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[caption id="attachment_19000" align="alignnone" width="591"] The final cut for this year’s team was made in early June. Here’s a list of this year’s participants: Lt(N) Haley van Poorten, Team Leader; PO1 Rayon Murdock, 2IC; Cpl Rhys Murphy, medic; Capt Gary Leblanc; Lt(N) Rebecca Granham; A/SLt Ashvin Chawla; CPO2 Armand Reelick; WO Nathan Verhoog; MS Kevin Simons; LS Luke Foebe; Cpl Javier Sanchez-Bringas. Alternates: Lt(N) Mike McKenna, and A/SLt Soheil Nasira.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you frequent the Galloping Goose Trail between Sooke and Victoria you may have noticed military members wearing CADPAT and rucksacks marching in formation. The group have been marching virtually three days per week since February, logging over 700 kilometres, to prepare for a march of a lifetime - the Four Days International Marches Nijmegen. After battling the sweat and blisters of training, Maritime Forces Pacific’s Nijmegen marching team is ready to put boots on the ground in the Netherlands July 17 to 20. The 13-member team includes two alternate marchers, and will be led by Lieutenant (Navy) Haley van Poorten. The annual event, now in its 102nd year, involves four days of 40 kilometre marches through the Dutch countryside. This year’s event is expected to draw approximately 47,000 participants. “Marching long distances in military boots takes its toll on your body and everyone reacts differently, but the most common injuries are blisters on toes and heals, and repetitive stress injuries in the ankle, hip, knee and shin,” said Lt(N) Haley van Poorten. “But it is to be expected, we have a positive attitude and deal with the injuries and any of the setbacks in a smart and open way, because trying to hide them means they will just get worse.”To cope with the tedium and build camaraderie the team often sings as they march. They aren’t the only...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Esquimalt Tritons ball hockey team were crowned Canada West champions after winning four of six games at a regional qualifying tournament at CFB Wainwright. The Tritons defeated Cold Lake in the June 14 Championship game and earned a berth in this year’s Canadian Armed Forces Ball Hockey Nationals at CFB Borden, July 28 to Aug. 3. Esquimalt’s only loss in the tournament was a 2-0 decision against the finalists in preliminary round action. They also defeated Winnipeg 5-1 and Edmonton 5-3 in round robin play, while settling for a 2-2 against Moose Jaw. The Tritons then defeated Edmonton 3-1 in their semi-final game.Triton’s player-coach Master Seaman John Helpard, who works as a combat instructor with the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), says most of his players are still buzzing about the big victory as they look forward to competing in the nationals.“We want the big one,” said MS Helpard. “I can tell the guys are all focused on the next tourney and I hope we can bring the trophy home.” Goaltender, Master Seaman Luke Pelletier of HMCS Edmonton earned Most Valuable Player of the Game Honours in the championship game as the Tritons took a 3-2 lead into the third period and hung on for the win.“We were on our heels for the majority of the final period but Luke stood on his head making the saves we needed to win the game,” said MS Helpard. “Every player on our team had a role to play and performed it perfectly, and it was amazing to see all the hard work pay off.”Key players in the victory included defencemen Master Seaman Pat McKarenan and Corporal Joel Roy, while Lieutenant (Navy) Braden Casper and Captain Jack Lawson were essential to the team’s goal-scoring success, said MS Helpard. MS Helpard...

[caption id="attachment_18994" align="alignnone" width="591"] Lieutenant-Commander Syrus Stogran, fleet school Division Commander, presents Christensen with well wishes from Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. Photo by MS Giovanni Onucky[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Students and fellow teachers past and present from Naval Fleet School Pacific are saying their fond farewells to beloved instructor Captain (Retired) Dave Christensen. Before his retirement last month, the 62-year-old was the only instructor at fleet school that could lecture on 14 subjects related to propulsion engineering, and the only instructor who could teach all the academic technical courses. Approximately 150 of Christensen’s friends, family and colleagues crowded into the Six Mile Pub for a May 30 retirement party, toasting an impressive teaching career that spanned five decades. “Dave is a teacher like no other,” said fellow instructor, Master Seaman Carl Leblond. “Fleet School will carry on, other instructors will follow, but no one will ever come close to replacing Dave.”It isn’t just his brilliance as a teacher of physics, electronics, propulsion engineering, and mathematics that MS Leblond and his peers rave about. He and many others describe Christensen as much more than just a “dedicated 24-7 instructor”, but also a mentor and true friend who was always willing to help well beyond the classroom walls. He offered extra help with studies to making repairs on cars free of charge at his home in Metchosin, based on the idea of “paying it forward”. “It’s the interaction with students that I am going to miss most,” said Christensen.RRMC and BeyondHis father Captain Otto (Chris) Christensen was a Danish immigrant who fought for Canada in the Second World War. So Christensen grew up on military bases at CFB Borden and Petawawa. After attending University of Victoria for one year, he entered Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) in 1974 at the age 18 as...

