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Peter Mallett, Staff writer ~For retired Rear-Admiral Ken Summers, his 25-year old Canadian flag that still emanates the pungent smell of burning oil serves as a poignant symbol of our nation’s role in the liberation of Kuwait.The flag was the first one raised over the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait following the liberation of Kuwait City. With an estimated 700 of the country’s oil wells set alight by the retreating Iraqi forces, the flag was saturated by the black smoke that filled the air.Summers shared his memories of that time on Feb. 26 during CFB Esquimalt’s 25th anniversary ceremony commemorating the liberation of Kuwait.Approximately 200 people, including Persian Gulf veterans, military personnel and their families, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion filled the Naden Drill Shed to mark the occasion.Other dignitaries attended included reviewing officer Capt(N) James Clarke, retired Vice Admiral Jean-Yves Forcier and Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Roger Girouard.Summers says it’s hard to believe that it was a quarter century ago when he - then a Commodore and Commander of Canadian Forces Middle East Headquarters - proudly raised the flag up the pole at the Canadian Embassy following the liberation.The embassy had been shuttered shortly after the invasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990 and gaining access wasn’t easy. Summers says he was forced to shoot out the glass on the front door in order to gain access to the building as no key would be made available.Once inside, he realized the flag did not have the proper clips necessary to raise it to the top of the pole, but with some improvisation, the flag was hoisted.Nearby residents quickly took notice and a large crowd amassed outside the embassy gates to celebrate alongside Canadian military members.“When we put the flag back up at the embassy it was a very significant moment,”...

[caption id="attachment_12096" align="alignnone" width="300"] This stone net sinker, found in the waters off Macaulay Point, is a rare artifact.[/caption]Rachel Lallouz , Staff Writer ~ On display now at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum is a new exhibit loaned from the Royal B.C. Museum featuring early First Nations settlement and cultural features stretching along Fleming Beach and Macaulay Point.The exhibit brings to life Lekwungen land use through panels, archival photographs and paintings.Especially rare in the exhibit is an original stone net sinker found under water on the reef off the southern end of Macaulay Point. The sinker was used to hold a fishing net down between two canoes.“This area has evidence of a fascinating human history going back over 4,000 years,” says Royal B.C. Museum Curator of Archaeology Grant Keddie.Keddie says the area is especially unique because it is an accessible archaeological site that people can visit and learn from.Macaulay Point was known as Mukwuks by the Lekwungen First Nation on whose traditional territory it is located. Today the Lekwungen are represented by the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.“I think it’s really important to let people in the local communities know what surrounds them historically,” Keddie says. “When people are aware of their own histories they are much more likely to preserve it and be interested in it.”Echoing his words, CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum Exhibit Designer Clare Sharpe says, “We are pleased to receive the loan of this interpretive display, which is very relevant to new permanent content our own museum has developed in connection with the First Nations presence in this region,” she says.The exhibit will be on display until April 18, 2016.- With files from Clare Sharpe, Museum Exhibit Designer and Webmaster, CFB Naval and Military Museum

[caption id="attachment_12077" align="alignnone" width="224"] James Eke shows off his martial arts skills for his self-published book Warriors Way: A Guide to Lifelong Learning in Martial Arts.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Captain James Eke’s studies with acclaimed martial arts legend Dan Inosanto has led him to impart that wisdom to a larger audience.  The Captain at 5th Field B.C. Regiment recently penned Warriors Way: A Guide to Lifelong Learning in Martial Arts, in which Eke traces his three decades of study under the world-famous Filipino-American martial arts instructor. That relationship helped him develop this literary expression of Inosanto’s teachings.“It’s my effort not only to help people through the hills and valleys of martial arts training, but also living a fuller life,” says Eke.Warrior’s Way isn’t the 46-year-old reservist, businessman, and former journalist’s attempt at an instructional how-to book. Eke insists his self-published work is all about self-help and a blueprint to living a healthier way of life. He pledges the book will pass on a deeper understanding of what is truly required to master disciplines such as stick-fighting, grappling, kickboxing, Malaysian Silat and Jeet Kune Do.“The completion of this writing project is not about selling copies or making money. I’m truly trying to spread the word, like my instructor did for me,” says Eke. “If only a few people read it and are able to get something out of it that would be the greatest windfall for me.”Inosanto is best known to martial arts fans for his close relationship with the legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. The California-based Inosanto was both a teacher and instructor for Master Lee and once introduced the late martial-arts icon to the nanchuku  (nunchuks).Eke first met Inosanto in 1988 during a weekend seminar in Ottawa, just at a point in his life when Eke was...

[caption id="attachment_12069" align="alignnone" width="300"] Peruvian Prime Minister, Pedro Cateriano crosses the brow to attend areception held onboard HMCS Vancouver on Feb. 22.[/caption]SLt Sean Catterall, Vancouver UPAR ~After three days of rest and relaxation ashore in Mexico, Vancouver departed Manzanillo, Mexico, on Feb. 13 and continued south to conduct strategic engagement activities with the Peruvian Navy.During the second leg of Southploy 2016, Vancouver continued to force generate through various exercises, drills and combat readiness requirements.Happily, it wasn’t all business as the crew took time to conduct a SwimEx in the 30 degree celsius waters north of the Galapagos Islands. The crew also formed teams to compete in a zodiac race around the ship. The afternoon’s leisure and sport competition was followed up with a banyan and a movie on the flight deck.Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, the crew set to work painting the ship, landing gash and making preparations for the reception that would be held on the flight deck the following day. Ambassadors from various countries, Peruvian ministers including the Prime Minister, Pedro Cateriano, and the heads of Peru’s army, navy and air force were received by hosts Canadian Ambassador Gwyneth Kutz and Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.On board, Vancouver’s guests were treated to “Moose Milk” as well as Canadian themed appetizers and desserts. Among the distinguished guests was Capt(N) José San Martín Gómez, the Commanding Officer of BAP Villavisencio. In May 2015, this Lupo Class destroyer visited Esquimalt and the city of Vancouver. As the designated host ship during its visit to Canada, it was a nice opportunity for Vancouver and Villavisencio to be reacquainted again in Lima.After a three-day port visit, Vancouver returned to sea in company with BAP Villavisencio to participate in a Combined Anti-submarine Warfare Exercise (CASEX) and PHOTOEX. Joining the day’s exercise were...

