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[caption id="attachment_20461" align="alignnone" width="591"] Members of the HMCS Regina and NRU Asterix’s crews play a game of ball hockey during some down time during Operation Projecton on Naval Base Guam in Guam, United States Of America during Operation Projecton on March 7. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N)  Mike Harris, HMCS Regina ~Tropical heat and a backdrop of palm trees was not enough to keep hockey out of the minds of Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix and HMCS Regina crews. With nets set up on the jetty, where the ships were tied up at Naval Base Guam, a couple games of ball hockey broke out - all part of physical training and crew cohesionWatching the game was reminiscent of kids playing ball hockey on the street, except they didn’t have to pause and drag the nets to the side as there were no cars driving by. “We should do events like this more often. Lots of people came out, everyone loved it and it’s good for the ship as a whole,” said AB Mailloux. “It was super hot but that didn’t stop people from playing.” Two games were played, with the first game being Team Deck Department from the two ships against Team Mixed Departments. It was a close game in the first half, but the diversity of the Mixed Departments led to a final score of 6-2. Due to the incredible heat and fierce competition, an intermission in the shade had to be instated before the next game. In a post-game discussion, SLt Charlebois, with his in-depth knowledge on the subject, believed the day of the game was “hotter than Tatooine and slightly muggier.”With all the players rested and hydrated, personnel picked up their sticks and shot balls around, which, in road/jetty hockey rules, means it was time to start...

[caption id="attachment_20458" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Regina’s female crew members pose for a photo to celebrate International Women's Day on the Pacific Ocean during Operation PROJECTON on March 10. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Katrina Giesbrecht, HMCS Regina ~International Women’s Day came and went onboard HMCS Regina with little fanfare. The 23 female members of Regina were busy with our respective tasks, either preparing to return to sea after a port visit, providing support to repairs on the helicopter, or standing duty. Each of us joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for different reasons, but all of us view ourselves as professional members of the CAF first, and women in the CAF second. We represent all three environments and are represented in each of the three messes.Sometimes we are asked to attend events in order to highlight the diversity in our navy; however, different doesn’t mean wrong, so we appreciate the chance to highlight our experiences to the civilian world, allied navies, and generally across the globe. When asked about being a woman in the military, LS Dana Kimoto, a member of the Operations Department, said, “I joined the navy almost eight years ago. I really had no idea what to expect as a woman in the military. I’d heard stories of how it was a boy’s club and how ‘boys will be boys’, but in my experience that hasn’t really been the case at all. I’ve found the military to be more respectful and equal than other jobs I’ve had. Being able to visit countries where women’s’ rights are not as advanced, and occasionally interacting with women in other navies, has made me appreciate the freedoms we have as woman in the Canadian military.Navy newcomer MCpl Amy Kingston was struck by the navy’s motto: “a sailor first.”“In all...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A remote community on Vancouver Island is welcoming vessels of the Royal Canadian Navy to its main harbour this weekend. Four Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels and 96 crew members will come alongside Small Craft Federal Marina in Port McNeill as part of Exercise Northern Reach. Located at the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island on the Queen Charlotte Strait, the former logging town, turned summertime tourism destination, has a population of approximately 3,000 residents. Lieutenant Commander Todd Kennedy, Commander Venture Division, says “the exercise is a continued effort by the navy to combat the nation-wide phenomena of maritime blindness” by helping Canadians learn about their navy and the job it does on behalf of the country.“Many Canadians know very little about their own navy or even that it exists; so, to be relevant to the population we need to be out there and visible,” said LCdr Kennedy. “This is an effort to showcase what we do, how we train, and to demonstrate pride in our diversity as an organization. We want people to know we are the employer of choice and if there exists a desire to contribute to Canada and its international policies, that we have a job for you.”PCT vessels Orca, Caribou, Raven and Wolf will be staffed by fleet personnel and Venture students from the Fleet Navigating and Naval Warfare Officers courses needing the fundamental bridge skills training to prepare them for employment in operational ships. Each student is seeking the opportunity to advance their professional competencies. While in Port McNeill between March 29 and April 1, two vessels will take residents and community leaders to sea, showcasing interoperability with the Royal Canadian Air Force, who have tasked a Maritime Patrol Aircraft from CFB Comox, and the Canadian Coast Guard, who have tasked a...

MARPAC PAO ~Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs has decided to go full-out Bollywood in their next video production, and they are looking for volunteers. Public Affairs is teaming up with YouTube’s Bhangra-king, Gurdeep Pandher April 3 to shoot a high-energy dance video. What is Bhangra? It’s a style of dance that mixes music and moves from India and Pakistan. It’s entertaining and also a high-energy workout. If you’re curious, just go to YouTube, or check out any Bollywood film on NetFlix and you’ll see how the pros do it. You don’t need to be a star dancer to join in the video, as Pandher will be teaching everyone. Pandher will introduce trending and commonly used Bhangra steps along with brief details on the history and background of the dance. “This video project is important to showcase wonderful diversity and inclusion in the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said.  “As we know, some elements are trying to divide people; I unite them through Bhangra. Participation is great for showing our togetherness and unity to the world. The video will also help promote the vision that Canada stands for diversity and inclusion.” The video will be shot in two locations: Damage Control School Galiano on the road next to the helo-simulator from 9 to 11 a.m. and on HMCS Ottawa in the afternoon in dockyard. Dress is Naval Combat Dress or Combats for CAF members, as we want to showcase people in uniform. Civilians are welcome too. Interested volunteers can contact Lt(N) Melissa Kia at the MARPAC PA Office to sign-up for this event at 250-363-5789 or melissa.kia@forces.gc.ca. About Gurdeep PandherGurdeep Pandher is a Whitehorse-based artist and author. His works are meant to bring people from all backgrounds together to promote inclusivity and diversity. His dance videos have gone viral on many occasions, have also been published internationally, and are watched by millions from all over the world. He has been published by BBC News, CBC National, The Globe and Mail, CTV News, and many...

