Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The CFB Esquimalt Tritons made history on Sept 16 by winning the Commodore’s Cup for the first time after defeating the 19 Wing Comox Totems 28-20 at Colville Field.  The annual flag football game brings together the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), represented by Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), represented by 19 Wing Comox, in a friendly but competitive showdown for the Cup.  Since the inaugural matchup in 2022, the trophy has belonged to 19 Wing Comox, a streak that is now broken. On home soil for its fifth iteration, the Tritons secured their first victory against the RCAF after months of preparation and teamwork.   [caption id="attachment_361218" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Members of the CFB Esquimalt Tritons flag football team at Colville Field on Sept 16. Photo: Pte John MacKay, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] “We came up short a couple times early in the game, but the hard work that the fellas put in throughout the summer really came through,” said Lieutenant(N) (Lt(N)) Zachary Champion. “It really was a group effort all round.”   Next year, the Commodore’s Cup will take place at 19 Wing Comox for yet another matchup the Tritons are eager to claim once more.  

Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper The conversation on leadership at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt continues with Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Douglas Layton, who took command of the base on July 21. While new to the appointment, his perspectives are informed by nearly 25 years of military service and the many leaders, lessons, and experiences he encountered along the way.  Together, we explored themes that shape every level of leadership: character; morale; courage; integrity; fairness; and what it means to lead in the service of others.  Leadership, Capt(N) Layton explained, can be demonstrated by anyone willing to take responsibility, look beyond their own interests, and contribute to the success of the team.  “Leaders don’t only think of themselves first,” he said. “They’re focused on a task or mission, as opposed to what they can get for themselves.”  When asked whether there is a difference between a commander and a leader, he explained that “a commander holds an appointed position of authority, whereas a leader can be anybody.”  To Capt(N) Layton, decisiveness and consistency are two of the most important qualities he admires in leaders. However, he said, good leaders must also create space for others to contribute their input.  “It’s an important quality to force yourself to listen to other people’s perspectives before jumping into a decision.”  The balance between accountability and trust is not always easy, but it is central to building strong teams – as is courage and integrity.  While physical bravery may be the most visible form of courage, he pointed to the quieter kind required in daily leadership: the everyday courage and integrity it takes to make difficult decisions, have uncomfortable conversations, and do what is right even when it is unpopular.    [caption id="attachment_361196" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Capt(N) Douglas Layton addresses guests during CFB Esquimalt’s change of command ceremony on July 21. Photo: MCpl William Gosse, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] Morale  Good leadership and buy-in helps...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper “I really, really enjoyed my time.” - Frank Simpson reflecting on memories from his time in service to Canada - To Frank Simpson, the 14 years he spent in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) meant everything. During his time in service, he served aboard ships, travelled across the world, and worked his way toward a promotion. Despite the career he had built for more than a decade and a promotion within reach, Simpson said he was dismissed from the RCN in 1978 because of his sexuality.  Today, Frank looks back on his service with pride, even as he remembers the discrimination that brought it to an end. After his time with the RCN, he built a new career in hospitality and later spent 25 years with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). At 80 years old now, Frank’s life reflects both the lasting harm of the LGBT Purge and the determination it took for him to move forward.  Frank’s early life began in Germany, where he was born before arriving in Canada with his mother and stepfather in 1954. Growing up as an only child in North Saanich with few activities for young people in the area, Frank knew he wanted to leave and find a different path. He enlisted on Dec 2, 1964, and the following day began a five-day journey across the country to Cornwallis, N.S., for basic training.  “The level of discipline that was required was very, very difficult to learn at first,” said Frank. Still, he succeeded and found his place as a steward for officers. Frank’s first posting was aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Yukon. In 1967, he was selected to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Tattoo. One memory in particular stayed with him: a child approaching him after a performance to ask for his autograph.   [caption id="attachment_361172" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A photo of RCN veteran...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The RCN's 2026 Guaranteed Employment Opportunity (GEO) program gave naval reservists full-time summer employment and hands-on training at CFB Esquimalt. Participants developed seamanship skills through small boat exercises, day sails, operational taskings and training aboard RCN vessels. Sailors gained valuable experience, progressed toward qualifications and built connections to carry into their naval careers. - This summer at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, Canadian naval reservists from across the country gained hands-on experience and advanced their training through the 2026 iteration of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Guaranteed Employment Opportunity (GEO) program.   The GEO program provides members of the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) with guaranteed full-time summer employment during their first four years of service. Approved program participants can choose to remain at their home unit or pursue opportunities at other locations, including CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax. This year, CFB Esquimalt welcomed NAVRES boatswains to provide junior sailors with opportunities to progress through their training packages while actively gaining a wide variety of practical experiences.  [caption id="attachment_361146" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Participants of the 2026 GEO Program participate in naval knot identification. Photo supplied.[/caption] Throughout the summer, participants took part in a range of activities, from seamanship and naval history briefings to small boat training, sailing, and operational taskings. Practically, GEO program members developed seamanship through special operations rigid-hulled inflatable boat (SO RHIB) towing exercises; fast boating; wave mitigation; and more. Sailors also practised person-overboard (POB) drills; fueling, navigation; radio procedures; and high-speed sticking drills. The exercises provided opportunities for participants to gain signatures in their Pre Instruction Package (PIP), helping them progress through their training packages.  In addition to seamanship training, GEO program participants also experienced life at sea through a variety of base activities. Several sailors participated in day sails aboard ORCA-class training vessels, while others took part in naval history and seamanship briefings. The program also...

