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[caption id="attachment_9554" align="alignnone" width="252"] WO Stephen Martinelli; Terry Rowsell, President of the Board of Directors for Four Seasons Musical Theatre; Helen Edley, Producer of Shrek: The Musical (Front, from left) Ordinary Seaman Nancy Blais, and Jaymes D. Goodman, Stage Director, pose in front of stage props designed for Shrek: The Musical, slated to run at the Isabelle Reader Theatre from May 22 to 31.[/caption]Shannon Delaney, a military spouse; Stephen Marinelli, a Warrant Officer; and Nancy Blais, an Ordinary Seaman, all understand the challenges experienced when facing a new posting.But all have found solace in the same organization not traditionally associated with the military – musical theatre.Delaney, WO Marinelli, and OS Blais are newcomers to Victoria who have been volunteering with the Four Seasons Musical Theatre Society’s latest production: Shrek: The Musical, slated to run from May 22 to 31 at the Isabelle Reader Theatre in Langford.Delaney, wife of Warrant Officer Scott Miller, says Victoria is her husband’s fifth posting, having recently been transferred from Cairo, Egypt, in July 2014, where he worked at the Canadian Embassy.As a dance teacher, Delaney’s work is portable, and she says it led her to explore the theatre community once the couple arrived in Victoria.But in searching for work, she was also looking to join a community.“With the military, there’s always that built-in community; so whenever we’re posted, my husband has no problem finding his groove right away. He’s with a familiar group of people, even if they are new to him. Theatre is similar to that. Even if you’ve never met a group of theatre volunteers before, you instantly have something in common with them. You find that sense of home and common passion.”She works as the show’s choreographer, where she teaches over 30 cast members, from children to adults, different dance routines, investing...

Plans are well advanced to transform the Dockyard waterfront at CFB Esquimalt into a modern site for ship berthing.Two projects are now beginning to move through the government’s project approval process: replacing “A” and “B” jetties in Constance Cove, and removing contaminated sediment from the harbour seabed.When the design work and the necessary regulatory reviews are finalized, and once project approval is in hand, the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project and the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project (EHRP) will hire the necessary contractors to start the work.Clive Orford, Project Director for Naval Infrastructure in Ottawa, explains the projects are part of the broader master plan for renewal of infrastructure at the base that’s been unfolding over the past two decades.“The A/B Jetty Project is a massive redevelopment of dockyard that has been anticipated for a generation, and is finally about to come to fruition once the final project approvals are in place in Ottawa,” he says.As part of their good neighbour philosophy, DND is holding a Public Information Session for neighbours and those wanting to learn more about the projects on March 25, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Songhees Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Road.Questions may be posed to representatives of the project team from both Ottawa and Esquimalt.Also available for viewing at the session will be the artist rendering, and information panels on the two projects. “A” and “B” jetties, originally built during the Second World War, are over 70 years old, which is well beyond their service life, and have many operational limitations.Both structures are made of creosote-treated timber piles and beams, which, due to their age, have structural condition issues.The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project, which was announced by then Defence Minister Peter MacKay in February 2013, will provide structurally sound and technically appropriate berthing facilities for Canada’s current...

[caption id="attachment_9497" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) stand around the entry and exit hole on an ice diving expedition at Lac Des Roches, north of Kamloops.[/caption]After suiting up in a drysuit, Clearance Diver LS Hector Ladron De Guevara slipped feet first into the icy waters of Lac Des Roches, just North of Kamloops, B.C.For almost an hour he explored the underwater terrain, going as far as his 45-metre umbilical cable would allow. Above him, a frosty pane of ice served as a lid on the lake. His only way out, a hole carved through the ice.The sailor, a member of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), took part in this ice diving excursion with 18 other divers. They set up a temporary camp on the ice Feb. 15; their goals: skill development and proficiency training.Lac Des Roches was picked due to its notoriously solid ice build this time of year.A four hour set up preceded the dives, during which three members, all wearing life jackets, went out to the middle of the lake to test for ice thickness.The front individual, wearing a harness, dug a hole and measured the thickness. When the minimum six inches of ice was found, the trio cut a triangular hole through the ice using a chainsaw.Once the hole was cut, the remainder of the team ventured from the shore to set up a military tent around the triangle to protect divers and gear from the wind and weather.LS Ladron De Guevara said the newer divers enjoyed their first forays into ice diving while the more experienced divers honed skills and refined equipment requirements for the labour intensive activity, one necessary for rescue or retrieval missions.Divers entered the water in teams of two, wearing a full-face mask supplied with breathing gas by a 45-metre hose...

