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[caption id="attachment_17134" align="alignnone" width="450"] JS Harusame alongside at the Burrard Dry Dock in Vancouver, B.C., during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron’s port visit from Sept. 16 to 20.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Junior officers from two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) warships visiting Vancouver made the trek to CFB Esquimalt last Monday to showcase their passing, dribbling, crossing and shooting skills in friendly soccer and baseball games against their Canadian counterparts.More than half the ships’ crew from JS Kashima and JS Harusame strapped on their cleats, shin guards and gloves and took to the Colville Road sports field and ball diamonds for some non-competitive games against junior officers attending Venture, The Naval Officer Training Centre.To ensure the “friendly” part of the matches, there was no official scorekeeping.“The non-competitive games were all about the fun factor and served as a good ice-breaker for sailors from the two countries,” said Lt(N) Eric Dignard, who works as a training officer at NOTC and helped organize the event with Personnel Support Programs staff. “Sports is an international language and this event helped break down the communication barrier between the two groups of sailors. It was an encouraging sign to see them exchanging contact information and making new friends after the games concluded.”At the conclusion of the sports program, spectators and participants posed for a group photograph on the baseball diamond.The day-long event also included a tour of Venture’s simulators where Royal Canadian Navy junior officers learn ship navigation and basic warfare. Japanese sailors were given the opportunity to try the system and attempt to maneuver a virtual ship alongside. Venture staff also briefed the Japanese sailors on the daily life of an officer trainee, the equipment, and facilities used to assist during their training.

[caption id="attachment_17127" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lt Michael McCauley takes a break from patrol in Panjwayi District of Afghanistan, July 2007. He is the silhouetted soldier on the new Afghanistan Memorial. Credit: File Photo/DND[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Playing a prominent role in this Saturday’s dedication ceremony for the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial will be Lieutenant Michael McCauley, a signals officer with the 4th Engineering Support Regiment based in Gagetown, N.B.That’s because he is one of two central figures silhouetted in black on the 3.5 metre by 2 metre, 8,600 kilogram solid granite monument. The other figure is of an Afghani child shaking his hand.On July 13, 2007, Lt McCauley was in Afghanistan as a reservist deployed as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) when renowned Reuters combat photographer Finbarr O’Reilly snapped an image of him greeting the Afghanistan child.“I don’t think I stopped walking for more than a few seconds when I reached out, took his hand and the photographer snapped the picture,” says Lt McCauley.The image shows Lt McCauley conducting a Presence Patrol with members of his unit and Afghan National Security Forces (AFNS) in the highly volatile and dangerous Panjwai district of Kandahar Province. As the soldiers passed through a small town, Lt McCauley noticed a couple of young children playing by the roadside. As he and AFNS members greeted the children, one child took a particular interest in Lt McCauley and extended his hand to him.The image of Lt McCauley and the child was chosen as the centrepiece of the monument shortly after the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project (GVAMP) was formed in early 2016.The soldier says the selected photo could have been one of the thousands of other Canadians who served there. He insists the imagery on the monument really has little...

[caption id="attachment_17001" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A civilian employee with Real Property Operations (RP Ops) was handed the keys to a new 2016 Hyundai Accent at the Industrial Supplier Trade Show Sept. 14 in the Naden Drill Shed.Evan Smith, an electrician with RP Ops, was the winner of Victoria Hyundai’s vehicle draw, and was presented the prize from the dealership’s General Sales Manager Cole Coates.Only two nights earlier Smith was enjoying a get together with friends and family at his Victoria home when he received an unexpected call from the dealership.Smith said he was in disbelief to hear he had won and thought the call was a hoax.“I didn’t believe them at first and thought it was some kind of a crank phone call or scam,” he says. “It was a pretty cool feeling when I finally realized I had won the car. It’s my first Hyundai I have ever owned, so I’m excited about trying it out.”The contest opened Sept. 5, 2016, and closed Sept. 9, 2017. It was open to all Department of National Defence employees who were at age of majority at the time of entry and were legal residents of Victoria.This is the third car giveaway by Victoria Hyundai to a base employee.

2Lt Chelsea Howard, Contributor ~It was a special day for students and teachers from Regina’s Martin Academy when they capped off an activity-filled visit to Victoria with a tour of HMCS Regina Sept. 12.“Every year with our premier performance athletes we do a different field trip, and besides being a cross-training activity where we do different sporting activities, we try to make it educational as well,” said Brent Adam, a strength and conditioning coach with the Academy, and chaperone. “Knowing we were coming to Victoria, and I have relatives that were in the navy, and currently in the navy, I thought it would be a perfect learning opportunity for our students. It was perfect timing that the frigate was docked here.”It was also perfect timing for one crew member in particular. PO1 Joseph Fogarty, Regina’s Chief Clerk, is a Martin alumnus and just happened to be on deck when the tour group arrived.“When hearing the pipe across the ship about the Martin Academy tour I was very surprised, so I proceeded to the flight deck to introduce myself. The students reminded me of where I was at that point in my life at the school and the wonderful teachers I had,” said PO1 Fogarty.Martin Academy is a specialized school that offers students the opportunity to train for their chosen sport during the school day. Students can select one of four streams to pursue, including baseball, fast pitch, hockey, and the premier stream that focuses on non-mainstream individual sports such as dancing, martial arts and gymnastics. The 28 students on the trip ranged from Grades nine to 12, and were part of Martin Academy’s premier stream. However, there’s more to Martin Academy than sports.“Pretty much close to 100 per cent of Martin Academy students go on to post-secondary. It’s not just...

