News

Lt(N) Paul LePrieur, HMCS Calgary ~HMCS Calgary is leading the way on environmental protection.It became the first ship in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to install an engineering change for use of fresh water as their ballasting medium to achieve compliance with the recently ratified International Maritime Organizations Ballast Water Management Convention. Fresh water is generated from the ship’s reverse osmosis desalination units and eliminates the threat of transferring aquatic invasive species in the ship’s ballast water.Ballasting is necessary for ship stability to adjust for varying sea states and loads. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by pumping in sea water directly from the environment. However, this can be a transport mechanism for thousands of species, including hard to detect life such as larva of aquatic animals, or microbes. These non-native species can overrun local ecosystems without the checks and balances of predators, or the natural competition of their original environment.Many invasive species to Canada have the potential to be carried in ballast water, such as the Zebra Mussel, European Green Crab and Japanese Skeleton Shrimp. Reports indicate these invasions have caused approximately $54 billion in damage worldwide in the last five years alone.Zebra mussel is a well-known example, having colonized many of North America’s inland water ways, now reaching as far west as California and being detected on recreational craft entering B.C. Zebra mussels completely cover surfaces in newly established waters, suffocating native mussels, clams and plants, altering the food chain, and even the water composition through its filter feeding. Severe economic impacts occur through the clogging of water intakes and fouling in-water structures and vessels. It has been speculated the first wave of the invasion was started by ballast water released into the Great Lakes in the late 1980s from a vessel originating in the mussel’s native Black Sea habitat.In...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Award-winning athlete Lieutenant(N) Nicholas Lightbody has reached new heights after his second-place finish in the Open Age Ironman Canada 70.3 race at Whistler, B.C. Lightbody, formerly at Base Information Services (BIS) and currently posted to HMCS Discovery, recorded a personal best time of 4:09:10 in the Subaru racing series event held under a scorching summer sun on July 29. “I’m absolutely ecstatic about the race; it shattered all my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with how everything came together,” said Lt(N) Lightbody. The race was half the distance of a standard Ironman race and involved a 1.9 kilometre swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run.  Competitors battled extreme heat with temperatures topping out at 35°C with higher humidex values. The 26-year-old was runner-up in a field of 1,150 amateur competitors from across Canada and around the world. With his second place finish, Lt(N) Lightbody beat his personal best by 15 minutes. After crossing the finish line with his arms raised above his head in celebration he was quick to congratulate his coach Mike Neill from Victoria’s Human Powered Racing.“All the hard work that I have been putting in during training has been paying off,” said Lt(N) Lightbody. “Mike has created a great program that has help cultivate me into the athlete that I currently am.”Lt(N) Lightbody started off strong in the opening swimming portion of the race and was first out of the water with a time of 25:30. He was particularly surprised by his performance in the half marathon portion of the event where he finished 1:23:21. But he still wasn’t fast enough to catch winner Holtham Elliot of Canada, who bettered Lt(N) Lightbody by just 20 seconds. Holtham is an accomplished competitor who won the 2014 Ironman Australia, and so is third-place...

Lt(N) Tristan Robertson, HMCS Ottawa ~On the heels of completing the Rim of the Pacific exercise and during a busy summer schedule, HMCS Ottawa put their training to good use when the ship aided an 18-foot recreational vessel Aug. 4. The boat had lost power 15 nautical miles south of the island of Oahu. Ottawa was at sea for a two-day Canadian Leaders at Sea sail, with guests embarked to experience life at sea in the navy. Guests were afforded the unexpected opportunity to witness a real-world search and rescue situation in which the ship’s company employed its response organization and capabilities.As Ottawa transited to Pearl Harbor, the ship’s bridge team monitored radio transmissions between a vessel requesting assistance and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). When the Commanding Officer, Commander Alex Barlow ascertained the vessel in distress was in the immediate area he offered his ship’s assistance. Once Ottawa reached the disabled vessel, a team from the ship’s Marine Systems Engineering department was sent to affect repairs. Lt(N) Alanna Foscarini, PO2 Michael Tatton, and LS Richard Tessier embarked on the vessel and dealt with a challenging sea state, an unstable deck, and an unfamiliar engine as they attempted to resolve the mechanical issues. Ultimately it was determined the damage to the vessel’s engine was irreparable by ship staff, and the vessel would require a tow. Ottawa coordinated and prepared the vessel to be towed by the USCG and remained on scene until the towing vessel arrived.The ship received a “Bravo Zulu” from the RAdm E. Lunday, Commander of 14th United States Coast Guard District, who highlighted that Ottawa’s “quick and professional response ensured the search and rescue situation did not worsen,” and that the ship “demonstrated the superb teamwork that is the hallmark of Canada-US operations at sea.”

Victoria Police ~An Esquimalt man is in custody facing four charges of sexual assault following a year-long investigation into a series of historical sexual assaults. Special Victims Unit investigators believe there are likely more victims.Kit Wong, a 71-year-old Esquimalt man, faces four charges of sexual assault related to historical sexual assaults involving four women. Wong was working as an acupuncturist, massage therapist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine out of his home-based business in Esquimalt. Several of the incidents are reported to have occurred there between 2005 and 2006.Wong previously served as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Although not a member of the medical staff, he practiced traditional Chinese medicine on service members. Given Wong’s career with the Canadian military, his work as an instructor and practitioner of acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine during the time of the allegations, investigators believe there could be more unidentified victims, both in the Esquimalt community and across Canada. Investigators believe these victims could include current and former serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, current and former students of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as members of the wider community.“These alleged sexual assaults left these women feeling powerless,” said Special Victims Unit Detective Graeme Leblanc. “Our investigation indicates that Kit Wong’s position in the Canadian Armed Forces and in the community left women hurt by this man, feeling as though they could not come forward. It doesn’t matter who the suspect is. We will listen.”If you are a victim or have information regarding Kit Wong that you would like to share with police, investigators are asking you to call our non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. Alternatively, you can contact the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre at (250) 383-3232. If you are a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces and need support,...