[caption id="attachment_9493" align="alignnone" width="199"] Goalie LS Josee Cholette holds her newly awarded Sportsmanship Award, received at the National Women’s Hockey Championships at CFB Borden in February.[/caption]“I’m a fighter – so I always want to win,” says LS Josee Cholette, 43, goalie for CFB Esquimalt’s women’s hockey team.“I always want to give 100 per cent.”LS Cholette, who began playing hockey when she was eight years old, is this year’s recipient of the Sportsmanship Award, presented to her at the National Women’s Championships in Borden, Ontario, on Feb. 26.The team played against the other four regions – Quebec, the Prairies, Ontario, and the Atlantic.LS Cholette was posted to Esquimalt in 2011, but missed nationals from that year until 2012, when she was deployed.She says she had no idea she would win the award, but guesses it may have something to do with the 40 to 50 shots she blocked on average at every game.“I think I won the award because I never give up,” she says. “Even when the other team scores, I’m ready for the next shot, and then the next.”Though CFB Esquimalt placed fifth at nationals this year, LS Cholette isn’t disappointed.“Yes, we lost, but we’re still happy,” she says. “When we play together, we have the best team spirit – we know that everyone gave it their best.”The Sportsmanship Award is given to the best team player out of the five regional teams, and is traditionally awarded to “skaters”.Rachel Lallouz Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_9489" align="alignnone" width="265"] 10 Year Old Liam Elder[/caption]It has always been10-year-old Liam Elder’s dream to see the ocean, board a navy ship and see the shipyard, as his mother, Christine Harkin, used to serve with the navy.During their visit to Victoria on March 6, Liam’s dream was fulfilled.From the moment he set foot on HMCS Calgary, he made quite an impression to those onboard.Liam visited the ship along with his parents and his nine-year-old brother Benjamin.He came in Naval Combat Dress with the rank of Ordinary Seaman; however, his naval knowledge was soimpressive that he was immediately promoted to Leading Seaman and presented with his Bosun’s Call.He toured the ship and watched a demonstration of the 57mm gun, followed by a naval boarding party display.The tour ended with him becoming an honorary member of the ship’s dive team.He displayed great skills as a sailor and was quickly promoted through the ranks throughout the day.By the end of the visit, he was promoted to the rank of Commander, and then appointed Honorary Captain (Navy) of HMCS Calgary.Liam was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia in March 2011 at the age of six.He underwent harsh chemotherapies every three to four weeks, and in-between he was admitted to hospital many times for bacterial, viral and fungal infections, pneumonia and anaphylaxis, due to his compromised immune system.He completed his protocol in late October 2013 and was completely medication free for nine months.However, Liam relapsed in July 2014 with the same type of cancer, and chemotherapy began immediately.The plan was to bring him to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto for a bone marrow transplant once the cancer was in remission.However, a rare, life-threatening fungal infection was discovered in his nose and palate, which led to having two-thirds of his palate removed, as well...

[caption id="attachment_9422" align="alignnone" width="270"] MS Philippe Burton (far right) joins his fellow Soldier On members in Whistler at the Allied Winter Camp, with Whistler Adaptive Sports Staff (green jackets) in attendance.[/caption]After injuring his leg and shoulder on duty, Master Seaman Philippe Burton was nominated to join a group of 11 serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces members and 16 Allied personnel to spend 10 days in Whistler, from Feb 15 to the 26, to enjoy a range of winter sports as part of Solider On’s Allied Winter Camp program.Despite coming from across Canada, with allies from Australia and Britain, participants had one thing in common – to attempt a return to an active lifestyle.Soldier On is an integral program of the Canadian Armed Forces that supports former and currently serving members with a visible or non-visible illness or injury to adopt an active lifestyle through sport and physically challenging activities.  Since 2007, Soldier On has supported over 1,000 ill and injured serving and retired members through participation in Soldier On Sport Camps, such as the Allied Winter Sports Camp and individual equipment and activity grants.  MS Burton says he stumbled across the program while surfing Facebook one day, and sent a request form in as soon as he could – he decided that if he got it, his main mission on the trip would be to ski.“I used to ski, race, and teach 10 years ago,” he says. “But I ended up being fitted with a leg brace. When I found I was actually able to ski again that was big for me.”Apart from skiing, participants were given opportunities to snowboard, play sledge hockey, cross country ski, zipline and bobsleigh, all with the facilitation of the Whistler Adapted Sports Program staff, and led by Ottawa-based Soldier On staff Maj Jay...

[caption id="attachment_9419" align="alignnone" width="270"] A military funeral was held on Feb. 28 at 19 Wing Comox for Sgt Mark Salesse, a Search and Rescue Technician from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron.[/caption]Best described as awe-inspiring, the military funeral of Sergeant Mark Salesse drew hundreds of people to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 19 Wing Comox on Saturday, Feb. 28.On a clear, sunny afternoon, the squadron hangar was filled with family, friends and colleagues, both military and civilian, from near and far, who gathered together to pay their respects to a fallen aviator.Sgt Salesse, 44, was killed during a military training exercise at Polar Circus near Banff, Alberta. He and three other search and rescue (SAR) technicians from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Winnipeg, Manitoba, had completed their ascent and were on the way down when an avalanche swept Sgt Salesse off the side of a narrow cliff on Feb. 5.His teammates were not affected by the avalanche.Banff Parks Canada led a six-day search that was hindered by continuous poor weather.The mission was reduced from a rescue to a recovery as Parks Canada came to realize neither the conditions, nor the probable fall could be favourable for survival.A motorcade of approximately 20 vehicles was met by the pallbearer party consisting of eight SAR technicians, proudly wearing the SAR orange beret, who gently received the casket and marched smartly to the center of the hangar floor.The men were Sgt Salesse’s SAR technician course mates (Course #38), and came from across Canada to be with their brethren.Described by many as a gentle giant, Sgt Salesse was genuine, honest and giving to all, as evidenced by the emotional comments from his mother, Liz Quinn, his best friend, and Canadian Army colleague, Denise Byrne, and members of the SAR community.“Sgt Salesse had a physical presence...

[caption id="attachment_9416" align="alignnone" width="290"] Defence Minister Jason Kenney speaks with a member of the Guard of Honour at Duntze Head.[/caption]Defence Minister Jason Kenney had his first official visit with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and first look at the modernized Pacific Fleet, at Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) on Friday, Feb. 27.This first-hand look at the RCN allowed the Minister to see the extensive modernization happening throughout the fleet.A tweet put out by the Minister showed HMCS Vancouver, the newest Halifax-class frigate to have completed the modernization/frigate life extension (HMC/FELEX) program, returning from a week-long sail just as the Minister was arriving on base.On his arrival to the base, Minister Kenney was met by a 50-person Guard of Honour and members of the Naden Band. He was then escorted to a lunch at the Submarine Support Facility where he met with senior leadership, including Commodore David Craig, Commander of the Naval Reserve.Following the lunch, Minister Kenney toured HMCS Chicoutimi, one of the three Victoria-class submarines now in a steady state, which is set to return to the water this month.From there he was taken on a tour of HMCS Calgary, a Halifax-class frigate which, like HMCS Vancouver, has recently been updated through the HCM/FELEX program. Calgary was the workhorse of the Pacific Fleet last year, spending more than 250 days at sea.“It was truly remarkable to see first-hand the hard work and progress made by the RCN in this period of modernization and fleet renewal,” remarked Minister Kenney.The RCN’s fleet upgrades weren’t the only thing that impressed the Minister during his visit. In a news release he stated, “While having the best equipment available is important, even more important are the men and women of the RCN who, through their dedication and professionalism, exemplify the best qualities of our Canadian Armed...