[caption id="attachment_16994" align="alignnone" width="450"] A view of the main entrance at Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt, May 9. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]John Azar, Contributor ~Visiting the Esquimalt Military Cemetery (God’s Acre), or any other cemetery, is like walking into a library. Looking at the rows and rows of markers, can be compared to looking along bookshelf after bookshelf; each marker is like the cover of a storybook.Most of the stories are known only to the families of the person buried there, and many stories are unknown to all. But when the stories are researched and told, a cemetery becomes a “remembering place.” When we remember the stories, we are honouring the veteran and learning from their experiences.Once a year, or by special arrangement, some of these stories come to light during the annual Remembrance Week tour conducted at God’s Acre for the Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria. On the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day (Nov. 5 this year) at 2 p.m. the stories of 10 to 12 people are told.The tour includes stories about people buried at God’s Acre and stories of veterans buried in other regional cemeteries. Many of the regional cemeteries do not have enough veteran burials and stories to fill a public tour.Also, during the centenary years of the First World War, people with ancestors who served are invited to share their relative’s story no matter where the person is buried.InvitationIf you would like to tell the story of a family member (grandfather, great-uncle, cousins, etc.) who served in the First World War, regardless of where they are buried or what country they served, please contact me: jazar@wfapacificcoast.org.Remembering Places of Those Who ServedThose who visited military cemeteries in Europe are awed by the rows of markers in well-tended cemeteries, or seeing thousands of names inscribed on...

[caption id="attachment_16991" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Will Chaster, Base Public Affairs Office[/caption]Will Chaster, Base Public Affairs Office ~CFB Esquimalt had some special guests on Thursday, Sept. 7, when members from the Victoria Royals hockey team spent two hours practicing at Wurtele Arena.From 9:45 to 11:45 a.m., the Royals performed a series of fast-paced drills under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff.While there are a number of new players on the roster, there are also several new faces behind the bench. These include Head Coach Dan Price, Assistant Coach J.F. Best, and Consulting Coach Dwayne Roloson, a retired goaltender who played over 600 games in the National Hockey League.All three are beginning their first year in their respective positions with the Royals.Although not frequent visitors to the base, the Royals have been known to hold practices at the arena in special circumstances.“The Royals have practiced at Wurtele Arena a number of times over the years, usually when there’s a concert or some other event that prohibits them from practicing at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre,” said Kevin Zalba, Wurtele Arena and Sports Facilities Manager. With the pre-season winding down, these practices are important in helping the Royals finalize their opening night roster.While Coach Price is eager to get started with the regular season, he took a moment after the practice to reflect on what it is like to play here on Vancouver Island.“I know we’re all very excited for the opportunity to be here and we’re grateful to be able to play in a city like Victoria,” said Price.This will not be the only time the Royals will be at Wurtele Arena. With other events taking place at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre later in the year, the Royals will be back on base Nov. 13, Jan. 22, and March 13 and 14...

[caption id="attachment_16987" align="alignnone" width="450"] It was all hands on deck for members of HMCS Calgary and HeroWork who came together for a group cheer to celebrate their involvement in an upcoming renovation project at Victoria’s Anawim House. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~For the next three weekends personnel from HMCS Calgary will roll up their sleeves for a renovation project to benefit our community’s financially disadvantaged.Sailors from the Esquimalt-based, Halifax-class frigate will donate their spare time to assist local non-profit charity HeroWork, which is carrying out a $250,000 renovation project at Anawim House.Located northeast of the downtown core on Caledonia Ave., Anawim House serves as a day house and residence for Victoria’s homeless and others living in poverty.“Calgary has always been the best ship in the fleet for a variety of reasons, which includes the passion we have about being involved in communities,” said Cdr Blair Saltel, Calgary’s Commanding Officer. “We are a self-contained unit and have many skilled trades working on board, such electricians, carpenters, plumbers from Plumber Perth, and also those who know how to organize. We are taking the tasks we do on a day-to-day basis while at sea and transforming them into leverage for volunteer work.”Military personnel from Calgary, other base units, and personnel connected to the Boomer’s Legacy Foundation will help HeroWork’s Radical Renovation, covering a total of 50 eight-hour shifts. The work will take place over the next three weekends and includes construction of a nurse’s room, a new office with separate counselling spaces, painting the inside and outside of the building, kitchen and storage area upgrades, a new outdoor patio deck, landscaping improvements, and the construction of a bike repair shop to facilitate the introduction of a bike program to provide affordable transportation.Paul Latour, HeroWork Founder and Executive Director, says...

