanette Southwood at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton with Cmdre Carosielli.[/caption] Ashley Evans FMFCB/CS –– Jeanette Southwood was inducted as Honorary Captain (Navy) for Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott in April. She is the first Honorary Captain affiliated with the naval engineering community. In her civilian life she is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships for Engineers Canada, the national organization that represents the 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulators that license the more than 300,000 members of the engineering profession in Canada. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has streamlined many of her duties, she has been busy immersing herself in the complex world of naval engineering. Her Honorary Captain activities began at the beginning of the year with orientation sessions led by LCdr Melissa Desjardins, MARPAC Senior Staff Officer Strategic Outreach (Western Canada). From there she participated in meetings with the Naval Engineering Council led by Cmdre Lou Carosielli and Naval Technical Officers, and presented her experiences as a woman engineer to the Women Naval Technical Officers in a session led by Capt(N) Seana Routledge. During her visit to CFB Esquimalt in November, HCapt(N) Southwood toured HMC Ships Nanaimo and Vancouver to learn about the work of the engineering teams on each ship. She visited Victoria Shipyards to look at a Halifax-class frigate in the process of modernization and a submarine in the drydock. During her visit to FMF Cape Breton production floor and the Engineering department, she was given a warm welcome by Capt(N) Sebastien Richard and his colleagues. Her tour continued at in Work Point to visit the construction of iNExTT modular centre and the Damage Control Training Facility in Colwood. She also met the Naval Engineering Council and participated in the Naval Technical Officers seminar.  “I have learned a...

Valerie BraunschweigSubmariners Association of Canada West, Saocwest.ca––CPO2 Jason Thompson - Marine Electrician, Coxswain, HMCS Windsor––What motivated you to join the Royal Canadian Navy and in particular you’re chosen trade?I joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as an electrician due to the fact I was taking a residential electrical course at Nova Scotia Community College and decided it would be more beneficial to have the navy pay for my training than myself. When did you join the Navy?I joined the RCN in January 1997.                                            What submarines have you served in?I have sailed in HMCS Ojibwa, HMCS Onondaga, HMCS Windsor, HMCS Corner Brook, and have worked on board all of the above vessels as well as HMCS Okanagan and HMCS Victoria.What bases have you served at?Being in the Navy I have served on both coasts during my career - CFB Halifax and CFB Esquimalt. Describe your present role and duties as Coxswain of HMCS Windsor. My duties and responsibilities as part of the command team are the crew, training, and discipline. As well, I am responsible for the readiness and material state of the submarine escape stores and equipment on board.  What prepared you for this position?I feel it is having a good relationship with the coxswains who came before me, seeing how they operated, and asking questions of them to get a better understanding of why they were doing things a certain way. I leaned on their job experience, which I now hope junior members can do with me.What is your favorite part of the job? That would have to be dealing with the crew. I enjoy interacting with the other departments. Originally, as an electrician I would spend the majority...

[caption id="attachment_27427" align="aligncenter" width="595"] "It’s the expression of joy on the faces of the hospital staff at the Pediatric Ward when we deliver the toys. Realizing our efforts have brightened people’s lives who need it the most is so cool.” – MS Russell Blackburn, organizer of the Dave Barber Golf Tournament[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Dave Barber Golf Tournament has scored another hole-in-one for the children’s ward at Victoria General Hospital. The annual charitable event organized by HMCS Regina is in its 22nd year. Members of the ship’s company delivered a large cache of toys and gift cards on Nov. 24 to benefit young patients in the hospital’s Child Life Department. The tournament is named in memory of MS Dave Barber, a Fire Control Radar Technician who worked on board Regina before dying of leukemia in 1997. This year’s nine-hole golf tournament raised $3,500 from the $60 player registration fees, private donations, and a healthy dose of assistance from the ship’s charitable fund, says tournament organizer, MS Russell Blackburn. The golf tournament was held Sept. 23 at the Metchosin Golf Club and approximately 50 golfers took part. “MS Barber loved golf, helping children in need and donating money to local charities. He made a tremendous impact on all the people he touched,” says MS Blackburn. “Since he thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf, it seemed fitting to conduct an annual tournament to keep his memory alive.” The tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but MS Blackburn and supporters were still able to make a smaller-sized donation to the hospital. “It’s the expression of joy on the faces of the hospital staff at the Pediatric Ward when we deliver the toys,” he says of the toy delivery. “Realizing our efforts have brightened people’s lives who need it the most is...