[caption id="attachment_9401" align="alignnone" width="300"] Outgoing Commanding Officer, Cdr Julian Elborne, Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, and incoming Commanding Officer, LCdr Blair Brown sign the Change of Command certificates.[/caption]HMCS Protecteur celebrated the customary turnover Feb. 20 between incoming and outgoing Commanding Officers, as the Auxiliary Oil Replenishment vessel remains alongside in Esquimalt eager for the next chapter in its long and proud history as the supply ship for Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet.Cdr Julian Elbourne relinquished command of Protecteur to LCdr Blair Brown in a stoic change of command ceremony; the ship’s rich history and tradition, coupled with the myriad stories of sailors past and present, made this event a special one, if not a chance for reminiscence and a reminder to all present of the ship’s contributions to our country.The ceremony got underway just before 11 a.m. on the NOTC Venture Drill Deck, with Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, presiding, and the Naden Band performing the customary musical accompaniment with aplomb.A reception followed in the Venture Gunroom, with outgoing Cdr Elbourne receiving tributes from his Junior Ranks, Chiefs and Petty Officers, and Officers in honour of the leadership and character he demonstrated while in Protecteur.LCdr  Brown, incoming Commanding Officer, will now take the helm in Protecteur, having served as the ship’s Executive Officer since 2014; no stranger to his current position, he assumed command of HMCS Edmonton in 2013 and brings a wealth of experience into this new role.  Commissioned Aug. 30, 1969, Protecteur served the fleet on both coasts, participating in numerous operations based out of Halifax from the 1970s until 1993, including Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) in 1973 with HMCS Margaree, and Operation Friction, the multi-national contribution to United Nations’ response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990-91.The ship’s mandate shifted to west...

[caption id="attachment_9398" align="alignnone" width="300"] The United States Navy awards Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) TORONTO the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their efforts resulting in seizures of significant caches of illicit narcotics.[/caption]Crewmembers from HMCS Toronto stood on parade Feb. 20 at HMCS Scotian to receive a rare commendation from the U.S. Navy - the Meritorious Unit Commendation.U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert presented the commendation and praised the personnel of Toronto for meritorious service and continued support of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) from February 2013 to 2014.“In the history of the commendation, we’ve given it to five units, which includes only two ships, this is the second. This event is very special in that it marks the fifth occurrence of such a decoration in the last 45 years,” said Admiral Greenert.While deployed, The Halifax-class frigate significantly disrupted the flow of drugs, criminal and terrorist activities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.Toronto’s responsibilities included tracking, boarding and searching maritime contacts of interest to CTF-150 resulting in an impressive string of narcotics seizures, including more than 1,300 kilograms of heroin and over 6,000 kilograms of hashish.By disrupting the flow of narcotics to such a significant extent, Toronto severely impacted the funding of terrorist and criminal activities.“An honour such as this continues to demonstrate the world-class capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy’s ships and their crews,” said Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.“I would like to thank Admiral Greenert for bestowing this honour on HMCS Toronto and her crew, and I congratulate the officers and sailors receiving this commendation today for modelling what duty and dedication entails, and for upholding the Royal Canadian Navy’s tremendous reputation for excellence at sea.”Among the attended at HMCS Scotian were the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, and several...

[caption id="attachment_9395" align="alignnone" width="300"] In a moment of excitement at completing her 3,000 kilometre journey, SLt Marianne Knai, powerlifts her bike.[/caption]While many people were lounging around their living rooms on Boxing Day, helping themselves to Christmas dinner leftovers, or heading out to the malls to shop, SLt Marianne Knai was cycling solo down a rainy highway in Seattle.Cold and wet, she would not be deterred on the first day of her month-long cycling journey down the Pacific Coast to the Mexican border to raise funds for mental health.“On my first day, I was cycling down the highway, I had turkey in my belly, and I was vibrating with excitement,” she says.Her mission originated as a response to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association’s (ALS) ice bucket challenge, in which the public was invited by the ALS to film themselves being dumped over the head with buckets of ice water.The association encouraged participants to post their videos on social media afterwards.While SLt Knai saw the heart of the challenge as important, she wanted to find an alternative way to raise funds for a social justice cause, without further wasting a precious resource.She chose to focus her fundraising on mental health, an issue key to her role as Psychosocial Team Lead at the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific). Included among the charities she chose was the Canadian Association for Mental Health, the Kids Help Line, and local mental health organizations.“I wanted to do the ride so that I could contribute to my community in way that got people together – both civilians and military members – with the common ground being a conversation about mental health,” says SLt Knai.After a minor setback – a flat tire 80 kilometres in, SLt Knai cut across Washington State to the Oregon coast, where she experienced...