 [caption id="attachment_20446" align="alignnone" width="591"] Bill Stewart, a member of the Ahousaht First Nation, recites a prayer during the Spring Equinox Sunrise Ceremony at Duntze Head on March 20. Photos by Leading Seaman David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Each weekday morning as the sun begins to rise, Bill Stewart begins his day with an offering of song in the form a traditional Aboriginal drumming ceremony at Duntze Head.The 60-year-old technical data specialist at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton is a member of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) at Maritime Forces Pacific and a member of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth nation.Last Wednesday, his ceremony was a little special as it paid homage to the sunrise of the Spring Equinox, when the Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the sun. This happens only twice a year; the Fall Equinox is in late September.Accompanying Stewart was Sergeant Nicolette Ducharme, who also drummed, and a few observers. The ceremony honours the natural world, and Stewart says several animals have revealed their presence as he performs it.“These songs are understood by certain animal species. Birds, including eagles and ravens, herring, salmon, sea otters, whales, elk, deer and even bears come out to acknowledge the Spring Equinox.”This year’s occasion was marked by the passing of an eagle and a pair of Canada Geese.In 2017, a killer whale appeared in Esquimalt harbour.“My elders have advised me to continue with the song because the eagle spirits have come to me with the Travelling Song and that is to be good luck to all who hear it.”Stewart, who is 90 per cent hearing impaired, began his career with FMF 26 years ago. He has served as co-chair of DAAG on several occasions. In more recent years he has become highly active with his Nuu-Chah-Nulth community, which is...

 CFMWS ~Save the date. On March 27, Military Family Services will host its second virtual career fair for military spouses across the country as part of the Military Spousal Employment Network.“The beauty of a virtual career fair is that regardless of location, people from coast to coast will have access to employers looking to hire,” says Kristy Fallon, Community Development and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Military Family Services. “This is a chance to connect people with opportunities – and not just in their communities but with remote work options too.”Nationally, there are 1,084 opportunities available that recruiters will be looking to fill, as well as several remote positions. This is in addition to new opportunities added to the Network daily.Participating employers are: Advanis, Air Canada, Alorica, Bank of Montreal, Bayshore Medical Personnel, Bell, Calian Group Ltd., Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Department of National Defence, Garda World, LiveCa, and Sykes Assistance Services. These national employers have agreed to offer military spouses equal and fair access to employment opportunities within their organizations.Growing steadily, the newly minted Military Spousal Employment Network has more than 1,200 users since it launched in the fall. The Network is a self-directed online resource with access to job postings, tools, resources, and events such as training sessions and virtual and in-person career fairs.Military spouses can register for the Military Spousal Employment Network at msen.vfairs.com and the virtual career fair at http://bit.ly/Mar27VirtualCareerFair.

[caption id="attachment_20418" align="alignnone" width="591"] WISEN member (left) Asheley MacLellan of CFB Esquimalt’s Outreach Team and WISEN founder Natallia Gagné, a human resources assistant with Base Administration’s National Student Hiring team are joined by National Student Hiring Team Lead Roxana Kendall at the Base Commander’s Office on Feb. 21. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A support group that connects Indigenous students currently working for Canada’s public service with future job opportunities has been launched by two employees at CFB Esquimalt. The Western Indigenous Student Network (WISEN) is the brain child of Natallia Gagné, a 21-year-old human resources assistant who works for Base Administration’s National Student Hiring Team, following the launch of the federal government’s Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity (ISEO). The mandate of ISEO is to address the low representation levels of Indigenous students hired across the Public Service, but Gagné decided to go one step ­further with WISEN. WISEN keeps students currently working for the Federal Government networked with their peers after their short-term contract ends. Gagné believes building up those low representation levels will be achieved by letting Indigenous student employees know about other job opportunities within the Public Service. Gagné, who is Metis, is in her fourth year of Sociology and Indigenous Studies at University of Victoria. She came up with the idea for WISEN last summer while on a work-study term as a junior human resources officer for the Public Service Commission in Vancouver. In September, she found work at the base. Shortly afterwards she met 22-year-old Ashley MacLellan, who currently works for the Base Executive branch on Project Outreach, and the two teamed up to operate WISEN in their spare time. MacLellan, 22, grew up in Yellowknife, NWT, and is a member of the North Slave Métis Alliance. She also attends the University of Victoria and...

