[caption id="attachment_37226" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Matt Carlson, officier de projets à la BFC Esquimalt, et Dan Bodden, cofondateur du WWRBC, célèbrent la fin de la Wounded Warrior Run BC 2025 sur la place du marché le 2 mars. Photo : Archana Cini[/caption] Archana Cini, Journal Lookout —  Fin de la course 2025 Wounded Warriors B.C. Il n'y a pas de meilleur carburant que l'objectif lorsque l'on court 800 kilomètres en seulement 8 jours. Aventure inoubliable à travers l'île de Vancouver, la Wounded Warrior Run BC 2025 a rassemblé une équipe de 18 Canadiens (huit coureurs et dix membres du personnel de soutien) afin de collecter des fonds pour les professionnels de la communauté exposés à des traumatismes. Les efforts de l'équipe ont commencé à Port Hardy le 23 février et ont abouti à une arrivée spectaculaire au Market Square de Victoria le 2 mars. Plus de 235 313 dollars ont été collectés au profit de Wounded Warriors Canada. Ces fonds resteront dans l'île et soutiendront les efforts de rétablissement, de conseil, de formation et d'éducation des professionnels exposés aux traumatismes, notamment les membres des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC), les anciens combattants, les premiers intervenants et leurs familles. Parmi les coureurs de cette année se trouvait Kevin Whiteside. Beaucoup le connaissent sous le nom de Capitaine de vaisseau Kevin Whiteside, Commandant de la Base de la BFC Esquimalt, mais il a choisi de courir sous son propre nom, de son propre chef, parce qu'il croyait au soutien de Wounded Warriors Canada et aux programmes qu'ils offrent, ainsi que d'autres organisations similaires, aux professionnels exposés aux traumatismes.  Entouré de la communauté, de ses filles et d'une affiche maison "Allez papa!" après la course, Kevin a souligné que c'est en fin de compte la famille qui l'a alimenté pendant les huit jours de course épuisants. "Le...

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, Journal Lookout — 6 mars lorsque l’exposition annuelle sur la santé et le bien-être des FMAR(P) est revenue à la BFC Esquimalt. Avec une foule animée, des démonstrations attrayantes et un déjeuner barbecue, l’événement a réuni la communauté de la Défense et les [...]

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...

Financière SISIP, L'équipe d'Esquimalt  —  La vie militaire est souvent synonyme de sacrifices - déménagements fréquents, périodes de séparation et, parfois, retrait de l'un des conjoints de sa carrière pour subvenir aux besoins de la famille. Pour de nombreuses familles des Forces armées canadiennes, cela peut se traduire par des revenus inégaux et, en fin de compte, par une épargne-retraite inégale. C'est là qu'un régime enregistré d'épargne-retraite (REER) de conjoint peut faire toute la différence.  Qu'est-ce qu'un REER de l'épargnant ?  Un REER de conjoint est établi au nom de l'un des partenaires, mais financé par les cotisations de l'autre partenaire. Cette formule est particulièrement utile lorsque l'un des conjoints gagne beaucoup plus que l'autre.  Voici l'essentiel : Le conjoint cotisant bénéficie d'une déduction fiscale immédiate, tandis que les fonds fructifient sur le compte du conjoint ayant les revenus les plus faibles. Au moment de retirer l'argent à la retraite, il est imposé au taux du conjoint ayant les revenus les plus faibles, ce qui permet souvent au couple de réaliser des économies d'impôt. Pourquoi les REER de l'épargnant fonctionnent-ils pour les familles de militaires ?  Dans les familles des militaires, l'un des conjoints est souvent le principal soutien de famille en raison des exigences du service. L'autre conjoint peut avoir un revenu réduit ou irrégulier en raison des déménagements fréquents ou des responsabilités liées à la garde des enfants. Ce déséquilibre des revenus peut poser des problèmes au moment de la retraite, car le revenu du conjoint ayant le revenu le plus élevé, provenant d'une pension du FAC et de son REER, peut le faire passer dans une tranche d'imposition très élevée.   Le REER de conjoint contribue à équilibrer cette disparité en permettant au conjoint ayant les revenus les plus faibles de se constituer une épargne-retraite en son nom propre. Voici...