 CPO2 Nathalie Scalabrini knows should her 10-year-old daughter Alexandra ever encounter an emergency medical situation, the she has the skills to appropriately address the situation.Her confidence is derived from training received through St. John Ambulance.Alexandra has reached the level of Cadet in the free first-aid based St. John Youth Program, after two years of committed volunteering.Both mother and daughter are involved in the program; Chief Scalabrini is the Administrative Officer for the St. John Ambulance 61C Colonel Michael Allen Division.“My daughter was coming to an age where it was very important for me to have her to join the community as an active member, but I wasn’t sure how to make that happen,” says CPO2 Scalabrini. “So I brought her to one session, and she fell in love with it.”Their division first formed in May 1977, and provides leadership opportunities to youth ages six to 18. For two hours every Monday night, over 25 participants – Juniors, Cadets, Crusaders, and Officers – gather to practice first aid skills in a team-like, supportive setting.Parents often line the sides of the room, watching their children learn how to clean wounds, care for broken bones, practice CPR, check vital signs, and act out emergency scene management –  to name just a few of the skills practiced. Those viewing the session are often invited to play the victims – a necessary role for a room full of budding first aid practitioners.CPO2 Scalabrini’s initial participation took the form of observing, but soon, she says, she began taking on higher levels of responsibility, which didn’t surprise her. At least half of the organization’s key officers and instructors are military members.Every week, a new chapter from the St. John Ambulance First Aid manual is taught by an instructor possessing Standard First Aid, CPR-C certificate, and often, the...

[caption id="attachment_9317" align="alignnone" width="200"] Sergeant Mark Salesse[/caption]Sergeant Mark Salesse had a physical presence that made people notice him, but it was his natural tendency to reach out and help others that made him a person others could call a brother or a friend.Last seen alive by three of his search and rescue brethren from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sergeant Salesse, 44, was in his element on Thursday, Feb. 5, before an avalanche swept him away, leaving him buried in the snows covering Polar Circus in Banff National Park, Alberta.Initial search efforts by his climbing partner immediately after the avalanche, and subsequent searches by Parks Canada Visitor Safety Specialists, were made more difficult by poor weather conditions that increased the risk of more avalanches.Finally, on Wednesday, Feb. 11 Sgt Salesse’s remains were recovered from the treacherous terrain.“Our consolation is that Mark has died doing what he loved most, in the majestic mountains that so beckoned him. He chose his final resting place. He is at peace,” said his mother, Liz Quinn.Originally from Bathurst, New Brunswick, where his father Maurice still resides, Sgt Salesse joined the Canadian Armed Forces in the fall of 1989 at the age of 18 as a member of the Governor General Foot Guards (GGFG), a Primary Reserve infantry unit in Ottawa, Ontario.  After serving with the Foot Guards for a year, he moved to British Columbia and joined the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own), an armoured reconnaissance reserve unit in Vancouver, British Columbia.His love of outdoor sports and physical challenge lent themselves well to life in British Columbia. With the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at his doorstep, Sergeant Salesse pursued his interests in mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, and SCUBA diving. Encouraged by his training in the Canadian Army,...

In light of two recent targeted, malicious acts against CFB Esquimalt’s recreational facilities I feel that I must bring this issue to the attention of the local community.Since 2012 unknown persons have been vandalizing the Base sports fields, specifically the ball diamonds and soccer pitch located near Naden on Colville Road.  I use the word vandalism but that really does not adequately describe the extent of it. Hundreds of metal spikes and pieces of barbed wire have been buried in the surface of these fields.  Clearly this is more than just a prank meant to inconvenience users.Military members utilize these fields to keep fit through sporting activity. The fields are also made available to local sports leagues and teams from the Greater Victoria community; it is not uncommon to see children and families engage in a soccer match or ball game on DND fields.I have no idea why someone would repeatedly carry out such a despicable act. If that someone is reading this letter, then I ask you to stop and consider your actions, and the potential harm that might come from it. If you are not happy with how the soccer pitch and ball diamonds are being used, or if you have other grievances, then put pen to paper and send me a letter.Our Military Police are actively investigating these unlawful acts; however, I also need the community’s help in finding the perpetrator(s) and ensure that they are held accountable.  If you see any suspicious activity or have any information that you think would aid us in our investigation please contact the 24/7 Military Police dispatch phone line at 250-363-4032.  To submit a tip anonymously contact either the Military Police tip line at 250-363-TIPS (8477) or Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).These images show the size and nature of...

To kick off this year’s anti-bullying campaign, the Maritime Forces Pacific Health and Wellness Team (MHWT) will be hosting “Cyber-bullying: Perceptions and Responses,” a talk by Dr. Brett Holfeld, a cyber-bullying researcher at the University of Victoria.This free event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the Upstairs Lounge of the Pacific Fleet Club and is open to the Defence Community and their families.Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but cyber-bullying – the use of the internet to harass, embarrass and/or threaten others – is. In contrast to other methods of bullying, it can occur 24 hours a day and is often permanently available once on the internet.Public Safety Canada reports that this relentless form of bullying can compound feelings of fear, humiliation, social isolation and other negative emotions.“Because the material can be posted online at any time of the day or night, and can reach an unlimited audience, it can be more distressing than traditional forms of bullying,” explains Dr. Holfeld.Not only has cyber-bullying altered the experience of victims, but it has also changed the profile of bullies.Hiding behind technology, bullies do not witness their victim’s reaction, which makes it easier for them to become more aggressive. A 2008 cyber-bullying survey by the University of Toronto found that 74 per cent of participants who admitted to cyber-bullying others had not bullied others in person, suggesting that this passive form of bullying has increased the number of people willing to target others. For more information on this study, visit http://www.governmentevents.ca/ypo2008/presentations/634.pdf .Although young people are the most common targets of cyber-bullying, adults are also affected. The Canadian Institute of Health Research reports that 40 per cent of Canadian workers experience bullying on a weekly basis. This workplace bullying can lead to an increase in absenteeism, turnover and...