Valued Defence Team members, The holiday season is upon us and we hope it finds you filled with cheer and celebration, generosity and joy. It has been another difficult, unusual year as we continued to grapple with a pandemic that has touched every part of our lives and every corner of the globe. Together we have faced many challenges, both personal and professional, and we know weathering these storms has not been easy for many. Your resiliency and dedication as members of the Defence Team of CFB Esquimalt amaze and inspire us. They are among the many reasons why it is an honour to serve you as Base Commander and Base Chief Petty Officer. We see how hard all of you work every day to keep the Base running and we deeply appreciate it. Your efforts not only helped us fulfil our motto of ‘Support for All’ but directly contributed to aiding the Fleet in efforts ranging from HMCS Calgary’s deployment on Operations Projection and Artemis; HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon who deployed in support of Operation Caribbe; and HMCS Winnipeg, returning home later this week after deploying on Operations Neon and Projection. Your hard work also enabled the Base to support Operation Lentus as teams aided in forest fire and flood responses right here at home and across the Province. We would also like to particularly acknowledge our teammates who maintained the Base’s core functions in-person throughout 2021 and during the holiday season including: the doctors, nurses, and staff of Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific); the Commissionaires; Military Police Unit (Esquimalt); the Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch, Base Foods staff; and everyone else who performs those vital duties that allowed the Base to deliver critical support to the RCN and JTFP. Thank you, your contributions do not...

Shipmates across the MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team, the Formation Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Tim Blonde, and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. As 2021 draws to a close, we look forward to spending some quality time with friends and family as we’ve all earned a bit of a break. It is also an opportune moment to look back with pride at our accomplishments over the past year.There is no doubt that COVID-19 continues to impact our daily routines at work and at home. However, we have adapted and our operational successes reflect the tenacity and determination to succeed despite the ongoing challenges.Chief Blonde and I are very proud of the way the MARPAC/JTFP Defence Team continues to adapt our work environments to remain safe and effective in delivering operational effectiveness for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Armed Forces.As always, we deployed ships and personnel to meet the objectives of the Government of Canada: HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon on Operation Caribbe to conduct counter-narcotics operations, HMCS Calgary on Operation Artemis to interdict drug trafficking that supports terrorist networks, and HMCS Winnipeg on Operations Projection/Neon to support United Nations Security Council Sanctions and demonstrate Canada’s ongoing commitment to rules based international order. During these deployments, our ships participated in operations and exercises, but more importantly forged strong bonds with partner nations and allies around the globe. Notably, we also welcomed the RCN’s newest Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS Harry DeWolf, in October as it circumnavigated North America.At home, we have also made a difference in everything from rescues at sea to assisting the province and our fellow citizens of B.C. through wildfires and floods. As we start planning for the challenges that lie ahead for next year, we acknowledge our friends, families, and loved ones...

[caption id="attachment_27415" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadian) Regiment based in Edmonton, Alberta, fill sandbags in support of Operation Lentus to help the local community in Princeton, B.C. on Nov. 25. Photo by MCpl Nicolas Alonso, Canadian Forces Combat Camera, Canadian Armed Forces photo[/caption]2Lt Vatsal ShahMARPAC Public Affairs––It has been nearly a month since Operation Lentus 21-06 began helping British Columbians following an atmospheric river that brought an unprecedented amount of rainfall and flooding.The military is preparing to wind down the operation now that the atmospheric river has come and gone.   The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were officially called in Nov. 17 - initiated by Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP) to deploy Land and Air Task Forces with units from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. This is not the first time JTFP has responded to a crisis in British Columbia. It’s not even the first time this year. Op Lentus 21-03 was the military’s response to B.C. wildfires in the summer.Even before Op Lentus 21-06 stood up, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron members, using Cormorant helicopters, responded to a request to evacuate motorists stranded on Highway 7 between Hope and Agassiz. Mudslides had closed the roadway on both ends. By the end of Nov. 15, 300 people, 26 dogs, and one cat had been evacuated.Forces assigned from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) from Edmonton, and 430e Escadron tactique d’hélicoptères from Valcartier, began moving into B.C. on Nov. 17 to assist with flood relief efforts. A large contingent was deployed to Abbotsford, an area hit quite hard, and the surrounding areas. They also worked throughout B.C.’s interior and on Vancouver Island. Working around the clock, military members sandbagged critical infrastructure, conducted rapid damage assessments, cleared culverts, evacuated livestock, and moved critical...