[caption id="attachment_12073" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tritons have hometown advantagefor Old Timers Hockey Championship[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff writer ~ Home-ice advantage may finally give the CFB Esquimalt Senior Tritons a chance to shed their underdog tag at this year’s Canadian Armed Forces Old Timers Hockey Championship.The five-day, five-team, 13-game round-robin tournament began Sunday, March 6, at Wurtele Arena when the Senior Tritons faced off against Prairie Region Champion CFB Edmonton. It will conclude with the championship game on Thursday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m.Senior Tritons assistant coach MS Andrew Johnston says hosting the nationals in their own backyard will allow his team to put together a more competitive lineup. That was not the case at last year’s tournament, held at CFB Borden, when the Tritons finished in last place.With deployment schedules and other operational commitments, players are sometimes unable to get the time off to travel for tournaments.“Guys that might not have been able to be released to play in the tournament will be on our roster this time around,” says MS Johnston. “We are very close to having a full team, but the fact remains we are still a small base who will be facing opponents with much larger talent pools to draw on.”After the tournament curtain-raiser, the Senior Tritons play two games on March 7, battling Atlantic Champion CFB Halifax at 8 a.m. and Ontario Region winner CFB Petawawa at 7:30 p.m. They close out the preliminary round on March 8 at 2 p.m. against defending National Champion, CFB Valcartier.While the team will be relying heavily on friends, family and hockey fans at the base to cheer them on, strong fan support can also be a mixed blessing, explains Senior Tritons defenceman Maj Mark Kierstead.“Hometown support is huge and it can be a significant boost, but also a significant challenge to overcome,”...

[caption id="attachment_12040" align="alignnone" width="300"] Image from website http://voilalearning.com/en/military-family-services/[/caption] CFMWS ~Voilà Learning, in partnership with Military Family Services (MFS), is offering free online homework support to military children enrolled in French immersion and children with questions about their French homework.The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ombudsman Report released in 2013 confirmed that relocation to an environment with a non-fluent predominant second language is a dissatisfying issue among military families.In response to this challenge MFS began working in partnership with other organizations and enterprises to increase accessibility to language learning services and training for military families.As an expansion of Voilà Learning’s existing services the partnership provides military children with access to free online homework help in French.Registration is required when enrolling children to validate that they are from a military family. Once registration is complete a code is emailed to parents allowing children access to the Voilà Learning Virtual Immersion Campus.Children find the customizable avatar-led virtual support of the campus appealing, as the ‘world’ they work in resembles a typical ‘école’. Plus, their questions are answered in real-time by professional teachers in a virtual group setting.The homework help is available to children of military families five to 18 years of age enrolled in a French immersion program and children in the English system taking a French course. Support is available in a variety of subjects on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to11 p.m. EST.Voilà is a not-for-profit organization that unites hundreds of certified French teachers from school boards across Canada and United States. The organization also unites hundreds of members, teachers, educators and school principals with a common goal: to encourage students in their acquisition of the French language and to help parents meet the needs of their children studying in a French program.To view a video detailing how the service can...

To commemorate the 2016 International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme of Women Moving Forward, MARPAC and the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO) will be hosting events on March 7 and 8.A 5 kilometre “Noon Walk for Wellness” is planned for Monday, March 7. The walk will leave at noon from the front of the Pacific Fleet Club building to Saxe Point Park and back. Everyone is welcome to join this stroll in our neighbourhood. Bring along your co-workers, friends and family, and wear bright colours.On March 8, internationally acclaimed financial advisor HCol Diane McCurdy will deliver a keynote speech, followed by a panel discussion. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the conference room at the Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess.HCol McCurdy will bring insight, experience and enthusiasm to the vital challenge of creating and managing your personal financial plan. She is author of the best-selling financial guide “How Much is Enough?” and is a frequent contributor to national print and broadcast media.HCol McCurdy became involved with the Canadian Armed Forces following a helicopter crash in August 2010 when she was rescued by 442 Squadron. This life event fostered her advocacy for the military community.The keynote will be followed by a one hour panel discussion from 11 a.m. to noon. Several Formation members will join HCol McCurdy on the panel to share their achievements and experiences on various topics that include the field of leadership, work and life balance, life and family, and more. All Defence Team members are invited to join.Supervisor approval is required to attend these events. Due to limited seating for the March 8 event, please RSVP to Emily Zhong at Emily.Zhong@forces.gc.ca or 363-1082.