[caption id="attachment_18991" align="alignnone" width="591"] Over 60 volunteers from the ship’s company gather for a photo at the Homes for Hope campus, as they get ready to work on landscaping, renovation and painting projects at the Fiji charity.[/caption]Lt(N) Tony Wright, HMCS Vancouver ~During HMCS Vancouver’s final port visit of Operation Projection Asia-Pacific, over 60 volunteers from the ship’s company dedicated a day to help a local charity, Homes of Hope, fix up and expand their facilities just outside of Suva, Fiji.Homes of Hope is a Fiji-based charity working with young women and children who are victims of, or are vulnerable to, situations of forced sexual encounters, sexual exploitation, child abuse, and violence. It’s through direct care at their residential campus and community programs that Homes of Hope gives surviving victims the freedom to step away from the destructive cycles of forced sex, providing a fresh start of hope, freedom, dignity, and life. Volunteers from every department on the ship put their training to use, using their unique skill sets throughout the campus. Homes of Hope is working to expand the number of women and children who can stay at the residence, and also increase the size of their small farm. Vancouver’s crew spent the day clearing jungle, installing fence posts, enlarging and updating facilities in one dormitory, and painting another.“All of the work you’re doing here today is putting us ahead by at least two months,” said Mark Roche, Homes of Hope Director.Petty Officer First Class Stephen Rownd organized this opportunity for the ship’s company.“By providing personnel, equipment, and tools we were able to complete tasks they would normally not be able to complete on their own,” said PO1 Rownd. “We provided skilled trades-people that knew how to solve engineering issues at their facility.  Many of our crew were women, demonstrating to...

DND ~Over 1,000 Canadian sailors, soldiers, and aviators are set to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). The world’s largest international maritime exercise takes place June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.During RIMPAC, forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities, from disaster relief to maritime security operations and complex war fighting.Canada, along with Australia and the United States, has participated in every RIMPAC exercise since its inception in 1971.“Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continued participation reinforces Canada’s commitment to enhancing partnerships and security in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Joint Task Force RIMPAC. “RIMPAC offers a uniquely complex and challenging multinational environment for Canadian Armed Forces personnel to hone their skills. Our service men and women will represent Canada proudly, being leaders amongst allies.”Royal Canadian Navy participation includes over 675 sailors. Two frigates, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Ottawa and Vancouver, and one Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, MV Asterix, have deployed to Hawaii. Meanwhile two maritime coastal defence vessels, HMC Ships Yellowknife and Whitehorse, will operate off the coast of Southern California.Approximately 170 soldiers from the Canadian Army are at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. This includes a dismounted Infantry company group from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment.The Royal Canadian Air Force is sending approximately 45 members with a CP-140 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a deployable mission support centre.Additional CAF personnel are serving various coalition staff functions to support the exercise. There is also a national command and support team to ensure continued operational, logistical, and administrative support to deployed elements.

[caption id="attachment_18984" align="alignnone" width="591"] From the left: Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, the outgoing Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Command Joint Task Force (Pacific), Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, and Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie sign the Change of Command certificates with HMCS Calgary behind them on June 22. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie assumed command of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) in a Change of Command Ceremony involving two former shipmates in HMC Dockyard on June 22. In a ceremony presided over by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd,  Rear-Admiral Art McDonald had his Distinguishing Flag hauled down from the mast of HMCS Calgary that was docked alongside A-Jetty. “Admiral Lloyd sir, I stand ready to be relieved,” declared a saluting RAdm McDonald as responsibility for MARPAC and Joint Task Force Pacific was passed to RAdm Bob Auchterlonie. A gathering of approximately 250 attended the ceremony, including MARPAC senior leadership and their families, community leaders, and dignitaries that included the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Janet Austin. RAdm McDonald and RAdm Auchterlonie have worked together on several occasions and have forged a strong friendship over the years, both men noted in their remarks. “The RCN is a brotherhood and I spent three years with Art in Cabin No. 7 aboard Calgary,” said RAdm Auchterlonie to the crowd. “He is not only a great cabin mate but a great leader and will serve the RCN well as its new Deputy Commander.” RAdm McDonald now moves on to Ottawa to become Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). In his farewell address, RAdm McDonald took time to thank every unit within the formation by name. He made note of the wide-ranging success stories at MARPAC since...

[caption id="attachment_18961" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Labrador’s Communications department, circa 1955. Martin Smith is in the back row, sixth from the left.[/caption]CPO2 Rick Bungay, Sea Training Atlantic ~Recently I was approached through my HMCS Labrador Naval History social media page by a former crewmember of HMCS Labrador.HMCS Labrador, a Wind Class icebreaker, was the first warship to transit the Northwest Passage, in 1954. Martin “Smudge” Smith was a communicator onboard Labrador in 1955 during their operations in support of the installation of the Pine Tree line, and as a former RCN member wanted to reconnect with the RCN by donating books from his personal library.Knowing that HMCS Shawinigan was standing up their ship from a recent tiered readiness program and in need of new books, I accepted the donations on behalf of Shawinigan. Being a former member of the ship’s company who had been to the Arctic on many occasions, I realized the importance of having a diverse ship’s library of books to break up the long days at sea.I dropped by his home in Cole Harbour with my co-worker PO1 Branton and we presented him with a HMCS Shawinigan ball cap and an Operation Nanook challenge coin that had an image of his old ship Labrador. While we were there, he told me stories of his interesting career in the RCN. Of particular interest is one of the anecdotes about his time in Labrador. “In HMCS Labrador, all communications waste paper and message material had to be burnt, and as we were the communications vessel for the entire Pine Tree Line Task Force, waste accumulated rapidly. Burning was accomplished by reporting to the bridge and getting permission to hang a ‘do not use’ sign on the ship’s fog horn control. Then you went down into the engine room and climbed up...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~It was all hands on deck for volunteers from the Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) earlier this month as Victoria played host to the 2018 Melges 24 World Championship.The Canadian Forces Sailing Association was one of three host venues for the May 31 to June 9 international sailing competition that brought together 41 teams from five nations. Races were held on the Victoria waterfront between Saxe Point and Albert Head. The Royal Victoria Yacht Club and the Victoria International Marina also participated as hosting venues in the 10-race series. The CFSA was the main site for pre-event inspections carried out by race judges and officials to determine if the high-performance craft measured up to event specifications. The CFSA teamed up with the Songhees Nation, using Dallas Bank land to store the team’s boat trailers on site for the duration of the event. Giant cranes supplied by race organizers were used to lift and launch the boats from the CFSA docks.Then on June 2 the Songhees Wellness Centre hosted a special Melges 24 dinner for event organizers and competitors. Former CFSA Commodore, Commander (Retired) Bill Macdonald is a long-time sailor at the club and helped organize the CFSA’s contribution to the event. He noted the dinner put on by the Songhees Wellness Centre staff drew rave reviews, and also congratulated the volunteers in the Esquimalt community for making the event a success. “There was no problem getting people involved and I found that most of the competitors were blown away by the level of support provided by our team of volunteers,” said Macdonald. On the water a team from Italy led by Andrea Racchelli claimed the gold medal and took the Meleges 24 Worlds’ title. Their victory came on the final day of the competition, with teams from...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~As their way of saying “thanks for your service”, volunteers from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 will hand out coffee and donuts to military and civilian employees at the base as they arrive to work June 26.The friendly gesture is part of Legion Week celebrations across Canada from June 22 to 29 and is one of the national veteran’s association morale-boosting activities that week. “It is one way we can show our appreciation of their service and is a way for us to give back to veterans, seniors and the general community,” said Norm Scott, RCL 91 President. “It also helps the Royal Canadian Legion in our effort to get the message out to today’s younger generation of sailors, soldiers and aviators about the service and assistance programs we offer to them and their families.”On June 24, Branch 91 will host a Backyard Barbeque and Yard Sale at their headquarters at 761 Station Avenue in Langford. The party begins at 11 a.m. with free burgers, hot dogs, soda pop and water for all who attend, along with a bouncy castle for children and musical entertainment from the Royal Bay Secondary School R & B Band, the Victoria Square Dancers, and the Kathy White’s Island Highland Dance Academy. Then on June 29, RCL 91 will be the sponsor for a Military Night hosted by the Victoria Shamrocks Senior A box lacrosse team when they play the Nanaimo Timbermen at the Q Centre. The Branch Color Party will March on the Colors prior to the opening faceoff at 7:30 p.m.For more information about Branch 91 Legion Week events visit their website: http://rcl91.ca/