HMCS Winnipeg conducts a resupply at sea with Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tidespring on Sept. 3. during Operation Projection. Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– There will be heartfelt embraces, hugs, and maybe some kisses under the mistletoe as HMCS Winnipeg returns to Dockyard later this week. Warship and crew of 257 are scheduled to arrive at Dockyard’s C2 Jetty on the morning of Dec. 16. Their arrival will mark the conclusion of a four-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region where they participated in Operations Neon and Projection. This Christmas-themed homecoming event is being organized by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. It includes Christmas music, candy canes, and many other festive surprises. Lisa Church, MFRC Esquimalt Community Engagement Manager, says the MFRC team always look forward to homecoming day to celebrate alongside military families. The event will be live streamed on the RCN and HMCS Winnipeg Facebook pages.  Only HMCS Winnipeg’s friends and family members that are part of special access list for the event are permitted to attend in person, along with members of the Defence Team. ––––

Philippe Dauphin, Director General of CanmetMATERIALS, holds a piece of steel ingot from the USS Arizona. Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– Natural Resource Canada’s CanmetMATERIALS’ pilot-scale rolling mill was pressed into action Dec. 7 for an extraordinary task: to help complete the last run of the USS Arizona Medal of Freedom for the Lauren F. Bruner USS Arizona Memorial Foundation. At precisely at 8:05 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time the machine was switched on. The time and day were purposeful as it marked the precise moment 80 years ago when a single armor-piercing bomb hit at the heart of USS Arizona. It blew up its munitions magazine and fuel tanks, sinking the U.S. Navy Battleship and killing 1,177 of its 1,512 crew members. Eight USS Arizona crew members were Canadians with only one surviving.  “While the main focus of our lab is to develop solutions for Canadian industry, it is also important to take stock of historic events that happened before us,” says Philippe Dauphin, CMAT Director General. “The people who work in our laboratory are excited to have a connection to this horrific but important moment in history.” CMAT is dedicated to the fabricating, processing, and evaluating of metals and materials. It’s scientific and technical staff at locations in Hamilton, and a satellite lab in Calgary, find answers and solutions for Canadian industry in the energy, transportation, and metal-manufacturing sectors. Creating the medals The Pilot Scale Rolling Mill is unique, says Dauphin, because it can accommodate testing of various metals in small sized runs and can be configured to roll hot steel at temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. The metal ingots the mill is producing for the USS Arizona commemorative medals are steel salvaged from the ship’s superstructure after the attack. Thermo mechanical processing uses several different hot and cold rolling steps to make the medals. USS Arizona metal ingots will be heated in an oven to its maximum temperature, then taken from the oven and rolled on its...

Lt(N) Seán Place Canadian Submarine Force –– From Nov. 8 to 13, the Marina de Guerra del Perú (the Peruvian Navy) hosted the 8th International Symposium of the New Generation of Naval Officers of the Navies of the Americas. It is an annual conference of junior officers from across the American continent that provides an opportunity to establish contacts in other navies and learn from one another’s experiences. Lieutenant(Navy) Kevin Perron of HMCS D’Iberville and I had the honour of representing the Royal Canadian Navy during this exchange, which we shared with officers from the navies of Argentina, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay. The theme of this year’s iteration of the symposium was “Lessons Learned by the Navy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Lt(N) Perron and I conducted a joint presentation on two subjects. As the Training Officer of D’Iberville, he discussed the effectiveness of pivoting to Team- and Zoom-based training within his unit. I presented a retrospective on how the pandemic had increased submarine crew’s time away from home and how rapid antigen testing and, more importantly, mass vaccination has allowed the easing of pre-embarkation protocols. However, some of the lessons learned presented by our colleagues were sobering reminders of the devastation wrought in many countries in the early stages of the pandemic. The naval forces of some co-participants undertook grim tasks such as transportation and storage of people who had succumbed to COVID-19 during the strictest lockdowns in their countries, when mortuary or funeral services were completely unavailable. It was with the greatest humility that we listened and learned from our fellow naval officers whose lessons from the pandemic made ours seem trifling by comparison. Nevertheless, we had many enjoyable and thought-provoking experiences during the weeklong conference, including spending two...