[caption id="attachment_16984" align="alignnone" width="450"] Commander Wes Golden, Commanding Officer of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Headquarters, presents Lieutenant Commander Paul Seguna with the third clasp to the Canadian Forces’ Decoration. Photo by Leading Seaman David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]MARPAC Public Affairs ~In a rare presentation attended by friends, colleagues and his wife Eva, Lieutenant Commander Paul Seguna received the third clasp to his Canadian Forces Decoration at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Headquarters Sept. 12.The third clasp is unique in that it represents 42 years of continuous service to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).In that time, he has served as a Reserve Radar Plotter from 1975-82 achieving the rank of PO2; Regular Force Maritime Surface Officer (MARS) from 1982-1992 at the rank of Lt(N); Regular Force Public Affairs Officer from 1992-2002 achieving the rank of LCdr; Reserve Public Affairs Officer from 2002-2012 achieving the rank of Cdr, and upon rejoining the Regular Force Public Affairs Branch in 2012 in the reverted rank of LCdr served to compulsorily retirement age 60 this September.When asked to reflect upon the changes within the CAF over the length of his career LCdr Seguna offered a few insights.“Looking back over the 42 years of my service there is no doubt the Forces have changed with Canadian society as exampled by the greater diversity in the makeup of our armed services. In many regards the CAF, both organizationally and as individuals within it, have for a variety of reasons found themselves in the forefront of adaptation to changes in Canadian society. Our armed services have always drawn individuals from the wide spectrum of our society and taught them to coexist while achieving a common aim in often difficult circumstances.”During his career, he served at sea in 13 ships of the Royal Canadian Navy and in one Italian ship...

[caption id="attachment_16981" align="alignnone" width="450"] MS DJ Fields, PO1 John Cross and PO2 Pierre Forget hold their Galley Wars award.[/caption]SLt Matthew Mooney, HMCS Ottawa ~Just before the September long weekend HMCS Ottawa set sail for Los Angeles Fleet Week. Under the guidance of the new Commanding Officer, Commander Alex Barlow, ship and crew sailed down the west coast to southern California.Accompanied by Sea Training Pacific staff, the crew participated in at-sea readiness trials in preparation for their follow-on mission of Operation Caribbe.Upon arrival in the “City of Angels”, the ship was greeted by USS Iowa, one of America’s last battleships. Iowa welcomed Ottawa by firing a two-gun salute and flying Bravo Zulu as the frigate passed by.Fleet Week was comprised of a series of events that brought the men and women of Canada’s navy together with the sailors and marines of the United States. From football games to formal evenings, there was something for everyone.One highlight of the week was “Galley Wars.”Galley Wars pitted chefs from all services against each other in a battle of barbequed burgers. Teams were assembled by the United States Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines, who faced off against the Royal Canadian Navy. Each crew was tasked with creating a specialized burger, two sides, and a dessert. The finest creations were prepped on board their respective ship, with the final cooking process and assembly conducted in one site, under the critical eye of celebrity judges. The distinguished Robert Irvine, a Food Network Chef; Mei Lin, Winner of Top Chef; and Steve Samson, a highly distinguished LA restaurant owner were ready to provide feedback on the creations.The Canadian team came armed with a menu they were sure would impress the judges. PO1 John Cross, PO2 Pierre Forget, and MS DJ Fields worked together to craft a winning burger....

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Nine Clearance Divers from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) have travelled to Sweden to participate in an 11-nation training exercise focused on Explosive Ordnance Disposal.The navy’s bomb disposal specialists are taking part in North Coast (NOCO), an operational-readiness training exercise in Ronneby, Sweden, Sept. 9 to 22.Five members of the RCN’s team are from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), one member is from the Experimental Diving and Undersea Group in Toronto, and two are from the Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic).Petty Officer First Class Scott Ensor, Maritime Ordnance Disposal Chief from FDU(P), is second in command of the RCN contingent and says NOCO will provide Clearance Divers an opportunity to train in a maritime setting. The day-to-day work of Clearance Divers is not only diving, but also safely disposing of ordnance above the water.“NOCO will bring our operators up to a higher level of training in a marine environment. Often times clearance divers find ourselves on land doing our bomb-disposal work, so it is refreshing for all of us to get back to a more bread-and-butter style task of the RCN in a traditional maritime environment.”Before leaving for Sweden, PO1 Ensor said more specific details of their training would be provided once they arrived and are tasked by the Swedish Royal Navy’s command team, but added possible scenarios could involve sweeping a pier, jetty or vessel for Improvised Explosive Devices and neutralizing them.RCN Clearance Divers are designated first responders to any military ordnance found in Canada such as grenades and artillery shells. FDU(P) Ordnance Disposal team responds to approximately 150 such calls each year, assessing and defusing items in support of local emergency services.

[caption id="attachment_16963" align="alignnone" width="450"] Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Jeffrey Hutchinson, left, and PO2 Matt Reiner of the Stadacona Band, show the framed sheet music for The Ol’ White Stripe, the new official Coast Guard March. Photo by Melanie Rebane Photography[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident ~A new march that will be played nationwide at Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) graduation ceremonies, mess dinners, and other formal occasions was written and composed by a member of the Stadacona Band, and recorded in Halifax at the band’s Windsor Park studio.PO2 Matt Reiner, a saxophonist with five years’ experience with the band, created the original piece of music, titled The Ol’ White Stripe, referring to the forward-tilted white stripe visible on the hull of each Coast Guard ship.CCG Director General Greg Lick reached out to the Stadacona Band earlier this year with the goal of creating an official march for the organization, and felt the Canadian Armed Force’s Navy band on the East Coast was the most appropriate group to help bring his idea to life.“Of course, that’s not something that’s in our regular job description; we’re hired to play music, not to compose it. So we were asked for volunteers to write a march and a few of us took a shot at it,” says PO2 Reiner.The band made rough recordings of a few options and sent them to Ottawa, where PO2 Reiner’s march was eventually chosen.He attended the Canada 150 Maritime Ball in Gatineau this past June, a joint RCN/CCG event, where he was able to present the framed sheet music to CCG Commissioner Jeffrey Hutchinson, meet others involved in the project, and hear the march played over the loudspeakers to a full room of navy and Coast Guard representatives for the first time.“It was a wonderful, unique opportunity for me to get to do...