Padre Marie-Eve Homier Welcome to the October instalment of From the Chaplain’s Desk, a series that showcases reflections from chaplains serving at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. Each piece offers personal perspectives from those who work closely with members of the Defence Team in times of challenge, transition, and everyday life.   – Daylight time shortens, the cold settles in. “Ah, it’s all downwards from here!” While this seasonal transition can put a damper on our morale, there may be a hidden gem of learning in the slow decrease of summer and coming of winter.   Trees begin to shed their leaves, revealing their essential structure: a network of branches that support an entire canopy. We, too, can ask ourselves: What gives me structure that underpins all my life’s commitments? Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, what drives me at my core?  In short, it’s a matter of following the breadcrumb trail back to what holds meaning for us: a robust sense of purpose that sustains us through the inevitable ups and downs.  Purpose is more than a goal or an ambition; it is the deep conviction that our lives and actions matter. When spirituality is combined with purpose, it creates what many call spiritual resilience: the ability to endure challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty while maintaining hope, meaning, and inner strength. While purpose is not a cure for life’s difficulties, it can serve as a protective factor. A strong sense of purpose contributes to a healthier mindset by helping people make sense of challenges and maintain perspective during difficult times. In this way, purpose can strengthen resilience before adversity strikes rather than merely helping us recover afterward.   Another great benefit of purpose is its ability to counter cynicism. In a world where disappointment, frustration, and adversity are unavoidable, it is easy to become skeptical or disengaged. Purpose reminds us that our efforts contribute to something larger than ourselves. It helps...

Kevin Hall, Corporate Services Coordinator Written by Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper I’m Kevin Hall, and I’m the Lookout’s Corporate Services Coordinator. I handle all the advertising opportunities for the newspaper and CFB Esquimalt.  I’m from Kingston, Ontario, though I have lived all over as a member of a military family. My dad served in the army for 35 years in the Signal Corps, so moving was a normal part of growing up for me. I was about nine when we moved to Germany, where I spent three years in an international school. I spoke English, learned German, and took Spanish lessons. Looking back, I can see how lucky I was that these experiences shaped the way I see people and the world today. My classmates came from all over. I had friends who were German, Korean, Estonian, Papua New Guinean, and from many other backgrounds. I remember coming back to Kingston after my father’s service in Germany to a much smaller classroom, where having even one person from another country felt like such a big deal. It taught me early in life that what feels normal often depends a lot on where you are.  Growing up in a military family also taught me about community. My dad deployed to Afghanistan twice and to the Congo once. Altogether, he spent about two years away. When a parent is gone for that long, you feel it as a child. You’re living in a single-parent household, and, even as a kid, you understand that the person who is away is somewhere dangerous.  While I never wanted to join the military myself, I loved growing up surrounded by the community that comes with it. When we lived in Germany, Canadian military families would travel together and take part in community events. There was a real emphasis on making sure people felt connected, especially when...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper; with files from the Government of Canada - From Aug 31 to Sept 2, the Fairmont Empress Hotel and the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC) became one of the most secure square kilometres on Canada’s West Coast for the 2026 Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference (PACOM CHODS).   The three-day international conference was co-hosted by General (Gen) Jennie Carignan, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, and Admiral (Adm) Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and held under the theme Strengthening Collective Security: Navigating Challenges in a Dynamic Indo-Pacific Landscape. The conference traditionally rotates annually between Hawaii, home to U.S. Pacific Command, and partner nations across the region, like Hawaii (2024), and Thailand (2025). This year’s 28th PACOM CHODS marked the largest guest list in the conference’s history, with 32 invited countries in comparison to just six in 2016. This is also the second time the conference has returned to Canada, with its 2017 iteration also held in Victoria. The goal of the annual event is to promote mutual understanding and interoperability among senior military leaders while discussing shared challenges and opportunities.  [caption id="attachment_360910" align="alignright" width="300"] Senior military leaders representing 30 delegations and 29 countries gather for a photo during the 28th annual PACOM CHODS conference in Victoria on Sept 1.Photo: Cpl Mark Wanzel, CAF Imagery[/caption]  The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, welcomed delegates during the 2026 PACOM CHODs opening ceremony by framing the conference around shared responsibility despite differences.   “Our geography may be different; our capabilities may be different; but the responsibility is shared,” said McGuinty. “To protect our people, to defend our sovereignty, to preserve peace, and to be ready when that peace is tested.” He then pointed to a busy year of Indo-Pacific engagement for Canada, including new defence dialogues launched with South Korea, India, and Japan; joint exercises with the Philippines; and the appointment of Canada’s first senior military representative...