[caption id="attachment_9273" align="alignnone" width="300"] Harry Jerome crosses the finish line at a dual meet with the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, circa 1961.[/caption]As Canada celebrates Black History Month and the Year of Sport, the time has never been better to honour the legacies that “Army” Howard and Harry Jerome left to our country, on the track and off.These outstanding black athletes challenged the discrimination of their times and serve as role models to Canadian youth on the power of believing in yourself. Canada’s first black Olympian, John “Army” Howard, and his grandchildren, Olympians Harry and Valerie Jerome, leave a legacy of courage to all Canadians.While the name John Armstrong “Army” Howard may not be familiar to most Canadians, perhaps it should be.The Winnipeg-raised First World War veteran dominated Canadian sprinting from 1912 to1915. Not only does Howard appear to be Canada’s first black Olympian, he passed on his passion for running to his grandchildren, Olympians Harry and Valerie Jerome. Howard was born on Oct. 6, 1888. Trained as a mechanic, the tall handsome athlete eventually made his mark on the Canadian scene as a sprinter. Howard easily qualified for the 1912 Olympics held in Sweden, but the path to Stockholm was not smooth. The playing field that was Canadian society in the 1910s was far from level for black Canadians.“My grandfather headed off to Stockholm enveloped in controversy,” said Ms. Jerome, noting for example the Olympic sprinting team’s coach, Walter Knox, described Howard to the press as outspoken and disobedient. She added that when the Canadian Olympic team mustered in Montreal before setting sail for Stockholm, Howard was barred from staying at the same hotel as the white athletes. In addition, when traveling by boat to Sweden, he was not allowed to eat in the dining room with...

[caption id="attachment_9280" align="alignnone" width="300"] The ships will be known as the Harry DeWolf Class, named after Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War.[/caption]The build contract for the construction of six Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) has been announced.Irving Shipbuilding Inc. has the contract, valued at $2.3 billion, which marks the start of the construction phase under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). The contract has been designed to ensure that risks are properly managed and shared throughout the build process. It provides strong incentives for Irving Shipbuilding to take full advantage of its state-of-the-art facilities and to pass any efficiency savings on to Canada.This will ensure best value for taxpayers, and sets out the plan for the delivery of six ships within a ceiling price. AOPS has been designed to provide the RCN with a platform to conduct year-round patrols out to the limits of Canada’s economic exclusive zone in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and most importantly in the Arctic during the navigable season.The ships will provide active surveillance, perform constabulary duties, and respond to any urgent situation as required. One of the most important capabilities AOPS will possess is its ability to navigate in ice, critical for ships that operate in the Arctic. The ships will be known as the Harry DeWolf Class, named after Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War.Construction of an initial block is scheduled for the summer, while full production will commence in September 2015. Delivery of the first AOPS is expected in 2018.  DND

[caption id="attachment_9146" align="alignnone" width="300"] From right: Maril Hanna, Alana Toffey, LCdr Judith Harlock, Lisa Berting, and Brian Hayward - all members of a lunch time walking club about to embark on a stroll around the base.[/caption]Lisa Berting will spend the next 12 weeks changing an unhealthy regime she’s been living for over four years.Berting, the Safety and Environment Officer for CFB Esquimalt’s Base Administration section was selected as one of seven participants for the Victoria Times Colonist’s 2015 Health Challenge.After filling out an application and writing an essay about her life, she was picked from a barrage of entries.Now she is on her way to a complete health transformation with the support of experts in the fields of nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being.“I’m diabetic, and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” says Berting.“It’s been out of control for a long time. I’ve ended up taking insulin, and am on several different prescription medications right now.”Berting says her motivation to apply for the challenge stemmed from living with the increasingly compromised immune system of an obese person.After having to take close to three months off of work last year, she decided that something had to change.“I had a friend say to me: if you don’t get your health together, you aren’t going to be around. That was a big motivating factor for me.”The challenge is a short-term program that influences participants to make long-term lifestyle changes.Although weight loss is emphasized, the challenge addresses all the basic cornerstones of good health.Berting is exercising with personal trainer Jonathan Carpenter at the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre.Following Carpenter’s baseline fitness assessment, Berting now works out six times a week, from an hour to two hours a day.“When I first started, I had never been to the centre. It was intimidating. I had no...

[caption id="attachment_9142" align="alignnone" width="282"] NCdt Sylvain Dostie and Renata. He married the “most beautiful woman he had ever seen.”[/caption]In an age of viral video marriage proposals, there’s no shortage of proof that some people go above and beyond to show their love for that special someone.These elaborate productions bring sentimental folks to tears and make the simple “down on one knee” proposal look downright inadequate.But some of the most powerful love stories can’t be captured in a three minute video full of singing and dancing and nostalgic photo montages.One of those stories belongs to a Naval Cadet here at CFB Esquimalt, whose tale of love at first sight stretches from Afghanistan to Spain to Brazil and finally to Canada.In October of 2008, NCdt Sylvain Dostie was a Leading Seaman on his way home to Canada from a deployment in Afghanistan.On the last day of five in the Spanish town of Torremolinos, he was walking by a beachside restaurant when he caught sight of the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.“I saw Renata working at a restaurant on the beach and so I walked into the restaurant. I wasn’t hungry, but I was stunned,” he says.Building up the courage to talk to her, he ordered and ate lunch in the nearly empty restaurant, then walked to the bar to strike up a conversation with her.“I started speaking in English, but she didn’t understand,” he says.Despite both of them being bilingual – he French and English, she Spanish and Portuguese – the pair didn’t have a common language between them, so they resorted to scribbling pictures on napkins. 
From a doodle of the world and some arrows, NCdt Dostie learned that Renata was Brazilian.Following relatively successful efforts to learn about each other, NCdt Dostie decided to ask Renata out on a date that night.It would be his only chance because his flight back to Canada was scheduled to leave the next day.Changing their communication method from Pictionary to Charades, he mimicked the...