SISIP Financial, Esquimalt Team  —  Military life often means sacrifices - frequent relocations, time apart, and sometimes, one spouse stepping back from a career to support the family. For many Canadian Armed Forces families, this can lead to uneven incomes and, eventually, uneven retirement savings. That’s where a spousal Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) can make a world of difference.  What is a Spousal RRSP?  A spousal RRSP is set up in one partner’s name but funded by contributions from the other partner. This arrangement is especially useful when one spouse earns significantly more than the other.  Here’s the key: The contributing spouse gets the immediate tax deduction, while the funds grow in the account of the lower-income spouse. When it’s time to withdraw the money in retirement, it’s taxed at the lower-income spouse’s rate, often saving the couple money on taxes overall. Why Spousal RRSPs Work for Military Families  In military families, one spouse is often the primary breadwinner due to the demands of service. The other spouse may have a reduced or inconsistent income due to frequent relocations or childcare responsibilities. This income imbalance can create challenges in retirement, as the higher earner’s income from a CAF pension plus their RRSP could push them into a steep tax bracket.    A spousal RRSP helps balance this disparity by allowing the lower-income spouse to build retirement savings in their own name. Here’s why this matters: Lower Overall Tax Burden: Income splitting in retirement means less tax paid as a couple.  Greater Financial Independence: The lower-income spouse has their own source of retirement income.         Flexibility for Life’s Changes: If the lower-income spouse re-enters the workforce later, they can still decide to open an individual RRSP.  How Spousal RRSPs Work  Contributions: The higher-income spouse contributes to the spousal...

La communauté de la défense s’unit pour augmenter les réserves de sang en Colombie-Britannique
Archana Cini, Journal Lookout — Le sang : l’une des seules ressources médicales qui ne peut pas être fabriquée, seulement donnée. Le 3 mars, le mess des premiers [...]

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper  —  Blood: one of the only medical resources that cannot be manufactured – only donated. On Mar. 3, the CFB Esquimalt Chief and Petty Officers' Mess transformed into a bustling mobile blood donation site in partnership with Canadian Blood Services. The drive brought together military members, civilian employees, and volunteers in a collective effort to boost B.C.'s blood supply, which has dropped over 40 per cent in the past two decades. The event saw strong turnout with returning and first-time donors alike rolling up their sleeves throughout the day to contribute to the needs of the local healthcare system. Several donors expressed their motivation for giving to be quite simple: the pure satisfaction of showing up for their community in the spaces it mattered. “It only takes about fifteen minutes, and the cookies and juice don’t hurt, either.” noted one returning military donor amongst shared smiles. Kirk Stringer, supervisor at Canadian Blood Services, highlighted how B.C.'s constant need for blood can often be difficult to comprehend to those outside of the healthcare industry. “One person could need ten units of blood from ten different donors in just twenty minutes," he said. "That's how fast units get utilized and why a consistent stream of donations like this is so vital.” Stringer also shared his appreciation towards the Defence community for showing up amidst a busy workday,  “After overcoming the challenges of organizing a mobile blood drive, it’s so heartwarming to see people step up and donate their healthy bodies with nothing to gain. It’s such a Canadian thing to do.” The event’s conclusion saw donations surpassing the day’s target, with over 100 units collected. Book now to donate at www.blood.ca.

