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A/Slt Kim Wachockier MARPAC Public Affairs Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors from HMCS Nanaimo and members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) recently collaborated on a humanitarian training exercise. Exercise (Ex) SEA RANGER 2025 successfully took place last month with both groups sailing, training, and engaging with communities in and around Haida Gwaii. With stops in Masset, Skidegate, and Prince Rupert, the seven-day-long exercise aimed to improve the Defence team’s capacity to support remote Canadian communities in times of natural disaster. While in Masset, the Nanaimo was opened for public ship tours. A reminder of what the Navy uniform and the military means to Canadians, the afternoon saw families, teenagers, and service workers forming a steady stream of locals eager to explore the inside of a RCN vessel. 4CRPG Rangers and select Nanaimo crew members also leveraged the opportunity to practice marksmanship, weapons handling, and compass navigation in Masset. The two groups also participated in a successful training exercise at Taaw Tildaawee National Park that saw teams practising unfamiliar terrain movement, casualty evacuations, and a variety of response procedures. The exercise provided Nanaimo sailors and 4CRPG Rangers alike with the opportunity to practise adaptability in the context of real exercises shaped by the region’s geography. Following three days spent in Masset, HMCS Nanaimo departed toward Skidegate, where the vessel’s crew, 4CRPG Rangers, and Canadian Coast Guard visited a local heritage centre for a cultural presentation on traditional Haida canoe-building, history, art, and ceremony. A Skidegate community barbeque also united Ex SEA RANGER participants before the Nanaimo transported over thirty Rangers back to Prince Rupert. Importantly, Ex SEA RANGER continues to show that Canada’s northern and coastal communities are more than training grounds. Rather, they are real communities full of life, culture, and history.

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper There’s nothing like a much-anticipated 8:45 a.m. blast from an army howitzer cannon on a rainy Saturday morning. On June 21, CFB Esquimalt saw hundreds of Defence Community members, and locals supporting each other for the 19th annual Navy Run. The 2025 Esquimalt Navy Run took place at the Naden Athletic Centre, offering participants a well-organized morning of movement and community connection. With a scenic route that wound through the harbour and select sections of CFB Esquimalt, this year’s run included in-person 5 and 10km races in addition to an inclusive virtual race option. This hybrid format, first introduced in 2020, has remained a key part of the event’s success – particularly for deployed or remotely working Defence Community members. According to Race Director Gillian Larsen, the 2025 run saw the highest registration rate in several years with over 590 registered participants across Canada, nearly 400 of whom ran locally this year. One of the Navy Run’s celebrated community elements continues to remain its fundraising arm. The 2025 run raised over $3,800 in funds for Soldier On, a 2007-founded non-profit organization providing support for injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Another of the day’s highlights was the beloved Kids’ Fun Run, which saw young runners with beaming smiles racing their way through rain puddles on a kid-friendly track. In addition to cheer and water stations scattered across the race route to support participants, the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) kept racers’ spirits high through the rain with an upbeat selection of music. With high turnout, an ever-growing reputation, and over 50 event volunteers, the 2025 Navy Run continues to reinforce its status as a flagship summer event for the Esquimalt community. A huge thank you to our incredible 2025 Navy Run...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper No sun? No problem. Rain couldn’t slow the momentum as over 140 cyclists hit the trail for the 2025 CFB Esquimalt Navy Bike Ride (NBR) on May 21. A blur of navy against grey sky, riders pedaled through either an 18 or 36-kilometre route that linked five local communities (Esquimalt, Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, and Songhees Nation) together via the Galloping Goose Trail and Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&N) Rail Trail. The event began with a much-anticipated Kids’ Rodeo that set the tone for an inspiring day on wheels. Founded in 2016, the NBR primarily began as a means to unite Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) members, veterans, and civilians across the country in support of health, fitness, and community. As participation grew, so did the annual event’s ability to generate meaningful impact. The NBR functions as a national movement, with regional cycling events hosted across the country. 2025’s ride represents more than cycling and community-building— it’s about making a real difference. All funds raised by cyclists this year will support the Navalis Foundation, Support Our Troops, and Soldier On, organizations dedicated to the holistic well-being of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors and their families. Behind the scenes, organizing the CFB Esquimalt in-person NBR event took months of commitment. Matt Carlson, CFB Esquimalt Projects Officer and local NBR Director, was struck by the dedication of the volunteers involved. “My favourite part was working extensively with our CFB Esquimalt NBR Committee, which grew considerably this year,” he said. “Our members contributed greatly to the overall success of the event.” The growing team brought fresh ideas to life for 2025’s ride, including rider supports like free coffee and snacks, a secure bike valet, and local vendor booths all contributing to the event’s success. “While the rain did pour down on...