[caption id="attachment_12026" align="alignnone" width="200"] Ty Gretzky (right), who operates the Gretzky Hockey School, will be in the Canucks Alumni line up for the Heroes Hockey Challenge.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Ty Gretzky is ready to show off his formidable stick-handling skills in the Heroes Hockey Challenge here in Victoria on March 6.The son of former NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and manager of the Gretzky Hockey school, Ty Gretzky will be in the lineup at the Q Centre for the Sunday game, which features a Vancouver Canucks Alumni team versus the CAF Warriors. Gretzky, 26, operates the Los-Angeles-based Gretzky Hockey School and has been working with Heroes Hockey Challenge (HHC) co-founder Glenn Cumyn since 2014.In its fourth year, the HHC raises money for the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Foundation, a group that assists former service members and their families.“I’m happy to give back and support the Heroes Hockey Challenge in any way I’m able,” said Gretzky. “I’m looking forward to coming up to Victoria, meeting everyone and playing alongside the Canucks [alumni] for a worthwhile cause.”To help with the fundraising, Gretzky also donated two spots in the Gretzky Hockey School’s Burnaby camp from Aug. 8 to 12, which raised more than $1,000 for HHC when they were raffled off at a recent B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League Tournament.Designed and run by the Gretzky family and their friends within the hockey world, the week-long camps are for boys and girls aged seven to 15. In the past, NHL stars such as Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull and Guy Carbonneau have made appearances at the camps.The Canucks Alumni team in Victoria will feature defenceman Dave Babych and centre Kyle Wellwood. Former Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings forward Mark Lofthouse will join them. The team will be coached by Canuck legends Orland Kurtenbach and...

[caption id="attachment_12021" align="alignnone" width="300"] Stock image of HMCS Vancouver[/caption]SLt Sean Catterall, HMCS Vancouver ~HMCS Vancouver left Esquimalt on Feb. 1 on an important strategic mission to Central and South America. We are tasked to support the Royal Canadian Navy’s efforts to strengthen ties with several nations including Peru, Chile and Mexico.In addition to the strategic goals of this deployment, Vancouver will also be bolstering our military relationships by conducting several high intensity warfare training exercises with allied nations.”Vancouver spent 10 days at sea en route to Manzanillo, conducting emergency drills, seamanship training and warfare exercises. After refueling at sea with a US Navy tanker, Vancouver spent two days conducting surface gunnery exercises against a target towed by a remote controlled boat called a Barracuda.Throughout the week, Vancouver flew the embarked Sea-King helicopter “Blackfish”, carrying out a variety of exercises including personnel hoist, helicopter in-flight refueling and haul-down landings.As we crossed the tropic of Cancer, the air and sea temperature increased dramatically, satisfying the crew that we had in-fact escaped Canadian winter.Vancouver arrived in Manzanillo on Feb. 10 and came alongside the cruise ship jetty. After three days alongside soaking up sunshine, enjoying the local cuisine and unwinding, the port visit came to an end.In a few days Vancouver will cross the equator, an occasion that is monumental and memorable in a sailor’s career. More than half of the ship’s company is made up of “tadpoles” who will soon graduate to “shellbacks” after enduring the infamous crossing-the-line ceremony.

[caption id="attachment_12017" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Whitehorse conducts a hoist exercise with a United States Coast Guard (USCG) SH60 Jayhawk helicopter near Mary Island, Alaska, on Feb. 18, while the USCG Ship Liberty sailed in formation.[/caption] SLt Eric Mullen, HMCS Whitehorse ~In the early morning hours on Feb. 18, HMCS Whitehorse sailed into Alaskan waters and conducted a series of exercises in order to enhance interoperability with the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Liberty. The two vessels manoeuvred in formation until an American SH-60 Seahawk helicopter from Coast Guard District 17 arrived to conduct a series of helicopter hoists.For Whitehorse and Liberty, a large portion of their manoeuvring was towing exercises. Both crews had opportunities to learn the technically precise nature of the procedures and what is involved in working together to achieve operational effectiveness. The same can be said for the air crew of the SH-60 while practicing helicopter hoists.Since interoperability requires both the sharing of knowledge and the forging of relationships, both ships also set time aside to exchange sailors for the afternoon. Guests enjoyed lunch and a tour of their host ship, and met with their professional counterparts. In addition, the crew of Whitehorse prepared a care package of baked good for the helicopter crew to enjoy.The last time Whitehorse cooperated with the USCG was during Operation Caribbe in October 2015. En route to the operating area, Whitehorse led ships from the United States Navy, the USCG, and the Secretaría de Marina in a Passage Exercise, which is any number of naval exercises grouped together and executed while transiting to and from locations. This exercise, just like the one completed this month, helps to promote interoperability and give our ships the training to be able to seamlessly integrate with naval partners.Over the coming weeks, Whitehorse will continue its...

[caption id="attachment_12014" align="alignnone" width="300"] Crew members wave from the deck of HMCS Winnipeg as it arrived home on Tuesday, Feb. 23.[/caption]On Feb. 23, HMCS Winnipeg returned home to be reunited with families and friends after an extremely successful eight and a half month deployment.I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the entire crew of HMCS Winnipeg for your devotion to duty, excellence at sea, and resilience in the face of many challenges. You have come together as a ship’s company and demonstrated to all our allies the Royal Canadian Navy’s capability and commitment to international maritime security.The focus of your mission was the six months spent on Operation Reassurance, during which time you served with two standing NATO Maritime Groups, in support of NATO’s mission to build maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean Sea and European waters.Your work on Operation Reassurance has strengthened our reputation in NATO as a dependable ally and skilled fighting force.It is also important to recognize that you were engaged in operations, both before and after Operation Reassurance. Upon the start of the deployment, you conducted surveillance patrols in the eastern Pacific Ocean, in support of Operation Caribbe, and on your return transit to Canada, you participated in counterterrorism and maritime security operations in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean in support of Operation Artemis.During the final month of your deployment, you continued to further Canada’s strategic interests through port visits In India, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. During your visits you promoted Canada’s security and national interests and advanced the RCN’s interoperability with other navies.Since starting this extensive mission in June 2015, you have circumnavigated the globe and sailed more than 53,875 nautical miles, spent 254 days at sea, operated with 102 ships from 20 other navies, and visited 17 different countries. Your ship’s...