[caption id="attachment_19366" align="alignnone" width="590"] LS Nicholas Dipersio (centre) presents the unit’s new morale patch that he designed to LCdr Tyson Bergmann, Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU) Commanding Officer, and CPO2 Eric Pohoney, PCTU Coxswain.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The sailor who created the Patrol Craft Training Unit’s (PCTU) first morale patch admits the words colourful or cartoonish often come to mind when people first see his design.Leading Seaman Nicholas Dipersio purposely choose a cartoon-style portrayal of an Orca whale at the helm of a PCTU vessel as a nod to bygone days of naval art.“The whole intent was to be cartoonish and represent the old school ways that morale patches used to look,” said LS Dipersio. “The idea to make the patch less rigid and more light-hearted in nature came from naval tradition and some of the older design ideas that were painted on the side of Canadian warships during the Second World War.”He was presented the first patch by Lieutenant-Commander Tyson Bergmann, PCTU’s Commanding Officer, and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Eric Pohoney, PCTU Coxswain, on Aug. 10. The embroidered patches will be worn on the naval combat jackets of the 70 men and women who work aboard the unit’s eight Orca-class Patrol Vessels, which are used to train personnel from Naval Fleet School Pacific and the Naval Officer Training Centre.Historically, patches boost morale and build unit pride. PCTU’s patch also has two red maple leafs bordering an inscription that trumpets the unit’s motto: Training Leaders Building Confidence.LS Dipersio, 35, has served eight years in the Royal Canadian Navy, and studied graphic design. The concept behind the logo was developed in early June with his co-worker LS James Hopper. He then put pencil to paper and came up with the design. After getting approval he made a digital rendering, so the...

[caption id="attachment_19363" align="alignnone" width="591"] Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, inspected the platoon and addressed each graduate.[/caption]A/SLt S. L. Delaney, MARPAC PA Office ~It was the best of military splendour, with a nod to Aboriginal culture, at last week’s Raven graduation.More than 120 family, friends and guests looked on Aug. 14, as 24 Aboriginal recruits earned their Ordinary Seaman rank after completing their basic military qualification this summer. Some parents travelled from as far as Ontario to witness this milestone in their child’s life.The Raven Indigenous Youth Program is a transformative six weeks where recruits aged 16 to 21 learn basic military skills, teamwork and leadership and share elements from their respective First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures. The National Band of the Naval Reserve primed the audience with a diverse set of tunes as the graduates prepared to march onto the parade square. Five Métis students were presented waist sashes – a symbol of pride and nationhood – just before the parade. A teepee was set up at the side of the Work Point parade square with two Aboriginal drummers and two dancers in full regalia performing for the audience. At the final beat of the drum the graduating platoon marched on to the parade square to face their guests. They displayed poise and unity in their drill movements, a testament to their training from Naval Fleet School Pacific instructors.Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, inspected the platoon and addressed each graduate. As the National Band of the Naval Reserve played the ethereal theme song from Band of Brothers, a doe and her fawn walked quietly across the parade square. Raven’s spiritual advisor and Elder, Elmer George from the Songhees Nation shared an Aboriginal blessing, and Padre Lt(N) Lara-Ann Bowditch led the Naval Prayer. Awards and...

[caption id="attachment_19352" align="alignnone" width="591"] Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Goodwin displays two Double Dark Chocolate Cookies. The cookies are produced by Whey2Good Cookies, a company started by PO2 Goodwinand his classmates as part of a school project for Royal Roads University’s School of Business. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Royal Canadian Navy sailor and his classmates at Royal Roads University say they’ve found a fundraising recipe “whey” too good to resist.As part of his studies for a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, Chief Petty Officer Matthew Goodwin, a Regional Unit Chief for Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU), and four fellow students recently launched their own cookie company called Whey2Good Cookies.  Their assignment is not just about building a profitable small business, but, according to CPO2 Goodwin, it’s also about providing a healthier snack alternative for people on the go, and a bit of community give back. They will be graded on building a successful e-commerce business through product marketing, digital sales and promotion via social media. They are responsible for manufacturing, packaging and selling their product to the public, with their marks dependent on sales and marketing techniques.Each cookie retails for $3. They are free from preservatives, have 16 grams of protein and use natural coconut palm sugar and coconut oil. They come in two varieties: a dark double chocolate cookie made of ginger, cinnamon and a hint of Cayenne pepper and Himalayan sea salt, and English vanilla toffee that has a crispy and crunchy toffee bottom and a hint of vanilla.“They are made with organic ingredients and by tasting them you would never know what’s in them and how healthy they are,” said CPO2 Goodwin. “We wanted to offer our customers something quick and healthy to eat while on the go and at the same time provide an alternative to mass-produced, store bought energy bars.”Profits from sales won’t be going to the shareholders or boosting their own bank accounts. Instead, after their baking and supply costs,...