[caption id="attachment_28426" align="aligncenter" width="595"] “The shadow boxes support RCN employees by recognizing and showcasing their careers and accomplishments. It is a good representation of positive morale and a good social occasion,” says Shipwright, Marcel Scott.[/caption] Ashley Evans FMFCB –– Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott (FMFCS) Shipwright and Paint Shops, along with the Sail Loft, have been working on a special project. Together, they are crafting unique shadow boxes to present to retirees of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Canadian Armed Forces, and Department of National Defence at ceremonies and formal gatherings. “The shadow boxes support RCN employees by recognizing and showcasing their careers and accomplishments. It is a good representation of positive morale and a good social occasion,” says Shipwright, Marcel Scott. While the original design and process of making the shadow boxes has not changed significantly over time, Scott noted there have been changes made to the design and composition of the boxes by different builders. The boxes measure 25” wide by 23” high by 2.25” deep. The exterior frame is made from a pre-finished frame stock while the inside divider pieces are pine painted white. The back pieces are thin Masonite board, with one side completed with cork and red velvet fabric. The front is made of plexiglass. [caption id="attachment_27393" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Finished shadow boxes.[/caption] The Sail Loft provides the felt for the interior of the boxes, while the Paint Shop preps and paints the interior pieces as well as the back pieces of the box. The remaining work is all completed by the Shipwright Shop. Once complete, most boxes will house a flag (usually the Canadian flag), folded in the upper left corner of the box. The remaining space is then filled with memorabilia and possessions of value to the recipient of the shadow box. This typically includes medals, pins, photos, and small mementos. The personal thanks and recognition from the recipients and presenters of the shadow boxes are the most rewarding aspect of this project, says...

Halifax Base Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Alena Mondelli was recognized as a Woman of Courage and one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network. Photo by Joanie Veitch, Trident Staff Joanie Veitch Trident News –– The award may have her name on it, but for Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Alena Mondelli, Base Chief at CFB Halifax, being named one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women is a win for all women who work as non-commissioned members (NCM) in the military. “I’m an NCM. In the civilian world, officers are valued more for their leadership than NCMs are, at least that’s the perception. So it means a lot and it says a lot, especially for women NCMs. We are professionals within the profession of arms. And we are also leaders,” says CPO1 Mondelli. “I see this award as giving value to what we represent. [People think] Sailor First Class Bloggins, she’s not going to be able to relate to an Admiral or a Commodore. But she needs to see herself represented and see what she can aspire to. Representation matters.” On Oct. 25, CPO1 Mondelli was recognized as a Woman of Courage by the Women’s Executive Network, which called her a “transformational and values-based leader” who “incorporates education and mentorship” in her leadership style.  To celebrate her win, CPO1 Mondelli joined the other 2021 award recipients in a virtual two-day leadership summit and awards gala held Nov. 24 and 25. Earlier this year, she made Royal Canadian Navy history when she became the first woman to serve as Base Chief Petty Officer. She is also the first woman in a hard-sea trade to have served every rank at sea, a distinction she earned as Coxswain in HMCS Toronto from July 2018 to August 2019....

[caption id="attachment_28424" align="aligncenter" width="595"] MS Scott Ferron poses on a motorcycle with one of his hand-made, fun helmet covers.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– MS Scott Ferron’s unusual hobby is now part of a philanthropic endeavour to help sick children on Vancouver Island. The HMCS Yellowknife sailor creates fuzzy character covers for motorcycle helmets. They add levity to an often misconstrued biker persona, one he is all too familiar with when he straddles his Harley Davidson. They are themed after Muppet characters.  “Riding around with my helmet cover makes people smile; their smiles are contagious because the experience also makes me smile,” says MS Ferron. He plans on wearing one when he delivers toys from his toy drive to local hospitals, something he has also done when posted to Halifax. “It’s an absolutely amazing experience and you can actually hear the excitement of the children snowball as word that a guy wearing a giant Muppet-like helmet is handing out toys travels down the hallways,” he says. He is currently gathering toys for the Victoria General, Nanaimo Regional, Campbell River District Hospital, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development B.C. Beneficiaries are sick children, orphans, children at medical appointments, and parents of premature babies. Collection boxes are set up at Victoria-area businesses including Liquor Planet, Barnes Harley-Davidson, the customer service kiosk at The Hudson’s Bay Centre, and the North Oyster Fire Hall near Nanaimo. A donation box is expected in Dockyard as well. MS Ferron says his intention is to spread a little joy and holiday cheer. “There is a lot of negative in the world, especially lately. and I wanted to make something as mundane as being in a hospital at Christmas time fun,” he says. “If I can make one kid smile while they are on their way...