A/Slt DoHyun Kim HMCS Regina On May 23, HMCS Regina marked a leadership milestone with a Change of Command (CoC) ceremony held at sea. Presided over by Commodore David Mazur, Commander, Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC), the ceremony saw command pass from outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) Captain (Navy) Jeremy Samson to the incoming CO Commander (Cdr) Darren Sleen. Notably, the CoC also took place during a Family Day sail that united Regina’s command and crew with their loved ones. Promoted to his current rank during the ceremony, Capt (Navy) Samson honoured the expertise and courage of the ship’s company, expressing emotion over his departure. That sentiment resonated throughout members of the crew, many of whom described Capt (Navy) Samson as a sailor who understood the nuances of both commanding a warship and strong leadership. Prior to his appointment aboard HMCS Regina, incoming CO Cdr Sleen served as CO of HMCS Venture, the Naval Officers Training Centre. Well reputed for his ability to foster community Cdr Sleen arrives aboard Regina with a strong track record of camaraderie-building and leadership. Following the ceremony, both incoming and outgoing COs and their families gathered at the captain’s cabin to symbolically pass the torch. In addition to recognizing the responsibilities that come with command, both leaders acknowledged and paid tribute to the ongoing sacrifices made by their loved ones. As part of the Family Day sail that coincided with the CoC ceremony, sailors also got the opportunity to give loved ones a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of naval life. The occasion saw crew members guiding loved ones through Regina, sharing both operational insight and stories of the extensive teamwork needed to maintain a mission ready vessel. The event not only strengthened bonds between sailors and their families but highlighted the dedication and sacrifices that come with life...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Members of the Royal Canadian Navy can now utilise a suite of of eight professional development apps. They are an optional supplement intended to support perishable training and sharpen key skills across the fleet. Launched in January 2025 by developers within the Naval Training Group Headquarters (NTG HQ) Quality Control with collaboration from the Learning Support Centre (LSC), the apps mark a significant shift in how learning may be approached across the fleet. Current offerings include: CAF Ranks; Collision Regulations; Night Lights Recognition; Damage Control; Ship Fire Systems; Ship Silhouette Recognition; Signal Flags and Pennants; and Signal Flags Canvas. The apps interactively reinforce key RCN knowledge areas through repetition, randomized scenarios, and recognizable visuals —all in a format easy for sailors to navigate. According to Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Michael Schultz, Naval Communicator & Steward Training Manager, the tools have been extremely well-received by sailors. “The response has been incredibly positive so far,” he said. “Learners are often able to access and take advantage of app-based learning easier than traditional methods.” Other notable benefits of the digital training include: improved accessibility; ability to learn on-the-go; and the opportunity to engage in some friendly competition. To test app and sailor engagement, NTG HQ launched a recognition challenge in February centered on the Signal Flags and Pennants app. With over 150 entries submitted by RCN sailors across both Canadian coasts and Naval Reserve Divisions, the challenge greatly exceeded expectations. S1 Victor Petrusevici of HMCS Vancouver was the top performer, completing the challenge with a flawless score in only 56 seconds. “Our sailors are motivated and competitive, and these apps have the innate ability to tap into that,” noted CPO2 Schultz. While only eight apps currently exist within the digital training suite, plans are confirmed to develop...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Every June, Pride Month invites Canadians to reflect, celebrate, and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI+ community. This year, CFB Esquimalt continues to support both local and Defence 2SLGBTQI+ communities through an assortment of learning events, visibility efforts, and community engagements. 