[caption id="attachment_9128" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of a taste-testing panel at Garrison Petawawa discuss a sample of a new combat ration.[/caption]Marching ammo.Soldier fuel.Combat rations.Whichever term is used, developing new combat rations that will be well accepted by Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members is serious business.Ann Delaney and Megan Buchanan, Combat Rations Specialists with the National Combat Rations Program, put their food science degrees to good use by helping create new and healthier portable meals for the CAF.They work with registered dietitian Hilda-Anne Troupe and other team members at the Directorate of Food Services in Gatineau, Quebec, to formulate rations that will provide optimal nutrition for optimal performance in any operational situation.Each three-year research and development cycle aims to create three to four new recipes.The process begins with an analysis of food trends, soldiers’ feedback, NATO standards, and current nutritional research, and then continues with field trials of the newly created sample meals at the brigade level before they are approved for production and delivery.Also called Individual Meal Packs or IMPs, they contain between 1,200 and 1,400 calories per meal and come in a variety of carefully-developed menu options. Traditionally, a paper questionnaire was inserted in each ration pack, numbering about one million a year.Unfortunately, only a relatively small number were being returned annually, since filling out a questionnaire on the battlefield or during training was inconvenient, to say the least.To remedy this, the combat rations team is now taking advantage of social media.The program’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Combat-Rations-Rations-de-Combat-Canadiennes/213893152120758 has an online version of the questionnaire.Eventually users will be able to access the page for nutritional information, product development and to post questions.As of spring 2015, the outer packaging of new IMPs will display a Quick Reference Code, or QRC that can be scanned by smartphones to access the combat rations Facebook...

[caption id="attachment_9055" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dwayne Hill’s fleet of vessels includes: top row - HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Barrie, USS Lake, USS MacDonough; middle row - USSR Kilo, USSR Alfa, German U-69, German U-873, German U-36, USS Shark, HMS Tally-Ho; front - HMCS Rainbow, CC-2, HMCS Windsor and HMCS Okanagan.[/caption]When the Royal Canadian Navy celebrated its submarine centenary in 2014, one submarine enthusiast offered up a very tangible lesson in Canada’s boat history.Remote control model builder Dwayne Hill has built from scratch 1/48 scale models of every class of submarine to enter Canada’s service.During 2014, Hill visited 15 schools near his Brossard, Quebec, home with his detailed recreations, and talked to students about Canada’s submarine history.“It was very well received,” he says. “In two cases, I was asked to stay to present to more classes throughout the day.”Not only are they perfect replicas of their full size predecessors, constructed from actual vessel plans right down to the tiniest details, the remote controlled models also do the same things the real boats did, such as dive, surface and fire torpedoes, albeit in much smaller bodies of water.Hill’s collection started 30 years ago with submarine USS Tang.He didn’t know it at the time, but Tang was the same class of vessel as HMCS Rainbow, which was originally an American submarine sold to Canada in 1968. When he discovered that in 2003, he made the necessary modifications, repainted it and Tang became Rainbow.Not surprisingly, it’s his favourite model, even though it was among the most difficult to build. It took three attempts to properly form the hull out of Styrofoam and fiberglass, and learn how to replicate various parts from drawings and photographs.“If I had the pick of the 19 that I have, Rainbow would be my choice. It’s a super nice boat. It runs very well, lasts a long time in the water. It operates nicely,” he says.After the success of his first build, Hill honed his skills as a model builder with the...

[caption id="attachment_9049" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm Bill Truelove gives opening remarks at the Enhanced Naval Boarding Party briefing .[/caption]RAdm Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC), visited CFB Halifax on Jan. 16 to brief his Atlantic Fleet counterparts on the Enhanced Naval Boarding Party, and to attract potential trainees.“With today’s naval operations increasingly concerned with providing maritime security in the littoral environment, the need for an advanced, versatile force that can respond rapidly to threats such as pirates, drug smugglers or small, nimble, fast attack craft is as salient as ever,” he said during his briefing.The Enhanced Naval Boarding Party capability was recently implemented as a MARPAC force generation project.There is now an effort to establish a second team on the East Coast to support Atlantic Fleet operations.Though traditional naval boarding parties are capable of conducting basic obstructed boardings, the dynamic and evolving nature of RCN missions now calls for a new approach.These operations require a highly trained team such as the Enhanced Naval Boarding Party.Through extensive specialized training and careful selection, the Maritime Tactical Operators from this unit will eventually employ a spectrum of advanced tactics, such as hand-to-hand combat, improvised explosive device identification, and close quarters battle, as well as tactical shooting and tactical questioning.The installation of an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party team will not remove the need for established boarding parties.“All ships will continue their existing capability,” said LCdr Wil Lund, Enhanced Naval Boarding Party capability officer in charge.“When an enhanced team is deployed, then your alpha wave will become the bravo wave.”“It’s a career opportunity,” continued LCdr Lund. “What we’ll be looking for most in candidates is that they’re mature, physically fit, willing to learn, and capable of making logical split-second decisions within a high-stress environment.”He also wanted to ensure these new teams be viewed as a...

 In support of military veterans, Urge Studios, a downtown Victoria tattoo studio, will donate 100 per cent of their sales made from inking two special tattoos all day Sunday, Feb. 8.Proceeds will go to Wounded Warriors Canada.Those participating will choose from smaller, pre-drawn tattoo designs of the maple leaf or Canadian Flag, and will be invited to make a suggested minimum donation of $60.Tattoos are expected to take between 10 and 15 minutes. All Urge’s artists will be on-hand to meet patron demand.Urge Studios was founded in 1995 by Canadian Armed Forces airborne trooper Johnny Faulds, and the current owner, Sparky (Mark Adamson) has continued the legacy Faulds established in supporting the military community.Sparky says Faulds taught him how to tattoo.“I was John’s apprentice. When the shop originally opened, John and the  other artists tattooed a lot of guys in the military. Over the years we’ve kept that up that tradition.”Sparky also has deep ties to the mission of  Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members – be they regular force or reservists – who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada.After years of tattooing men and women who had been deployed, Sparky has heard his fair share of stories.“I take them to heart, and I want to help out in any way I can.”Sergeant Dan Bodden, currently posted to the Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt in the Language Training Division, will be getting tattooed at Urge.He is one of the founding members of Wounded Warrior Run B.C. (WWRBC).The run was established last year to increase public awareness of PTSD and raise funds for the foundation.The 600-kilometre run takes place Sunday, Feb. 15 to Friday, Feb. 20.A team of six relay runners, ages 24 to 45, will run from Port Hardy to...