CFMWS ~The Scholarship Program is entering its fifth year; it was launched to address the increasing need for scholarship opportunities for military family members. The goal is to assist more youth in military families to pursue their continuing post-secondary education. In 2018, more than $75,000 was awarded to military family members through 45 scholarships with winners selected from 388 competitive applications. This year, 41 scholarships are available and range from $500 to $2,000. Both full-time and part-time post-secondary students of accredited academic institutions, career and vocational colleges are eligible. Eligible candidates are: a dependent (includes spouse) of a serving or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces; a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada; and enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at an accredited Canadian college or university. Post-graduate and career college students are also eligible to apply.This year there is a new application process in place. The 2019 application process consists of the following components:A three-part essayA letter of referenceMost recent academic transcriptProof of enrollment from academic institutionA point form list of volunteer/civic engagement activitiesApplications will be accepted until May 1 at 4 p.m. EST.For more information on application requirements, eligibility and restrictions visit www.supportourtroops.ca/get-support/scholarships. For any application questions please email scholarshipsandcamps@cfmws.com

LCdr Mike Erwin, Contributor ~After 78 event-filled years, the Naden Drill Shed (Building N75) is going out of service in May as the first of many steps in a far-reaching infrastructure renewal program.The Drill Shed, being centrally located and of a distinctive design, has long been an iconic landmark at the base. It was built in 1941 as a wooden frame on a concrete foundation along the east side of what was then the parade square, and is now the parking lot between N50 and N75, at a cost of $130,000. The Drill Shed was intended to augment the Drill Hall (building N33, now home to Naval Fleet School (Pacific) Small Arms and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy) and to provide space for training the burgeoning recruits entering the wartime Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, and Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. The initial structure consisted of just the mansard-style roof, with its steep sides and flat top, and supporting pillars, without the glassed-in bulkheads that have made it so recognizable since their installation prior to 1943.Although Naden saw a spate of rapid expansion during the period 1940 through 1943, most naval training activities were transferred to HMCS Cornwallis in Nova Scotia partway through the war. This shift left Naden in the unusual situation, particularly during wartime, of having a surplus of facilities. In 1944, the Drill Shed was repurposed and taken over by the Mechanical Training Establishment for use as a vehicle maintenance and training facility. It fulfilled this role until the Mechanical Training Establishment relocated in 1959 when the Drill Shed reverted to its original function.Over the years, the Drill Shed has been the site of innumerable ceremonial divisions, graduation parades, change of command parades, Guard of Honour practices, sea cadet training weekends, fund raising...

[caption id="attachment_20406" align="alignnone" width="363"] Michael Cain[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A former sailor of the Royal Canadian Navy who beat his drug and alcohol addiction says he will never forget the fateful life-saving call he received from Veterans Affairs Canada.Former Ordinary Seaman Michael Cain was sitting in his mom’s View Royal home on Oct. 29, 2014, during an alcohol and cocaine-induced 18-day bender. His three years in the military were ending; he had no vision of a future. “I was close to running out of drugs, depressed and planning to kill myself,” says Cain. Then the telephone rang. It was a VAC case worker named Irena, and she threw him a lifeline. She had managed to convince the operators of renowned Vancouver-based rehabilitation clinic Together We Can Addiction Recovery & Education Society to give Cain a bed, effectively saving his life. Together We Can was founded in 1993 as a treatment centre for men battling alcohol and drug addiction. The non-profit society offers 60- to 90-day immersive recovery programs followed by transitional housing and other support. Their medicine, says Cain, is exactly what he needed.“I call Irena every year on Oct. 31 and thank her because that’s the anniversary of the first day I woke up sober.”Addiction Gateway He came from a loving family who educated him about the dangers of drugs, well explained by yorba linda rehab. It was age 15 when he “crossed the line” trying marijuana for the first time. Then at 18 years old he found the substance that would eventually bring him to his knees, cocaine. “In hindsight I can see the inevitability of my downward spiral, but at the time it was simply exciting.” Cocaine led to crack, a more effective means of getting high. He knew his addiction was taking over but by then he...

[caption id="attachment_20403" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by LS Pascale Masse-Lefebvre, HMCS Edmonton[/caption]SLt Nathaniel Sukhdeo, HMCS Edmonton ~Giving back to the community and supporting the less fortunate are values held close to the heart of many sailors. HMCS Edmonton’s Charity Bake Sale in support of SCPA Treat Week was just another example of how sailors are driven to find ways to give back at home, and abroad. On Friday March 1, the crew of Edmonton came together to sell baked goods, donating 100 per cent of the revenue to the local SPCA. “Helping our local B.C. SPCA is helping to protect and give a better quality of life to our furry friends,” said AB Myriam Dhaisne, who took leadership in coordinating the charity event. A few days later, AB Dhaisne, along with LS Pascale Masse-Lefebvre and SLt Anne Desgagne, presented $611.85 donation. “I was really surprised and grateful how this fundraiser brought together the crew into baking some treats, and how much participation from the base and donations we received,” said AB Dhaisne after presenting the cheque to the SPCA with SLt Desgagne. 

[caption id="attachment_20400" align="alignnone" width="591"] USS Zumwalt arrives in CFB Esquimalt. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The United States Navy’s newest, largest, and most expensive destroyer ever built pulled into Esquimalt Harbour last week as part of its first voyage to a foreign country. It was hard not to notice the massive 16,000 tonne, futuristic 610-foot-long guided-missile destroyer as it pulled alongside A-Jetty guided by a Queen’s Harbour Master tug on March 11. Despite its stealth-like design intended to thwart enemy detection while at sea, USS Zumwalt was an eye-popping attention grabber. Commissioned in 2016, it is the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class. It is designed as a multi-mission stealth ship with a focus on land attack.“The ship you see behind me is one of the newest platforms in the United States Navy and assists in our mission to ensure free and open flow of trade through international waters,” said Commanding Officer, Captain Andrew Carlson. “It is equipped with cutting edge technology in its combat systems, weapons systems and engineering control systems.”Members of the media were welcomed onboard Zumwalt for a brief tour conducted by Surface Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Briana Wildemann. The tour began on the massive flight deck capable of landing two medium-sized helicopters and proceeded through the ship’s hangar.The group then moved down a massive service corridor measuring approximately 15 feet wide dubbed “Broadway”, which included a pictorial tribute to the ship’s namesake, Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., Chief of U.S. Naval Operations during the Vietnam war, and renowned champion of equal rights and inclusion in the USN. Lt Wildermann noted to the visitors it was a pleasure to serve on board a ship named after a man who championed the cause of racial and gender equity in the U.S. military.“For me being able to come aboard...