[caption id="attachment_19348" align="alignnone" width="592"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]A boisterous crowd of family, friends and co-workers were on hand in Dockyard last Friday as HMCS Vancouver returned from a four-month deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. From April 3 to June 25, Vancouver participated in Operation Projection, conducting forward naval presence operations and participating in several naval exercises with partner nations. Immediately afterwards Vancouver headed to Hawaii to take part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world’s largest maritime military exercise.

M.X. Déry, Contributor ~After a month of complaining in an open forum about drivers, e-bikers, cyclists and pedestrians, I have received several comments in person, by email and via Facebook about all of the above topics. I will also have to eat crow since I have made some minor errors in my rantings.The motor-assisted cycle piece received the most reader approval, with all commenters agreeing that a 1300W scooter had no business in the bike lane.While avid cyclists agreed with my commentary on jaywalkers and the alarming frequency that they are nearly struck by vehicles passing them or cutting them off, readers seemed silent on the topic of stop signs. Many readers shared stories of near misses with motor vehicles in and around the base.The military police were quick to point out that headphones are another problem they see on base that I didn’t mention. Another sore topic was the MP gate, with cyclists failing to dismount and follow the sentry’s instructions. This may very well lead to that gate being shut permanently if cyclists can’t obey the rules in the future.The most vocal group were pedestrians, who, upon hearing any portion of my commentary was about them, said that I should write about bicycles burning through stop signs. Luckily, I could reply that I had covered that topic in the previous edition.When talking about jaywalkers, I wrote that this was the top infraction MPs regularly ticket for, but I later learned that while it is the top infraction, they do not regularly ticket for this dreadful behaviour.Another point of contention with readers was my statement that cyclists are supposed to remain one metre from the curb. Admittedly, the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act states that, with the exception of a few highways, bicycles are vehicles that can take up a whole...

Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~The Invictus Games comes with all the excitement of a large international sporting event, including stadium venues, cheering fans, skilled competitors from around the world, and plenty of training beforehand.Athletes, coaches and volunteers were in Halifax July 25 for the team’s final group training camp before the 2018 Invictus Games, being held in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 20-27.At the end of training Canada’s 2018 team was officially announced.Team Captain, Maj (Retired) Robert Hicks, described the group as “representative of all three Canadian Armed Forces elements, with diverse backgrounds and different experiences with injury, illness and recovery.”“But what’s shared is that everyone here has sacrificed in service of their country, whether their injuries were physical, or involved mental health, or a combination of the two,” he said. Venues for the training camp included the STADPLEX, Dockyard and Shearwater gyms, as well as MacDonald Beach, the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, and Beazley Field in Dartmouth.BGen Mark Misener, Commanding Officer of the Joint Personnel Support Unit and Mission Head for Canada’s Invictus team, was also in Halifax for the training camp, and said he’s been inspired by the dedication shown from Team Canada. For some, being in Halifax among peers and overcoming social isolation is a success in its own right, with the physical training adding to the intensity of the week. “These athletes have faced great adversity and they’ve met that challenge. They’ve actively chosen to bolster their recovery through sport, and through reconnecting with family, peers and community,” he said.Canadians are encouraged to follow along with Team Canada on social media at www.facebook.com/TCInvictusEC as the athletes continue to prepare for October, and to tune in on television and online for the main event in Sydney this fall.About InvictusFounded in 2014 and with subsequent events in 2016 and 2017,...

[caption id="attachment_19323" align="alignnone" width="592"] Left photo: Luigi Micco is presented the Unsung Hero Award by Deputy Minister Jody Thomas. Right photo: Dustin Williams is awarded the Emerging Leader Award by Deputy Minister Jody Thomas. Photos by Cpl Michael MacIsaac, Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) – Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two employees from Esquimalt’s Real Property Operations Pacific (RPOps) have been recognized with the prestigious Deputy Minister Award for Excellence. Electrician Luigi Micco of RPOps’ electrical shop won this year’s Unsung Hero Award, while Dustin Williams, manager of the unit’s Water Fuel and Environment department took the Emerging Leader Award. The Celebrating Excellence Awards Program represents the highest expression of recognition under the Department of National Defence (DND) Awards and Recognition Policy. The pair were among 44 recipients honoured during a June 15 ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa with Deputy Minister of National Defence Jody Thomas and Chief of Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance among dignitaries. The award recipients received a scrolled certificate signed by Minister Thomas along with a piece of handcrafted Canadian art. Micco, 57, has worked as an electrician for DND since 1984 and said he was “thrown aback” when he first opened an email earlier this year telling him he had won the award. “I am just a little fish from Esquimalt who does his job and loves his work,” said Micco. “If people are happy with the work I do then I’m happy. I never thought my work would be recognized with such a prestigious national award.”He was nominated for the award by Gerald Bennie, RPOps A Electrical Systems Business Manager, who described Micco as a dedicated worker who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and is always ready to spring into action. That includes responding to calls about alarm problems at the base at all hours of the night or teaching himself how to repair new electrical devices and technology on his own time. “I have a lot of...