[caption id="attachment_12003" align="alignnone" width="300"] CAF Warriors and former NHL players gather for a group shot following the Abbotsford Heroes Hockey Challenge in April 2013.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A cast of NHL alumni are sharpening their skates and taping their sticks, preparing for a charity hockey battle against top hockey players from the Canadian Armed Forces.The Heroes Hockey Challenge Victoria 2016 gets underway March 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Q Centre in Colwood. The game features Vancouver Canucks Alumni and other celebrities facing off against the Warriors, a squad of top players participating in the Canadian Armed Forces Old Timers Championship at the Wurtele Arena from March 6 to 10.Alumnus participating in this year’s game include defenceman Dave Babych, and centres Cliff Ronning and Kyle Wellwood. Also part of the team will be forward Mark Lofthouse, who played with the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets, and Ty Gretzky, son of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky.“This event is an excellent opportunity for Canadian Armed Forces members to play with some of Vancouver Canucks hockey’s greatest in support of a worthy cause,” said RAdm Gilles Couturier, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. “All of the money raised will go directly towards programs and services that benefit wounded military members, veterans, their families, and our Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).”Proceeds from the $10 general admission tickets will go to support Heroes Hockey Challenge, owned by the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Foundation, a group that supports former service members and their families; funds raised from a 50/50 draw will go to the Esquimalt MFRC.LGen (Ret’d) Ken Foster, President of the PPCLI Foundation, and RAdm Couturier hatched the plan for a Heroes Hockey Challenge (HHC) game in Victoria over a recent dinner engagement.HHC, now in its fourth year, has hosted events in...

[caption id="attachment_11998" align="alignnone" width="300"] A Roto 2 member takes a sight of the avalanche zones on Rogers Pass on one of the  105-mm C3 howitzers located at a road-side gun platform.[/caption]Ashley Black, CJOC ~For over 50 years, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Parks Canada have been preventing avalanches using the best known method: creating avalanches.In 1962, Roger’s Pass opened as a mountain pass where the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway cross the Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia. In an effort to prevent naturally-occurring avalanches, Parks Canada and the CAF partnered together for Canada’s largest avalanche-control program, known to the CAF as Operation Palaci.The annual program starts in late November with the goal of preventing uncontrolled avalanches by creating small, more frequent avalanches in controlled settings.For this year’s first rotation, 17 members of the Avalanche Control Troop have deployed to Operation Palaci and have been through extensive training to prepare for avalanche control operations.To ensure the program is successful, Parks Canada staff is responsible for examining snow profiles. Their experts examine snow temperatures, moisture content and conduct various stability tests to determine when avalanche control may be required.Parks Canada’s avalanche forecasters, and technicians, closely monitor weather, snowfall and snow pack to assess avalanche hazards.“This analysis is an ongoing, iterative process,” said Jeff Goodrich, Senior Avalanche Officer at Parks Canada.If a snowpack is deemed unstable after much analysis, Parks Canada calls upon the CAF to perform avalanche control operations. A C3 105-mm Howitzer is used to conduct shoots that create small, controlled avalanches.“Pre-registered targets are carefully chosen by Parks Canada in order to trigger avalanches before they become a danger to the highway. Upon order, the Avalanche Control Troop engages these targets with high explosive projectiles fired from the C3 105-mm Howitzer from various gun positions along the highway,”...

[caption id="attachment_11993" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of the Marine System Engineering department on board HMCS Winnipeg hold their career advancing qualifications certificates received from Cdr Jeffrey Hutchinson, the ship’s Commanding Officer in the centre.[/caption]SLt Jamie Tobin, HMCS Winnipeg ~After a successful deployment on Operation Reassurance, nine members of HMCS Winnipeg’s Marine Systems Engineering (MSE) department challenged certification boards to obtain their next level of qualification and all nine were successful.“We are overwhelmed by this clean sweep and the overall success of our team,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Justin Dunn, the Deputy MSE Officer who recently obtained his Head of Department qualification. “All of the candidates put in a lot of hard work and they are all well-deserving of their accomplishments.”Four members obtained their Certification Level III: Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification; three members obtained their Certification Level IV: Chief Engine Room Artificer qualification, one completed Phase IV training and another obtained his Head of Department qualification.“The Royal Canadian Navy is constantly in need of qualified engineers to sail our ships and HMCS Winnipeg has certainly done more than its fair share to support the fleet,” said Commander Jeff Hutchinson, Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer.Four members from Canadian Fleet Pacific’s engineering staff embarked on Winnipeg during the ship’s port visit in Singapore and sailed with the ship for eight days to conduct the boards.“The candidates were well prepared and they all impressed us with their performance. They made our job on board quite easy,” said Lieutenant-Commander Robert Petitpas, the Damage Control Division Commander and one of the board members.In addition to the nine new qualifications in recent weeks, seven members of the ship’s MSE department achieved their Auxiliary Machinery Operators Certificate and nine members received their Certification Level 2: Machinery Console Operator certification during the ship’s deployment totalling 22 new qualifications for Winnipeg throughout...