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Join us!  Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s annual Ship to Shore Industrial Tradeshow returns on Tuesday, Oct 6, bringing more than 40 industry suppliers and partners to the Naden Athletic Centre to showcase new technologies, products, services, and opportunities to the local Defence community.  Presented by the Lookout Newspaper and Creative Services, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature a variety of indoor and outdoor displays, demonstrations, and engagements for attendees and local industry professionals.   New at this year’s tradeshow is the Industry Connect Hub, a dedicated space that will give Defence community members and industry professionals the ability to meet, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Alongside the event’s displays and demonstrations, attendees can also enjoy a complimentary gourmet burger lunch while connecting with the vendors, colleagues, and industry partners around them.  The Ship to Shore Tradeshow is free to attend for all local Defence community members.  Thank you to this year's Ship to Shore sponsor: Thank you to this year's Ship to Shore community partners:   Meet the 2026 Vendors  Western Equipment Ltd   KMS Tools  Point Hope Maritime Ltd   Industrial Plastics and Paints (The Redco Group)  Costco Wholesale  Calgary Police Service  New-Line Hose & Fittings   NLS Products  MarineLabs Data Systems  Willis College  University of Victoria Continuing Studies  Wesco Distribution Canada  Cloverdale Paint Inc  EB Horsman  Helmets to Hardhats  Grand & Toy  Levitt-Safety Limited  Grainger Canada  RCMP E Div Recruiting  Local 258 IBEW  Purolator   Commander Warehouse  Snap-On Tools of Canada  3M   Service First Limited   Fastenal Canada LTD  Testforce Systems Inc  Makita Canada Power Tools  Motion Industries   Velocity Bolting  Fountain Tire  Elec-Tech Sales Ltd  Transition Unit   Recruitment and Talent Strategies Team  Veterans Services  Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF)  NDWCC   BMO  WestJet  Staples Canada Allredi Blast & Abrasives Canada  And more! 

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper, with Michael Erwin RCN veteran Michael Erwin finds purpose after retirement through art. At 63, he returns to school at VISA to develop his creative skills. Now pursuing a BFA, Erwin encourages others to embrace art. - For more than 40 years, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) gave Michael Erwin a sense of purpose. After retiring in 2021 with no shortage of stories or skills, Erwin found himself facing a question other veterans may know well: who are you when the job that shaped you is gone?  Erwin first began service in 1981, joining as a reservist before transferring to the Regular Force in 1987. By the time Erwin reached retirement, the navy wasn’t simply a career.   “That long in the service leaves a mark,” he said. “The navy became a big part of who I was.”  When retirement approached alongside Erwin’s 60th birthday, he found himself apprehensive rather than excited, unsure what life after what sailors call swallowing the anchor might feel like.  “I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom that came with having no taskings or deadlines; the ability to do as I chose; and the satisfaction of not having to answer to chain of command,” Erwin said, though he added that his wife might disagree on the final part. However, the novelty of unstructured time only went so far.   “One can only drift productively for so long,” he said. “Though my days were filled with activity, there was something missing.” The navy, Erwin realized, hadn’t just given him skills, friendships, and stories over four decades — it had given him purpose.   Erwin had always doodled, on and off, for as long as he could remember, though he’d never taken any formal instruction and considered his artistic ability limited. When people asked what he planned to do in retirement, he’d often say he might “do something with art,” without much of a plan behind...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper SLt Mitchell Keay placed 18th overall at Tour de Victoria 2026, finishing first in his division after two years of training. He reflected on how cycling shaped his confidence and career with the RCN. - Two years ago, Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Mitchell Keay completed Tour de Victoria’s 100-kilometre (km) distance in 219th place. This August, he crossed the same finish line in 18th place, and first in his division — a result even he admits caught him off guard.  Racing in the men’s 30-34 division at Tour de Victoria this year with the hope of placing within the top 100, SLt Keay posted a chip time of 3:10:43 over the 100 km course.   “Moving through the course, I felt really good,” he said. “It was a punchy and dynamic race, and at the start I felt prepared, excited, and very strong.” SLt Keavy held an average heart rate of 163 BPM throughout the race, close to what he considers the edge of what’s sustainable over three to four hours. A sign, he shared, of dialed-in pacing built on a year of dedicated training.  SLt Keay has served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for more than a decade, first joining in April 2015 and working as a Naval Communicator (NAV COMM) before switching trades to become a Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) in 2023. Today, he works as an Assistant Analyst in the Reserve Management Cell at Personnel Coordination Centre Pacific  PCC(P), facilitating administration for Naval Reserve (NAVRES) personnel employed on the West Coast.  While cycling has been part of SLt Keay’s life since childhood, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that it became something more. While living in Hamilton and taking part in Operation (Op) LASER in 2020, he completed his first 100km ride with a roommate.  “It was hard, but I quite enjoyed it,” said SLt Keavy. After relocating to Quebec City to work at NAVRES Headquarters...