[caption id="attachment_19309" align="alignnone" width="591"] MS Thibault receives his gold medal at the CAF Combatives Grappling Tournament.[/caption]A/SLt Jesse Grigor, ContributorMaster Seaman Lee Thibault’s elation and pride poured into each word as he detailed his impressive performance at the CAF Combatives Grappling Tournament in Petawawa, ON, in June, and the people who made it all possible.His win in the heavyweight division, his third national title, was his toughest to date. When asked how this title compared to the previous two, MS Thibault tipped his hat to his opponents and noted this was the toughest tournament he has competed in. “The division was stacked,” he acknowledged without any reservations.This year’s CAF Combatives Grappling Tournament surpassed previous tournaments in competitors and online viewers. The tournament was live-streamed and had approximately 80,000 watching online at any given time. In total, 164 men and women from the army, navy, air force, including special operations forces, from privates to lieutenant colonels, took to the mats to compete in the growing sport of combatives, also known as grappling or submission wresting. The tournament format was double-elimination - two losses and competitors were eliminated. Winning his first two matches on points, MS Thibault entered the semi-finals undefeated, but came up short in a grueling semi-finals match. However, because his semi-final loss was his first, and each of his opponents had all lost a match heading into the semi-finals, he was able to enter the finals, only to face off against the opponent who beat him in the semi-finals.“Because I was facing off against the guy who had just beat me I was mentally shaken and I needed to wake up,” MS Thibault admitted. His father and life-long coach, Mike Thibault, a retired military police, had been meticulously studying both his son and his opponent during their matches throughout the tournament...

[caption id="attachment_19306" align="alignnone" width="591"] HMCS Ville de Québec’s embarked Helicopter Air Detachment is the first crew to deploy with the RCAF’s new maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~A new milestone for Canadian maritime aviation was reached on July 18 when HMCS Ville de Québec set sail for Operation Reassurance along with an embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter and Helicopter Air Detachment. The departure marks the first operational deployment for the new helicopter, and the result of more than three years of testing, evaluation, and training.Col Sid Connor, Wing Commander at 12 Wing Shearwater, was on hand to speak with the air crew and support staff at the jetty before they left for the roughly six-month deployment, which will focus on supporting NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe.“This is an amazing change for our air crews, and this is the start of the next chapter in maritime helicopter operations, working with the Navy wherever Canada chooses to send us. It’s a very exciting time,” Col Connor said.The Cyclone, manufactured by Sikorsky, comes with numerous technological improvements compared to the CH-124 Sea King fleet, including flight speed, distance, sensors and communications. The Cyclone flies from a frigate with the same four-person air crew as the Sea King, but with many tasks now being automated, personnel are free to do more to support the ship.“What’s changed is the types of tasks they’ll do, the range of tasks they’re able to do, and the amount of effectiveness the crews will get out of the equipment,” Col Connor added.The mission will mainly involve supporting NATO assurance and deterrence measures in the Baltic and Mediterranean. The ship is set to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, a naval force composed of ships from various allied countries, in...

[caption id="attachment_19303" align="alignnone" width="591"] MARPAC Team arrives into Camp Heumensoord at the end of the day’s marching on July 17. Photo by Combat Camera[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A stomach virus that sidelined two members of the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Nijmegen marching team didn’t stop the team from completing their mission in the Netherlands.While blisters from the day-long marches and heat exhaustion from the hot and humid temperatures are common obstacles during the event, this year’s team had to battle another enemy. On the final days of the marches approximately 20 members of the Canadian Armed Forces 170-person contingent were sickened by a stomach virus. MARPAC’s team leader, Lieutenant (Navy) Haley van Poorten said her team had been performing exceptionally well for the first two days of the event. Overnight, shortly before the 03:45 start on Day 3, she experienced nausea and fever and was placed in isolation for over 48 hours. Then on the final day of the march a second member of the MARPAC team began experiencing similar symptoms and was also placed in isolation. She described the bug as a “mystery” virus and more like a 24-hour flu. “Anyone in the [Canadian] contingent who reported to the MIR with such symptoms was put in isolation as a precaution,” said Lt(N) van Poorten. “It was a hard decision by the medical staff, but they had to consider the health and safety of the entire camp, which held over 5,000 military members and the other participants and onlookers.”The loss of the team’s leader meant Second In Command, Petty Officer First Class Rayon Murdock took over the leadership duties. Lt(N) van Poorten says the shakeup was disruptive for the team’s well-practised marching formation. “We have been conducting intensive training for this event since the end of February and this was a...

[caption id="attachment_19300" align="alignnone" width="591"] Outgoing CFB Halifax Base Commander Capt(N) Paul Forget, left, and the new Base Commander Capt(N) David Mazur.[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident ~It was 15 years ago that Captain (Navy) David Mazur was last posted to Halifax, serving in HMCS Halifax as the ship’s Command Control Information Officer.Since then, he has built a diverse resume that includes Canadian Fleet Pacific Operations Officer, Commanding Officer of HMCS Vancouver, and Commanding Officer of Sea Training Pacific.His latest tasking will make full use of that experience as he settles in as Base Commander of Canada’s largest military base.He officially took command of CFB Halifax July 11 from Capt(N) Paul Forget.“I couldn’t be happier to be back in Halifax. I recognize the key role CFB Halifax plays in supporting the fleet and other operations, and it’s clear that I’m taking over the helm of a very dedicated and professional team,” he said during the change of command.He thanked the outgoing Base Commander for his work and leadership in the position as well Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), for having confidence in him to lead the base through the coming years, and his family, including wife Marise and sons Kevin and Eric, who attended the ceremony.Along with senior leaders and a cross-section of uniformed and civilian employees, the change of command was also attended by Arthur J. Leblanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; Halifax Mayor Mike Savage; Halifax Regional Police Chief Jean Michel Blais; and other members of the wider community, highlighting the links that exist between the base and the Halifax Regional Municipality.In his address RAdm Baines noted that being a good community neighbour and maintaining relationships with all levels of government is one of the ways the job differs from other command appointments.“The job of base commander is a complex...