[caption id="attachment_16960" align="alignnone" width="560"] RAdm Craig Baines, LGen Steve Bowes, VAdm Ron Lloyd, and RAdm John Newton sign the MARLANT Change of Command certificates during the ceremony Sept. 1. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~Sing-a-longs, props, a few tears and lots of laughter were all part of the Sept. 1 Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Joint Task Forces Atlantic Change of Command Ceremony that saw Rear-Admiral Craig Baines take over from Rear-Admiral John Newton, the man who served as his boss for many years.VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), serving and retired colleagues, family, friends, and members of the wider Halifax community were present to hear RAdm Newton highlight his time in command.“I wanted us to learn and undertake international relationships we’ve never tried before, to step outside the comfort zone of key enabling allies and push a statement through new partners. If it was hard, or impossible, I wanted to try,” he said.He had many thanks for people, units, and organizations who supported him and the Formation since 2013. Wielding an oversized wrench for effect, he gave a shout out to civilian engineers and other staff at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, and instructed the Stadacona Band to play a rendition of Taking Care of Business in honour of the workforce. The band later led a sing-a-long of Heave Away at the Admiral’s request, and also had a surprise performance of the newly-composed RAdm Newton March.He was never shy about his love for the Arctic, and mentioned advancing navy operations in Canada’s North as one of the proudest achievements through his command, one that connected with his personal passions for the Northern land and the communities of largely Indigenous Canadians who populate them.“One of the best ways we can show substantive progress on...

[caption id="attachment_16957" align="alignnone" width="450"] A view of the new monument commemorating the service of 40,000 civilians and military who served in Afghanistan. The memorial was created by the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project Society and will be unveiled Sept. 30.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A monument honouring Canadians military members and civilians who served in Afghanistan will be unveiled at a ceremony in downtown Victoria Sept 30. The public is encouraged to attend.Official proceedings for the dedication ceremony of the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial will commence at 2 p.m. at Victoria’s Courthouse Park, located at Quadra and Courtney Streets.The bells of Christ Cathedral Church will ring at 12:15 p.m. followed by a performance from the 5th Field Artillery Band and the choir of the Cathedral School.The military parade will arrive at 1:45 p.m., led by the Pipes and Drums of the Canadian Scottish (Princess Mary’s) Regiment.Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will be joined by the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project Society (GVAMPS) Directors, the Premier and local and national government and military officials for the unveiling and dedication.The 8,600 kilogram, granite memorial measures 3.5 metres by 2 metres and recognizes the 163 Canadians killed during the conflict and the 40,000 who served in Afghanistan.Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Joseph Gollner, who served 37 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, and twice visited Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry [PPCLI] battlegroups in Afghanistan as Colonel of the Regiment, in 2008 and 2010, played a key role in bringing the monument to reality as President of GVAMPSHe says the ceremony will pay special tribute to  the Memorial Cross families. They are the loved ones of 16 British Columbia-based Memorial Cross recipients who paid the ultimate price for their service in Afghanistan.“The theme of the unveiling is honouring families of both those who have returned and those...

I am sorry to advise that I lost my only brother Thomas suddenly Aug. 3.He was in his late 50s and was enjoying retirement after 21-plus years of service in the Canadian Navy. He lived a simple bachelor’s life in Victoria, British Columbia, after his last posting at the naval base in Esquimalt, B.C.Thomas was a Master Seaman; his occupation was Naval Electronic Technician, a trade that he loved from the beginning. In fact, he had a real knack at fixing all kinds of communications tech. He sailed the world many times over and had a few major accomplishments on these long trips that were up to six-plus months. This included numerous NATO events and supporting the Vietnam “boat people” migration. Thomas was based at both the West and East coasts of Canada plus “onshore” in Aldergrove, B.C. Some of the vessels that he sailed on included HMC Ships Provider, Yukon, Nanaimo, Halifax, Annapolis, Restigouche and a few others. He served his country with pride and honour.Thomas was loved by all his extended family in British Columbia, Quebec, and Germany. We miss him very much.Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Languara Golf Course in Vancouver on Sunday, Sept. 24.Michael Nagelmnagel@shaw.ca

[caption id="attachment_16947" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Royal Canadian Air Force is presented with new Colours during a military parade and ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Sept. 1. Photo by Sergeant Christopher Bentley, 16 Wing Imaging[/caption]RCAF Public Affairs ~Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada David Johnston presented the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with new Colours during a military parade and ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, on Sept. 1.Colours are consecrated ceremonial flags carried by designated Canadian Armed Forces combatant formations and units. The RCAF carries two Colours: the Queen’s Colour, a maple leaf flag with the Sovereign’s cypher in the centre, which symbolizes loyalty to the Crown, and the Command Colour, a blue flag with the RCAF’s badge at the centre, symbolizing the RCAF’s pride, cohesion, and valour. The RCAF Colours replace the Air Command Colours that were presented 35 years ago in 1982.“Our Colours are precious, and embody the pride, dedication, duty, and honour of all RCAF personnel, past and present,” said Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander of the RCAF. “As we accept these new Colours, all members of the RCAF, regardless of rank, occupation, or experience, symbolically rededicate themselves to upholding these qualities. I am delighted that we are celebrating this historical event with the citizens of Toronto, a city rich in RCAF history and present-day connections.”Before presenting the new Colours, Governor General Johnston reviewed the parade.Coinciding with the parade, the RCAF, with civilian partners from Vintage Wings of Canada and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, conducted a “parade of aircraft” in the sky above Nathan Phillips Square. The flypast included vintage aircraft from the Second World War and aircraft from current RCAF fleets. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demonstration Hornet, which are in Toronto for the Canadian International Air Show Sept. 2-4, participated.The...