[caption id="attachment_18968" align="alignnone" width="590"] PO1 Marie-Perle Broadley (project manager), Lt(N) Vincent Roy (Commanding Officer and Director of Music), PO2 Steven Donegan and PO2 Bob Fearnley (project supervisors) with their new CD.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new compact disc showcasing the musical diversity of the Naden Band is set for release next week just in time for Canada Day.Seas of the Moon, a free promotional CD, will be available to the public starting June 22. The release of the CD brings to an end an eight-month process overseen by a team including Petty Officer Second Class Steven Donegan, who acted as project supervisor. “The CD really contains a smattering of everything we do, and gives people a true picture of what a professional military band is capable of,” said PO2 Donegan, who plays trumpet. Renowned Canadian composer Robert Buckley, who has collaborated with the band over the last few years, composed the title track on the album.  Buckley’s masterwork, he says, is a four movement piece of music that plays out much like chapters in a novel.Included on the CD is “The Dolphin March”, a march written by Naden Band bassoonist PO2 Robyn Jutras and presented as a gift to the Submariners Association of Canada in June 2017. “Scherzo for X-Wings”, a musical tour de force, composed by John Williams for the Hollywood blockbuster film Star Wars: The Force Awakens is also featured on the recording along with naval-themed works, marches and stage band original music composed by PO2 Barrie Sorensen.PO2 Donegan believes the tracks will be of interest to listeners unaccustomed to their work. The 35 full-time Regular Force musicians who make up the band perform at a wide array of public concerts, public events and engagements through the year. PO2 Donegan, 29, joined Canada’s military as a Reservist and member of...

[caption id="attachment_18955" align="alignnone" width="590"] Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, stands together with Chief R. Stacey Laforme, left, Chief Ava Hill, second from right, and Chief Frank Collison during a special ceremony that saw HMCS Haida commissioned as flagship of the RCN.[/caption]Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Haida has been designated flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to honour the courageous spirit of this legendary destroyer and all those who proudly served in her. Haida is the last remaining Second World War Tribal-class destroyer in the world. Moored in Hamilton, Ont., it is now a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada, welcoming visitors to learn about Canada’s remarkable naval history.A special ceremony, co-hosted by the RCN and Parks Canada on May 26, saw Haida commissioned as flagship of the RCN, 75 years after it was initially commissioned into service for Canada. The ceremony was part of a two-day community event during which Parks Canada launched its new Home Port Heroes program to ensure Canada’s Second World War naval heritage is remembered in communities across the country. The ceremony included warm greetings by Chief Ava Hill from the Six Nations of the Grand River, who highlighted the contributions of her people to the cause of freedom as evidenced by the numerous Indigenous veterans present. After his welcome to the First Nation Treaty lands, Chief R. Stacey Laforme from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation recited two poignant poems, one about Mother Earth and another touching upon sacrifice and remembrance. Adding to the historic significance of the occasion was the participation of two Haida Nation Hereditary Chiefs, Lonnie Young and Frank Collison, from the west coast of British Columbia. This was the first direct contact between the Haida Nation and their fabled namesake ship. To solidify...