[caption id="attachment_28423" align="aligncenter" width="596"] HMCS Harry DeWolf crew members help launch Defence Research and Development Canada’s new Towed Reelable Active-Passive Sonar, which was tested during the ship’s passage through Northern waters earlier this fall. Photo by Corporal Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces Photo[/caption] Lt(N) Lisa Tubb HMCS Harry DeWolf –– While HMCS Harry DeWolf conducted presence and surveillance patrols in Canada’s Arctic in August and September, a new piece of technology was being tested beneath the waves. During the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship’s recent participation on Operation Nanook 2021, a team from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) launched a new underwater listening device that could be used to find submarines. Called the Towed Reelable Active-Passive Sonar (TRAPS), the system recorded passive data to characterize ambient noise and the Harry DeWolf-class acoustic signature. The collected data will be analyzed for environmental characterization and sonar performance modelling, and may also have the potential for marine mammal acoustic monitoring. “The deployment of the sonar system near the hamlet of Grise Fiord, Nunavut, was the northernmost deployment of a towed array system by the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Jeff Scrutton, a lead engineer for underwater warfare at DRDC and part of the TRAPS trial team on board the ship. The increased cargo and payload capability of Harry DeWolf provided a unique opportunity to accommodate not only three DRDC technical staff, but also a sea container that stored their equipment and served as a mobile laboratory. “This trial is one example of how DRDC’s research is advancing acoustic sensing applications for anti-submarine warfare operations. It is part of our overall mission to enhance Canada’s defence and security posture through excellence in science, technology, and innovation,” said Michel Couillard, Section Head for Underwater Warfare with DRDC. During the deployment of the TRAPS system, several...

[caption id="attachment_28421" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services/HMCS Winnipeg[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– It will be a brighter holiday season for the family and friends of HMCS Winnipeg’s crew. The warship is on the final leg of its four-month deployment - the journey home from Pearl Harbor – and is expected to arrive in Esquimalt a few days before Christmas. Winnipeg transited over 30,000 nautical miles on Operations Neon and Projection in the Indo-Pacific region. Operation Projection deploys Royal Canadian Navy ships to enhance relationships with allies and partners through exercises and patrols, personnel exchanges, and port visits. It is also a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to global peace, and its ability to defend Canada’s interest around the world.    “Our allies and partners were extremely grateful to have Winnipeg in the theatre of operations,” says Cdr Doug Layton, Winnipeg’s commanding officer. Winnipeg participated in multinational security patrols and exercises with the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, and navies of the United States, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, and New Zealand. Patrols were conducted in the Philippines Sea, the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and a transit of the Spratly Islands and the Strait of Taiwan. “Not all nation states view the international rules in the same way as we do in Western countries and they will continue to push the boundaries unless Canada and its Allies remain committed to peace and stability,” says Cdr Layton. “It provided a powerful message to the People’s Republic of China that Canada is committed to supporting international rule-based order.” Operation Neon is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea. Winnipeg conducted 48 patrol days at sea and collected intelligence on 23 vessels of interest suspected of violating the UN sanctions. Limited Port Visits Rigorous COVID-19 health and safety protocols limited the crew’s ambassadorial engagements and charitable initiatives....

[caption id="attachment_28410" align="aligncenter" width="595"] 443 MH Squadron.[/caption] Sgt Ryan Harpell 443 MH Squadron, HMCS Winnipeg –– This journey began many months before ever stepping foot on the deck of HMCS Winnipeg and sailing away for a four-month deployment on Operations Neon and Projection. It began in the summer of 2020 when I received news I would be the next Air Detachment Sergeant from the squadron in line for deployment. The months of pre-deployment planning began, which included pulling together maintenance team members and officially standing up the Air Detachment. With work ups behind us, I packed up my bag of kit and personal items and boarded Winnipeg. I brought so much stuff I wondered where it would go; but it’s amazing how much you can fit it these tiny lockers. I said goodbye to my family on the flight line at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, and boarded the Cyclone, which would embark with Winnipeg for the deployment. That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks. This is real, I am leaving my life behind for the next few months. The first few weeks at sea took some getting used to it. The movement, small beds, showers, just about everything is different from a normal day to day on land. As air force, I came in thinking the navy routine and culture would be tough to understand. But the sailors have been amazing at making the air detachment feel welcome and embracing us as part of the ship’s family. Sometimes there are long hours and trying days that push me to my limit. Then the helicopter lifts off the deck and disappears out of sight on a mission. The hours pass by, and then I finally see it break the horizon. The wheels touch down on the flight deck,...

[caption id="attachment_28408" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the Helicopter Air Detachment spread the blades on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter on Nov. 13, in the East China Sea, during Operation NEON.
Photo by MCpl Andre Maillet, Maritime Forces Pacific Imaging Services[/caption] Capt John Jacob HMCS Winnipeg –– An embarked Helicopter Air Detachment (HELAIRDET) is a force multiplier for any Royal Canadian Navy ship going to sea. The CH-148 Cyclone boasts an array of modern surface and sub-surface sensor suites and an integrated mission data management system that allows this maritime helicopter to excel in the modern battle space. Much like the multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, the CP-140 Aurora, it has the ability to conduct anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue mission sets with cross-trained crews that can switch between these roles seamlessly in-flight. HMCS Winnipeg has benefited from the flexibility and capability of their embarked Cyclone, call sign Guardian, during their deployment to the South Pacific on Operation Projection and Neon. On Operation Neon, partner nations liaising through the Enforcement Coordination Centre in Japan conducted detection and deterrent operations of illegal ship-to-ship transfers in the South and East China Seas. This is in support of UN Security Council resolutions 2375 and 2397, observing sanctions to North Korea. Operating over waters densely populated with maritime traffic, it is a concerted effort by all aircrew on board to process hundreds of vessels in the area, sifting out the few that require further investigation. The use of the 360-degree Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar allows the crew to routinely identify fishing vessels from cargo ships out to nearly 80 nautical miles. The Electro-Optic and Infrared turret then highlights visual references that narrow the identification to bulk cargo, container, or tankers. From the remaining vessels, closing to within a few miles allows for a clear look at their name, port of registry, and IMO number, allowing the crew to cross reference them against a list of established vessels-of-interest. Upon finding a vessel-of-interest,...