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~Want to know what it will feel like when the “big one” hits?On Friday, people can experience a rumbling, earth-moving earthquake, without the devastation, when the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) ShakeZone simulator arrives at the CANEX parking lot in Naden.The simulator is designed to prompt awareness about earthquake safety and preparation.“Most people are aware of the risks posed by an earthquake, but what we really want is for people to reflect on their earthquake preparedness,” says Lieutenant (Navy) Jim Smith, Deputy Base Operations Officer.With the risk of a large earthquake striking southwestern British Columbia, it is important people ensure they are properly equipped to deal with the effects of a large-scale earthquake and its after-math.“This is about public awareness and preparation. We want people to start thinking about next steps in terms of what they can do to be ready,” says Michael Lee, Manager of Consumer and Stakeholder Relations with the IBC.The ShakeZone Tour has been touring for three years across the country. This year the Tour has visited 28 communities from Quebec to Vancouver.For more information about the ShakeZone Tour, visit www.ibc.ca/bc/disaster/earthquake/shakezoneInformation on earthquake safety and preparation can be found here.

[caption id="attachment_16926" align="alignnone" width="560"] Left: Lt(N) Nico Lightbody competes in the 10-kilometre run portion of the CAF 2017 National Triathlon Championship, July 7, Gatineau, Que. Photo by Cpl Michael MacIsaac Right: Lightbody navigates his way through the 1.5-kilometre water course. Photo by Cpl Stuart Evans, DND[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~An accomplished competitive swimmer and distance runner has made the successful transition to triathlon.Lieutenant (Navy) Nico Lightbody, a 25-year-old Ship Support Team Officer with Base Information Services, says he surprised everyone, including himself, with his second place finish in the Canadian Armed Forces 2017 National Triathlon Championship held July 7 in Gatineau, Que.“The Nationals gave me a huge feeling of accomplishment and a confidence boost,” he says. But adds the last 200 meters of the race still stings. That’s because the winner of the race, Capt Phil Reynolds from CFB St-Jean, got across the finish line just three seconds ahead of him.“Still, I was very surprised to finish second since I was racing against a bunch of people who had been doing this sport for much longer.”A triathlon is one of the toughest tests of athletic endurance and stamina. It includes a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-km bike ride and 10-km run, and Lt(N) Lightbody says his success didn’t come by accident.He has always exceled at swimming and recently captured a silver medal and five gold medals at the Canadian Armed Forces Swimming Nationals held March 24 to 27, 2017, in Unionville, Ont. On the pavement, he has proven himself a capable distance runner, capturing a top overall finish in his age category in the 2016 10-kilometre Navy Run.His nearly seamless transition into triathlons continued in August. He was the top Canadian finisher in the Open Age Category at the CISM (International Military Sports Council) 19th World Military Triathlon Championship in in Warendorf,...

[caption id="attachment_16922" align="alignnone" width="450"] Reviewing Officer, Commodore Jeff Zwick (centre), signs the certificate officiating the command change between Outgoing Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg, Commander Jon Hutchinson (left), and the Incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Michael Stefanson (right), during the Change of Command Ceremony at A Jetty, Aug. 23. Photo by LS David Gariepy[/caption]SLt Warren Bush, HMCS Winnipeg ~On the morning of Aug. 23 Commander J.J. Hutchinson turned over command of HMCS Winnipeg to Commander Mike Stefanson, concluding a successful chapter in the ship’s history.Recap of Cdr Hutchinson’s Command:A native of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, Cdr Hutchinson joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1991 and has sailed extensively on both the east and west coasts.He assumed command of HMCS Winnipeg from Cdr Pascal Belhumer on Jan. 16, 2016, while alongside Penang, Malaysia, during the vessel’s 2015 Operation Active Endeavour deployment.Cdr Hutchinson took his new charge from Penang to Singapore, on the south tip of the Malayan Peninsula, and from there to Tokyo, and then back to Esquimalt via Pearl Harbor, arriving Feb. 22, 2016.Cdr Hutchinson again took Winnipeg to sea on the heels of a mid-April namesake city visit, with May 2016 seeing him lead the ship through Ship Without Air Detachment training, Basic Single Ship Readiness Training, Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Force Generation, and the Fleet Navigating Officer course.The ship’s company subsequently employed lessons learned during numerous exercises off of Southern California with the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard over September and October, a highlight of which was San Diego Fleet Week.Winnipeg spent winter of 2016/17 preparing to sail for Poseidon Cutlass, a five-month voyage throughout the Indo-Pacific Region, designed as a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to regional stability and security through interoperable naval operations and diplomatic liaisons.Cdr Hutchinson took the ship out of Esquimalt March 6,...