[caption id="attachment_20391" align="alignnone" width="591"] Samples of unit identifiers embroidered on the necks of T-shirts. Personnel at wings, squadrons and tactical units will soon be able to wear blue t-shirts with an embroidered logo at the neck—or, on Fridays, their own squadron coloured T-shirt.[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~The rules governing Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel wearing badges or insignia on their operational uniforms are about to change.An upcoming amendment to the Canadian Air Division Orders (CADO) on operational dress will allow aviators who wear flight suits and Enhanced Combat Uniforms (ECUs)/CADPAT to add certain optional Velcro-backed badges and insignia to their sleevesThis change in the CADO is intended to enhance squadron and tactical unit morale and esprit de corps. The spirit of the RCAF unit is centered on the members and how well they work together. Part of this spirit comes from the symbols they wear: the badges and crests of the unit.The CADO amendment will allow badges, especially a unit’s heraldic badge, to be embroidered in full colour, as well as low visibility green.All other badges can be embroidered in full colour, which will be up to the unit as part of their design process. Yes, a unit can design their own patch.What other kinds of patches can there be?Units can now create and wear badges to mark a special anniversary or participation in an exercise or operation. Courses may have their own patch as well.In addition, personnel at wings, squadrons and tactical units will soon be able to wear blue t-shirts with an embroidered logo at the neck—or, on Fridays, their own squadron coloured T-shirt.Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander RCAF, and Chief Warrant Officer Denis Gaudreault, RCAF Command CWO, noted this forthcoming direction will serve to enhance esprit de corps and identity, adding that RCAF aviators are encouraged to “take the...

[caption id="attachment_20388" align="alignnone" width="591"] Capt Chris Dare poses in his climbing gear.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Captain Chris Dare is trading his dentist’s drill for a mountaineer’s axe.The 35-year-old army dentist who works at the Dockyard dental clinic is set to ascend 8,850 metres to the top of Mount Everest.If successful, the accomplished outdoorsman’s latest expedition will bring to fruition a nine-year journey to hike the “Seven Summits”, considered one of the top bench marks of accomplishment in the world of mountain climbing. They are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents.He tackled the first mountain while deployed to Afghanistan nine years ago. “When I returned back to Afghanistan I was feeling down as there were a lot of people I was working with getting seriously injured, dying, and there seemed to be a consistent wave of ramp ceremonies going on. I decided I would climb the Seven Summits even though it seemed like an impossible task.” While on leave, he summited Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, a 5,895 metre climb to the top. From there he travelled the globe climbing the continental geological behemoths in Europe’s Mount Elbrus (5642 m), Alaska’s Mount Denali (6104 m), South America’s Aconcagua (6962 m), Oceania’s Carstensz Pyramid (4884 m) and Antarctica’s Mount Vinson (4892 m).Capt Dare will fly from Vancouver to Nepal March 21 and complete several weeks of altitude training under the guidance of a Sherpa guide named Nuru. Then in late May, when conditions are good, the two will begin the journey up the mountain from Tibet side. It should take between two to three weeks to reach the summit. Weather and the amount of time waiting behind other hikers could prolong their journey.He says Alaska’s Mount Denali climb was his toughest to date because of the thin air and Arctic weather, but...

[caption id="attachment_20385" align="alignnone" width="591"] LS Robbie McDougall of Base Foods showcases his special cod fillet meal in the kitchen at Nelles Block. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A cook with formal culinary arts training says a career with Canada’s military is providing him a permanent port of stability from the topsy-turvy restaurant industry. Leading Seaman Robbie McDougall, 39, is a certified Red-Seal chef with an impressive list of credentials. He has close to 20 years of experience cooking at high-end eating establishments here in British Columbia, Europe and Great Britain. But early last year he decided to end his career in the private sector and join the Canadian Armed Forces as a cook. He is currently behind the grill at the Nelles Block galley. “I have a lot of friends cooking for the private sector who are my age and are grinding it out. I realized what I wanted for me and my wife Sylwia going forward was stability, and doing what I was doing really wasn’t getting me anywhere. I wanted to explore other options.”He also notes the great benefits that include: no seasonal work stoppage, unlike many private sector restaurants, the rewards of a steady income, and a solid benefits package. His career move was also spurred by the encouragement of a military member who lives next door.“I wanted the stability that he had in his life and while I was talking to him, I gradually began to ask the question to myself: Do I really want to be slinging burgers when I’m 64?” A never-before offered signing bonusLS McDougall also received a $20,000 signing bonus, a new incentive for the trade. It was offered about a month before his formal enrolment because of his culinary training; this also earned him an advanced promotion to Leading...

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~LS Danielle Dewitt has joined a troop of volunteers across the country dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone, including members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two–spirit, intersex, and questioning (LGBTQ2) community.She recently completed Positive Space training at the base to become an ambassador at her unit - Patrol Craft Training (PCT).It’s not a new role. She completed a similar course at CFB Halifax following her transition from male to female.After coming out as transgender to her chain of command, LS Dewitt spent years navigating the complex and uncharted waters of the military medical system that did not have a process in place to assist a transitioning military member.While she was shore-posted she helped create Positive Space training and aided other military members in the same boat navigate the medical system. Her new posting as senior boatswain at PCT has her back to sea almost every week in one of the eight Orcas training junior officers.      “I’ve found a new family at this unit, so I love it here,” she said. “It is a good way to get my feet wet since it has been a couple of years since I’ve sailed.”Regular interactions with junior officers have the added benefit of introducing future naval leaders to LGBTQ2 issues. “Since being here I have had a lot of questions from junior officers about what is to be trans. I find that helpful; showing them that LGBTQ2 members are sailors first. I’ve had NWO IV (Naval Warfare Officer) graduates contact me about trans issues. Because of the networking I’ve done here, I’ve been able to point them in the right direction.”It hasn’t all been positive; not everyone appropriately handles the shift from the male to female pronoun. For those who outright...