[caption id="attachment_9020" align="alignnone" width="300"] Researchers develop system for safe Sea King landings[/caption]Conducting helicopter operations from Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships is a complex and dangerous procedure requiring the highest degree of safety.Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has developed a specialized system that has the potential to increase the safety of complex at-sea operations, and ensure safer and smoother helicopter landings on RCN ships.“Wind, speed, ship motion, and sea states all affect helicopter landings at sea,” says T. J. Caron, Ship Modification Lead Engineer, Project Management Office, Maritime Helicopter Project.The DRDC Flight Deck Motion System measures and predicst ship and wave motions, and present a complete picture to the operator.“It is a valuable tool in ensuring safer operation of maritime helicopters and RCN ships, and reducing the risk to Canadian Armed Forces members during takeoff and landing,” says Caron.The RCN uses the estimates and wind measurements to determine ship course and speed for helicopter operations.When a helicopter takes off or lands on deck, the sensor mounted under the flight deck relays information to the real-time module of the Flight Deck Motion System.It measures and displays the current ship motions, and indicates whether the ship and helicopter are within safety limits for the takeoff or landing operation.The Flight Deck Motion System was originally developed to assist with CH-148 Cyclone Ship Helicopter Operation Limits trials.Most recently, the system played a role in the re-certification of Canada’s CH-124 Sea King helicopters for operations on the 12 newly refitted Halifax-class patrol frigates.Part of the Frigate Life Extension program, the refit resulted in changes to the frigate superstructure, the part of the ship that is above the main deck.Changes had the potential to impact the wind flow over the flight deck, alter the ships’ previously known air-wake, and increase the risks of flying in close...

[caption id="attachment_9015" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo by: Lt(N) Anne Gardam CPO1 Shanna Wilson encourages the public to visit HMCS Malahat on Jan 31 2015.[/caption]For the first time in over 10 years, HMCS Malahat, Victoria’s naval reserve division, will have an Open House, opening its doors to the public on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.“Visitors will be able to tour our training establishment’s facilities, including its galley and boatshed,” said PO1 Nicole Phippard, event organizer.“They may have the opportunity to tour a 33-metre Orca-class patrol vessel, or go for a ride in a seven-metre rigid hulled inflatable boat, or RHIB.”Since moving to the 20 Huron Street location in James Bay in 1992, the naval reserve division, nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Canadian Coast Guard base, has been hard at work preparing its part-time sailors to serve Canada when needed.Malahat is also a historic training and recruiting establishment.“This year marks the centennial of the birth of Canada`s naval reserve in Victoria,” said LCdr Michael Lawless, Commanding Officer of the approximately 130-person division.“We are proud of our history, and look forward to sharing with you our experiences in today`s naval reserve."Malahat is one of 24 naval reserve divisions, or commissioned “stone frigates”, located in major Canadian cities coast to coast.Naval reservists typically serve part-time on evenings and weekends throughout the year, with opportunities to serve full-time in the Canadian Armed Forces ashore, at sea, or abroad.As Malahat is located on Department of National Defence (DND) property, visitors should expect standard DND security procedures and are asked to bring government-issued identification.Those who wish to tour the Orca-class patrol vessel or go on a RHIB ride should wear flat, rubber-soled footwear, and be able climb ladders, as well as embark and disembark from small boats without assistance.Parents of children under 16...

[caption id="attachment_9012" align="alignnone" width="300"] Billy and Sarah Rieger are bringing the flavours of New Orleans to CFB Esquimalt.[/caption]On a chilly winter day, when you might wish your ham and cheese sandwich lunch was a piping hot bowl of chicken gumbo, you don’t have far to go to find the comfort food you crave.Just outside dockyard gates, in front of Lyall Street Service Station, a bright yellow food truck is serving up New Orleans cuisine three days a week.The owners of A Streetcar Named New Orleans, Sarah and Billy Rieger, spent much of the summer serving unique flavours at different markets and festivals.But in early November, with a baby soon to arrive, they settled their business in Esquimalt, just a few blocks from their home and their target audience: the men and women of CFB Esquimalt.“We just want to give the people who work at the base a different option for lunch, something new and exciting,” says Billy, a seasoned chef from New Orleans.Starting with a base of the “holy trinity” of New Orleans cooking - onions, celery and bell peppers - all their dishes are full of flavour, but not as spicy as one might expect.The belief that all New Orleans food is spicy is a common misconception the couple have been fighting since they got their business on the road.“We see people walk past us, certainly we saw it often at festivals, and you’d see someone say, ‘No, too spicy,’” says Sarah.Mimicking the actions of folks with jalapeno-averse stomachs, she shakes her head, pinches her face and pats her stomach.“I wanted to climb through the window and say, ‘No!’ We still haven’t figured out where this idea comes from, but it’s not spicy food.”For those who like some heat in their food, there is a selection of hot sauces...