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is launching another Community Needs Assessment (CNA) Survey, this time with a different focus. Instead of re-assessing collective needs and program deficiencies, the 2021 assessment will look at community needs from a micro-level perspective, such as when is the best time to offer programming and how and when to prioritize spending. We believe that when CAF personnel are able to take good care of themselves and their families, they can do better-both at home and at work. Whether families need to sign the kids up for swimming lessons, improve their fitness, make friends in a new community, or organize their finances, our services are there to support them. To ensure that our programs and services are meeting their requirements, we want to make certain military members, Veterans and their families are aware of our services and that our services align with when, where, and how they need them.In 2016, Military Family Services (MFS) partnered with Personnel Support Programs (PSP) in the development and implementation of a new comprehensive CAF Community Needs Assessment tool. The results of the 2016 CNA generated essential data that has directly informed morale and welfare program and service modernization.How can you help:From Nov. 17 to Dec. 10, 2021, we invite you and your colleagues to share your opinions in our CNA survey. Please encourage participation by sharing this survey link with your teams and allowing them time to fill out the survey during work hours: https://cfmws.checkbox.ca/CNA-2021.Participating in this survey is an opportunity to express opinions on preference, gaps and potential improvements in CFMWS services for our military community.CAF members should also be encouraged to send the survey to their spouse.To find out more, visit: www.cafconnection.ca/CNA.Thank you for your engagement in this process and your commitment to providing services that meet...

[caption id="attachment_28406" align="aligncenter" width="595"] PO2 Jonathan Dunphy gives a tour of HMCS Harry DeWolf in Arctic Bay on Aug. 26.[/caption] Lt(N) Lisa Tubb HMCS Harry DeWolf –– A mineral collection was the last thing Petty Officer Second Class Jonathan Dunphy expected to see while giving a tour of HMCS Harry DeWolf in Arctic Bay on Aug. 26. However, while admiring the local landscape, he had a conversation with a local community member on the tour that drifted towards geology. Years ago, he explained to the man, while at home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he found a rock tumbler in a hobby store with his wife Jolene; it was something he had wanted since childhood. Much to his delight, he later received said tumbler as a Father’s Day gift. He eventually decided a rock tumbler was not enough, and, after researching methods of polishing stones, he discovered a love of lapidary – the art of cutting and polishing stones for jewelry purposes. The Arctic Bay amateur geologist pulled a rock collection from his jacket pocket and showed it to PO2 Dunphy. “He said that his collection was kind of plain, but I told him he had some great specimens. At that point, he offered me one of his favourite pieces and I immediately asked him for his mailing address and offered to send him some from my own collection.” According to PO2 Dunphy, Nova Scotia is “abundant in minerals and semi-precious gemstones that are mainly found around the Fundy shore.” “I love collecting because it’s always a nice hike to get to some of the more isolated locations and it’s like hunting for treasure.” Amethyst, Jasper, and even Stillbite, Nova Scotia’s provincial mineral, are easily attainable on beaches if you know where to look, he says. [caption id="attachment_28407" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Jolene Dunphy displays specimens of minerals and gemstones.[/caption] This hobby also led PO2 Dunphy to volunteer with the Nova Scotia Mineral and Gem Society, eventually serving as its president. The society...