[caption id="attachment_20379" align="alignnone" width="591"] Corporal Gorden Boivin suffered terrible injuries in a rocket-propelled grenade attack while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. Though he still has metal fragments in his body as a reminder, counselling has helped him overcome depression and addiction brought on by the trauma. Photo by Stephen J. Thorne/Legion Magazine[/caption]Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~A new photography exhibit at the Canadian War Museum features haunting portraits of wounded Afghanistan veterans. The photographer, Stephen Thorne, says they show Canada at its best.The exhibit, entitled The Wounded, consists of 18 large-format black-and-white photos by Thorne, an award-winning photojournalist and writer. It was originally commissioned by the Legion Magazine in 2016. He also wrote the stories behind the subjects’ battlefield injuries, travelling across Canada to meet with each one.Speaking at a media preview of the exhibit, Thorne thanked each of his subjects, saying, “You represent the best of Canada.”In his three decades with the Canadian Press, Thorne added, “I saw and did a lot of extraordinary things, and nothing came close to what I saw and experienced in covering what these people did in Afghanistan.”Carried wounded soldier despite own broken pelvisOne soldier depicted is Captain Hélène LeScelleur, who was wounded while travelling in a military convoy in October 2007. A roadside bomb blast broke her pelvis, and, despite the injury, she carried a wounded comrade 200 metres to safety. Cut off from the rest of the convoy, she stood guard through the night.In the aftermath, Capt LeScelleur experienced suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. She was later medically released from the military and is now studying social work with an eye to helping other Veterans.Father and son served at same timeMaster Warrant Officer André Renaud and Corporal Martin Renaud are a father and son who served simultaneously in Afghanistan. When Cpl Renaud was...

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~Last Wednesday, as the evening sky settled over CFB Esquimalt, Tom Campbell powered off his computer, gave his bare office in the Naden Athletic Centre a quick once over, strolled down the hall, and exited the glass doors. It was his final moment as a Personnel Support Programs (PSP) employee. At 55 years old, most people would be walking towards retirement. But not Campbell. He’s opted for a few years on board a warship. The former PSP Facility Coordinator is now Ordinary Seaman (untrained) Campbell, an unlikely recruit in the Royal Canadian Navy. “There’s a good chance I’ll be the oldest person with the lowest rank onboard,” he said wryly.In the weeks leading up to his departure for QL3 training for Naval Supply Technician, the newly minted Ordinary Seaman has endured lots of ribbing from his colleagues. Most people were incredulous upon hearing of his choice for a second go in the military in the twilight of his professional life.“It was the second hardest decision of my life,” he said, referencing the decision to leave the military 22 years ago. At 20 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an artillery gunner, and after several years, numerous postings, and attaining the rank of sergeant, he swapped trades to become a physical education recreation instructor, also known to many as a PERI. When the PERI trade disbanded, and the responsibility of physical fitness of the troops given to a civilian branch, Campbell decided to leave the military. He hoped to be hired by the civilian side once he left. “The scary part about that decision is they didn’t allow us to get our positions with PSP before we made our decision to leave the military.”As the years went by, he wondered if he made the right call....

[caption id="attachment_20372" align="alignnone" width="591"] Catriona Murray of Boxed Arrangements.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Victoria entrepreneur has launched a new product line for military families wanting to send a care package to a loved one deployed on a Canadian warship.Catriona Murray runs Boxed Arrangements, a small gift giving company that mails boxes brimming with thoughtfully chosen treats. She introduced her newest product, Deployment Boxes, to the military community at the MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo on Feb. 21. “It’s all about showing you care and giving sailors something to look forward to when they are away from home,” she said. Box contents vary and can include snacks, chocolates, bonbons, magazines, crosswords, nuts, protein bars, shampoo, soap, lotion and a post card with a personal message. The packaging is simple and recyclable.The deployment box cost is $60 and can be designed specifically for a male or female sailor. Murray will also donate a portion of her revenue from the Deployment Box sales to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), and through an arrangement with them the postage is waived. Deployed members sending a gift box to their loved ones at home can receive a 10 per cent discount through a discount code. Local delivery within Victoria, B.C. is free; outside Victoria regular shipping charges apply.She knows the importance of staying connected while deployed; her father, John Brens was a cook in the army and her husband’s father was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force.To order a box go to www.boxedarrangements.com