[caption id="attachment_18965" align="alignnone" width="590"] Members of the CISM Sailing team: Lt(N) Samantha Morgan, Master Seaman Clayton Mills, Private Samuel Plamondon, and Captain Pierre Grignon prepare to depart the Boat House Docks in Naden for a training session on Esquimalt Harbour. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The emerald waters of Esquimalt Harbour became a scenic backdrop and a new beginning for Canada’s military sailing team.Eight athletes and support staff held a five-day training camp at the base in advance of the 50th World Military Sailing Championships, June 14 to 21 at the Finnish Naval Academy near Helsinki, Finland. It’s the first time Canada has participated in a Military CISM sailing event since the 2015 World Military Games in Mungyeong, South Korea.The training camp was co-hosted by Naval Fleet School (Pacific), Canadian Forces Sailing Association, and the Disabled Sailing Association of Victoria. Each day the team was hard at work launching their 23’ Sonar sailboats from the docks at the Naden boat shed, and then spending between eight and 12 hours on the water. Training was conducted under the watchful eye of coach Lauri Kalkkinen, a former member of Switzerland’s national sailing team and a former army Sergeant, who currently works as the Executive Director of the Alberta Sailing Association.“There are no returning sailors from 2014 on our team and our sailors are all coming from different levels of sailing,” said Kalkkinen. “Despite this, they have bonded and adapted very well. I enjoyed watching the transformation unfold and can see they are really getting together as a team and hitting their maneuvers a lot faster and more coordinated.”Kalkinen said the coaching position was a perfect fit for him since it incorporates both his expertise as a professional sailor along with his understanding and experience being a former soldier. The team’s...

[caption id="attachment_18952" align="alignnone" width="590"] Portland Fire Department fire boat puts on a display as HMCS Regina comes alongside in Portland. Photo credit: HMCS Regina[/caption]SLt M.A. Harris, HMCS Regina ~HMCS Regina, in tandem with HMCS Nanaimo, visited Portland, Oregon, to participate in the 2018 Portland Rose Festival, honouring a long-standing tradition and representing Canada. An eight-hour transit through the narrow and winding Columbia River opened up to the beautiful city of Portland. The city, which has hosted the Rose Festival for over a century, graciously opened its arms to the Royal Canadian Navy along with the United States Navy (USN) and United States Coast Guard (USCG). Though Canada has been sending ships to participate for years, this was the first time a Halifax-class frigate has participated in over a decade.Upon going under the first of several Portland bridges on a beautiful, but hot, sunny Wednesday, Regina was given a royal welcome. Police boats zoomed up and down the shoreline shining their lights, while local boaters waved and followed alongside. Police weren’t the only services on the water either; local fire departments put on a beautiful spectacle with coloured water cannons blasting high into the air with their lights at full brilliancy. The mist from the water cannons cooled the sailors on deck as they were greeted by cheers and friendly waves from Portlanders lining the shores and bridges. The hospitality did not stop there; sailors in their uniforms walking the streets had several kind words find their ears. Two phrases that were heard frequently were “welcome to Portland” and “thank you for your service.”  The streets were lined with welcome signs as local businesses showed appreciation by offering special deals for sailors.  Locals walking by often showed appreciation by treating sailors to a free drink or snack.The five days alongside were not all about being treated...

[caption id="attachment_18949" align="alignnone" width="527"] CPO2 Sean (Robert) Wilcox (left) and CPO2 Andre Aubry at their Royal Roads University Convocation ceremony. CPO2 Wilcox graduated with a Master’s Degree in International Leadership and CPO2 Aubry with a Master’s in Leadership.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two sailors celebrated an academic feat last week when they graduated from Royal Roads University each with their Master’s Degree.Donning their dress uniform with graduation cap and gown, the two Marine Technicians were the only Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) in their graduating class at the June 12 Convocation Ceremony in the Royal Theatre. Chief Petty Officer Second Class Andre Aubry, who works as a Career Manager at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, stepped up to the podium and received his diploma, a Master’s in Leadership. His classmate, CPO2 Robert (Sean) Wilcox, who works at DGMETM in Ottawa as a Naval Signature Management and Survivability Chief, was honoured twice: receiving his Master’s in International Leadership and the Royal Roads Founders Award for Leadership. Both men were low key about the uniqueness of their accomplishment - a level of academic achievement normally achieved by Officers.“We aren’t the first and nor will we be the last non-commissioned members in the Canadian Armed Forces to receive a master’s degree, but yes this is certainly rare,” said CPO2 Aubry, who has enjoyed a 20-year career in Canada’s military. “Working towards this [degree] has been an incredible benefit to my career, but also for my personal growth.”Both indicated their road to higher learning came with a huge time commitment. Their programs each took approximately 30 months to complete on top of their full-time job requirements. Each sailor estimated spending between 30 to 40 hours a week attending lectures, studying, and writing assignments. CPO2 Aubry says he is looking forward to applying what he learned, and the implementation...

[caption id="attachment_18946" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by LS Alex Ilareguy[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A standing room only crowd gathered at the Songhees Wellness Centre in Esquimalt last Thursday to celebrate the Maritime Forces Pacific National Indigenous Peoples Day.Approximately 400 military and civilian personnel from CFB Esquimalt joined Songhees and Esquimalt Nations community members for the celebratory event, which is designed to educate people about First Nations, Inuit and Metis culture, and strengthen ties between the military and local communities. “It is on these lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations that we feel so privileged to work and to live and to play,” said Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander as he addressed the crowd. “It’s great to be in this beautiful facility to mark this important day with you.” The event was organized by the Defence Aboriginal Awareness Group (DAAG), and is part of the Canada-wide National Indigenous Peoples Day held June 21. Chief Edward Thomas from the Esquimalt Nation and elder Joan Morris from the Songhees Nation welcomed the gathering to the Songhees territory. Morris then performed a traditional blessing. “Let this be a day of love, unity, faith, cooperation and understanding,” said Morris. “Let us come together for equality, love one another and put a stop to racism.”Morris’ inspirational comments drew a large round of applause and praise.Following the opening ceremony, attendees were treated to traditional First Nations dance and drumming, and displays including cedar weaving, traditional and locally-harvested herbal teas, and free food and drink. A Canadian Armed Forces recruiting booth and Raven program information booth were also part of the event.Capt(N) Boyd and the DAAG held discussions with representatives from the Songhees community earlier this year to move the annual event from its traditional location at Work Point’s Gun Room to the Songhees Wellness Centre located on Maplebank...