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Members of the local Defence community gathered at Work Point for Formation Fun Day 2026. Families enjoyed a wide offering of indoor activities, outdoor attractions, and more. The annual event brought the community together for an anticipated afternoon of fun and connection. - More than a decade of Formation Fun Day traditions met a new home this year as the Defence Team community gathered at Work Point on Sept 12 for an afternoon of family fun, food and connection.   [caption id="attachment_360822" align="alignleft" width="300"] A parent and child engages with one of many indoor activity booths during Formation Fun Day 2026.Photo: Cpl Conor Munn, CAF Imagery[/caption] The move to Work Point marked a new chapter for the annual event, offering more space for both indoor activities and outdoor engagements. Attendees made their way to the Nixon Building and surrounding grounds, exploring more than 25 indoor activities and booths and a full lineup of outdoor attractions, including the popular RHIB rides.  Inside the Nixon Building, families and community members enjoyed everything from face painting, glitter tattoos and a photo booth to a Super Mario bouncy castle, mini putt, a golf simulator and a 20-foot obstacle course. Community organizations and hobby clubs also welcomed attendees throughout the afternoon.  [caption id="attachment_360823" align="alignright" width="300"] A caricaturist sketches people during Formation Fun Day 2026.Photo: Cpl Conor Munn, CAF Imagery.[/caption] Outside, the Work Point grounds were filled with activity, including rock climbing, Euro bungee, battle archery, obstacle courses, bounce slides, yard games, a marketplace, and a dedicated Five and Under Zone. Live music, balloon twisting, caricatures and static displays from across the Defence community added to the atmosphere. Food, treats, and refreshments were also available throughout the event, while children took part in a scavenger hunt by collecting stamps in event passports for a chance to win prizes.  We can’t wait to welcome...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper “This is Rescue 315. We have found the airplane — it’s crashed, and three people are injured. I repeat, we have found the airplane.”   - Ed Vishek in the summer of 1981, speaking on the intercom after locating a downed aircraft near Baker Lake, NWT  - Ed Vishek was a young boy watching the Avro CF-105 Arrow streak overhead when he first decided he wanted to fly.   “It was probably the hottest plane in the world at the time,” Ed said. “I wanted to fly that Arrow.” When the program was later cancelled by the Government of Canada, Ed settled on another hope for his adulthood.   “I couldn’t fly the Arrow anymore, so I decided on the next best thing — to fly for the navy.”  Ed Vishek was born in Sudbury, Ont., where his father worked in the mines before the family later settled in St. Catharines, 13 miles from Niagara Falls. His father, a veteran himself, had first immigrated to Canada at 19 after leaving a small country later absorbed into Yugoslavia.   “The way my dad tells it, we got here, we were given a package of cigarettes, a package of tobacco, a package of papers, and then got told, ‘Go.’ That was it.”  What followed was a string of odd jobs across the country, cutting wood in Quebec, mining coal in Alberta, and working a fishing boat off the coast.  Ed was an active sea cadet through childhood. During this time, he remembers sailing aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Haida, a Second World War destroyer, and being shown the notches carved into the ship’s railing for each enemy ship it had sunk. Ed went on to graduate from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Wings Course in 1962, moving onto flying the Grumman S-2 Tracker (CS2F Tracker) out of Shearwater, NS....

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper CFB Esquimalt hosted the first of three Indigenous drum-making workshops this summer, bringing Defence Team members and their families together. Participants learned about Indigenous teachings and made traditional hand drums using elk hide, wood and sinew under the guidance of the Aunty Collective. Base leadership emphasized the importance of cultural learning, meaningful relationships and ongoing engagement in reconciliation. - On Aug 13, the Wardoom Lower Lounge filled with the gentle sound of stories being exchanged and sinew being threaded and pulled tight. The morning represented the first of three Indigenous drum-making workshops this summer hosted by the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) and facilitated by the Aunty Collective, an Indigenous women-led cultural practice hub.   This first session was designed as a family workshop, inviting civilian and uniformed Defence Team members to attend with a child, parent, sibling, partner, or another person they consider family. Through the course of the morning, each pair built a traditional hand drum together. Facilitated by Sarah Rhude, known as Rhudey, artist and co-founder of the Aunty Collective, the workshop opened the way Indigenous gatherings often begin: in a circle, with no head or foot, where all are equal. Participants passed an eagle feather around, through each other’s hands, introducing themselves and where they or their ancestors are from. Aunty Collective facilitators then sang the “Strong Women Song” together.   “We sing this song to each other. It is so that we keep each other strong,” said Rhudey. Participants were invited to hold someone in mind through the singing, whether a family member, stranger, or simply themselves.  [caption id="attachment_360142" align="alignright" width="450"] A workshop facilitator from the Aunty Collective demonstrates how to thread sinew during the Aug 13 workshop. Photo: A/SLt Mike Samuels, RCN[/caption] The group then moved into the drum making, learning to stretch damp elk hide over a hollow, round wood base. A long strip of sinew was then used to weave the...