  It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Kimm —  Jack joined the Royal Canadian Navy in February 1989.  Coming from the small town of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Jack wanted to see the world and serve his country, and the navy was his choice of service. He did his basic training at CFB Cornwallis, then was posted to Esquimalt, B.C. Over the years, Jack served on many ships, including: • October 1989 HMCS MacKenzie • March 1993 HMCS Vancouver (Commissioning Crew) • December 1996 HMCS Regina • October 2005 HMCS Vancouver • November 2007 HMCS Winnipeg • April 2009 HMCS Ottawa • October 2010 HMCS Calgary He participated in many deployments and achieved recognition and awards for his service, including: • Special Service Medal – Peacekeeping • Canadian Forces Decoration • Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal • South-West Asia Service Medal – Afghanistan Jack also achieved national qualifications in his Marine Engineer trade and was also a participant in many Canadian patrol frigate exercises.  He was proud to serve his country and excelled in his trade. While his service took him away from his family often, he was the proud father to his oldest son, Douglas (Doug) and youngest son, David.  His wife, Joanne, kept up the family home in his absence.  Jack was quiet in nature but adventurous. Growing up, he excelled in many sports, including football, skiing and soccer.  Family was important to him, which was reflected in the many letters home. Jack was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 from exposure to toxins while serving his country.  His last days were spent in Halifax Hospice, with his wife, son, and grandson by his side. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Joanne, sons Douglas (Kyla) and David, and four grandchildren (Elodie, Violet, Charlie and Ryker). Jack is also survived...

Albert Stanley Middleton March 11, 1915 – February 12, 2025  _____ Sadly, we announce the passing of an incredible man who lived a remarkable long life.  Albert passed away peacefully at Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria, BC. Albert was born in London, England to a dockworker, James Middleton and Florence Middleton (nee Probert).  On March 29, 1929, at the age of 14, Albert immigrated to Canada as part of the National Children’s Orphanage travelling on the “Cedric”, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He worked as a child labourer for three years on farms to repay his passage from England.  This led to a long, prosperous, adventurous life through hard work, intestinal fortitude and determination. Albert served in WWII September 21, 1943 – July 12, 1946 with honourable discharge from the Royal Canadian Air Force (war Service Badge #391915) at 31 years of age.  Returning on the “Aquitania” proceeding to Lachine.  In 1952, with the Veteran’s Land Act, he purchased a 65-acre farm in Brantford, ON. While farming pigs and beef cattle and also working in many factories, he studiously attended night school and retired from Massey Ferguson in 1980. In his retirement years he returned to London, England for 20 years, enjoying travelling with Constance Middleton (deceased 1996). At the tender age of 90, Albert returned to Canada to Victoria, BC in the James Bay neighborhood.  At age 101 years, he moved into Veterans Memorial Lodge, where he was loved by staff and residents.  His singing and kisses for the nurses will be greatly missed with the infamous “Shweetheart”. Special thank you to all the staff at the Lodge for their care and compassion with Dad throughout his final years.  Also, a special thank you to Yvan for the many Facetimes and humorous stories shared. Missed by special friends Bob and...

In loving memory of James “Jim” Clark SilvesterApril 7, 1923 – February 13, 2025 _____ Dad quietly crossed the bar at home to be with the Lord Jesus in the early hours of February 13, with his daughter, son-in-law, and trusted dog companion Rocky, closely by him. Just about making his goal of 102. Dad was born in a suite on the top of King Edward School in Winnipeg. He was the second son for Henry and Ellen Silvester. Later on, he was graced with another brother and a sister. Dad joined the RCN at the age of 16, and served in WWII in the Convoy duty in the North Atlantic. He moved up in ranks from Seaman to Petty Officer 1st Class. The war ended, and he was honourably released from service in 1946. That is when he married the love of his life, Gwen, on June 29, 1946. They were married for 62 years till Mom’s passing in 2008. They had two sons, Brian and Dale, born in Montreal, and one daughter, Brenda, born in Winnipeg. Dad had rejoined the RCN Reserves in 1955, and served as an instructor to young cadets at HMCS Chippawa in Winnipeg. He was released from that duty in 1965. Dad had many hats with jobs, but settled as an Office Machine Technician at Great West Life in Winnipeg. Retirement came after 28 years with the company, and then Dad and Mom became snowbirds. They would travel to Texas from October to April each year, and enjoyed that for many years until they moved to BC to be with their daughter and family. After losing Mom, Dad stayed for a bit on his own, before moving into a suite below his daughter and son-in-law. That was his final destination. A sport enthusiast and...