[caption id="attachment_11988" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kuwait veterans[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~CFB Esquimalt will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait with a commemorative ceremony on Feb. 26 at the Naden Drill Shed.Joining serving personnel and veterans will be guest speakers, and Gulf War veterans, Rear-Admiral (Retired) Ken Summers and RAdm (Retired) Roger Girouard. Also attending will be special guest Vice-Admiral (Retired) Jean Yves Forcier, former Commander of Canada Command.During the 1990-91 Persian Gulf crisis, VAdm(Ret’d) Forcier was seconded for six months as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations with the Canadian Naval Task Group and later with the Canadian Forces Middle East Headquarters in Bahrain, for which he was “Mentioned in Dispatch.”The proceedings will commence at 9:45 a.m., and is one of six events planned at Canadian Armed Forces bases across Canada to commemorate the end of the Persian Gulf War on Feb. 28, 1991.  Canada’s military, along with 33 coalition nations, took part in various operations to thwart Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait.Harold Davis, president of the recently formed Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada (PGVC), says it’s been an “uphill struggle” to get Canadians to acknowledge this war.“Some recognition is not too much to ask for,” he says. “That’s what the Korean War veterans had asked for so many years. I’m not holding my breath that things will change overnight. I just keep pounding the pavement and try to raise awareness and recruit more members to our group.”His group represents past and current Canadian military members who served in the war.“While many Canadians have a short memory when it comes to the Persian Gulf War, the soldiers, sailors and aviators who served have a very long memory.”The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 in Langford recently announced it will host an anniversary ceremony on Feb. 28, the official date that then-U.S. President George...

[caption id="attachment_11983" align="alignnone" width="300"] LCdr Shane Denneny, commanding officer, with members of The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp and Admiral DeWolf take time for a photo.[/caption]SLt Eric Mullen, HMCS Whitehorse ~Cadets from the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps DeWolf in Campbell River were given an opportunity to experience the life of a professional sailor on board HMCS Whitehorse on Feb. 17.Seven Cadets and their Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer met the ship’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat at a jetty in Campbell River before being spirited away to the Kingston Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel for a day sail.Following a tour of the ship and meeting with the Command team, they were treated to a surprise when a Cormorant helicopter from 442 Squadron arrived to conduct a series of helo hoists from Whitehorse’s foc’sle.After enjoying a meal hosted by the ship’s company, the cadets were promptly put to work learning about the many occupations represented on board. They were able to get some experience steering the ship, and to learn about the engineering and operational capability of the vessel.This is one of several opportunities that Whitehorse will have over the next couple of weeks to host cadets and members of coastal communities during its patrol along Canada’s Pacific Coast.

[caption id="attachment_11978" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon awarded a posthumous Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award to family of late Sea Cadet Samantha Calder. Left to right: Samantha Calder’s brother Will, her father Dave, Lieutenant Governor Guichon, Samantha’s mother Carol, and her sister, Eva.[/caption]Deborah Morrow, Contributor ~One year after Parksville Sea Cadet Samantha Calder was taken from her family in the prime of her adolescence, her parents received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Government House on her behalf.  It was the first posthumous award of its kind ever given in Canada.In the drawing room of Government House, a testimony to the kindness of Canadians was quietly expressed in the private ceremony hosted by Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon. Her Honour presented Carol and David Calder with the Gold Award in celebration of the achievements of their deceased daughter. Samantha was a three-day camping trip away from completing her award when she was tragically killed in a car crash.  Supporters from across Canada attended the ceremony including Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and his wife Sylvie Tremblay; Jim Kershaw, National President of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program; Debbie Yates and her husband Dave Yates, National President of the Navy League of Canada; and Sushil Saini, Executive Director of the B.C. Yukon Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program.It was Saini who coordinated and organized the intimate British Columbia ceremony, adding her personal touches to create a memorable day for the Calders.Doug Thomas, Executive Director of the Navy League of Canada (in absentia), seeded the idea of the posthumous presentation from Ottawa.“It’s the right thing to do,” he said, “They deserve this, and then they can move on, knowing Sam finally got her Gold.”For Samantha’s mother Carol, the gesture represented the essence of the...

[caption id="attachment_11972" align="alignnone" width="296"] Rear-Admiral Gilles CouturierCommander MARPAC/JTFP[/caption] HMCS Winnipeg welcome homeOn Feb. 23 HMCS Winnipeg returns to be re-united with families and friends after an extremely successful eight-and-a-half month deployment.I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the entire crew of HMCS Winnipeg for your devotion to duty, excellence at sea, and resilience in the face of many challenges. You have come together as a ship’s company and demonstrated to all our allies the Royal Canadian Navy’s capability and commitment to international maritime security.The focus of your mission was the six-months spent on Operation Reassurance, during which time you served with two Standing NATO Maritime Groups in support of NATO’s mission to build maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean Sea and European waters. Your work on Reassurance has strengthened our reputation in NATO as a dependable ally and skilled fighting force.It is also important to recognise that you were engaged in operations both before and after Operation Reassurance. Upon the start of the deployment, you conducted surveillance patrols in the eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Caribbe, and on your return transit to Canada, you participated in counterterrorism and maritime security operations in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean in support of Operation Artemis.During the final month of your deployment, you continued to further Canada’s Strategic interests through port visits in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. During your visits you promoted Canada’s security and national interests and advanced the RCN’s interoperability with other navies.Since starting this extensive mission in June 2015, you have circumnavigated the globe and sailed more than 53,875 nautical miles, spent 254 days at sea, operated with 102 ships from 20 other navies, and visited 17 different countries. Your ship’s CH-124 Sea King Helicopter flew more than 200 sorties totalling more than 500 flying hours.I...