[caption id="attachment_20368" align="alignnone" width="591"] Just before departing on a day sail in HMCS Edmonton as part of International Women’s Day, Jennifer Gervès-Keen, Nicole Schaaf, LCdr Kristina Gray, Lt(N) Cass van Benthem Jutting, and HCapt(N) Mandy Farmer struck a pose to demonstrate this year’s theme of Better the Balance, Better the World. Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC Public Affairs Office ~Maritime Forces Pacific celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) last Friday with a day sail aboard HMCS Edmonton for influential female community members, including Jennifer Gervès Keen, keynote speaker at the Chiefs and Petty Officers’ mess celebration event.Edmonton’s commanding officer, LCdr Kristina Gray, and Honorary Captain(Navy) Mandy Farmer hosted the event.“I welcome events like this on my ship that show people, in and outside of the defence community, what we do, how we live, and the lifestyle challenges sailors deal with every day. It allows sailors to demonstrate to the public the professionalism and pride they have in their work in a way that an outsider would never get through a medium like a presentation or video.” She commanded Edmonton through the second most successful Operation Caribbe deployment since the operation began in 2006. Her ship and crew, with an embarked law enforcement detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard, disrupted 8,700 kilograms of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean. “Being able to reflect on Edmonton’s success during Op Caribbe in the fall has made me appreciate what a dynamic, tactically challenging operation, in a challenging working environment, the deployment really was,” she said. Being in a position of command, empowered by the Royal Canadian Navy to get the mission done, is rewarding. But it also comes with the uncomfortable reminder that women in the rest of the world may not have the same rights.“IWD is important in Canada, but I...

[caption id="attachment_20364" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The crew of HMCS Calgary have returned to home waters after a month-long deployment to Southern California; however, they won’t be coming alongside right away. This week they will be in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Constance Bank training with a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. Halifax-class frigates are required to complete Ship Without Air Detachment (SWOAD) training roughly every six months. This qualification allows the ship’s crew to conduct helicopter operations when there is no Air Force detachment embarked. “It’s a collaboration of members from different trades and elements all working together,” said Chief Petty Officer Second Class Mark Stevens, who runs Calgary’s Deck Department. “Training will not just involve the deck crew. There are a lot of moving parts going on with landing a helicopter, which includes the Ops Room, Bridge, LSO (Landing Signal Officer) and FLYCO (Flying Coordinator).” The exercise provides the ship’s company training to perform helicopter landings, personnel transfers, supply transfers, and refueling operations. CPO2 Stevens says sailors need to keep these skills refined because there are times while deployed when they need to interact with helicopters from other nations, as was the case last year during their Operation Projection deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.“We worked with helicopters of navies from all around the world and it was our sailors doing those helicopter operations; it’s really important to get everything perfect,” he said. Calgary returned from that deployment just before Christmas but was deployed back to sea early January to assist the United States Navy in readying three warships for a NATO deployment to the South China Sea, the Middle East and the Atlantic.

[caption id="attachment_20357" align="alignnone" width="377"] Inspector Baltej Dhillon[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An RCMP officer who is best known for successfully challenging the Mounties’ dress code to include turbans has an upcoming speaking engagement at the base. Inspector Baltej Dhillon will discuss his career and life experience battling intolerance and racism at a public forum hosted by the Defence Visible Minority Action Group (DVMAG) at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess, March 14, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. “In the armed forces, like our paramilitary force the RCMP, there are a lot of things that we share, and the fact that people in both organizations today are less troubled by someone serving in a turban goes to prove we have come a long way.”Dhillon currently works in Surrey, B.C., as Officer in Charge of Operational Readiness and Response for all British Columbia detachments. His dress code battle began in 1988 at age 21 when he was wanting to join the RCMP. Standing in his way was a policy that forbade beards and turbans. Dhillon is Sikh, and the turban and beard are a part of his Sikh identity.He challenged the policy, and it soon morphed into a heated national debate over dress code. Thousands of Canadians denounced any change to the dress policy, signing petitions that demonstrated their intolerance towards the Sikh community. Street vendors sold anti-turban pins and one Alberta business sold thousands of calendars satirizing a dress code that included turbans. But in March 1990, after months of debate, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s government introduced changes to the RCMP dress code, allowing for observant Sikhs to wear beards and turbans. With the policy changed, Dhillon began his police training with the RCMP in Regina and graduated in 1991.“Inspector Baltej Dhillon is a trailblazer and his precedent-setting battle enabled every culture in Canada...

[caption id="attachment_20354" align="alignnone" width="591"] AB (Retired) Allan “Dinger” Bell, a survivor of the 1969 HMCS Kootenay explosion, was presented the Wound Stripe on by VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. Photo by AB John Iglesias, FIS[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~Nearly 50 years after being badly injured at sea as a result of the 1969 HMCS Kootenay explosion, a member of that ship’s company has been recognized for his sacrifice in service to his country.AB (Retired) Allan “Dinger” Bell was awarded the Wound Stripe by VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, during a ceremony at Juno Tower on Feb. 8, with his family and former Kootenay shipmates in attendance.AB Bell was working inside Kootenay’s engine room on Oct. 23, 1969, when a gearbox explosion occurred during full power trials off the coast of England. He was one of three sailors inside the engine room who survived the blast; nine men were killed and more than 50 suffered burns or other injuries, as the explosion sent fire, smoke, hot oil and other dangerous substances throughout the ship. AB Bell sustained burns to more than half of his body and required three surgeries through a difficult recovery process. The Kootenay explosion is now regarded as the navy’s worst peacetime disaster.In thanking him for his sacrifice and awarding him the Wound Stripe, VAdm Lloyd did not shy away from the fact the recognition has been long overdue, and he described the presentation as “righting a wrong.”“The good thing is that, as an organization, we’ve been able to make great progress since the tragedy that took place in Kootenay,” VAdm Floyd said, referencing the many changes to safety designs and protocols that came in the wake of the tragedy.“But that doesn’t make up for the fact that it took nearly 50 years of bureaucracy...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members from Military Police Unit Esquimalt (MPU) are rallying support around a long-serving employee following his terminal cancer diagnosis. Since 1997, MPU dispatcher Phil Meredith has been that friendly smiling face behind the front desk at the Naden guard house who greeted visitors when they arrived. To 911 callers and MPs on the two-way radio, Commissionaire (Cmre) Meredith has been a calming voice at the other end, says Lieutenant Gueorgy Zatonskikh, MPU Esquimalt Support Operations Officer. “He does a very difficult job very well and often deals with emergency callers who are in desperate situations. For members of the MP unit, he tries to make light of the worst situations and doesn’t let things get to you, and in our line of work that is extremely important.”Cmre Meredith, 66, also acted as dispatcher for members of the security Commissionaires team who staff the front gates at CFB Esquimalt.But he no longer occupies his desk at the main entrance. Approximately three months ago he was told by his doctor he has terminal stomach cancer and has between six and nine months to live. Lt Zatonskikh and the rest of the department heard the prognosis from Meredith just after the Christmas break and it wasn’t easy to take. “We were all shocked when we heard the news and very concerned because so many people care about Phil,” said Lt Zatonskikh. “He is our go-to-guy that keeps people going through tough times; somehow he is staying positive throughout this ordeal.” To help Cmre Meredith pay for medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs Lt Zatonskikh launched a Go Fund Me page. Starting with a fundraising target of $10,000, in only a few weeks he raised over $6,000. “We have seen an outpouring of generosity from people here in our department and...