Padre Alistair Turkington Welcome to the September instalment of From the Chaplain’s Desk, a series that showcases reflections from chaplains serving at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. Each piece offers personal perspectives from those who work closely with members of the Defence Team in times of challenge, transition, and everyday life.   – If you’ve ever seen a polar bear in a documentary or a photograph, it’s easy to be impressed. It has long been on my bucket list to see one of these majestic animals in the wild. During my deployment in the Arctic aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays, this wish came true.  My first impression was of its sheer size. Standing tall against a backdrop of snow and ice, the polar bear is perfectly at home in one of the most isolated and unforgiving environments on Earth. But beyond its strength and size, the polar bear offered an important lesson that applies to all of us, every day: resiliency.  Life in the Arctic is anything but easy. Temperatures plunge well below freezing; fierce storms can appear without warning; food is difficult to find. Despite this, polar bears continue to survive and thrive. They travel incredible distances across sea ice in search of seals, sometimes waiting patiently for hours, or even days, for an opportunity to hunt. Though success is never guaranteed, the polar bear always continues to move forward.  There is something deeply relatable about the persistence of a polar bear. We all face moments when life doesn’t go according to plan, whether it is the loss of a job, a family challenge, health concerns, the daily pressures of life, or something else entirely. Like the polar bear, we often find ourselves navigating uncertain terrain, maybe on our own.  What makes the polar bear remarkable is not that it attempts to avoid hardship, but that it adapts to it. Built...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Military Family Appreciation Day, held every Sept 18, recognizes the families and loved ones who support Canadian Armed Forces members throughout their service. Established in 2019 following a unanimous House of Commons motion, the day recognizes spouses, partners, parents, children, siblings and chosen family alike. - Every Sept 18, Canadians mark Military Family Appreciation Day to recognize the families who stand alongside their loved ones in uniform.   Behind nearly every member in the history of the Canadian Armed Forces is a family who have made that service possible. These people have supported our military members in pursuing service; packed and unpacked for a posting; maintained a household through a deployment; and so much more. Though uniforms, expectations, and demands continue to change for those who serve, the steady support of family has never changed.   [caption id="attachment_360134" align="alignleft" width="300"] An RCN sailor reunites with a loved one during the HMCS Glace Bay homecoming at CFB Halifax in Oct 2024. Photo: Cpl Morgan LeBlanc, Formation Imaging[/caption] Military Family Appreciation Day was established in 2019 following an unanimously passed motion introduced by the House of Commons. Family, as the day recognizes it, takes many forms: spouses and partners; parents; children; siblings; and close friends who’ve taken on the role of chosen family.  For military families, the ordinary parts of civilian life, childcare, a doctor’s appointment, buying a home, often come with extra layers of difficulty that most Canadians never have to think about. Deployments, frequent moves, and long stretches of separation can be part of the rhythm of life for a military family.  To every Canadian military family, past, present, and future, thank you.   

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper. Humans of CFB Esquimalt is a series dedicated to the people who form the West Coast Defence community. It captures unique stories of service, identity, learning, and living from both civilians and military members who work and move through the base. If interested in sharing your story, please email archana.cini@forces.gc.ca. – While many people join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) early in their working lives, Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A/SLt) Mike Samuels joined at 49 years old after two decades at a desk job.  “I figured I had around 15 years left of a good, working life,” said A/SLt Samuels. “This country has been very good to me, I felt joining the Forces was an opportunity for me to give back – and add some excitement as well!”   A/SLt Samuels was born in Montreal, but soon after his family moved to Peterborough, Ont. Here, he was raised alongside his older sister by his father, a psychology professor at the local college, and his mother, a nurse. At 15 years old, A/SLt Samuels had the opportunity to attend Trinity College School, a boarding school in Port Hope. He then went on to study philosophy and history at King’s College at The University of Western Ontario. After graduation, A/SLt Samuels spent a little over a year teaching English in South Korea after deciding to broaden his perspectives on the world. After his return, A/SLt Samuels moved to Toronto, where he spent the next 18 years working in the telecommunications industry in Network Operations, during which he also got married.   “I didn’t hate my job,” said A/SLt Samuels. “But it simply wasn’t the kind of work that gave me the sense of purpose or satisfaction that I was looking for.”   At 47 years old, A/SLt Samuels applied to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During the...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The Raven program combines Indigenous teachings and cultural learning with CAF training, creating a six-week experience rooted in identity, service, and personal growth. 23 graduates from the 2026 platoon completed military training, field exercises, weapons handling, first aid, confidence courses, and naval experiences including a day sail. An Aug 17 graduation included Lekwungen dancers, a traditional sashing ceremony, a march past, and recognition for outstanding dedication and camaraderie. - The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Raven program returned to CFB Esquimalt this summer, running through July and August as one of five national summer programs for Indigenous peoples. Every year, Raven blends Indigenous teachings with naval-oriented military training to deliver a powerful training course for selected applicants.   