Kelley Stark Responsable de la communication, FMAR(P) — La Marine royale canadienne (MRC) renforce ses capacités grâce à la nouvelle Unité des capacités navales avancées (UCNA), qui vise à faire face aux nouvelles menaces maritimes et à repousser [...]

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), [...]

Capitaine Charles Offor, aumônier, Aumônier FMAR(P)  —  Le service militaire dans les Forces armées canadiennes peut être très gratifiant. Les exigences du service militaire peuvent être difficiles et il existe des mesures pour stimuler votre santé spirituelle en tant que membre des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC). Qu'est-ce que la santé spirituelle ? La santé spirituelle se rapporte à la santé et au bien-être de la spiritualité d'une personne. La santé spirituelle reconnaît notre quête d'un sens et d'un but plus profonds dans la vie. Lorsque nous sommes en bonne santé spirituelle, nous pouvons nous sentir davantage connectés à une puissance supérieure et à ceux qui nous entourent. Cela peut contribuer à rendre nos actions plus cohérentes dans nos choix quotidiens. Selon le continuum de la santé spirituelle et du bien-être, les avantages d'une vie spirituelle et d'une bonne santé spirituelle sont infinis. Voici quelques moyens d'améliorer notre santé spirituelle : MEDITATION La méditation est une pratique que beaucoup utilisent pour approfondir leur lien avec la santé spirituelle, que ce soit dans le cadre d'une approche laïque ou religieuse. La méditation peut nous donner le sentiment d'un plus grand soi, ce qui est une façon de calmer l'esprit et de nous aider à nous désengager des distractions du monde extérieur. La méditation peut améliorer notre capacité à nous connecter à notre moi intérieur en créant un espace de réflexion et de conscience de soi. Méditer 15 à 20 minutes par jour peut être une grande source de rajeunissement spirituel. CONNEXION À UNE FORCE SUPÉRIEURE ET À D'AUTRES PERSONNES Des pratiques telles que le yoga ou la pleine conscience peuvent contribuer à améliorer le bien-être spirituel en favorisant l'harmonie entre le corps et l'esprit, la flexibilité, la conscience de soi, la paix intérieure et une connexion plus profonde avec l'univers. Les relations avec...

Captain Charles Offor, Padre MARPAC Chaplain  —  Military service in the Canadian Armed Forces can be highly rewarding. The demands of military service can be challenging and there are steps to boost your spiritual health as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member. What is spiritual health? Spiritual health relates to the health and well-being of a person’s spirituality. Spiritual health recognizes our quest for deeper meaning and purpose in life. When we are spiritually healthy, we can feel more connected to a higher power and to those around us. This can help make our actions more consistent in our everyday choices. According to the spiritual health and well-being continuum, the benefits of having a spiritual life and being spiritually healthy are endless. The following are some ways we can improve our Spiritual health: Meditation Meditation is a practice many use to deepen their spiritual health connection, whether through a secular- or faith-based approach, meditating can give us a sense of greater self, which is a way of calming the mind and assisting us to disengage from the distractions of the external world. Meditation can enhance our ability to connect with our inner selves by creating space for reflection, and self-awareness. Meditating for 15-20 minutes a day can be a greater source of spiritual rejuvenation. Connection to a higher power and other people Practices like yoga or mindfulness can help enhance spiritual well-being by promoting mind/body harmony, flexibility, self-awareness, inner peace and a deeper connection to the universe. Connecting with family and friends can be ideal for improving spiritual health and well-being. It can help to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, and give you an opportunity to share experiences. Isolation can make it difficult to maintain spiritual connections in a meaningful way. Strong interpersonal relationships can boost our spiritual health...