2025’s Pride Month calendar is packed with opportunities for the Defence Team to participate in, including the June 25 “Pride and Pints” social hosted by the Public Service Pride Network (PSPN), and June 27 Formation 5K Rainbow Run, organized by Esquimalt’s Personnel Support Program (PSP). For those looking to create further impact and build inclusivity all year long, Positive Space Ambassador Training is also available throughout the month. Members are also invited to join the vibrant celebrations of Victoria Pride Week ( July 1–6), with the city’s annual Pride Parade scheduled for Sunday, July 6. To Commander (Cdr) Adriano Lozer, Champion of the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO), “Pride month presents an important opportunity to honour colleagues, engage with new individuals, and demonstrate support.” MARPAC DTPAO members brought this message to life, volunteering in uniform at the Sidney Pride Festival on June 14. Defence Team members can also expect to see both the intersex progress pride flag and Indigenous Survivor’s flag, recognizing Indigenous History Month, at CFB Esquimalt across Workpoint, Dockyard, and Naden. Though Pride season is a time to celebrate the strength and joy of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities, it is also a time to learn from the past and act for an equitable future. June 12 saw Defence Team members gathered in CFB Esquimalt’s Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess for the Pride-Purge Coterie, a poignant symposium. The event, sponsored by the Rainbow Veterans of Canada and the LGBT Purge Fund, included a screening of The Fruit Machine, a documentary...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Enjoying listening to the low brass section of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) lately? Meet Petty Officer Musician (PO MUS) Fraser Robertson, from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), the Naden Band’s first international ensemble member in a decade to make the 11,000 km journey to the island. An accomplished tuba player in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band (RNZNB), PO MUS Robertson has temporarily joined the Naden Band as part of the Canada–New Zealand Exchange (CANZEX) program. Housed under Operation REGULUS, CANZEX strengthens international cooperation through hands-on personnel exchanges between the RCN and its allied navies. Exchanges can include everything from diving and navigation to logistics —and in this case, music. Originally from the small town of Te Awamutu on New Zealand’s North Island, PO MUS Robertson first picked up the tuba and his love for music in middle school. He then explored military performance in an educational placement with the New Zealand Army Band in his late teens before officially joining the RNZNB in 2012. “I chose to join the Navy because it was musically aligned with my personal vision for the future,” said PO MUS Robertson. “The Army band also does a lot of marching, which I learned isn’t ideal when you carry a large instrument like the tuba!” he laughed. Since then, PO MUS Robertson has toured overseas and performed in everything from public parades to diplomatic engagements with the RNZNB. He’s now embracing every moment with the Naden Band at CFB Esquimalt—alongside developing a fondness for true Canadian poutine. “The welcome I’ve received has been incredible,” says PO MUS Robertson. “I’ve felt completely at home with the Naden Band, and it’s amazing how quickly you can form a bond with people through a shared background of service...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Mental health matters, especially in a life of service. For the week starting May 5 2025, Defence Community members across Canada came together to challenge stigma, encourage connection, and explore strategies for mental well-being. 2025’s Mental Health Week carried the theme of ‘Unmasking Mental Health’, a concept that recognizes the toll hiding mental struggles can take, especially on military members, veterans, Defence employees, families, and communities. In a culture of service and resilience, honest conversations about psychological and emotional wellbeing can sometimes feel like risk to those known for strength. But as reinforced during the Self Care Strategies: Helpful Now and Always webinar held on May 8, vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a strength that builds healthy people and communities. Led by Human Relations Specialist and Criminologist Alexandra Hidalgo, the session offered Defence community participants with evidence-based tips to care for their mental and emotional well-being. “Stress and mental heaviness, when left unchecked, impacts our immune system, memory, mood, daily functioning, and more,” she explained. “The goal of self-care is to build consistent habits that work to boost our mental health before long-term, negative effects build.” With life in the Defence community often defined by deployments, irregular schedules, separation, or stress, Hidalgo’s tools were both informative and actionable. Whether you’re in uniform, supporting a loved one, or behind the scenes, here are some tips for mental wellbeing: Commit to caring for yourself. Prioritize self care like any other obligation. Plan ahead, forgive yourself, and understand you can’t pour from an empty cup. Practice healthy thinking. Stay curious about your thoughts, create space from negative self talk when needed, and recognize unhealthy thoughts as they arise. Focus on what you can control. Redirect energy away from worry and try shifting towards positive actions you can engage in instead....