[caption id="attachment_27333" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Harry DeWolf’s Commanding Officer, Commander Corey Gleason (right), and Royal Canadian Navy members prepare to enter Port Chiapas (Puerto Chiapas), Mexico, during Operation Caribbe on Nov. 15. Canadian Armed Forces Photos[/caption] Lt(N) Lisa Tubb HMCS Harry DeWolf –– A little history was made recently when HMCS Harry DeWolf became the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship to deploy on Operation Caribbe, and successfully confiscate narcotics in their first drug bust soon after arriving in the operations area. The interdiction was made by the embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), who are sailing with Harry DeWolf. They are the ones who board and inspect vessels of interest. Royal Canadian Navy ships and crewmembers provide the LEDET with logistic and transport support. A vital component to boarding parties are the navy boarding vessels; they chase after vessels of interest, which are frequently small, fast-moving boats. On board Harry DeWolf are two multi-role rescue boats capable of supporting personnel transfers, rescues, and boarding parties. This craft boasts top speeds of 35-plus knots, and is 8.5 metres long, giving Op Caribbe boarding parties enhanced capabilities. A crucial feature of these boats is the C6 gun mount located at the bow of the vessel where a gunner can be positioned to protect their boat crew, and the warship at large as they are deployed forward of Harry DeWolf. C6 gunners are volunteers from different departments on board Harry DeWolf, and are usually junior members entrusted with a technical and demanding role on the frontline within boarding parties. Harry DeWolf is currently deployed on Operation Caribbe, Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Naval warships and aircraft deploy to the region on a rotational basis to support the multinational mission to suppress trafficking in international waters. [caption id="attachment_28405" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A vessel is set to be destroyed after a drug trafficking interdiction mission as part of Operation Caribbe...

[caption id="attachment_28403" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Collin Angus (right), Open Ocean Robotics, prepares to install a hydro phone on the Uncrewed Surface Vehicle Data Xplorer with Connor Grooms of JASCO Applied Sciences. Photo by Corporal (Cpl) Jay Naples, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer –– The welfare of marine mammals is at the fore of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)’s recent equipment testing.    A team of researchers launched the surf-board shaped Data Xplorer, a solar powered ocean drone, onto the ocean from Oak Bay’s Cattle Point on Nov. 23.  The technology, developed by Victoria-based Open Ocean Robotics, is a safe, green, and economical way to harvest ocean data. The goal is to detect marine mammals by towing a passive hydrophone array and recording or sending back data to a command centre. If whales are detected, the navy can use the information to pause, delay, or relocate operations to avoid them. “The best strategy to reduce the risk of harm to marine mammals is avoidance, and also the development of new automated technology to improve the monitoring of sea life,” says Major Dugald Thomson, a Royal Canadian Air Force officer currently on secondment to DRDC as their Air Liaison Officer. The ocean drone spent the day sailing near Chatham Island, Discovery Island, and Trial Island recording underwater sounds. The automated processing on board the vehicle detected Baleen whale moans and Pacific white-sided dolphin whistles; these detections will be manually verified after the trial.    Maj Thomson says the Data Xplorer has the potential to deploy at sea prior to military exercises. The Royal Canadian Navy would not own and operate the drone; instead, it would contract out a pre-exercise sweep of a specified area to Open Ocean Robotics. The potential data the drone can collect is enormous, says Ari Robinson, team lead for Open Ocean Robotics. Aside from passive sonar array data, the Data Xplorer has a 360-degree camera; a weather station that collects oceanographic atmospheric information such as...

[caption id="attachment_27323" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander, and 101-year-old Peter Chance cut the ribbon to officially open the Peter Goodwin Chance Battle of the Atlantic exhibit at the base museum. Photo by Rodney Venis, Base Public Affairs[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt’s Naval and Military Museum has dedicated its permanent Battle of the Atlantic exhibit to Commander (Retired) Peter Godwin Chance.On the day of his 101st birthday, Nov. 24, Base Commander, Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, base and museum staff, and museum volunteers held a small invitation-only ceremony.“I was absolutely amazed, humbled, and astounded that I was being honoured,” said Chance. “The news from the museum came as a complete surprise and I never anticipated anything like this would happen.”More than 30 years of his life were dedicated to the Royal Canadian Navy, including serving aboard HMCS Skeena during the Second World War. He survived its sinking on Oct. 24, 1944, during a storm off Reykjavik, Iceland, where it was anchored.  The storm pushed the ship aground in 15 metres waves onto Viðey Island. Fifteen crewmembers perished.“He survived naval actions during the arduous years of struggle in the Atlantic that included actions against enemy submarines and surface vessels to the loss of his own ship, wrecked in a gale in Iceland,” said Paul Seguna, museum volunteer, and retired Lieutenant-Commander. “He rose in rank and responsibility from a high school graduate Midshipman of 1938 to command a frigate and destroyer in Canada’s post-war navy, and senior staff positions ashore in Canada, the United Kingdom, and United States.”The exhibit features an account of Chance’s career and several items of interest from the Battle of the Atlantic. Among them are models of a Flower Class corvette and North Sands freighter, a diorama style exhibit of a Carley float, a food ration box and first aid...