[caption id="attachment_19296" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]HMCS Calgary sailed out of Esquimalt Harbour July 31 and onward to the Asia-Pacific region for Operation Projection, a five month deployment. The ship will conduct naval presence operations in the region. It will also support international naval exercises with partners, and make port visits in five countries. These visits support Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the region.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Esquimalt Tritons overcame a winless start at the Canadian Armed Forces Ball Hockey Championship at CFB Borden to capture the tournament’s silver medal.The Canada West’s representatives from Esquimalt suffered three consecutive losses in the tournament’s round robin phase, but rallied with two playoff victories.On Aug. 1 they scored an 8-4 win over CFB Kingston, who represented the Ontario Region, and then later that day got a 4-1 victory over CFB Greenwood of the Atlantic Region in the semi-final game.In the Aug. 2 championship game the Tritons fell 5-2 to Quebec Champions from CFB Bagotville but still managed to capture the tournament’s silver medal.Player-coach Master Seaman John Helpard, says getting the team’s runner-up medal after the final buzzer was a special moment for him and five of his teammates, who have played with the Tritons for the past 11 years and have had little to crow about.“This is the team’s first appearance ever in a final since I’ve been playing and everyone is very excited to be going home with a silver medal,” said MS Helpard, who works as combat instructor with the Naval Personnel Training Group. “This is a huge milestone for us. Our opponents from Quebec had an amazing team and deserve full credit for their victory.”Esquimalt qualified for the nationals after defeating Cold Lake in the Canada West regional qualifying tournament championship game on June 14 at CFB Wainwright. MS Helpard said the Tritons’ playoff success at the nationals could be attributed to making use of their entire roster of players during the round robin phase. This was a game-changer as the tournament wore on because it allowed his players to get the necessary playing time and jell together as a team, while also allowing key players to save their energy for the playoffs.MS...

[caption id="attachment_19284" align="alignnone" width="591"] Rugby players from the base, Petty Officer First Class Jay Jimmo, Petty Officer Second Class Marc-Andre Bibeau, and Leading Seaman Lionel Achari recently participated in a match against the British Royal Air Force. Photo by LS Derek Rowland[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Three sailors from Esquimalt have been chosen as starters to represent the new Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) rugby team in international competition.Petty Officer First Class Jay Jimmo of the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), Petty Officer Second Class Marc-Andre Bibeau, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) and Leading Seaman Lionel Achari, HMCS Regina have been named to the fledgling rugby program’s permanent roster after their strong performances during an international match against the British Royal Air Force, last month at CFB Edmonton. The match served as a selection camp ahead of next year’s biennial International Rugby Defence Championships (IRDC) in Japan, which Canada hopes to participate in in the future.“I was completely honoured to be selected for the Canadian Forces national team, not just for myself but also for Maritime Forces Pacific and my home rugby team the West Shore Velox,” said PO1 Jimmo, starting Tighthead Prop of the CAF team. “It’s a chance for all of the players to make an impact on developing the game for Canada’s military.”Rugby is taking its first on the road to becoming a CAF-sanctioned sport. Invitations to the quadrennial tournament have yet to be sent out but PO1 Jimmo says he and his teammates are hopeful that they will be in Japan when play kicks off in Oct. 2019.The CAF side’s inexperience as a team showed on the pitch in Edmonton as the British airmen easily dispatched their challengers with a lopsided 100-10 win. Over 30 players took part in the international match and they were competing for 23 spots and...

[caption id="attachment_19281" align="alignnone" width="591"] From left to right: Ordinary Seaman Basic Raelinn Parenteau, Ordinary Seaman Basic Konnor Issaluk, Ordinary Seaman David Inglangasuk. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]NCdt S.L. Delaney, MARPAC PA ~This summer, 24 Indigenous youth from across Canada are gathered in Esquimalt for six-weeks of sharing culture and training with the Royal Canadian Navy. Now in its sixteenth year, the Raven Program invites Indigenous youth to experience the military lifestyle through immersive training that teaches basic military skills while honouring cultural customs. The current students have travelled from eight different provinces and territories, representing Métis, Inuit, and First Nations people. After arriving in Esquimalt, the students are sworn in as Naval Reserve members of the Canadian Armed Forces. From there, they dive right into the first phase of the program with a four-day culture camp in Nanoose Bay. There, they gather with Elders to learn Métis, Inuit and First Nations teachings. While partaking in team-building activities, raising a teepee and sharing in a sacred fire, the students are also building a foundation of trust in their peers and in themselves to carry them through the demanding military training that awaits.And the training is rigorous. Waking up at 5:00 a.m., the candidates fill their days learning new skills like first aid, orienteering and weapons handling, all the while maintaining a steady schedule of physical training, drill and inspections. In fact, in six short weeks, the students will earn their full Basic Military Qualification. Graduates can then elect to continue on as a Naval Reservist or transfer to the Regular Force. In the last five years, Raven has seen 168 graduates, with 21 members retained in the reserve force, and nine members transferring into the regular force. Beyond recruiting and retention, the program also builds awareness and fosters relationships...