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper The sea remembers, and so do we. On May 4, Victorians gathered at the lawns of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, an annual day of remembrance of the Second World War’s longest campaign. The 1100hrs service drew representatives of the Naval Association of Canada, members and veterans of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the media, and local community members in observance of those who served in the battle. Of the nearly 100,000 Canadians who served, over 4,600 hundred lost their lives. The 2025 event marked eight decades since the tide turned in the Atlantic and coincided with the RCN’s 115th anniversary, weaving remembrance, historical pride, and present-day service into a commemoration of unity. The sacrifices of Canada’s Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Mariners were formally honoured at the cenotaph, where silence was observed, wreaths laid, and moving tributes shared. The Battle of the Atlantic began for Canada even before war was officially declared, when HMCS Fraser and St. Laurent departed the Pacific Coast in August 1939 to escort the first Allied convoys across the Atlantic. By the war’s end in 1945, the RCN had escorted nearly half of all Allied convoys across the Atlantic, destroyed 33 German U-boats, and scuttled 42 enemy surface ships. The RCN also suffered heavy losses with over 2,000 naval fatalities and 30 vessels lost. To Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside, Commander of CFB Esquimalt, the event was equally an occasion to commemorate the past as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges ahead. “The accomplishments of those who served before inform and inspire those of us in uniform today. It is right that we remember their service, but equally important that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. As we...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Not every hero sails a ship, some design the ship instead. The Royal Victoria Yacht Club was the scene of both official recognition and naval tradition on April 24, when Mr. Robert Allan, President of Robert Allan Ltd., was presented with the 2024 Admirals’ Medal for exceptional contributions to Canada’s maritime legacy. The ceremony, hosted by Vice Admiral (Retired) Nigel Brodeur and Commodore David Mazur, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, brought together Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) representatives, veterans, and local Defence community leaders to honour a man whose work will power our national fleet for decades to come. Through the exclusive design of four new Naval Large Tugs (NLTs) developed for the RCN, medal recipient Robert Allan played a direct role in strengthening Canadian maritime operations and morale. Built under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, these vessels are designed to handle everything from critical emergency response and coastal towing to firefighting. The NLTs represent a leap forward in power, maneuverability, and mission support. The tugs will replace aging equipment and expand operational readiness for the Navy’s growing fleet, boasting the ability to maneuver challenging weather conditions alongside a staggering 60-tonne bollard pull. Allan’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Admirals’ Medal itself, which recognizes key innovative contributions made to Canadian maritime affairs. First created in 1985 by Vice-Admirals Bob Stephens, Dan Mainguy, and Nigel Brodeur, the medal was named in tribute to their fathers, men whose naval service helped shape the RCN’s identity, alongside its values of courage and technical excellence. As a civilian Admirals’ Medal recipient, Allan joins a very small group of contributors, including Arctic researcher Moira Dunbar and last year’s honouree, Captain David (Duke) Snider. To Allan, the medal ceremony was a humbling experience—an acknowledgement of years of work...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Service deep beneath the waves is anything but quiet. To Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Patricia Inglis, supporting emergency responses; maintaining morale in a confined environment; serving as a communication hub; upholding discipline; participating in briefings; and managing administrative tasks are just some of what keeps a submarine deployment fast paced. CPO2 Inglis is currently posted to HMCS Windsor as the Canadian Submarine Force’s (CSF) first female coxswain. The coxswain is especially vital on submarines where communication with the outside world fades underwater, space grows tight, and tensions run high. Though her appointment as the first female coxswain of a submarine carries historical significance, CPO2 Inglis remains focused on the responsibilities of her job. “I am incredibly proud to be the first woman to hold this position within the Canadian submarine community, and I sincerely hope to honour the legacy,” she said. “But importantly, I hope this reinforces that leadership within the CSF is about real competence, and the ability to connect with crew regardless of background.” To CPO2 Inglis, milestones like this also encourage long-term growth by demonstrating how diverse perspectives and approaches enhance team effectiveness. When it comes to the life of a submariner, what surprises people the most is lack of internet access beneath the surface. “While those serving on ships typically have access to both internal networks and the internet, the experience on a submarine is very different,” said CPO2 Inglis. “We have no access until we return to port, making even checking in with loved ones or reading the news impossible.” Raised in Nova Scotia, CPO2 Inglis didn’t always envision herself in a naval uniform. She first explored a career in tourism and hospitality; however, the sea called. After deploying aboard HMCS Winnipeg for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper When fantasy meets the Fleet, the unforgettable happens. On Apr. 4, the Farquhar Auditorium at the University of Victoria (UVic) swelled with music during the much-anticipated Fantasy, Myths, & Legends concert – a professional collaboration between the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the UVic Wind Symphony. An engaging program featuring music from Moby Dick and Mordor to works inspired by Peter Pan and Firebird, locals agreed on the significance of experiencing military and student musicians performing side-by-side with camaraderie. To many, the evening was a moment of music, connection and mentorship – a testament to the powerful role our military musicians play in shaping future professionals. “The joint concert between the Naden Band and UVic’s Wind Symphony has long been a way to perform outstanding repertoire, provide guidance and mentorship to university students, and showcase a side of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) that isn’t often seen,” said Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Benjamin Van Slyke, Naden Band’s Commanding Officer and one of the night’s conductors. When asked what it meant to play with talented university-level musicians, Lt(N) Van Slyke shared, “students get a chance to ‘level up’ their playing. They’re already at the university level and developing into wonderful players, but there’s nothing like the adrenaline surge of playing next to working professionals at the highest level.” The Naden Band performs across Canada and internationally in support of military and community events and has developed a strong reputation for collaborative outreach over the years. When it comes to supporting young musicians, the band prefers to tap into the power of shared performance and scholarships. In this case, proceeds from the evening funded the official Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific Scholarship in Music Performance, awarded annually to UVic music students demonstrating excellence in...