Beginning Jan. 15, the Canadian Forces Health Services Group launched a new process for the provision of eyeglasses to Canadian Armed Forces members.This process will not apply to CAF recruits in St. Jean where an onsite provider will remain in place for provision of eyeglasses to that population.When a determination is made at the member’s supporting health care clinic that new eyeglasses are required, the member will report with paperwork from the clinic to an optical provider of their choice.This will not include use of online providers due to an inability to guarantee prescription and initial fitting accuracy in that environment.As with other medical corrective devices, a cost limit is set with the claims administrator and is based on reasonable and customary costs for eyeglasses.Costs over and above these amounts will be an individual CAF member responsibility, which is not unlike the current situation under a contracted provider.Further details on this process will be distributed by your supporting health care clinic when eyeglass provision is next required.Note that members must report to the clinic prior to obtaining eyeglasses at a provider of choice to ensure eligibility for eyeglasses replacement or initial issue.It is expected that this new process will increase CAF member choice in eyeglasses while reducing out of pocket expenses through individual exploration of cost effective options.DND

[caption id="attachment_8953" align="alignnone" width="244"] Maj Brendon Leblanc, reservist and Victoria Police Officer[/caption]If there’s anything Maj Brendon Leblanc loves, it’s serving his community.The reserve solider with 5th Field B.C. Regiment, is also a Victoria police officer.He had his civilian work acknowledged in a Nov. 19 ceremony when he was named 2013 Traffic Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in B.C.“That was pretty awesome; I don’t know how else to describe it,” says Maj Leblanc. “It was nice to be recognized for my efforts, by both the B.C. Association of the Chiefs of Police, and by my peers.”Seconded to the RCMP-lead Integrated Road Safety Unit, Maj Leblanc headed up Operation Praesidium, a project aimed at the apprehension of “prolific drivers”, a category that comprises prohibited drivers, suspended drivers, and drivers that drive without a license, presenting a danger to road safety.“There are people who continually drive without a license or on suspension,” he says. “When they drive they’re endangering the community, and breaking the laws, so we figured out a way to use the resources at our disposal to apprehend them.”Maj Leblanc and his team generated an internal database of prolific drivers known to police, and people on prohibitions for alcohol, speeding, licensing related offences.Utilizing community knowledge and information, they worked to apprehend these people while they were driving under their prohibitions. Since the integration of Operation Praesidium, approximately 50 prolific offenders were taken into custody, a fact of which Maj Leblanc is very proud.“It was the opportunity of a lifetime from a police perspective, to see a project go from an idea to the operations plan, to supervising resources at a roadside level, to seeing some convictions happen,” he says. “It was fantastic.”Along with the success of Operation Praesidium, Maj Leblanc has been responsible for the arrest of 257 impaired drivers....

[caption id="attachment_8950" align="alignnone" width="300"] SLt Sulyma pauses for a photo with the auxiliary patrol ship in the background.[/caption]“REGULUS is about getting young men and women of the RCN to sea during a period of reduced sailing opportunities" - Link It’s said that a ship is only as strong as its crew: skills, experience and proficiency are critical for all ranks and sea trades, and for the operational excellence of a navy as a whole. When the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was anticipating limited at-sea experience for some sailors as the Halifax-class Modernization (HCM) program was kicking into gear, they looked to the REGULUS program.“REGULUS is about getting young men and women of the RCN to sea during a period of reduced sailing opportunities,” said Lt(N) Arthur Halpenny, REGULUS’ new Personnel Coordinator.Through personnel exchanges with friendly navies around the world, Canadian sailors hone their skills and gain valuable experience while sailing on board foreign vessels, strengthening the RCN’s core competencies.REGULUS addressed a challenge posed by the Halifax-class Modernization (HCM) program.With many of the RCN’s Halifax-class frigates – dubbed the “backbone” of the Canadian fleet – going through modernization work, the RCN was challenged with keeping its sailors ready for operations as Canadian platforms became less available for training or deployment.Since the REGULUS inception in 2010, more than 150 RCN personnel have been sent abroad to countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Chile.“The exchanges are mutually beneficial. If possible, we’ll place our sailors in billets that the partner navy may have trouble filling. Partner navies, in turn, often seek RCN training once they witness the talent and professionalism of our sailors.”But the benefits go beyond simply keeping sailors well-trained. In the 21st century, successful maritime operations depend upon partnerships and coalitions.Programs such as REGULUS build bridges between like-minded navies, allowing them to work together to confront and deter threats to maritime security. “The young Canadian and allied sailors who bond on these adventures will be the institutional...

[caption id="attachment_8919" align="alignnone" width="300"] MS Kurt Sheppart on board HMCS Toronto experienced becoming a father anew from the Mediterranean.[/caption]Christmas at sea away from family will always be challenging for a long list of reasons; not the least of which is the addition of a new family member from afar.On board HMCS Toronto one particular sailor experienced becoming a father anew from the Mediterranean.MS Kurt Sheppard, a boatswain and member of the deck department, knew he might miss the birth of his second child when the ship deployed in July 2014, but could not have guessed he would have a Christmas Eve baby.“When I heard that she had arrived, my first thought was:  ‘I have to call!’. I can hardly wait to meet Sadie, my daughter. I can’t wait to go home to spend time with my family,” said MS Sheppard.“The most important thing in my life is my family. I love being a dad. It is my first and only priority.”He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 2000 as a boatswain. Boatswain is referred to as a “hard sea trade,” which means they spend the majority of their time at sea instead of ashore.They are the maintainers of the upper decks, ensuring the upkeep of the ship’s husbandry and seamanship equipment in support of operations.Boatswains are, also, the boat drivers, small caliber weapons custodians, and seamanship experts.There is no civilian equivalent for their job, making it perhaps the saltiest of sea trades.There are 18 boatswains on board Toronto deployed on Operation Reassurance in the Mediterranean Sea.“When I joined, I went boatswain because it was the most interesting to me and I like working with my hands” explains MS Sheppard.“We are the jacks of all trades on board. We get to spend more time outside, physically working than any other trade...