[caption id="attachment_11930" align="alignnone" width="300"] Stuart Hodgson speaks with an Inuit mother and daughter at Grise Fiord on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut.[/caption]Lt(N) Gwil Roberts, HMCS Discovery ~A memorial service was held for a Canadian legend, Stuart M. Hodgson at HMCS Discovery in Vancouver Jan. 14.Hodgson was grandfather to Able Seaman Evan Hodgson, a naval reservist.The large gathering of family, friends, dignitaries, colleagues, military and RCMP members was an opportunity to commemorate the man who believed so strongly in one ideal: service to Canada.While best known for his time as the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories (1967-1979); Hodgson also served as the Chairman of B.C. Transit and B.C. Ferries, and was a citizenship judge, and before all those careers, a sailor in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).He was born in east Vancouver in 1924. He dropped out of high school to work as a labourer in a local plywood mill. In 1942, at the age of 17, he joined the navy, much to the dismay of his Quaker father, but to the delight of his Anglican mother. Recruited at HMCS Discovery, Stuart was trained as a naval gunner and sent to Northern Ireland for convoy duty on board HMCS Monnow, which included the harrowing and bitterly cold Murmansk run.“It was there that he got a taste for the Arctic air,” quipped the Honourable Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice for British Columbia.The Monnow was credited with sinking a German U-boat and Hodgson’s gunner crew downed a German Junkers Ju 88 aircraft. That action and the ensuing death of a German survivor would affect Hodgson for decades to come.Discharged at Discovery as a Petty Officer in 1945, he returned to work at a south Vancouver plywood mill.“The navy set the course for the rest of his life,” said Commodore Marta Mulkins, Commander...

Whether you’re a beginner or an old pro, a membership in the CFB Esquimalt Golf Association has many advantages.The club has corporate membership at Olympic View, Arbutus Ridge and Glen Meadows Golf Clubs. In addition, thanks to local golf courses, club members enjoy reduced rates at Bear Mountain, Cowichan and many more golf courses. The end result is reduced green fees and membership privileges making the game of golf more accessible and affordable to the MARPAC/DND community. “I think we are the best kept secret on the base. And thus, I want people to know that anybody can become a member of our club,” says club president Lt(N) Mohamed Ali Gudal. “More than anything else our club allows you to enjoy the game at greatly discounted rates and also make new friends and socialize.”Also included with the membership is an opportunity to become BCGA and Golf Canada member for only $20, giving members an opportunity to post scores online and track an official handicap with the governing body.The 500-member club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the club’s incoming president is calling on all MARPAC military, DND public servants, veterans, serving RCMP and Honorary Colonels and  Captain(N)s and their families to join their ranks in 2016.The three-tiered annual membership begins at $35.The club organizes a season opening tournament in early May, an annual road trip in early June – this year in the Whistler B.C. area, and an annual championship tournament in early September. The club subsidizes these events, thus enabling its members to enjoy more golf at a reduced rate. In addition, every tournament participant wins a prize, or two.To find out more about the CFBEGA visit their website at: www.cfbega.ca

Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~It’s expected on Feb. 24 that a sea of pink wearing runners will trot the five kilometre fleet run route.To support National Anti-Bullying Day in Canada, the Fleet Run has moved from its usual Thursday time slot to Wednesday, and everyone across the Formation can wear pink to work, the colour that represents taking a stand against bullying.  “The pink t-shirt identifies those participating as part of organized opposition to bullying,” says Michael Holt, Director of the Civilian Human Resources Centre (Pacific).Holt believes the run is a crucial step for CFB Esquimalt to promote the importance of having a safe and respectful workplace for all.“I think it’s necessary to understand that a respectful workplace really does involve everyone,” says Holt. “So having that endorsement from the Formation for people to wear pink really shows a demonstrated effort to support the cause.”In order to accommodate the pink civilian wear for military members, Dress with a Difference Day will move from Friday, Feb. 26 to the 24.Special anti-bullying pink t-shirts can be purchased at London Drugs for $9.80. Net proceeds from the sale will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Victoria.  As per its usual route and time, the fleet run begins at A Jetty at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at the Dockyard gym. Snacks will be provided at the gym for runners.The genesis of Pink Shirt Day:Anti-Bullying Day or Pink Shirt day is a day when people wear a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. It is celebrated on various dates around the world.The original event was organized by David Shepherd and Travis Price of Berwick, Nova Scotia, who in 2007 bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after Grade nine student Charles McNeill was bullied for wearing a pink shirt during the first day of school.Bullying continues to be a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. On Pink T-Shirt Day wear something...

[caption id="attachment_11919" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander, readies for the ceremonial opening puck drop at the Oldtimers Pacific Region hockey finals. Taking the drop is Tritons’ LCdr Bill Ansell and Capt Roger for the Silver Totems.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Men’s Senior Tritons hockey squad are kings of the Pacific region, and now have a shot at national glory.The Senior Tritons scored a convincing 6-1 win in game three of their best-of-three series against the Comox Silver Totems, Feb 10 at Wurtele Arena.With the victory, the Tritons now advance to the Canadian Armed Forces Oldtimers Hockey Championship, which will be hosted on base March 6 to 10.The Tritons started the regional playoffs strong with a 3-1 victory in the series opener on Feb. 9, but their up-island rivals made them sweat in the second game when they leveled a 4-3 overtime win in game two later that day.“We came out flat in that game and we took a ton of bad penalties which Comox capitalized on,” said Senior Tritons assistant coach MS Andrew Johnston. “We got our discipline back for game three and returned to doing many of the crucial things it takes to be successful in hockey, like staying disciplined and buying into our system and game plan.”MS Johnston credited the game three turnaround to some standout play by CPO2 Ken Simoneau, along with some good “chemistry” between forwards RAdm Gilles Couturier, LCol Gordon Peckham, and Capt(N) Jason Boyd.MS Johnston is remaining up-beat about the fortunes for this year’s national tournament chances despite a fifth place finish at last year’s nationals at CFB Borden in Angus.“I think we can compete with the competition at this year’s finals,” said MS Johnston. “But we will need to play with greater intensity from the opening puck drop to the final...