Commodore J.B. Zwick, Commander of the Canadian Pacific Fleet, presided over the Change of Appointment between the outgoing Fleet Chief, Chief Petty Officer First Class Derek Kitching, (left), and the incoming Fleet Chief, Chief Petty Officer First Class Sylvain Jaquemot, (right), in a Change of Appointment ceremony May 18 at the Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess. After two years of tremendous and distinguished service as the Pacific Fleet Chief, Chief Kitching left the Fleet and moved onwards and upwards as the Formation Chief in Halifax. He took the opportunity to thank his family, friends, and colleagues, for all of their support along the way, and he welcomed the incoming Chief. “Everything we do in the role of Fleet Chief is all about the sailors,” said Chief Kitching, a sentiment that Chief Jaquemot, as the former Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg, is eager to uphold.

[caption id="attachment_18917" align="alignnone" width="581"] From left: Chief Petty Officer First Class Gino Spinelli, Base Chief; Alison Arnesen, Conflict and Complaint Management Services Regional Manager; Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd, Base Commander, snip the ribbon to officially open the Conflict and Complaint Management Service Centre on June 4. Photo by LS Alex Ilareguy, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS) Centre designed to provide early, local, and informal resolutions to disputes in the workplace has opened its doors in CFB Esquimalt. Located inside the Dockyard Gates in Building 525 on Transport Road, the new CCMS Esquimalt centre held its grand opening on the morning of June 4 with a celebratory ribbon cutting. CCMS is available to military members who have concerns about harassment, human rights and diversity, and grievances, with access to professionally trained agents and conflict management practitioners (alternative dispute resolution service providers) who provide confidential services. The CCMS office is also available to defence team members looking for alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, group interventions, and conflict coaching, and facilitation.The Esquimalt office is one of 12 new CCMS centres across Canada. CCMS Esquimalt will employ three trained agents and one conflict management practitioner. CCSM pilot centres located at CF Bases Borden, Kingston, Valcartier and Montreal opened their doors last year, while CCMS offices in Halifax and Ottawa became operational in late May. Until recently, formal complaints at CFB Esquimalt were handled through the chain of command, says Alison Arnesen, CCMS Regional Manager West North Region. However, with the new office comes a change in policy. The goal now, says Arnesen, is to have complaints taken care of early, locally, and informally by a CCMS agent working with the chain of command. “Agents will listen to the concerns of defence team members and then inform them as to...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~ Military personnel are once again rolling up their sleeves for a community renovation project. For three weekends in June, volunteers from CFB Esquimalt are giving up their personal and family time to help local charity HeroWork and its “Radical Renovation” of the Mustard Seed’s Food Security Distribution Centre on Viewfield Road. The distribution centre, in which the Food Share Network also operates, rescues food from area grocery stores and then redistributes it to over 60 agencies, benefiting 42,000 people per month. HeroWork is building a state-of-the-art commercial processing kitchen for them. Approximately 30 military members are assisting in a whirlwind build and design project that HeroWork Executive Director Paul Latour likens to an old-fashioned barn raising. After the project’s first weekend of activity, Latour congratulated Canadian Armed Forces members for their efforts and noted they have always been a huge part of his group’s recipe for success. “The work ethic of Canadian Forces members brings great value to this and other HeroWork projects in the past,” said Latour. “They organize well, work diligently, and are familiar with this type of work, of which teamwork is a quintessential part.” Personnel from HMCS Calgary, HMCS Winnipeg, Naval Officer Training Centre and HMCS Chicoutimi have assisted in the project. The building of the sorting kitchen is expected to be completed June 17, with a grand opening event, dubbed a ‘Big Reveal’, showcasing the improvements on June 23. The total value of their latest project is estimated at $450,000 and some of the work at the facility includes plumbing, gas, electrical, flooring and ducting upgrades; safety and fire suppression improvements; storage upgrades; two new bathrooms, landscaping improvements; installation of a new oven, steam kettle, gas ranges, broilers, sinks, refrigeration, and new offices. This renovation will boost the local charity’s ability...

[caption id="attachment_18910" align="alignnone" width="582"] HMCS Athabaskan[/caption]Courtesy the Maple Leaf ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has a long history of ties to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. In fact, it paid homage to them by naming two separate classes of ships after them – the wartime Tribal-class and the post-war Iroquois-class destroyers – and several other vessels, including three Oberon-class submarines.The RCN is honoured to have these names from Indigenous peoples of Canada associated with its ships over the past several decades.Tribal-class destroyersThe Tribals were a class of destroyers built for the Royal Navy, RCN and Royal Australian Navy, and saw service in nearly all theatres of the Second World War. Only one Tribal survives to this day: Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Haida, which is now a museum ship in Hamilton, Ont. These ships proudly bore the names of several Indigenous groups from across Canada.HMCS Iroquois served in the RCN during the Second World War and the Korean War. Iroquois was the first ship to bear this name and the first ship of the class to serve with the RCN.HMCS Athabaskan (first of name) was the first of three destroyers to bear this name. It served in the Second World War. It was torpedoed in the English Channel and sunk in 1944.HMCS Huron served in the RCN in the Second World War and the Korean War. It was the first ship to bear this name, serving from 1943 to 1963.HMCS Haida served in the RCN from 1943 to 1963, serving in the Second World War and the Korean War. The only surviving ship of the Tribal-class, Haida sank more enemy surface tonnage than any other Canadian warship. It is now a museum ship in Hamilton, Ont.HMCS Micmac served in the RCN from 1945 to 1964. It was the first sophisticated modern...