LCdr (Retired) Paul SegunaContributor––At the behest of my wife Eva, we set out for an afternoon drive on Sunday, Sept. 26 for something to do on a rainy fall day. We took our regular route through the Saanich Peninsula with a planned stop at a favorite antiques and collectibles store in Brentwood Bay – Everything Old.No sooner had we entered the shop than Eva noticed on the front counter a large ship’s bell with HMCS Algonquin engraved upon it, and brought it to my attention. A customer was engaged with the shop staff in discussion about the bell, so I went about viewing the other items keeping watch on the bell until the opportunity to speak to the store owner, Andrew English, presented itself. I introduced myself as a volunteer with the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum and member of the Naval Association of Canada - Vancouver Island Branch, and expressed my interest in the provenance of the bell. Andrew indicated that he had just acquired the bell from a private collector who had purchased it from a scrap yard some years before. He believed there was a possibility the bell was a ‘transitional bell’ used when the Royal Navy transferred the ‘V’ Class destroyer HMS Valentine to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), which was then commissioned into Canadian naval service as HMCS Algonquin. Andrew was delighted to hear of my interest in the bell in the context of its acquisition by the museum as he passionately believes items of unique historical significance should ideally reside with museums for public display. Accordingly, I informed him that I would explore the acquisition of the bell by the museum and get back to him as quickly as possible.As it turned out, although museum staff had a great interest in acquiring the...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Tritons Grappling Club members are back in action learning and drilling their technique at the Naden Athletic Centre.The club went on hiatus when COVID-19 swept across the world, ending most close contact sports. As health and safety protocols loosened following mandatory double vaccinations for military members and federal government employees, the club was able to resume. Members competed in the first combat martial arts exhibition tournament since 2019 when grappling became an officially sanctioned sport by Personnel Support Programs. Opponents were members of local gym Crusher Combat Sports in Langford, who won four of the seven matches against the Tritons. “It was so great to see the team competing again and it really was a case of you really don’t know what you have until it’s gone,” says MS Lee Thibault, club coach. “For me, the most important thing about this tournament was getting sailors new to the sport of grappling some valuable experience.” The sport is a form of submission wrestling that involves holds and takedowns but no striking or punches. That makes it a great sport for military members, says MS Thibault, because there is less danger of injury, and it’s about control with no damage to your opponent.“In grappling, competitors are looking to dominate the opponent and deflect,” he says. “Just like in various grappling arts, such as Wrestling Freestyle/Greco Roman, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Sambo, there are no body slams or strikes, and every takedown is applied with control, to score points and apply submission.” Club members train Tuesday and Friday in the NAC upper gym between 4 and 5:30 p.m. MS Thibault encourages military members to come check it out, and bring a mouth guard and an open mind, and adhere to the rules. “Put simply, our most important rules are no bullies and...

DND––The Director General of Compensation and Benefits (DGCB) recently introduced new sub-types of compassionate leave, which are now included in Chapter 7 of the Canadian Forces Leave Policy Manual (CFLPM). This new initiative will help reduce personal and family stress for CAF members so they can focus on the challenges at home when difficult situations arise.Following the publication of CANFORGEN 139/21, CAF members may now request compassionate leaves under the following sub-types:Situation of pregnancy or adoption loss;Victims of family violence; andParents of young victims of crime.DGCB has also introduced two new short leave sub-types that were communicated in the publication of CANFORGEN 166/21. CAF members may now request short leave under the following sub-types:Family-related obligations; andReligious and spiritual observances.For more information on the leave policy amendments, refer to Chapter 9 of the CFLPM.In challenging personal situations, remember you can talk to your chain of command, or for confidential counselling, reach out to the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program.––––

Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt firefighters can now resuscitate pets. Fire and Rescue Services have acquired oxygen masks specifically designed to fit the muzzle and snout of dogs, cats, and other pets. Three fire trucks are equipped with the new lifesaving masks. “If we attend a structural fire at a residential military housing unit and there is an unconscious pet, this tool gives us the ability to give the animal oxygen,” says Geordie Douglas, CFB Esquimalt Fire Services Fire Chief. “Thankfully, we have yet to come across a situation like this in recent years, but these masks give us another tool in our toolbox to respond to emergencies.”The cone-shaped mask has a rubber seal to fit snuggly around the snout and once the pet’s jaw is closed, oxygen is delivered through the nostrils. Firefighter’s underwent training provided by the manufacturer and tested the mask on Rex, a Doberman owned by Alex Marshall, a firefighter.Additional masks will be bought and sent to the fire stations at Rocky Point Ammunition Depot and Nanoose Bay Base Fire services.––––