Candidates are enrolled in the CAF at the outset of the course, beginning their journey with a three-day cultural experience, where they learn traditional Indigenous values and teachings from Indigenous teachers and Elders, fostering both self-discipline and pride in Indigenous traditions within military service. From there, candidates move into Basic Military Qualification training, covering: inspections, physical training, weapons handling, map and compass navigation, first aid, drill, outdoor field craft, and a confidence-building obstacle course. They also spend a day sailing aboard an RCN ship, getting a taste of life at sea through firefighting, flood containment, and damage control training.  [caption id="attachment_359362" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A candidate from the 2026 RAVEN program prepares to fire the C7 Automatic Rifle during a PWT1 shoot on Aug 4. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] This year’s platoon consists of 23 graduating members that also participated in a field topography phase; an educational visit to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron; a PWT 1 shoot at the Nanaimo rifle range; a day sail with the Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU); a ship tour aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS)...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper YOU’RE INVITED!  Date: September 12, 2026  Time: 12 pm – 4 pm  NEW Venue: Work Point (Nixon Building and surrounding grassy areas) - For more than a decade, Formation Fun Day has celebrated the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt community with vendors, music, food, drink, and activities like rock climbing, face painting, and bubble shows. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees year after year, Formation Fun Day is designed to provide an afternoon of good times and connection for the local Defence community.  This year’s event brings an exciting change for attendees: Formation Fun Day 2026 is moving to Work Point from its long-time venue at the Naden Athletic Centre. With the Nixon Building anchoring the indoor fun and the surrounding grassy areas opening space for games, food, play, and performances, Work Point will offer the kind of layout that turns an afternoon into an adventure.    What’s Inside: the Nixon Building  [caption id="attachment_359355" align="alignleft" width="300"] A balloonist places a twisted balloon on a child's head during Formation Fun Day 2025. Photo: Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper[/caption] Step inside for an exploration of more than 25 activities and booths, including face painting and glitter tattoos with Sparkle Storm; as well as engaging experiences from Kaleidoscope Theatre, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Enchanted Fables, and the Greater Victoria Public Library. Community groups like the Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Esquimalt Proton Pulverizers STEM Robotics team will also be found indoors, alongside hobbyist clubs including the Base Model Railway Club, Vic LEGO Users Group (LUG), and the Base Golf Association. Indoor activities will include: a golf simulator and mini putt; a photo booth; a 20-foot obstacle course; and a Super Mario bouncy castle and slide. Attendees will also be able to drop by resource booths from BMO, CFMWS HR/Recruitment, MFRC Programs, CANEX, and SISIP.     What’s Outside: Work Point Grounds ...

Tyler Kung MSc., Emilie Miller MSc., and Etienne Chassé, MSc; CFMWS Human Performance Research and Development Team  CFMWS Human Performance Research & Development specialists adapted fitness expertise developed through work with Canadian astronauts for submarine operations. A compact flywheel training device provides strength-training options without the weight, noise, and space demands of traditional gym equipment. Submariners report that the system is easy to use and can improve access to exercise, morale, and overall fitness while deployed. - Over the past several years, the Human Performance Research & Development (HPR&D) team within the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (URL) has collaborated with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) through a formal partnership focused on astronaut fitness and occupational performance. This work includes developing fitness assessments and providing specialized exercise support to astronauts. Most recently, the team contributed to the fitness programming of Colonel Jeremy Hansen as he prepared for the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed mission to travel around the Moon in more than 50 years.  While supporting Canada’s human space program, the HPR&D team was also asked to help address another unique operational challenge much closer to home: supporting Royal Canadian Navy submarines.  Spaceflight and submarine operations share similar constraints: space is limited; equipment must be compact and reliable; and maintaining physical fitness is critical to performance and well-being.  To help address these challenges, Canadian submariners recently began using a flywheel training device. Unlike traditional gym equipment that relies on heavy weights, the flywheel uses spinning discs to create resistance. The harder a person accelerates the flywheel, the greater the force required to slow it down. This allows users to achieve a wide range of exercise intensities using only a few lightweight discs.  [caption id="attachment_359352" align="alignright" width="277"] An RCN sailor uses the flywheel training device. Photo supplied.[/caption] For a submarine, this compact design...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Cdr Michael Edmonds assumed command of HMCS Vancouver from Cdr Malorie Aubrey during an Aug 7 ceremony at C Jetty. Cdr Aubrey, who commanded Vancouver since May 2025, reflected on her time with the ship’s company as one of the most rewarding periods of her career. Cdr Edmonds brings a career that began as a Naval Reservist in 1995 as Vancouver continues its longstanding operational service. - On Aug 7, the company of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver gathered at C Jetty, His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, for a Change of Command ceremony. The event saw command of the vessel pass from Commander (Cdr) Malorie Aubrey, outgoing Commanding Officer (CO), to Cdr Michael Edmonds, incoming CO. The ceremony was presided over by Commodore (Cmdre) Blair Brown, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific (CCFP).    [caption id="attachment_359345" align="alignleft" width="300"] (Left to right) Cdr Malorie Aubrey, Outgoing CO of HMCS Vancouver, and Cdr Blair Brown, CCFP, pose for a photo during the Change of Command ceremony on Aug 7. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] Following the arrival of Cmdre Brown and the singing of the national anthem, both Cdr Aubrey and Cmdre Brown addressed those gathered before official Change of Command certificates were signed. Cdr Edmonds then addressed the ship’s company for the first time as Vancouver’s CO. Cdr Aubrey was also presented with gifts from the Junior Ranks Mess, Wardroom, and Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess before the ship’s company manned the side and  Cdr Aubrey, the outgoing CO, walked ashore off the brow.  Cdr Aubrey, who was born and raised in Petawawa, Ont., joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 2006 after developing a love of the water on the Ottawa River. She assumed command of HMCS Vancouver on May 5, 2025. Cdr Aubrey credited the ship’s company for making her time in command “the most rewarding period...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper “We have a really good team here. We’re not in any significant danger.”  - Ross Fetterly, on a phone call he made to his superior hours before the Second Intifada began  At 66-years-old, Ross Fetterly has a story for almost everything — a smelter tunnel in Kitimat; a night in a Kabul-bound convoy; a tour with a Ukrainian colleague who traded a Jesuit seminary for a career in Defence. Through 34 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Ross has built a distinguished career in logistics and finance, alongside a repertoire of stories that have only gotten better with time. Today, Ross attends the Veterans Health Centre day program at the Veterans Memorial Lodge, a Broadmead Care Home.  Ross was born in northern Quebec, where his father worked as a chemical engineer. Here, Ross attended the town’s only English school.   “When I went outside, it was all French, and I learned French very quickly because of this,” said Ross. The family later moved to Kitimat, B.C., where his father then began work at an aluminum smelter fed by water piped 17 kilometres through a mountain. To him, this time of his life was “heaven for a young boy.”  As a young adult, Ross attended McGill University to complete a Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree, after which he landed a banking job. However, interest rates soon climbed to 17 per cent and Ross was left without a job after a mass layoff.    “I remember asking myself, ‘Do I really want to work in a bank? I’m a young guy. I want to be,’” said Ross. The next day, he sat down with a military recruiter and began his career with the CAF.  Ross was halfway through basic officer training in Chilliwack, B.C., when instructors pulled him aside to tell him that he’d already passed. His new job, they said, was...

Lt Krystal Fleury, MARPAC Public Affairs PCV Wolf 59 stopped during Ex GOLDRUSH after whales were spotted near the vessel off the coast of Comox. The crew followed marine mammal mitigation protocols, allowing the whales to safely approach and continue their route. The sighting was reported to the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Mammal Response Program to support conservation research. - The B.C. coast is one of Canada’s most remarkable environments, defined by dramatic shorelines, rich forests, and diverse marine life. For Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors, operating in these waters means upholding a deep responsibility to the communities and wildlife that depend on them.   [caption id="attachment_353763" align="alignleft" width="300"] The tail of a whale above water as spotted by a sailor aboard PCT Vessel Wolf 59. Photo: Lt Krystal Fleury[/caption] On July 21, residents near Comox may have noticed Patrol Craft Training Vessel (PCT) Wolf 59 paused during Exercise (Ex) GOLDRUSH. The ship’s lookout spotted a whale fin in the distance and announced the sighting to the crew. Even though the whales were initially outside the mandatory mitigation range, Wolf 59 was heading in its direction. Lieutenant(N) (Lt(N)) Jason Wychopen, commanding officer of Wolf 59, immediately ordered the vessel to a stop to ensure the whales could pass safely.   Under marine mammal mitigation protocols, any sighting within 1,000 yards requires a vessel to slow and stop for at least 15 minutes. In this scenario, Wolf 59’s crew monitored the whales for approximately 30 minutes as the whales approached, investigated the ship, and then continued along their feeding route.  Once the whales moved on, the crew resumed their course and reported the encounter through the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Mammal Response Program (CCG MMRP), contributing valuable data to conservation research. For many of the sailors still early in their careers, the experience was a memorable reminder of the extraordinary wildlife...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Lt(N) Alistair Hirst stopped during his daily bike commute after noticing a crashed truck with flames under the hood. Using his training and quick assessment skills, he helped extinguish the fire and supported the driver until help arrived. The moment highlighted how RCN skills, preparation, and service mindset extend beyond the workplace. - For Lieutenant(N) (Lt(N)) Alistair Hirst, a Bridge Watchkeeper with Patrol Craft Training Unit (Pacific) (PCTU[P]), his daily bike ride from Vic West to His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Dockyard is a familiar one. He commutes by bike most days, usually dropping his two children at daycare along the way before continuing to work. On July 21, Lt(N) Hirst was riding alone.  As he approached a nearby street, he noticed a truck that had crashed into a telephone pole.   “My first thought was that maybe it’s an accident that happened an hour ago and the emergency services have already taken care of it,” he recalled. But then he saw the smoke and the fire under the engine, and realized help hadn’t arrived yet.  Lt(N) Hirst immediately pulled over and assessed the scene, checking the damaged power lines and confirming that the truck was turned off before checking for casualties. He noted that the vehicle was empty and that the driver had been supported bystanders and was sitting nearby, shaken but talking and upright without visible injuries.  With the fire still burning under the hood and no extinguisher in sight, a man on a nearby apartment balcony pointed him to a garden hose. Immediately, Lt(N) Hirst unspooled it and doused the flames.   “It only took a few seconds to put out the flames,” said Lt(N) Hirst, though he later reflected that his priority could have shifted sooner to keeping bystanders clear of the damaged power lines.  For Lt(N) Hirst, stopping...