MARPAC Health & Welness Expo from Lookout on Vimeo. Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~Members of the Defence community and their families crowded the Naden Athletic Centre last Thursday for the MARPAC Health and Wellness Expo. This annual event was organized by the Lookout Newspaper and the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy team, and showcased over 100 local vendors specializing in education, fitness, recreation and health services.Last week’s Expo is just one of the ways the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy team works to promote a culture of health and wellness within the Formation. The team consists of six working groups that concentrate on five key priorities: active living, addiction free living, healthy nutrition and weight wellness, organizational wellness, and social and mental wellness.One of their main goals is to break down barriers that might prevent people from improving their mental and physical health.In April 2015, they worked with senior leadership to introduce a new smoking policy that brought MARPAC in compliance with the Non-Smokers Health Act. CFB Esquimalt was one of the first military bases to align with this policy, which prohibits smoking on DND property except in designated smoking areas. According to Maryse Neilson, Health Promotion Manager and strategy team member, there were over 240 areas on base that allowed smoking prior to the new policy. This number has since been reduced to 39 designated areas.“If it was simply about education we wouldn’t have the issues we see, so we know there are cultural issues as well,” says Neilson. “It’s not about shaming a person who smokes, but about creating a culture that promotes healthy choices.” In addition to the new smoking policy, the team has also significantly increased the number of healthy food options available within the Formation. These changes included increasing the number of fruit and vegetable options available...

[caption id="attachment_11907" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Haley van Poorten in HMCS Vancouver’s engine room.[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~“This is awesome!” That was Lieutenant(Navy) Haley van Poorten’s reaction the first time she went on board a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate when it was alongside Vancouver in 2011.She was taken on a tour of HMCS Winnipeg by a friend, a Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface Officer, who wanted to show her the ship after telling her for years she should join the navy.After working for six years as a structural engineer in Victoria and Vancouver, the Ontario native was ready for a change. She decided to join the RCN three-and-a-half years ago.“With my last job, every year I would  think about moving to a different company until I realized it wasn’t the company’s fault, I just wasn’t enjoying what I was doing,” says Lt(N) van Poorten, now an Assistant Marine Systems Engineering Officer. “I don’t think that at all now. Every day I come to work with a smile, just happy to be here, and that’s what was missing before.”She is currently posted to HMCS Vancouver, completing a year-long training billet to become a Marine Systems Engineering Officer.The Marine Systems Engineering department is responsible for the readiness, operation and maintenance of all the ship’s systems not involved in combat or reconnaissance. These include propulsion systems, power generation and distribution, ship and machinery control systems, ship stability, and damage control.“Basically, we are responsible for everything that allows the ship to become a home, and that allows it to move through the water,” explains Lt(N) van Poorten.She had a wealth of useful knowledge with a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering, but lacked the in-depth understanding of specific marine systems that her new position required. To gain this knowledge she completed an intensive two-year training...

Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~Members of CFB Esquimalt gathered last Thursday to mark the conclusion of this year’s Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).With a drum roll playing, Captain (N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander and Chair of the 2015 GCWCC, unveiled the large cheque that declared a total of $448,000 has been raised.This money will help support the United Way, HealthPartners and a number of other registered Canadian charities, including Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre.Capt(N) Waddell presented the cheque to Patricia Jelinski, CEO of United Way Greater Victoria, and Therese Boullard, HealthPartners B.C. representative, and expressed his appreciation for the phenomenal contributions made this year by the Defence community.“I’d like to recognize everyone who participated in the campaign, including the dedicated volunteers,” said Capt(N) Waddell. “Once again, we have achieved success, and all of these funds will go to communities we are attached to, and to the people each of you were thinking about when you made your donations.”Part of the success of this year’s campaign can be attributed to the outstanding involvement of the Formation, with all individual units and ships throwing their own GCWCC kick-off events and developing unique fundraising options that made it easy for members to participate in the campaign.These events included weekly soup challenges, barbecues, Dress with a Difference Fridays and 50/50 raffles. In addition, Canadian Armed Forces members, including Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, joined forces with the Victoria Royals in October for a charity hockey game that packed the rink with over 200 fans. From senior leadership to crews away at sea, the entire Defence Team came together during this campaign to help those in need.“Your dedication to public service is evident, not only your service to your country, but in the $448,000 you have raised,” remarked Therese Boullard.Taking place...

[caption id="attachment_11870" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dental Hygienist Reine RIcher Laflech prepares for a patient at the Dockyard Dental Clinic, a few weeks before she retired.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Dockyard dental hygienist Reine Richer Lafleche, 61, estimates she has uttered that familiar phrase “open wide” more than 50,000 times in her 42-year military and civilian career.But at the end of her last shift on Jan. 28 Reine said the catch phrase for the last time, officially putting down her scalers, polishers and hand mouth mirror.She says it was time to let go of the physically demanding task of providing oral hygiene services to military members and head into retirement.The difficult part was saying that last goodbye to her patients.“I love working with people on a one-to-one basis and helping them, so I will definitely miss this,” said Lafleche “I mentioned to my patients that this will be their last teeth cleaning done by me and they were disappointed, but I know it’s time for me to move on.” Hence, it is always better to get professional dentist checkup from Vinterbro TannlegesenterA trip to the dentist can often make the bravest of sailors, soldiers and air men and air women cringe in fear. But her co-worker WO Marla Buchanan, senior dental hygienist, says Lafleche was a “steadying” figure for her patients.“I don’t know how she was able to continue working as a hygienist for so many years,” she says. “It’s a very demanding job, physically taxing on the back, arms, hands and wrists.”It’s a trade that can easily lead to over-usage injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and back and neck problems, but Lafleche says she owes her longevity in her trade to a healthy lifestyle and the satisfaction she got from patients.   During her career, she estimates she has inspected and maintained somewhere...