SLt Nathaniel Sukhdeo, HMCS Nanaimo ~The design of HMCS Nanaimo’s new morale patch is a beautiful, yet atypical design, not the usual look used by a Royal Canadian Navy warship. That’s because Nanaimo’s command team and the ship’s officers wanted to promote the contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people have made to the Royal Canadian Navy. Recently, Nanaimo partnered with local Indigenous artist Doug LaFortune to design a morale patch that would reflect the role the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel plays in the Fleet and pay tribute to our First Nations people. LaFortune is among the first of a new generation of artists to revive Salish Art. He does a great deal of design, sketching, and painting. However, wood carvings represent his more prominent work, which range from Totem poles to masks, feast dishes, talking sticks, rattles, and animal figures. He has carved many of the famous poles standing in Duncan, B.C., as well as the 30-foot Totem pole at the world famous Butchart Gardens. His work is also exhibited in corporate offices, the Sunwapta Broadcast Centre in Edmonton, and a municipal park in Ohtaki, Japan. Other pieces include a talking stick in the Mayor’s Office in London, England, and the welcome piece presented to the Queen at the opening ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 1994.The morale patch he created for Nanaimo uses a wolf and the moon in the design. According to traditional Coast Salish teachings, the wolf is often associated with the spirit power a man would have to acquire to be a good hunter. It also symbolizes family and togetherness because wolves live in packs. The wolf is the land manifestation of the killer whale, which also lives in family groups or pods. The moon illuminates the night sky and controls the tides. It is associated...

[caption id="attachment_18904" align="alignnone" width="581"] Members of the B.C. First Nations Services Society (FNESS) work to perform an exterior attack on a live fire simulator (not pictured) on June 4 at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Photos by LS Alex Ilareguy[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue Services went on the road last week with their fire extinguisher training to educate members of the B.C. First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) on fire safety. On Monday, behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre, Fire Prevention Officers Jason Humphries and Ed Blaney delivered fire extinguisher training sessions to approximately 50 members of the FNESS who were in Victoria for their annual Fire Safety Expo. The aim of FNESS is to deliver fire prevention training and resources to all of B.C.’s 203 First Nations communities, many of which are in isolated areas of the province and do not have their own fire departments. “Since we don’t often get a chance to reach out to other groups in other communities, we loved the experience,” said Humphries. “The members we were instructing already had a solid base of fire-fighting knowledge, but our hope was they could learn something different from our programs and different ways of doing things.”FNESS was founded in 1986 as a grass roots organization with a goal of creating safer and healthier First Nations communities through its network of experienced full-time and volunteer fire fighters. The mandate of FNESS includes delivery of emergency planning, training response and recovery; fire training, education and prevention; forest fuel and wildfire management expertise, and the distribution of equipment and resources such as fire extinguishers and fire boxes. Emerson Adoph, a volunteer fire fighter originally from Xaxli’p First Nation, located near Lillooet, B.C., has been involved with FNESS since 2005. He says the FNESS program has gone...

[caption id="attachment_18901" align="alignnone" width="582"] Trey Stylez Bruneau (left) and Clara Issel (right), members of the Chris Knox Foundation, sit in the Executive Officer’s chair on the bridge of HMCS Regina May 31 during a day sail at sea. Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~After nearly half a year of anticipation, eleven youth from the Chris Knox Foundation sailed aboard HMCS Regina May 31 as part of a scheduled family day sail. The foundation helps young Saskatchewan cancer patients attend sporting, fine arts, and cultural events during treatment, giving them a much-deserved reprieve and creating some happy memories with their families. The Foundation was inspired by Chris Knox and his battle with cancer. His family and friends raised funds to send him and 10 other children undergoing cancer treatment to the Grey Cup in Toronto before he succumbed to cancer in 2007.“It fills me with emotion to think that a young man was able to open up about his cancer, that we were able to start up this foundation, and people like those in HMCS Regina have pulled together to help us,” said Sharla Folk, mother of the late Chris Knox, who expressed her deep connection with the crew.“You’re like our sons,” she said to the crew. “I know my Chris would have been over the world to experience this.”She added that some of the recipients had never been on a plane, much less seen the coast aboard a Royal Canadian Navy warship. “Really, it is a chance to come out here and enjoy themselves and forget about some of the problems they’re dealing with and just get a day to be treated like gold,” said Cdr Colin Matthews, commanding officer of Regina.The day was filled with events, from touring the ship and experiencing...

Phil Chard, Leading Writer (Retired), Royal Navy ~Cold War veteran Steve Chard is aiming to complete the bumper 6,000-mile kayaking Great Loop to raise funds to keep Canada’s last-surviving corvette – HMCS Sackville  –  afloat. He is also raising funds for The Canadian Naval Memorial and The Kidney Foundation of Canada.Chard, a retired Petty Officer Artificer who served in the Royal Navy from 1975 to 1987, is undergoing the sponsored trip solo.The former submariner, who served underwater in the Barents Sea near the Russian coastline, is inviting others to join him on sections of the route to keep him company and spur him on.The 60-year-old Englishman from Dorset lives near Portland Harbour beside the Isle of Portland on the south coast of England – former home of a British naval air station, shore base HMS Osprey, and offices of Flag Officer Sea Training.He left Halifax Friday, June 1 for his kayaking adventure.His 15-month journey will take him along the St Lawrence River to Montreal and Ottawa, then through the Trent-Severn Waterway into Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.He will also paddle down the mainland United States on the mighty Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida, and back up the Eastern Seaboard.“I’m paddling solo, camping each night and carrying all that I need in my sea kayak — tent, food, cooking gear, etcetera. I said solo, but please come paddle with me for any period of time, long or short. I would love to have your company along the way.” People can follow his progress through his Facebook page, Kayak The Great Loop - paddle with Steve.He is also on Instagram.Via the wonders of the worldwide web, Chard has been receiving support from Canadians, in particular the kayaking fraternity who live alongside his route.Bob Vlug, of Eastern Outdoors at Dipper...