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~Base Commander Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd made a splash at the annual Military Police Block Party.An attendee with good aim soaked the naval officer in the dunk tank. The annual community party, held Friday Aug. 25 in Belmont Park, was a fundraiser for the MP Unit’s charity of choice, the Military Police Fund for Blind Children.The charity was founded in 1957 and specializes in assisting visually impaired children up to the age of 21. The fund is operated entirely by Military Police volunteers and has no paid employees.Activities at the block party brought fun for both children and adults. A barbecue satisfied hunger pangs, and a fire truck from CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue Services, a face painter, and inflatables grabbed, and kept, the children’s attention.“The whole idea of the Block Party is to bring people together and celebrate living in the same area, while supporting a great cause,” said Leading Seaman Andrée Noye, an MP member and Block Party organizer.This year’s party raised about $2,000 for the charity.“I’m really happy that everybody enjoyed it and I already have some ideas for how to make it even better next year,” said LS Noye.For details on the Military Police Fund for Blind Children and information on how to donate, visit www.mpfbc.com.

Reviewing Officer, Capt(N) Jeff Hamilton (center), signs the certificates of the Incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Sylvain Belair and the Outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Chris Peschke during the Sea Training Change of Command Ceremony held at the Wardroom, CFB Esquimalt on Aug. 25.Photo by LS Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services

Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~After several incidents, the Military Police Unit Esquimalt has reached out to the Victoria Police Department in order to increase law enforcement at the intersection of Esquimalt and Admirals Roads.This is in response to a number of complaints in which pedestrians have almost been hit by individuals turning left onto Admirals Rd from Esquimalt Rd between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.In the majority of these cases, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and DND members have been identified as those endangering pedestrians and running lights.In order to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, Vic PD will step up patrols in the area.“Vic PD will be at the location and they will not be giving out warnings,” said Leading Seaman Andrée Noye, Community Relations Coordinator with MPU Esquimalt.Aside from endangering the lives of others, dangerous driving can come with its own legal ramifications.“The consequences can be pretty severe; if you’re caught breaking the law you could face demerit points on your license and a fine of over $150,” says LS Noye.When moving through a busy intersection, drivers have to be mindful of the dangers of not paying attention.“I understand everyone wants to get home but think about the consequences; pedestrians are very vulnerable to someone with their mind on beating the traffic crawl,” she says.CAF personnel are reminded to always obey traffic regulations and maintain extra levels of vigilance for pedestrians.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The year-old Naval Security Team has taken another step towards providing improved port protection to Royal Canadian Navy vessels after a successful deployment to Fiji.Ten members of the Naval Security Team and two personnel from the Maritime Tactical Operations Group travelled to the South Pacific Nation’s capital city of Suva Aug. 11 to 20 to train alongside 12 personnel from the Republic of Fiji Navy.Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jeff Chura says although his unit is still “growing and refining,” he has been impressed with its initial efforts to enhance understanding and cooperation with partner navies through global engagements and bi-lateral training exercises.“The biggest takeaway from the deployment to Fiji was that it gave our personnel a better understanding and perspective of how other militaries do business, how to interact with other navies, and how they would approach situations,” he said. “They are normally stationed domestically or in continental North America, so expeditionary overseas operations gives them the international experience naval reservists need.”Canadian and Fijian sailors focussed on the safety and security of vessels approaching a berth, alongside and departing, while learning the dynamics of setting up force protection (secured) zones in both military and non-military harbours.The deployment was part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Poseidon Cutlass, a series of training exercises with regional partner navies at sea. The Naval Security Team completed a deployment to Busan, South Korea, in June, also part of Poseidon Cutlass.Since the RCN’s visit occurred just ahead of Fiji’s integration of women into their military next year, there were discussions with LCdr Chura and his team about gender equity in Canada’s military.Their hosts had a strong interest in visiting Canada to interview Canadian female personnel about their experiences in the military and to see them perform in a working environment.“They wanted...

[caption id="attachment_16906" align="alignnone" width="450"] PO2 Kenwar Nijjer, co-chair of the Defence Visible Minority Action Group, congratulates one of 85 new Canadian citizens after receiving their official citizenship certificates. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A sailor with over 22 years of experience in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is educating teens and young adults from Canada’s South Asian community about career opportunities in the military.Petty Officer Second Class Kanwar Nijjer, a Sikh from the Punjabi region of India, is promoting life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to bolster diversity recruitment.“Many Canadians, including those in the South Asian community, really don’t know what the military has to offer in terms of a career path,” he says. “They need to be aware the CAF is not all about combat; they can become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or a trades person.”For 10 years he has worked at annual Vaisakhi festivals and other community events in Vancouver and Victoria handing out recruiting information. Part of his focus is mentoring wayward youth drawn to gangs and crime in an effort to change their path.A few weeks ago he broadened his recruitment scope to JoyTV, a Vancouver cable station, where he talked about his experience in the military and his mentorship efforts during a taping of the Harpreet Singh Show.“By wearing a turban on the show, it really makes me stand out, and if the viewers see someone like me on TV they realize that I could be them, or their children, or grandchildren, and that they have a place within the CAF,” he says.At 15, PO2 Nijjer moved to Edmonton from his birthplace in a small northern India village. Beyond the culture shock of 1981 in Canada, language was his greatest hindrance. His enrolment in a second language English program...