[caption id="attachment_37110" align="aligncenter" width="597"] (De gauche à droite) Le premier maître de 1re classe Sue Frisby, premier maître de la base, le capitaine de vaisseau Kevin Whiteside, commandant de la base de la BFC Esquimalt, Matt Carlson, chef d'équipe de la CCMTDM, Mark Crocker, United Way of Southern Vancouver Island, Colombie-Britannique, Barbara Toller, HealthPartners, et Ivan Freire, agent principal des relations avec les donateurs, devant un chèque représentant les 137 165,53 $ recueillis dans le cadre de la Campagne de charité en milieu de travail de la Défense nationale de 2024, le 18 février. Photo : Matelot-chef Bryan Underwood, Services d'imagerie des FMAR(P).[/caption] Archana Cini Journal Lookout  —  L'Équipe de la Défense de la base des Forces canadiennes (BFC)Esquimalt a remis mardi dernier un chèque de 137 165,53 $ aux membres de Centraide de la Colombie-Britannique et de HealthPartners pour conclure la Campagne de charité en milieu de travail de la Défense nationale 2024. Cette remise de chèque, qui a fait chaud au cœur, a démontré l'engagement continu de la base à donner la priorité au bien-être de la communauté. Le Capitaine de vaisseau Kevin Whiteside, Commandant de la Base BFC Esquimalt, a fait part de son immense fierté : " C'est pour nous un honneur absolu d'aider de toutes les façons possibles et de faire en sorte que cette contribution caritative reste locale. Recueillis par les 6 500 personnes qui travaillent, vivent, apprennent et se divertissent sur la base, ces fonds resteront ici et serviront notre communauté pour les années à venir." Le don de la base aidera à financer un large éventail d'efforts caritatifs dans le sud de l'île de Vancouver, y compris des initiatives allant du soutien à la santé mentale et à la toxicomanie à des plans d'alimentation et d'éducation. Matthew Carlson, chef d'équipe du CCMTDM de...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper — The Defence Team of Canadian Forces Base (CFB)Esquimalt presented a cheque for $137,165.53 to members of the United Way of B.C. and HealthPartners last Tuesday to conclude the 2024 National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. A heartwarming occasion of community spirit, the cheque presentation demonstrated [...]

Join us on March 6th from 10am to 2pm at the Naden Athletic Centre for our annual MARPAC Health & Wellness Expo! With over 40 vendor booths, a free BBQ lunch, giveaways, wellness demos, and more, this is an event you do not want to miss!

[caption id="attachment_37097" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Commodore David Mazur (Left), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Bisal, Fleet Chief, congratulate Sailor 1st Class Chloe Schriemer on becoming the Sailor of the Quarter. Photo provided.[/caption] Simon Gonsalves Affaires publiques FMAR(P)  —  La matelot de première classe (Mat 1) Chloe Schriemer brille de mille feux à la nouvelle Unité de capacités navales avancées (UCNA) de la Marine royale canadienne. Grâce à ses efforts exceptionnels, elle a été nommée marin du trimestre (SOQ) pour les mois d'octobre à décembre. "J'ai été très honoré de recevoir le titre de marin du trimestre", a déclaré le Sgt Schriemer. "J'ai beaucoup de chance de travailler dans une unité comme l'ANCU. Depuis mon premier jour au cours de capitaine tactique maritime (CTM) jusqu'à aujourd'hui, j'ai eu le privilège de bénéficier d'un mentorat solide et d'excellents collègues. Les autres CTM et les [opérateurs techniques maritimes] sont des personnes incroyables avec lesquelles il est agréable de travailler. Il est facile de se présenter et de donner le meilleur de soi-même quand on travaille avec des gens qui sont excellents dans ce qu'ils font. Connue pour sa fiabilité, son professionnalisme et son engagement, la mat 1 Schriemer s'est révélée être un atout inestimable pour son unité en tant que CTM. Son leadership s'étend au-delà de la formation, puisqu'elle soutient l'ANCU et la flotte dans les opérations et les tâches liées aux petites embarcations, assurant une exécution sans faille dans des délais serrés et des conditions défavorables. "Ce n'est pas une surprise pour l'équipe et moi-même que la mat 1 Schriemer ait reçu la SOQ, car elle illustre toujours les normes les plus élevées de leadership et de professionnalisme exigées d'un marin au sein de la Marine royale canadienne", déclare le maître de première classe (M 1) Andrew Astles,...