Canadian and Latvian Divers Jump From CH-148 Cyclone in High-Stakes Helocasting Jazmin Holdway with contributions by Andrea Modesto Lookout Newspaper Canadian combat engineer diving specialists (combat divers) from Gagetown, Valcartier, Petawawa, and Edmonton joined forces with port inspection divers from three Naval Reserve divisions and Latvian divers to train in this year’s iteration of Exercise Roguish Buoy, the Canadian Army’s only collective dive exercise held this year between Jan. 20 and Feb. 15 at CFB Albert Head in Metchosin, B.C. Helocasting is an insertion technique used when land access is not readily available and involves dispatching divers from a helicopter into the water to conduct operations such as area search and obstacle clearance, according to Master Corporal (MCpl) Mark Suffoletta, a member from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. who was involved in the exercise. He explained how crucial this training opportunity is for combat divers, preparing them for real-world scenarios in which the mobility of friendly forces is at stake. “What I like to say is we’re combat engineers underwater, so we do all the capabilities that combat engineers do, but below the surface,” he said. “When we say obstacle clearance, that’s clearing debris and anything that may impede our forces from coming in.” Captain (Capt) Willis Ripley, exercise director for Roguish Buoy 2025, highlighted the value of training in such dynamic environments. “Helocasting is just one tool in our toolbox,” he said. “It allows us to get members into the water in austere situations where traditional transport isn’t an option. This skillset could be used in scenarios like mine-clearing operations, obstacle removal, or responding to a crash in a remote area.” The exercise tested critical combat engineering capabilities by placing dive teams in a multitude of scenarios including search and recovery of sunken equipment, clearing shorelines from...

Matt Carlson, Projects Officer at CFB Esquimalt, and Dan Bodden, co-founder of the WWRBC, celebrate as the Wounded Warrior Run BC 2025 concludes at Market Square on Mar. 2. Photo: Archana Cini Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper  —  The 2025 Wounded Warriors B.C. Run Concludes There is no better fuel than purpose when running 800 kilometres in just 8 days. An unforgettable adventure across Vancouver Island, the Wounded Warrior Run BC 2025 brought together a team of 18 Canadians (eight runners and ten support staff) to raise funds for trauma-exposed professionals in the community. The team’s efforts began in Port Hardy on Feb. 23 and culminated in a spectacular finish in Victoria’s Market Square on Mar. 2. More than $235,313 was raised for Wounded Warriors Canada, funds that will stay local to the island and support recovery, counselling, training, and education efforts for trauma exposed professionals, including Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Among this year’s runners was Kevin Whiteside. Many would know him as Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, but he chose to run as himself, of his own volition, because he believed in supporting Wounded Warriors Canada and the programs they and other such organizations offer to trauma exposed professionals.  Surrounded by the community, his daughters, and a D.I.Y. Go Dad! poster after the journey, Kevin stressed that it was ultimately family that fuelled him through the eight strenuous days of running. “The toughest moment of the past week was leaving my family on Saturday, and the best moment was getting to see them again now, along with the incredible support from our community” he said. “It’s beyond special to support Wounded Warriors Canada – an organization that doesn’t just help trauma-affected individuals, but also their families and their communities. As a...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper  —  The Naden Athletic Centre came alive on Mar. 6 as the annual MARPAC Health & Wellness Expo returned to CFB Esquimalt. With a lively crowd, engaging demonstrations, and a BBQ lunch fueling the fun, the event brought the Defence community and vendors together to celebrate the power of well-being. Visitors walked away with an array of prizes, valuable products, and meaningful insights to enhance their holistic health. Among the businesses in attendance was Saje Natural Wellness who displayed immersive healing and self-care products. “Ultimately, we’re here to spread well-being to a community that deserves to be healthy and happy,” said Kristina Thiele, Victoria store manager. “It’s rewarding to connect with people who are as excited about wellness as we are.” Throughout the event, Saje fostered conversations around self-care, encouraging military members and civilian employees to unapologetically prioritize themselves and their healing. MĀ Wellness & Yoga also inspired attendees with their mind-body approach to health. Captivating attendees with a soothing booth design, the local holistic wellness studio highlighted the value of preventative measures to the community. Stacy Picard, manager, shared how the MARPAC Expo provided the studio with an opportunity to show up for “those around us.” “People have the power to look after themselves, and we’re here to help them unlock that,” she said. The studio not only engaged visitors in conversations about movement and mindfulness, but also offered acupuncture demonstrations. Wellness vendors extended to include financial services with the attendance of BMO and SISIP, base clubs encouraging new registrations with CFB Esquimalt’s Garden Club, Golf Association, and Model Railroad Club, and base resources including Base Fire Prevention, the Dental Unit, Formation Safety and Environment, Complaint and Conflict Management Services, Defence Advisory Groups, and the Employee Assistance Program. Other notable attractions included an exciting technical shirt...