[caption id="attachment_16884" align="alignnone" width="450"] Images of Major (Ret’d) Rene Boileau past and present are depicted in a promotional photo for the film The Home Front: In the footsteps of Canadian Armed Forces families. Boileau’s daughter, St. John’s-based director Renée Boileau, and cinematographer Tiffanie Green will begin filming their documentary in Esquimalt next month before traveling to other military bases across the country in spring 2018. Photo by Tiffanie Green[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Are you unpacking or packing up for your latest posting? If you believe ‘home is where the heart is,’ independent documentary filmmaker Renée Boileau wants to interview you.From Sept. 13 to 17, CFB Esquimalt will mark the starting point of the Newfoundland-based filmaker’s ambitious 10,000-kilometer, cross-country journey to interview military personnel at bases in all of Canada’s provinces and territories. The Home Front: In the footsteps of Canadian Armed Forces families will be the 53-year-old engineerturned-director’s first movie collaboration with her best friend and cinematographer Tiffinie Green.In spring 2018, Boileau and Green plan to take their production on the road and follow Boileau’s father, Major (Ret’d) René Boileau, across the country. During the journey he will revisit bases where he trained and served throughout his military career. Together, father and daughter will gather stories from new and long-serving military personnel that reveal their beliefs and experiences about their notion of ‘home.’“The concept behind my film is that Canadian Armed Forces members have a completely different culture than other Canadians, because they have given something up that most Canadians take for granted: a permanent home,” says Renée. “Most Canadians know where their home is but often when people join the military they are really taking a huge leap of faith into the unknown and giving up many personal freedoms for the protection of the freedom of others.”Living the nomadic...

[caption id="attachment_16881" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lara Agapow (center right) and Tristan Vanderklok (center left), workers from B.C. Wildfire Services, are married at Camp Riske Creek, B.C., on Aug. 19 during Operation Lentus. Photos by Cpl Blaine Sewell, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Paul PendergastOp Lentus Land Task Force (Pacific) Public Affairs ~Saturday, Aug. 19 was a special day at the Riske Creek fire camp in B.C.’s fire-ravaged Cariboo region. It was the wedding day of Tristen Vander Klok and Lara Agapow, and although they had been working side-by-side for over a month managing the Riske Creek equipment warehouse for British Columbia Wildfire Services (BCWS), they took a few hours off to say their vows, with Army vehicles from Operation Lentus providing the backdrop.It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. The young couple travelled from Alberta to the home of Lara’s parents in Hanceville, B.C., on July 7 to finalize their Aug. 19 wedding plans. Within five hours of their arrival, all arrangements for rings, dresses and flowers had to be put on hold as a major forest fire erupted near Lara’s family home.The young couple spent the next week fighting fires 24/7 alongside Lara’s parents, saving their family home, and most of the nearby homes as well. Lara’s father, Juri Agapow said, “Our neighbours in the First Nation community of Anahim were a tremendous help. They fought the fire with us, brought us food so we could keep fighting the fire, and they even fed and watered our pigs.”When BCWS offered Tristen and Lara jobs, they decided to relocate to from Alberta to Hanceville, and when the fire season is over, they intend to settle there permanently and take up cattle ranching.Father of the bride, Juri Agapow, is a Canadian Ranger, who is part of the Operation Lentus force working nearby in Williams...

Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~The lead organizer of an annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) fighting competition says he hopes it will help bring what is known as “combatives” training to the forefront of essential military skills development in Canada.Training a soldier, says Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Burgess, is like building a house. It’s best to start with the foundation and build up from there.“Hand-to-hand combat is the essence of warrior training,” he says. “I would argue that when you start training soldiers by exposing them to the application of projectile weapons such as firearms, prior to developing their baseline hand-to-hand combative skills, that’s starting from the roof and going down.”That, he added, is how great warrior cultures such as the Samurai of Japan did it.“They believed that to master a weapon, you have to master yourself first. You are the ultimate weapon in a fight. So it’s not what you’re holding in your hand, it’s your ability to use it in a fight and develop the mindset to manage your fear.”LCol Burgess is a Senior Military Combatives Instructor in the CAF. He holds black belts in karate, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and, since joining the CAF in 2001, has spent most of that time teaching hand-to-hand combat to both conventional and special operations forces.Most experts consider combatives techniques as those used to engage an opponent at a distance of 25 metres or less, either hand-to-hand or with small weapons.In search of a way to increase the visibility of hand-to-hand combat in the CAF, LCol Burgess organized the inaugural Military Combatives Grappling Championship (MCGC) at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in 2013.“I was trying to figure out a way of actually bringing this back to more of a level of importance to the CAF itself,” he says. “So I figured the easiest way...

[caption id="attachment_16874" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lynn Gardner’s husband, Jamie Allin (centre) and their son, Gregory, join former Rocky Point Commanding Officer Major Jean-Luc Rioux during a gazebo dedication ceremony for Gardner on Aug. 3. Photo by Cpl Stuart MacNeil, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A gazebo has been dedicated in memory of long-time Rocky Point employee Lynn Gardner, who passed away on July 13, at the age of 54.The gazebo, located just outside the ammunition depot’s canteen, is a fitting tribute to Gardner, who worked for the Department of National Defence as an Ammunition Technician and Acting Materiel Processing Officer, says former co-worker and close friend Sandra Nelson.“She was an upbeat, perky person and everyone truly loved her because she never had a bad word to say about anybody, never played into gossip and had a high degree of compassion and respect for everyone here,” Nelson said. “Whenever we look out the windows of the canteen towards the gazebo we will think of her.”On July 11, Lynn, her husband Jamie and their son Gregory were in the Vancouver area traveling back from visiting family in Quesnel, B.C., when she suffered a brain aneurysm, tragically passing away just two days later. When news of Gardner’s death reached her coworkers it hit everyone pretty hard.  “There were lots of tears as her extended family here at Rocky Point were left speechless when we heard the sad news,” said Nelson.A dedication ceremony in remembrance of Gardner was held at the structure on Aug. 3, and was attended by her husband, their son, and numerous friends and colleagues. During the ceremony a plaque was affixed to the gazebo with the inscription:Dedicated in memory of Karen Lynn Gardner, 30 January 1963 – July 13, 2017. Lynn started as a groundskeeper and excelled at everything. She advanced...