Lt(N) SeeEun Kim, HMCS Regina  Cdr Darren Sleen received the Gold Sea Service Insignia during RIMPAC 2026 after surpassing 1,460 cumulative days at sea. HMCS Regina’s crew organized a surprise at-sea presentation known as Op SILENT SLEENER. The ceremony celebrated leadership, mentorship, and a career shaped by years of service at sea. - To the untrained eye, the Gold Sea Service Insignia (SSI) is simply a small pin on a naval uniform. To those who have watched the shoreline fade into the horizon from aboard a naval vessel, the Gold SSI represents something far greater. The pin, which marks 1,460-plus cumulative days spent at sea, is an extraordinary milestone of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the mission.   [caption id="attachment_353733" align="alignright" width="300"] A close-up of the Gold Sea Service Insignia presented to Cdr Sleen. Photo: Avr Rebecca Mainardi, MARPAC Imaging[/caption] During Exercise (Ex) Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, Commander (Cdr) Darren L. Sleen, Commanding Officer (CO) of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina, was presented with the Gold SSI. It represents four full years spent upon the high seas, leading sailors through both challenges and successes while answering the call of duty around the globe. To earn the Gold SSI is to wear a badge of honor; it is a level of expertise and drive cultivated through high-tempo operations and the unyielding rhythm of service at sea. Earning such recognition demanded a presentation to match, and the crew of HMCS Regina delivered, in operational style.   To present Cdr Sleen with the Gold SSI, the crew of HMCS Regina conducted a covert shipboard operation: Op SILENT SLEENER. Under the guise of SILENT SLEENER, the crew orchestrated a surprise passenger transfer by bringing Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Landon Creasy, Task Force Commander of RIMPAC, aboard the Regina to present the SSI where it was earned: in the middle of the ocean, directly on the deck plates.   The presentation carried...

Padre Capt Alexandre Dutil Welcome to From the Chaplain’s Desk, a feature series that showcases reflections from chaplains serving at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. Each installment offers personal perspectives from those who work closely with members of the Defence Team in times of challenge, transition, and everyday life. These contributions shed light on the role of spiritual and emotional support within the Defence community, and offer guidance, listening, and presence across all stages of life spent in service. – Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and showing appreciation for the good things in life. It involves recognizing and valuing what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack.  Today, many studies demonstrate that practising gratitude has a significant impact on happiness, relationships, and even physical health. We might naturally assume that happiness leads to gratitude, that happy people are the ones that are grateful, but research suggests the opposite: being grateful is what leads to happiness.  Gratitude shifts our mindset. By focusing on positive emotions rather than negative ones, how we see the world and experience life can transform.  At every moment, one has the choice to be bitter or grateful. While there may be times when bitterness feels justified, there is always a reason to be grateful. We have this precise moment of existence for ourselves. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate gratitude and move towards happiness:  Write a thank-you note: take time to write a note to someone you have not properly thanked. If possible, share it with them.   Give thanks silently: if you cannot thank someone in person, pause and express gratitude silently, in your thoughts.  Keep a gratitude journal: write down the things you are grateful for and revisit your journal when discouraged or upset.  Connect with family and friends: spend time with those you love and let them know how much you appreciate...

SLt Christopher Hofing, MARPAC Public Affairs  S3 Neil Pontejos represented the RCN during a Flag Party supporting the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Surrey-raised sailor carried the Philippine flag during the ceremony, creating a meaningful personal connection. The experience highlighted the importance of preparation, teamwork, and pride in representing the RCN. - Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Neil Alen Pontejos, a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailor raised in Surrey, B.C., participated in a Flag Party at the Vancouver Convention Centre on July 2 in support of the official visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.  For S3 Pontejos, the opportunity to represent the RCN during a high-profile international engagement just months after graduating from basic military training was an experience he will not soon forget.  “It felt a little bit surreal,” said S3 Pontejos. “I've been to the convention centre before as a civilian, but being there in uniform was completely different.”  Born in the Philippines and raised in B.C. after moving to Canada in 2008, S3 Pontejos enrolled into the RCN on Feb 23 and is currently posted to Naval Fleet School(Pacific) (NFS(P)), where he is awaiting training to become a Naval Communicator. Selected for the Flag Party based on his drill performance, he spent several days rehearsing alongside fellow sailors before the event.  During the ceremony, S3 Pontejos carried the Philippine flag, adding a personal connection to an already memorable experience. He described seeing the visiting dignitaries in person as a unique moment.  “I found out the day before that the Prime Minister would actually be there,” he said. “Then suddenly he appeared right in front of us. It was definitely something I wasn't expecting.”  For S3 Pontejos, the event reinforced the importance of preparation, teamwork, and attention to detail. Sailors spent days rehearsing movements and ensuring that uniforms met the highest standards before stepping into an environment surrounded by media and public attention. ...