Kelley Stark Communications Officer, MARPAC — The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is enhancing its capabilities through the newly established Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU), which aims to address emerging maritime threats and push the boundaries of naval technology and tactics. This innovative unit focuses on Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), [...]

[caption id="attachment_36941" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee welcomes guests to the B-Jetty Opening Ceremony on Feb. 5.[/caption] Jazmin Holdway with contributions by Leah Pokocky and S1 Robin Kruger Lookout Newspaper  —  In a significant moment for Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet, the new B-Jetty at HMC Dockyard at CFB Esquimalt was officially opened on Feb. 5, ushering in a new era of capability for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, MP, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, as well as Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN. The opening ceremony featured a ceremonial welcome with the National Anthem performed by the Naden Band. Mr. Paul Schauerte, Acting Director General of Infrastructure and Environment, and VAdm Topshee both delivered addresses acknowledging the immense scale of the project and its positive impact on the Navy’s operations and environmental sustainability. Remarks were kept short in consideration for the freezing temperatures of the morning. [caption id="attachment_36943" align="aligncenter" width="400"] The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, MP, addresses the gathering.[/caption] “You don’t just see a ship, you see a massive capability,” said Minister Sajjan while pointing to HMCS Max Bernays, docked alongside the opening ceremony. He discussed the work being done at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and the overall capabilities of the RCN, its personnel and supporting infrastructure. The B-Jetty, which replaces the original A- and B-Jetties built during the Second World War, was designed to withstand the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, such as tsunamis. Construction on the project began in December 2019, with the achieved initial operational capability date set for November 2024. The 270-meter long and 26-meter-wide marine structure is built on pipe...

Lt(N) R. Davies, Uncrewed System Officer, ANCU  —  From October to November 2024, Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU) took part in Bold Quest 24, a significant multinational event hosted by the United States Joint Staff in Jacksonville, North Carolina. This prestigious event brought together approximately 2,000 personnel from 17 different nations, fostering collaboration and enhancing capabilities among allied forces. The ANCU team had three primary missions during the exercise: to integrate into the intelligence cycle of the exercise, participate in a medical demonstration and practical field test of modern medical networking technologies, and support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. To achieve these goals, ANCU deployed a team comprised of an Intelligence officer, a medic and Uncrewed Systems operators flying the CU-175 Puma – a miniature fixed wing Uncrewed Aircraft system used both on land and at sea. One of the standout achievements of the ANCU team during Bold Quest 24 was their support for the first successful execution of the Intelligence Requirement Management and Collection Management (IRM&CM) process using solely Canadian assets through Federated Mission Network (FMN). ANCU sailors played a critical role in providing Full Motion Video (FMV) to the FMN and the Mission Partner Environment. This FMV was subsequently transmitted to the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre and Trinity in Halifax, marking a significant advancement in the speed and efficiency of intelligence collection and processing. Leading the intelligence efforts, Lieutenant(N) Jeong served as the Naval Intelligence lead for Bold Quest 24, heading a team focused on the practical use of Common Intelligence Picture tools and implementing the IRM&CM cycle. Meanwhile, ANCU’s medic, Master Corporal (MCpl) Patterson, integrated with the Royal Navy and the United States Marine Corps to evaluate the United States Air Force Research Laboratories Battlefield Digital Data Collection Kit (BATDOK), to address medical needs and gather vital...

His Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Protecteur during its Naming Ceremony at Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver on Dec. 13. Photos: Sailor 3rd Class Jordan Schilstra, MARPAC Imaging Services   Teri McKinnon, HMCS Protecteur’s Sponsor, speaks during Naming Ceremony at Seaspan Shipyards.   The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.   Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.