[caption id="attachment_19278" align="alignnone" width="591"] HMCS Vancouver fires an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile during a missile exercise while the ship participates in RIMPAC. In the background is Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Toowoomba. Photo by Lt(N) Tony Wright[/caption]Lt(N) Tony Wright and Lt(N) Clayton Erickson ~After completing Op Projection Asia-Pacific 18-01, which saw the ship patrol and conduct strategic outreach throughout the Western Pacific, HMCS Vancouver began the 2018 Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC) by conducting a missile firing exercise (MISSILEX), successfully launching two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM). This MISSILEX served several important functions.  The event was both a test of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) tactics and procedures as well as a key opportunity to further technical and engineering knowledge. Staff from the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre (CFMWC), Naval Engineering Testing Establishment, and Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton were on board to see how the ship’s systems behave in a realistic, operational scenario and collect detailed information on the ship’s radars, weapon systems, and command and control systems. It isn’t very often that the RCN gets a chance to do firings like this, so making the most of the opportunity to benefit force development and force generation by involving a wide range of personnel is important.The ship’s company began preparing for this exercise well before deploying on Op PROJECTION Asia-Pacific in April. During the ship’s Pacific voyage, staff from CFMWC, and Naval Fleet Schools Pacific and Atlantic joined Vancouver to conduct Missile Readiness Inspection (MRI) training for the Operations Department.This training phase ensured that Vancouver was ready to conduct the firings safely and in accordance with doctrine and procedures. MRI staff also inspected the ship’s technical readiness to ensure that Vancouver was materially able to support the test and research objectives.During MRI training, the Operations Department practiced fighting...

[caption id="attachment_19275" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by LCdr Erik Poirier[/caption]Lt(N) G. Alex Low ~NCdt Belanger, a reservist from HMCS Champlain, was on watch on PCT Raven 56 practising coastal navigation, during his Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) III course, in Desolation Sound when he spotted smoke rising from the shore on East Redonda Island and immediately reported to ship staff.On closer inspection, they saw that one of three newly built homes was engulfed in flames. Raven staff immediately notified the BC Wildfire Service and developed a plan to assist. Raven cautiously approached the area and launched a shore reconnaissance party by zodiac with Raven ’s Medical First Responder and Cook, LS Keddy onboard. The priority was to ensure that there were no casualties or personnel unaware of the unfolding events. With confirmed air assets from BC Wildfire Services approaching, and confirmation of no casualties, the shore party was later directed to evacuate the entire area. As the fire and the number of boats & observers grew, Raven and her zodiac enforced a waterborne perimeter around the shore fire, enabling the airborne response, both helicopter and fixed wing assets, to the affected areas.Awaiting the response, the crew of Raven embarked civilian personnel affected by the fire, providing them with provisions and shelter as most had been in the elements for some time. On holidays from North Carolina, many guests documented and shared the unfolding story on social media, while others sought the air conditioning and comfort of Raven’s training room.Raven’s encounter with a shore fire was a great introduction for young NWO trainees and Patrol Craft Training Unit staff to the dangers and responsibilities unexpectedly faced by Royal Canadian Navy personnel during standard patrols and training. The lessons of team coordination, keeping the ship, her company, and civilian personnel safe, as well as...

[caption id="attachment_19263" align="alignnone" width="591"] Ordinary Seaman Horvat. Photo by NCdt S.L. Delaney[/caption]NCdt S.L. Delaney, MARPAC PA OJT ~Summer employment has never been more robust for naval reservists. This year, the Primary Reserves have launched the Full-Time Summer Employment (FTSE) program that enhances the role and capability of the Reserves by offering full-time summer employment to reservists in their first four years of service. FTSE is a direct response to the Government of Canada’s commitment to force generation throughout the Royal Canadian Navy, and is a specific initiative in Strong, Secure, and Engaged, Canada’s Defence Policy.“We want to provide fresh and varied experiences for our sailors and encourage them to be proactive and engaged in furthering their careers,” says Leading Seaman Humphrey, one of two FTSE facilitators for the Pacific region.There are currently 74 new naval reservists, hailing from reserve divisions across the nation, employed on the West Coast. These sailors are predominantly post-secondary students for whom full-time summer employment is always in demand. Over the summer, the sailors can progress in their trades through specific coursing, and work placements are offered between courses to provide hands-on experience that complements classroom learning. Reservists have been welcomed to work on board HMC Ships Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, as well as within the Patrol Craft Training Unit and Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton.LS Humphrey arranges placements that tailor the summer training experience for each member. “By working in a variety of short-term engagements, the sailors can galvanize their training and gain exposure to the array of duties they can expect to encounter within their military career,” he says.LS Moorhouse, the other FTSE facilitator for the Pacific region, says access to “definite, defined, and guaranteed summer employment allows reservists to coordinate their military training with their civilian schedules.”Members offered a basic military qualification or trade-specific...

Photo and story by SLt Louis Pierre Gosselier, Base PA OJT ~After reviewing the logo submissions for CFB Esquimalt’s upcoming premier event Defence on the Dock, one design stood out. The blush swoosh for waves and bold font, coupled with the tri-service badge, earned Acting Sub-Lieutenant Chantelle Klassen the win. “It immediately stood out; it is simple yet embraced the all-inclusive spirit of Defence on the Dock,” said Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander.The logo will be used on promotional material for the Sept. 30 event to be held at Ogden Point. A/SLt Klassen, a 24-year-old naval officer from Winnipeg, started doing graphic design as a hobby. “I was sketching some ideas and trying to adhere to the dock theme and thought the water under the docks would be a good image for this particular logo,” she said. “I always had an artistic interest and I’ve been using [computer] programs since I was young.” Lookout graphic designers will smooth out the design, create a french version, and prepare it for use on posters, social media videos, and other promotional tools. Defence on the Dock takes place at the Ogden Point cruise terminal A on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The event will highlight Canadian Armed Forces personnel and the work they do in defence of Canada and beyond and showcase their equipment.