[caption id="attachment_37097" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Commodore David Mazur (Left), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Bisal, Fleet Chief, congratulate Sailor 1st Class Chloe Schriemer on becoming the Sailor of the Quarter. Photo provided.[/caption] Simon Gonsalves MARPAC Public Affairs  —  Sailor First Class (S1) Chloe Schriemer is shining bright at the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit (ANCU). Due to her outstanding efforts, she has been awarded Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ) for the months of October to December. “I was honoured to receive the Sailor of the Quarter,” says SI Schriemer. “I am very fortunate to work at a unit like ANCU. Since my first day on the Maritime Tactical Coxswain (MTC) Course until now, I’ve had the privilege of strong mentorship and great coworkers. The other MTCs and the [Maritime Technical Operators] are incredible people to work with. It’s easy to show up and put in your best effort when you’re working alongside people who are great at what they do.” Known for her reliability, professionalism, and commitment, S1 Schriemer has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to her unit as the MTC. Her leadership extends beyond training, as she supports ANCU and the fleet with small boat operations and taskings, ensuring seamless execution under tight timelines and adverse conditions. “Its no surprise to the team and myself that S1 Schriemer received SOQ as she always exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and professionalism required of a sailor within the Royal Canadian Navy,” says Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Andrew Astles, her supervisor. “Her outstanding ability to lead the Maritime Tactical Coxswains with confidence and precision is a testament to her exceptional skill set, unwavering commitment, and dedication to duty.”   Reflecting the Royal Canadian Naval ethos both on and off duty, S1...

[caption id="attachment_37091" align="aligncenter" width="597"] La Musique Naden de la Marine royale canadienne se produit aux côtés de Katy Perry lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Invictus 2025 à BC Place, Vancouver, C.-B., le 8 février. Photo : Caporal Conor R.G. Munn, technicien en imagerie des Forces armées canadiennes.[/caption] La Musique Naden se produit avec Katy Perry aux Jeux Invictus de 2025 Matelot-chef Zack Everett La Musique Naden de la Marine royale canadienne  —  La Musique Naden a connu une certaine célébrité pop le mois dernier lors des Invictus Games 2025. Ils se sont produits tout au long de la semaine à Vancouver, mais la cérémonie d'ouverture du 8 février est un événement qu'ils n'oublieront pas de sitôt. "Notre groupe n'est pas étranger à la participation à de grandes cérémonies, mais celle-ci était d'un autre niveau", explique le Maître de 2e classe Brayden Wise, chef d'unité et tambour-major. "La taille de la foule, le niveau de talent impliqué et l'objectif derrière tout cela étaient si importants. Les Invictus Games, fondés par le duc de Sussex, sont une compétition sportive internationale pour les militaires ou vétérans malades ou blessés. La mission des Jeux est d'honorer les personnes qui ont été confrontées à la réalité du sacrifice pour leur pays, en utilisant le pouvoir du sport pour les aider sur le chemin de la guérison. La Musique Naden s'est associée à la Musique de l'Artillerie royale canadienne d'Edmonton et à l'orchestre de réserve local du 15e régiment d'artillerie de campagne, une occasion de réunir plus que les 35 membres habituels de l'orchestre. Le véritable point fort pour chaque musicien cette fois-ci a été de travailler avec l'icône de la pop Katy Perry. Le grand final de la cérémonie d'ouverture a vu Katy Perry émerger du groupe, défilant avec lui sur sa chanson phare,...