[caption id="attachment_16870" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Capt Christopher Daniel[/caption]Major Krzysztof StachuraPublic Affairs Officer, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training CentreDr Tara ReillySenior Officer Human Performance Research DFit, PSPPhysical fitness is an integral component of military service and Canadian Army (CA) soldiers must be physically fit.  Strength and endurance could mean the difference between success and failure in a military operation. The CA has traditionally used a load-bearing march, familiar to most as the Battle Fitness Test (BFT), as the accepted physical fitness Individual Battle Task Standard (IBTS) designed to ensure CA soldiers are physically prepared for Land Operations. While the current and familiar FORCE evaluation was being developed, Human Performance Research and Development was monitoring and evaluating the physical demands of typical CA operational tasks conducted in various environments. The conclusion:  the BFT no longer had broad operational relevance for the CA and a new physical fitness IBTS needed to be developed. The result is FORCE Combat; the most comprehensive and scientifically validated physical fitness IBTS ever developed for the CA. FORCE Combat represents an evolution of the existing IBTS based on modern and relevant CA operational tasks observed over the last 15 years.  Those required to complete FORCE Combat will shortly begin transition training in order to prepare for the formal implementation in October 2017. Research was conducted by Personnel Support Services and the CA to validate the transition from the old to the new IBTS.  For example, trials were performed to determine the optimum number of practice attempts to account for the initial learning curve associated with the new evaluation (three times).  The DFit.ca training program developed for those who were originally unable to complete FORCE Combat was also validated with great success (all participants who followed the program successfully achieved the new IBTS).  Field trials in various locations in Canada have resulted in...

[caption id="attachment_16867" align="alignnone" width="450"] Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP are working together to help B.C. residents as part of the ongoing emergency response to the wildfire threat. Photo by MCpl Malcolm Byers, Wainwright Imaging Services[/caption]Capt Jeff ManneyOp Lentus Land Task Force (Pacific) Public Affairs ~The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) say the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 6), with its thermal imaging camera and ballistic-steel hull, is “designed to operate in the world’s hot spots.” Well, they certainly got that right.LAVs and their military crews are currently at work in B.C.’s fire-ravaged interior, where more than 1.1 million hectares have burned to date in the worst wildfire season in the province’s history.Instead of conducting battlefield reconnaissance, they’ve been supporting RCMP and provincial authorities, monitoring evacuation perimeters, looking for looters at night and using their vehicles’ advanced thermal imaging system to help firefighters better protect communities.“The assistance of the CAF has been absolutely essential,” said RCMP Sergeant Aaron Sproule. “Their ability to quickly mobilize large amounts of equipment and personnel has been a crucial part of ensuring the safe notification of residents when fire evacuation orders are issued by local governments. This has been especially true when the evacuation orders were applied to some of the more remote regions.”LAVs aren’t the only asset designed for the battlefield that are at work this summer in B.C.  Nearly 500 soldiers are deployed to Williams Lake on Operation Lentus, the Canadian Armed Forces effort in the ongoing emergency response to the wildfire threat.Soldiers are staffing observation and reporting points with their RCMP colleagues, providing information to the public and helping support evacuations. “We train to survive in an austere environment,” said Captain Rico Spiller, an infantry officer with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.  “We’re self-sustaining, so we don’t need much to...

[caption id="attachment_16864" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Royal Canadian Navy sailors taking part in Replenishment at Sea training with the Chilean Navy pose for a photo on board the Almirante Montt.[/caption]By Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie Officer in Charge of Canadian Crew on board Almirante Montt ~Seventeen Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors, ranging from the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) to Ordinary Seaman, took part in three weeks of Replenishment at Sea (RAS) force generation training on board the Chilean tanker Almirante Montt.With the absence of an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) platform in the Pacific Fleet since the de-commissioning of HMCS Protecteur in 2015, many junior sailors have not had the opportunity to operate with a tanker, let alone on board one. In preparation for the arrival of Canada’s own AOR, MV Asterix, in 2018, this timely opportunity to train RCN sailors on board Almirante Montt proved very beneficial.The Montt travelled from its home naval base in Valparaiso, Chile, to meet the Canadian sailors in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, in mid-July. The Montt then proceeded west to rendezvous with HMCS Ottawa and HMCS Winnipeg, who were on their journey home to Esquimalt after a five-month deployment on Poseidon Cutlass.Once the three ships met, the RAS force generation training was in full swing, carrying out a multitude of exercises ranging from liquid replenishment at sea (fuelling), heavy jackstay (for transferring provisions) and two-point and multi-ship replenishments. The RCN crew onboard Montt consisted of twelve boatswains, four bridge watchkeepers, and a Maritime Surface and Sub-surface Officer Lieutenant who was the Officer in Charge of the team. They all found great benefit from this hands-on experience as it allowed them to put their training into practical use, furthering their professional development.The Canadian crew observed the first two seamanship evolutions conducted by the Chilean crew, and then actively participated in...