SLt M.X. Déry, Contributor ~In this series of commentaries on bicycle safety, I address issues that cyclists face every day from motorists, pedestrians and even other cyclists. Most of what I write about has happened to me personally and are things that constantly grind my gears. I speak with subject matter experts to back up my complaints and perhaps after I have vented my spleen, cycling to work will be safer for everyone.More than once a week I have to slow down, stop, or ring my little brass bell because a pedestrian, lacking in situational awareness, has decided to cross the street where they shouldn’t. Don’t misunderstand me, I give way at crosswalks, as all cyclists must, but that is not what I am discussing here. I’m talking about the worst kind of pedestrian: the jaywalker.I regularly encounter a jaywalker who, when it is dark and quiet in the morning, decides to cross the street in the middle of nowhere without checking both sides because they don’t hear a car.With the increase in fully electric cars, cyclists aren’t the only quiet vehicles anymore, so relying on sound for a warning of danger could be deadly. Joggers, particularly with earbuds, are also often to blame for making the roads a nightmare for cyclists because they use the bike lane despite lacking in wheels, a seat, a frame, a bell… you get what I’m driving at.According to the Military Police, the top infraction they see committed by pedestrians on base, is jaywalking, which they regularly ticket.There are designated crosswalks and stop signs all over the base, but I see pedestrians cut across the road daily. To add insult to injury, they often cross in a diagonal pattern and cannot see vehicles approaching in their peripheral vision. Crossing perpendicular to the road isn’t just...

[caption id="attachment_19253" align="alignnone" width="592"] (Right photo) From left: Spitfire pilot Duke Warren; then-Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson; and Spitfire pilot Stocky Edwards meet up to view the refurbishment project of Spitfire Y2-K on July 28, 2007, in Comox.[/caption]Scott Stanfield, Comox Valley Record ~A rare Second World War aircraft returns to Comox this summer, coinciding with the launch of a legacy fund named after local legend Stocky Edwards.Efforts to re-construct Spitfire Y2-K began in Comox, British Columbia, nearly 20 years ago, but the plane has been at Vintage Wings Canada in Gatineau, Québec, for the past three years for wing assembly, finishing work and test flying. “She’s finally coming home for a visit,” says RCAF Colonel (Retired) Terry Chester. “It’s the culmination of 18 years of work.”Departing Gatineau in mid-July, the Spitfire will spend a week at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. “It then begins a journey that has never, ever been taken by a Spitfire before—across Canada,” Col Chester says.The aircraft will route through the U.S., come up through Winnipeg, Manitoba, and arrive in Comox in early August. “They don’t want to go over the top of the Great Lakes for very good reason,” he says. “This is a single engine [Second World War] airplane, and if their engine quits, they don’t have a place to land. So, they’re airport-hopping out here.”Pilot Dave Hadfield, brother of astronaut Chris Hadfield, will fly Spitfire Y2-K, which will be here for the Homecoming Celebration and carry out a fly past of the Comox Marina on British Columbia Day on Aug. 6.A fundraising campaign has been initiated to cover the costs of flying the aircraft across Canada, which covers fuel, aircraft fluids, maintenance and logistics. The campaign includes a sponsorship program, sales of souvenir items, and a banquet at 19 Wing on Aug. 8.Wing Commander James “Stocky” Edwards—an Order of Canada recipient—will be the guest of honour at the banquet, which will seat 350 to 400...

[caption id="attachment_19250" align="alignnone" width="300"] Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Last Thursday, five days after his 55th birthday, Canada’s Defence Staff Attaché to Washington, Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove called it a career and set out on a new uncharted course: his retirement. A Change of Command ceremony was held at the Embassy of Canada, Washington, DC, July 19, presided over by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant-General P.F. Wynnyk. Rear Admiral Truelove handed over his duties to Major General Simon Hetherington.RAdm Truelove says he savoured and enjoyed every moment of his days in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), including his final appointment as Canada’s Defence Attaché to the U.S. “To come here to Washington, D.C., and culminate my career as Defence Attaché has been incredible,” said RAdm Trulove during an over-the-phone interview. “Our military enjoys a great historical relationship with the United States military and these have indeed been interesting times to be here.”For three years he worked as the senior accredited military officer representing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Washington. Top on his agenda was maintaining and strengthening Canada’s relationship with the United States military and advising David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the United States. In his posting, he and his wife Brenda became Deans of the Washington Corps of Military Attachés, leading an organization that includes military representatives of 120 nations.The Change of Command closes a 37-year career. While his career finishes in the United States, his last appointment in Canada was Commander Maritimes Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific. He might never have reached that pinnacle position if it weren’t for helping hands early in his career. A vision problem was discovered in his left eye while he was attending Royal Roads Military College. It nearly led to his discharge. If not for the support...