[caption id="attachment_20327" align="alignnone" width="589"] LS (Retired) Will Steed works with students during a DIY seminar at their workshop in Edmonton. Inset: Steed receives a Special Service Medal in 1994 for his work as a Naval Weapons Technician.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A former sailor turned entrepreneur says the navy’s love of all things brass is helping him carve out a niche market for his metal and woodworking shop in Edmonton, Alberta. Leading Seaman (Retired) Will Steed once served on warships of the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Weapons Technician from 1989 to 1996. Today, the 47-year-old and his wife Robyn Steed are business partners in a profitable manufacturing outfit called DIY Workshop. Right now, it is “all-guns-a-firing” for DIY and the couple who started operations in 2017. Steed says a good chunk of their company’s financial success has come through the manufacturing of mementos and keepsakes for current and former military members. “I have noticed that many RCN people seem to love anything with brass, and it’s something we constantly work with at our shop,” says Steed. “We often incorporate brass lettering into some very beautiful hardwoods, and we can custom make almost anything upon request.”One unique project is a miniature replica of a Mach 46 Torpedo that he will mount onto an oak backing. The design is based on his research, photographs and looking at online models. The miniature is being made for a former military member from CFB Esquimalt to give to his friend as a memento for the time he served on warships. “Sailors love getting presents that remind them of their work and time at sea, and we are more than happy to fulfill that need, whatever it might be,” says Steed. From a 2,500 square foot facility in Edmonton’s Rosedale Industrial District, the Steeds’ workspace includes a fully-equipped workshop with saws, sanders, planners and metal work equipment — that includes welders, a CNC milling machine, metal lathe, a full arsenal of hand and power tools and...

[caption id="attachment_20322" align="alignnone" width="589"] Photos courtesy International War Museum[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~Canada’s last Dambuster has slipped the surly bonds of earth.Sgt (Retired) Frederick Edwin Sutherland died Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at the age of 95. He was the last living Canadian who participated in the famed Dambusters Raid on the night of May 16, 1943. The raid was carried out by the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, formed specifically for the secret mission.Only one Dambuster is still with us: the RAF’s Squadron Leader George Leonard “Johnny” Johnson, who is 97.Sergeant Sutherland joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 18 and was only 20 when he became front gunner with Flight Lieutenant Les Knight’s Lancaster bomber crew at 617 Squadron. After the development of the innovative “bouncing bomb” by Barnes Wallis and weeks of practice by the hand-picked aircrews, 19 specially-modified Lancasters and their 133 crew members were sent on a daring mission to destroy the Möhne, Sorpe, Eder and Ennepe dams in the Ruhr River in the heartland of Germany’s industrial complex. The mission was dubbed “Operation Chastise”.Flight Lieutenant Knight’s crew breached the Eder Dam on the last run against the structure and returned safely to England. However, eight aircraft were lost during the raid; of the 133 men who took off from RAF Scampton near Lincoln, England, 53 were killed, including 14 Canadians. Seventeen members of the RCAF survived: 16 Canadians and one American.Sergeant Sutherland was not so fortunate four months later when his crew set out to attack the Dortmund-Ems Canal in Germany on the night of Sept. 15, 1943. Their Lancaster was hit, but Flight Lieutenant Knight managed to get the damaged aircraft across the border to Holland before the crew bailed out. Flight Lieutenant Knight was killed, however, trying to land the crippled LancasterSergeant Sutherland was picked up by the Dutch resistance, given clothing and false papers, and put on a train—filled with Germans—to Paris. From Paris, he and his crewmate, Flying Officer...