[caption id="attachment_18871" align="alignnone" width="566"] This original painting by Cdr Anthony Law, painted on board HMCS Labrador during Arctic surveys in 1957, has recently been donated to the Naval Museum of Halifax.[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~An original painting created by one of Canada’s most well known naval artists now has a permanent home at Stadacona’s Naval Museum of Halifax.Titled Fresh Snow. Bellot Straits, NWT, the piece by Commander Anthony Law, is just one out of a collection of works by the naval officer and war artist displayed within the museum’s new Arctic-focused exhibit, titled North Arctic 60. The newly-donated piece, gifted to the museum by the Junior Ranks Mess at CFS St. John’s, is also the most significant of the collection.“This one stands out because he actually painted it while he was on board HMCS Labrador as the Executive Officer. It’s a beautiful painting and we’ve been able to get some conservation work done to help preserve it,” said museum curator Rick Sanderson.Law, who joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 1940 and retired in 1966, served as Executive officer of HMCS Labrador, later CCGS Labrador, from 1955-1957, after having already become an Official War Artist during the Second World War years.Labrador was tasked with conducting hydrographic surveys through the Northwest Passage and Canada’s largely uncharted northern waters, and Law’s paintings completed while on board the ship in the Arctic have become some of his most famous. Law was known to make the difficult climb up the ship’s mast to paint from the crow’s nest, where the unobstructed view and warm enclosure made for ideal, if somewhat dangerous, conditions. His Labrador paintings and sketches were also some of the first attempts to capture the region by a Canadian artist since Group of Seven members Lawren Harris and A.Y. Jackson visited Baffin Island...

[caption id="attachment_18868" align="alignnone" width="581"] Security Commissionaire Bruce McShannon, an 84-year-old retired navy veteran, displays his impressive collection of military medals, hat badges, photographs and other artifacts that he has been collecting since the Second World War.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you frequent the front gate of Fleet Diving Unit (FDU) (Pacific) you likely know security Commissionaire Bruce McShannon as the friendly guy who checks your military ID.But what you might not know about the 84-year-old retired navy veteran is his impressive collection of military medals, hat badges, photographs and other artifacts that he has been collecting since the Second World War. Earlier this month, Master Seaman (Retired) McShannon transformed from security guard to historian and lecturer when he showed off his collection to FDU members in the cafeteria of the firefighting trainer building. “Collecting has always been a passion of mine because it’s a great way to learn about history and to meet new people,” said McShannon as he addressed the gathering.During his one-hour presentation on May 10 he presented a variety of 19th and 20th Century photographs, numerous war medals dating back to the Battle of the Nile and Boer War and First World War, and lead bullets from the Battle of Gettysburg and other civil war battle sites. As he circulated the items around the room for closer inspection by the sailors, McShannon gave detailed accounts and historical references about each item. He pointed out that 40,000 Canadians served for both the Union and Confederates during the bloody civil war conflict. He also gave a brief history lesson about British Admiral Horatio Nelson and the defeat of the French at Aboukir Bay.“Every item I collect seems to have a compelling story behind it which makes collecting so interesting,” said McShannon. “Many of these artifacts help me uncover some of the...

[caption id="attachment_18863" align="alignnone" width="581"] HMCS Vancouver (left) and Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Toowoomba (right) align during Operation Projection Asia Pacific in the Timor Sea, May 28. Photo by MCpl Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Kyle Deveau, HMCS Vancouver ~HMCS Vancouver recently concluded a visit Changi Naval Base, Singapore, during Operation Projection Asia-Pacific from May 16 to 23. “Vancouver had a very successful port visit to Singapore,” said Commander Christopher Nucci, Vancouver Commanding Officer. “It was a great experience for the crew and I’m proud to have helped make connections with counterparts and others in Singapore that will help to promote peace and security in the region.”The ship hosted a variety of events, including ship tours for Canadian military and government workers whose families are currently posted to Singapore. Canadian High Commissioner, Nancy Lynn McDonald, dropped by for a visit. The crew hosted a reception for the High Commissioner and her entourage, and other VIPs and dignitaries.Approximately 30 members of the crew participated in an outreach program with MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) that took place at Eunos Training and Development Centre. During this day-long event, the crew joined students and staff to sing songs, play games, cook food, and enjoy each other’s company.“Our sailors had a very enjoyable visit with the clients and were well received by members of the public who approached us and thanked us for our involvement in their community,” said Petty Officer First Class Stephen Rownd. “Knowing they can make a difference in the lives of others empowers our crew to pursue volunteer opportunities abroad as well as at home.”Vancouver and its crew are in Australia in order to resupply, refuel, and get ready for the next stretches of Operation Projection.