[caption id="attachment_19246" align="alignnone" width="590"] Corporal Retired Scott Casey dips his rear tire in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean at the start of last year’s Rolling Barrage.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The haunting memories from a United Nations Peacekeeping mission in the Balkans in 1992 was the pivotal reason Corporal (Retired) Scott Casey became the President of non-profit Military Minds Inc. and founder of the motorcycle rally The Rolling Barrage.Paralyzed by the UN’s rules of engagement during the mission, the Royal Canadian Regiment soldier was forced to witness the killing of a mother and child as they carried water back to their home. The horrific memories of his seven-month deployment in the war-torn region still haunt him to this day and are the root of his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).“You can’t forget something like that; you just work through it and try to put it behind you,” said Casey. “All you can do is move forward.”Two years after the Balkans mission he retired from the military. Fifteens years after that he saw a need to join Military Minds and connect the thousands of military and civilian first responders suffering from PTSD to support programs. Tattooed on his arm are 53 bullets. Thirty nine of those bullets represent the lives of Canadian soldiers who died in action, while 14 represent the lives of soldiers who died from suicide since his 1992 tour in the Balkans. It’s a staggering number, says Casey. “I still experience PTSD symptoms to this day. Once you have it, it’s a chemical change in your body and it doesn’t go away,” he explains. “But that’s why I have created a national motorcycle rally to create awareness and understanding about PTSD and operational stress injury (OSI).”Now in its second year, The Rolling Barrage takes motorcyclists across Canada – from...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two senior naval officers at CFB Esquimalt relinquished their commands last week, and are now going down separate career paths, but doing it together. Married couple Commodore Marta Mulkins and Rear-Admiral Jeff Zwick have signed over their commands, packed their household, and are set to move to Ottawa. For Cmdre Mulkins, it is the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) Command that she handed over to Commodore Michael Hopper last Friday. Having reached the pinnacle of her 33-year career, she heads back to civilian life and a job in the Federal Public Service.The day before her change of command, husband of 12 years Jeff relinquished his command of Canadian Fleet Pacific to Commodore Angus Topshee.His next charge is Chief of Force Development, a Vice Chief of the Defence Staff branch position at NDHQ.Even though she’s heading full-time into a civilian job, Cmdre Mulkins will keep one foot in the naval reserves, serving as a part-time sailor. “I would say commanding NAVRES has probably been one of the richest, most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Cmdre Mulkins. “Being based in Victoria and in the heart of Maritime Forces Pacific and working with its fantastic leaders and staff has just been simply extraordinary.”As head of NAVRES she managed the 24 Naval Reserve stone frigates and approximately 3,000 reserve sailors. While that might seem impressive on its own, one might argue her greatest achievement is ploughing pathways for women in the navy. In 2003, she became the first female officer to command a warship in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving as commanding officer of HMCS Kingston, and then later headed Ottawa’s Naval Reserve Division HMCS Carleton. Other notables in her work portfolio include head of Strategic Communications at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and a six-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2006 as...

[caption id="attachment_19239" align="alignnone" width="591"] Rear Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Deputy Commander Combined Task Force Royal Canadian Navy, and Rear Admiral Ido Ben-Moshe, Head of Operations of the Israeli Navy, meet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie’s first order of business as the new Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) was to jet to Hawaii and take up post as Deputy Commander of the Combined Task Force for the Rim of the Pacific military exercise – dubbed RIMPAC.Now underway, RIMPAC is a biennial land, air and sea military exercise carried out in and around the waters of Hawaii and Southern California, involving 25,000 military personnel from 25 nations. Canada’s armed forces has substantial assets and personnel in the 26th edition of the exercise, including HMC Ships Vancouver, Ottawa, Yellowknife and Whitehorse, all Pacific Fleet warships under RAdm Auchterlonie’s new command.“It’s very exciting to be involved in this capacity; this is the biggest maritime exercise in the world. Canada, along with the United States and Australia, are RIMPAC’s founding members, and RIMPAC provides a great opportunity for Canadian Armed Forces members to work with partners from around the globe.”In his RIMPAC role, RAdm Auchterlonie works closely with Vice-Admiral John Alexander, Commander U.S. Third Fleet, to co-ordinate the multiple components of the combined task force. One of the main goals of RIMPAC is to foster and sustain those cooperative relationships. Those relationships play a role in helping to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes and the world’s interconnected oceans. This year’s exercise theme is Capable, Adaptive Partners. Building on that premise, drills span the scope of operations, from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control in today’s...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Canadian Armed Forces newspapers have once again proved they can compete on a national stage.Lookout, Trident and the Shilo Stag took first, second and third place in the best CAF newspaper category of News Media Canada’s yearly Canadian Community Newspaper competition.“Base papers have always been an essential tool for connecting the Defence Team with the local community,” said Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander and publisher of Lookout. “The team here at the Lookout excels not only through the stories they write, but also through the innovative ways they work to ensure CFB Esquimalt’s story is heard. I am proud of my team at the Lookout for the recognition they have received.”Even more impressive is the base newspapers’ individual wins in the open categories where community newspapers across Canada vie for a top placement. Lookout took another first place in the Best News Feature Photo – circulation up to 3,999 for “First Kiss” taken by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Technician. Shilo Stag scooped a second-place win for Best Photo Essay - circulation up to 3,999 by Jules Xavier, and Trident took second place for Best Spot News photo – circulation 12,500 and over for “Staying on their feet” by Mona Ghiz. “It is a testament to the quality of base papers that three of them, including the Lookout, have been recognized in categories over and above the Base Newspaper category,” added the Base Commander.LS Goluboff’s winning image was a candid shot of SLt Kassandra O’Rourke smooching her partner of seven years Eleni Holmes on HMCS Ottawa’s gangplank after the warship returned home from Poseidon Cutlass 17 in August 2017. “The win is also recognition of the quality of CAF Image Techs that a photo taken by MARPAC Imaging’s LS Mike Goluboff is named best news feature photo for...