[caption id="attachment_37091" align="aligncenter" width="597"] The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy perform alongside Katy Perry during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games 2025 at BC Place, Vancouver, B.C. on Feb. 8. Photo: Corporal Conor R.G. Munn, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician[/caption] The Naden Band performs with Katy Perry at the 2025 Invictus Games Master Sailor Zack Everett The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy  —  The Naden Band experienced some pop stardom last month at the Invictus Games 2025. While performing throughout the week-long event in Vancouver, the opening ceremony on Feb. 8 is something they will not soon forget. “Our band is no stranger to being involved in large ceremonies, but this was on another level,” says Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) Brayden Wise, Unit Chief and Drum Major. “The size of the crowd, the level of talent involved, and the purpose behind it being so important.” The Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, are an international sporting competition for ill and injured military members or veterans. The mission of the Games is to honour the people who have come face-to-face with the reality of sacrificing for their country, using the power of sports to help them on their journey of recovery. The Naden Band joined forces with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band from Edmonton and the local reserve band from 15th Field Regiment, an opportunity to join forces with more than the usual 35 band members. The true highlight for every musician this time was working with pop-icon Katy Perry. The grand finale of the opening ceremony involved Katy Perry emerging from within the band, marching right along with them to her hit song, Roar. Breaking into a jog as the bands split in two, her outfit changed colour like a chameleon. Dancers...

Personnel de la vigie — Le 30 janvier, une garde d’honneur composée de 50 membres des Forces maritimes du Pacifique (FMAR(P)) a défilé pour souligner l’installation officielle de l’honorable Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia en tant que lieutenante-gouverneure de la Colombie-Britannique. [...]

[caption id="attachment_37062" align="aligncenter" width="597"] Members of Maritime Forces Pacific stand at attention as part of the installation for the Honourable Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia as Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Photos: Sailor 3rd Class Jordan Schilstra.[/caption] Lookout Staff  —  On Jan. 30, a ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising of 50 members of Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) were on parade to recognize the official installation of the Honourable Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.  The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and an artillery saluting battery from 5th BC Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery also participated in the installation. The ceremony began with a 15-gun Viceregal Salute when Her Honour, Lieutenant-Governor Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, arrived to meet Premier David Eby on the steps of the Legislature Building. Leading the parade were Lieutenant-Commander Marjorie Gaulin-Riffou, Guard Commander, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerome Pruneau, Guard Chief, Lieutenant (Navy) Luc Steele, Flag Party Commander, Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Van Slyke, Director of Music, Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Courchene, Guard Officer, and Lieutenant (Navy) Douglas Winter, Guard Officer. The Guard of Honour is traditionally paraded on formal occasions when the Monarch or Viceregal representatives, including The Lieutenant-Governor, are present in the Legislative Assembly.   [caption id="attachment_37064" align="aligncenter" width="597"] The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy participates in the installation ceremony of Lieutenant-Governor Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia in front of the Legislature Building in Victoria.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_37063" align="aligncenter" width="598"] The Honourable Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia greets members of the Royal Canadian Navy on parade for her installation as Lieutenant Governor of B.C.[/caption]

Connexion GCD — Du Nouvel An lunaire au Mois du patrimoine sikh, les semaines à venir sont remplies d'occasions de célébrer la diversité, l'inclusion et le patrimoine culturel. Notez ces dates dans vos agendas et participez à la conversation. CALENDRIER : Nouvel An lunaire (date variable chaque année) 29 janv. au 2 févr. Mois de l’histoire des Noirs Février Journée Ayez un cœur  14 févr. Semaine du Patrimoine 17 au 21 févr. Journée du chandail rose 26 févr. Ramadan 28 févr. au 29 mars Mois du patrimoine irlandais mars Journée internationale des femmes 8 mars Journée pour l’élimination de la discrimination raciale 21 mars Journée internationale de la visibilité transgenre 31 mars Mois du patrimoine sikh Avril Journée internationale en rose (deuxième mercredi d’avril) 9 avr.

DAG Connection — From Lunar New Year to Sikh Heritage Month, the coming weeks are filled with opportunities to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and cultural heritage. Mark your calendars and join the conversation. CALENDAR: Lunar New Year (Date Changes Each Year) 29 Jan to 2 Feb Black History Month February Have a Heart Day  14-Feb Heritage Week 17 -21 Feb Pink Shirt Day 26-Feb Ramadan 28 Feb - 29 Mar Irish Heritage Month March International Women’s Day 08-Mar Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 21-Mar International Day of Transgender Visibility 31-Mar Sikh Heritage Month April International Day of Pink (Second Wednesday of April) 09-Apr