[caption id="attachment_18860" align="alignnone" width="581"] Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) Mark Cunningham (left) and Master Corporal (Retired) Lutz Stelzner take their new tandem bicycle for a test drive through the parking lot of the Naden Athletic Centre on May 31. The two cyclists were reunited in Victoria last week and took part in the Navy Bike Ride on June 1. Inset: Invictus Games cyclist Master Corporal (Retired) Lutz Stelzner. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~When Master Corporal (Retired) Lutz Stelzner cycles he puts complete trust in his friend Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) Mark Cunningham to be his guide for their bike ride. Stelzner, a former Invictus Games athlete, is blind as a result of his multiple sclerosis. Last year he teamed up with Cunningham as his pilot on a specially designed two-seater tandem bike to prepare for Invictus Games Toronto 2017.The two cyclists were in Naden last week trying out their new tandem bike in the June 1 Navy Bike Ride. Cunningham pedals and steers the bike and also acts as brakeman during both training and competition, while it’s Stelzner’s job to pedal as fast as he can. That’s where the trust and faith part comes in, said Cunningham.“Imagine yourself riding your bike at 40 kilometres per hour but you can’t steer and have no brakes. Now close your eyes and imagine it again. That’s what it feels like for Lutz as a blind cyclist sitting in the back of a tandem. I wish I had his courage.”Stelzner, 57, retired in 1994 as a Canadian Army Fire Control Systems Technician. He uses a stationary bike at his Oliver, B.C., home to combat his MS symptoms and to stay in shape. Cunningham, who lives in Victoria, has an athletic background with experience in both cycling and triathlons. He first heard about the Joint Personnel Support Unit’s...

[caption id="attachment_18857" align="alignnone" width="582"] Left to right: Outgoing Formation Chief, CPO1 Gilles Gregoire; Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific; and Incoming Formation Chief, CPO1 Dave Steeves, sign the certificates during a Change of Appointment ceremony at the Chiefs’ and Petty Officer’s Mess on May 31. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Change of Appointment ceremony last Thursday welcomed Chief Petty Officer First Class David Steeves to Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) as Esquimalt’s new Formation Chief.In a formal acknowledgement of the changing of the chiefs, CPO1 Steeves signed his appointment certificate during the May 31 ceremony in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess. CPO1 Steeves replaces CPO1 Gilles Gregoire, who is moving to Ottawa later this month to take his new post as Command Chief of Canadian Joint Operations Command.In his farewell address CPO1 Gregoire thanked all sailors in the formation for their hard work throughout his tenure.“You always go above and beyond expectations,” he said to them. “I dislike goodbyes, as sailors we are used to them but it’s always a heartfelt moment,” he added. “These goodbyes never happen when you want, but they are also the start of new beginnings.”CPO1 Gregoire, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in November 1986 as a Naval Weapons Technician, and participated in multiple operational deployments aboard Canadian warships including Operations Forward Action, Sharpguard, Apollo, Unison and Reassurance. He also found success as a training officer, eventually becoming a Naval Weapons Training Chief in Sea Training Atlantic, and Chief Petty Officer of the Chief of Force Development Organization, before his appointment to MARPAC Formation Chief in September 2016.Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, presided over the ceremony and noted the important responsibilities of the Formation Chief, who is the senior most non-commissioned...

[caption id="attachment_18854" align="alignnone" width="581"] HMCS Oriole departs Halifax for the 2018 Great Lakes Deployment on May 29.[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~The latest ship to join Canadian Fleet Atlantic also happens to be the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) longest serving commissioned vessel. HMCS Oriole, Canada’s navy tall ship, was inducted into the fleet with a small ceremony at HMC Dockyard on May 29, just minutes before the ship and its crew departed Halifax for the St. Lawrence Seaway and the 2018 Great Lakes Deployment.Oriole, built in 1921, was donated to the RCN and commissioned in 1952. It is essentially an ambassador ship for the navy, used for public outreach and training junior sailors. The 31-metre tall sailing ketch was previously based at CFB Esquimalt, and the goal in transferring it to the East Coast is to give a different segment of the Canadian population a chance to enjoy the history and heritage that Oriole offers. This began in 2017, when the ship first made the daunting 16,000 sail to Halifax for the Rendez-vous Tall Ships Regatta, and continues now with the ship as an official member of the Fleet, led by Commanding Officer, LCdr Drew Foran.“The Great Lakes is an outreach mission, and we’ll be conducting 14 different port visits as we sail from Halifax all the way to Windsor, Ontario and back,” LCdr Foran said.Deployments to the Great Lakes region in the summertime have been a regular RCN activity for decades, often involving port visits, community activities, and day sails on larger ships, and other methods of introducing Canadians who live away from the East or West Coasts to their navy and its highly-trained personnel. “This ship is really a means of delivering the sailors who are part of today’s Royal Canadian Navy to Canadians, to allow them to tell their...

[caption id="attachment_18850" align="alignnone" width="582"] LS Sarah Trull, LS Jason Rupke, and LS Dan Bussel, members of the Naval Security team, supervise the loading of their equipment into a C17 Globemaster.The plane transported the equipment and members to Fiji for their Force Protection role in Operation Projection. Photo by Lt(N) Melissa Kia[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Canada’s Naval Security Team (NST) have commenced a five-week deployment to provide force protection for HMCS Vancouver on its upcoming port visit to Fiji. Approximately 54 members of the NST will fly to the South Pacific’s scenic archipelago from Victoria International Airport aboard a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air bus this week. Their deployment is part of Operation Projection, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operation to conduct training, exercises and engagements with foreign navies and other international security partners.The NST provides naval reservists opportunities for real-world, expeditionary operations around the world. Their primary activities will be supporting the security needs of Vancouver and its crew, at sea and on land, by providing protection from threats with the Republic of Fiji Navy at controlled access points, said Lieutenant (Navy) Kay van Akker, NST Executive Officer. “The mandate of the NST is mission dependent based on identified security needs of Canadian warships going into foreign ports,” said Lt(N) van Akker. “We work across multiple units and branches of the Canadian Armed Forces to achieve this goal.” Prior to their deployment, the NST completed five weeks of training in Victoria. The group is comprised of six full-time reservists based in Esquimalt, with the remainding 65 made up of Class ‘A’ Naval Reservists representing 18 Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada. The CAF already has boots on the ground in Fiji, with a CAF advance party of 15 navy logisticians and army engineers who set up accommodations for the NST, including...