[caption id="attachment_11866" align="alignnone" width="300"] Above: Leanne Harel, MFRC Childcare Supervisor, reads aloud a children’s book to a group of five to eight year olds in accordance with Mary Gordon’s Seeds and Roots of Empathy philosophy.[/caption]Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~ Founder of the Seeds and Roots of Empathy program, Mary Gordon, toured the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) daycare Jan. 25, where she viewed a literacy circle of three-to-five year olds.Both Seeds of Empathy and Roots of Empathy foster social and emotional competence and literacy skills in children, and reduce aggression in children while increasing empathy.Both programs have been run by the MFRC for 10 years. Seeds of Empathy is done in the MFRC’s three-to-five year old daycare. Roots of Empathy is facilitated by the MFRC in a kindergarten class at Crystal View Elementary School. Children between three and five years of age begin to discover empathy, and the program accelerates this learning through creative exercises such as literacy circles, art and drama activities.“To have a program that puts children in touch with how they feel, and how other people feel gives children personal power that enables them to build lasting relationships,” says Gordon.At the beginning of the Seeds of Empathy program, an infant is brought into the class to interact with the preschoolers. Gordon says the baby is the teacher and modeller of emotions, and the preschoolers learn to label feelings by watching the baby.“Children learn their own emotional literacy by recognizing emotions on the baby’s face, and then are able to recognize the feelings of others, such as in the faces of characters found in books shared during literacy circles,” explains Leanne Harel, MFRC Childcare Supervisor, who has been teaching the program for six years.The program is especially crucial to children of military members who may be facing additional...

[caption id="attachment_11861" align="alignnone" width="300"] Help continues for homeless Veterans[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff writer ~Front line volunteers working to get Victoria’s homeless veterans off the streets are applauding a recent policy switch by the new federal government.Along with plans by the Liberal government to reopen nine Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) regional offices, hire 400 additional staff, and create two centres of excellence, including one specializing in mental health, PTSD, and related issues, there is also a pledge by the VAC’s new minister Kent Hehr to tackle the “unacceptable” problem of homelessness amongst veterans.“We are developing a homelessness strategy in collaboration with partners and stakeholders that will identify gaps in existing policies and programs, and will propose evidence-based mechanisms that will focus on the elimination of veteran homelessness,” Hehr said in a statement. “Area offices are strengthening partnerships with community organizations across the country and coordinating efforts to identify homeless veterans, and use the community housing and support services to help them.”Employment and Social Development Canada recently released a report that paints a picture of the state of homelessness among veterans. It states that 2,250 former CAF personnel account for 2.7 per cent of nation’s homeless population of 150,000.  The study surveyed occupants at 60 homeless shelters across Canada and found that 16 per cent of female veterans reported being homeless on more than one occasion, and the average age for homeless veterans staying at shelters is 52, compared with an overall average of age of 37.Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Jonathan Vance, was equally concerned with the report’s findings, stating, “It’s shocking in Canada that we would have a veteran who is homeless, but it is a sad reality.”Angus Stanfield is the Royal Canadian Legion’s Yukon/B.C. Command president and founding director of Cockrell House, a group that helps homeless veterans.He says...

[caption id="attachment_11857" align="alignnone" width="300"] In the final stages of its disposal process, the former HMCS Protecteur in Dockyard’s C Jetty, Feb. 3.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~ The former HMCS Protecteur is entering the final stages of the disposal process when it leaves Esquimalt Harbour in the next few weeks.The disposal process, at large, involves removing all electronics, communications, weaponry and other equipment onboard the vessel in accordance with the Surplus Crown Assets Act and the Treasury Board Directive on Disposal of Surplus Material.Plans are underway to have the ship leave in February to be towed to Nova Scotia for final disposal.  The 171.9-metre long vessel is undergoing preparations in Dockyard’s C Jetty before it begins the 7,600 nautical mile journey down the Pacific coast, through the Panama Canal and then onwards to Atlantic Canada.“These preparations also include removing large quantities of liquids, ensuring the platform stability is correct, handling security concerns and reviewing contractual remits,” said Lindsay Tessier, from ADM (PA).Protecteur’s final destination is R.J. MacIsaac Construction Limited’s (RJMI) facilities in Port Mersey (Liverpool), Nova Scotia. RJMI won the $39-million scrapping contract for Protecteur and Algonquin.Algonquin, an Iroquois-class destroyer, was paid off June 11, 2015, and is currently undergoing a similar disposal process with an expected departure date targeted for April 2016.

DND ~Understanding the need to fully and properly recognize serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their families, the CAF will transition from the record of service card (NDI75) to the CFOne Card as the recognition card of choice.As part of this transition, the CAF will cease processing of the NDI 75 effective Feb. 1.The CFOne Card will be available to all serving and former members of the CAF and their families. Veterans of the CAF will receive a specially designed card that rightfully distinguishes them as a veteran of the CAF. Details for how to obtain a CFOne Card are available through CFMWS and at the website located at www.cf1fc.caWhile the NDI 75 card will no longer be in production, the certificate of service documentation (DND 2279 or CF 707 and CF 54) will continue to be provided to all retiring and transitioning members of the CAF as they finalize their administrative requirements prior to departing the CAF.Respective URS will continue to provide the DND 2279 and CF 707 documents for members with less than 10 years of service and DMCA will continue to provide CF 54 for members with more than 10 years of service. For more details please refer to Commander MPC web page of the military human resources records procedures publication (MHRRP) http://upkprod.desc.mil.ca/hrmsp/eng/data/toc.htmlRequests for information regarding the new CFOne Card will be redirected to CFMWS who will provide more details within the coming weeks.