[caption id="attachment_20319" align="alignnone" width="590"] Philippe Lucas (right), Vice President Global Patient Research and Access representative with title sponsor Tilray, presents a cheque for $10,000 to Wounded Warrior Run BC members PO2 (Retired) Stephane Marcotte, Susan Marcotte, Matt Carlson and Wounded Warrior Run Director Captain Jacqueline Zweng. Photo by J. Kacki Photography[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two employees from the Department of National Defence (DND) are preparing to traverse Vancouver Island in support of Wounded Warriors Canada mental health programs. Master Seaman Mary McGregor from CFB Kingston and Matthew Carlson, a Personnel Support Programs employee from Esquimalt, are among a team of seven runners taking part in this year’s Wounded Warrior Run B.C., Feb. 25 to March 3. The relay-style run is to raise funds and awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) impacting current-serving military members, veterans and first responders. The runners will set off in Port Hardy Feb. 25 and cover over 600 kilometres before reaching the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on March 3. Along the way they will stop at community centres, schools, fire halls and branches of the Royal Canadian Legion where they will be cheered on by supporters and boosted by donations to their cause. Wounded Warrior Run BC held their official launch at Legion Branch 91 in Langford on Feb. 8 where they announced a fundraising goal of $100,000 for this year’s campaign. The money will be used for support programs operated by Wounded Warriors Canada. Captain Jacqueline Zweng of the Regional Cadet Support Unit is returning as the run’s director and announced $30,000 in donations had already been raised. A $10,000 donation from medical cannabis supplier Tilray Canada and another combined $10,000 donation from the Town of Langford and the West Shore Developers Association have accounted for an early surge in donations....

[caption id="attachment_20316" align="alignnone" width="590"] Sonar the Royal Canadian Navy mascot checks in with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy prior to the parade start. Photo by PO2 Greg Matthews[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Naval Reserve Western Region PAO ~The long history of friendship between HMCS Discovery and the Chinese community in Vancouver is reflected in the many members of the Naval Reserve Unit who are of Chinese heritage. Several of those reserve sailors were among the military members who braved the sub-zero temperatures to participate in the 2019 Chinatown Spring Festival Parade.“I was proud to represent the Royal Canadian Navy as a sailor, but I was also representing my family’s heritage and culture,” said Ordinary Seaman Kelly Le. “It really touched me when I was approached by younger girls who asked to take photos with me. Their eyes would light up when they saw a fellow Asian female marching in uniform.”The 46th annual cultural extravaganza and signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown featured lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, and martial arts performances. While the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Lunar calendar began on Tuesday, Feb. 5, the parade was held on Sunday, Feb. 10. The parade draws over 100,000 spectators along the route each year, plus many more who watch through TV coverage.HMCS Discovery was joined in the parade by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, as well as local army reserve units, cadet groups, and veterans.“This parade is a great opportunity to interact with a large number of people who may not have considered the Naval Reserve as an option,” said Commander Christopher Persson, Commanding Officer of HMCS Discovery. “Our members posed for hundreds of selfies, and Sonar the Mascot was very popular with the children.”

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Three Esquimalt Tritons hockey teams completed a rare triple win of Canada West regional championship titles this month after the women’s team struck gold in Winnipeg on Feb. 13. Esquimalt capped off the remarkable feat after being crowned women’s champs at this year’s regional qualifier with a 3-2 overtime victory over CFB Edmonton. The Tritons went undefeated over three games with a 4-1 win over Cold Lake in their opening game followed by a victory over tournament hosts CFB Winnipeg in the semi-finals.  They now advance to the Canadian Armed Forces Women’s Hockey Championship in Edmonton, March 2 to 4. Tritons Old Timers teamThe latest hockey title for the women’s team comes on the heels of the Tritons Old Timers team capturing the Canada West Regionals title with a 5-0 win over hosts Cold Lake on Feb. 7. Esquimalt went undefeated over four games in the six-team tournament and outscored their opposition with a combined score of 30-2.Tritons forward, Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd captured the championship game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after scoring the first two goals in the final. Esquimalt goaltender Petty Officer Second Class Marc-Andre Bibeau was named overall tournament MVP after recording two shutouts and allowing just two goals in four games. The Canada West regionals served as their qualifier for the Canadian Armed Forces National Old Timers Hockey Championship at CFB Edmonton, March 2 to 7. Triton’s Team Manager and Assistant Captain, Petty Officer First Class Robert Tibbetts says the team’s success came after months of preparation including playing in senior men’s tournaments in Port Hardy, Richmond, and here in Victoria. “It was a great team win as we fulfilled our goal of competing in the national finals,” said PO1 Tibbets. “Our goal since the beginning of the season has been to...

[caption id="attachment_20302" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two naval officers who recently commanded Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix say the oiler has become a vital part of Canadian naval operations.The NRU is the military wing that oversees replenishment at sea (RAS) operations aboard Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix. On Feb. 6, the commercially-owned auxiliary replenishment vessel left CFB Esquimalt with a crew of 45 military and 36 civilians in support of warships HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Regina. Lieutenant Commander James Classen, who commanded RAS operations on board Asterix from Aug. 2 to Dec. 18, 2018, says from a military technology perspective there is nothing advanced or noteworthy about Asterix. It is not well-equipped for battles at sea like a warship. But that’s not its purpose, says LCdr Classen. What Asterix does do is deliver the goods, thereby providing something vitally important to Canada’s naval fleet: endurance.“It’s all about endurance, plain and simple, for warships,” said LCdr Classen, who is currently the officer in charge of HMCS Chicoutimi. “It’s fulfilling our requirement of replenishing our ships at sea. We are able to keep our warships out in our theatre of operations for extended periods and provide them with fuel, food and rations.”For this most recent deployment, Asterix will operate in support of Regina, and Ottawa as the ships transit to Hawaii. From there, it will accompany Regina to the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Projection and Operation Artemis.Project Resolve MV Asterix is leased to the navy by private firm Federal Fleet Services as part of Project Resolve. The modern, German-built container ship had previously operated for five years by Capital Ship Management of Greece and was turned into a supply ship under a procurement contract with the Government of Canada. It was stripped down and converted by...