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[caption id="attachment_29598" align="aligncenter" width="595"] CPO1 Mike Umbach, MARPAC’s subject matter expert on the Digital Parade State tracking software, demonstrates the program to CPO2 Chris Gagne, HMCS Vancouver’s Combat System Engineering Chief.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer  — Once again the navy has embraced technology to improve the way it does business. This spring they launched Digital Parade State (DPS), an internally-developed tracking software that provides instant, accurate information on crewing needs and personnel availability. After beta testing, DPS went live in February with users in Canadian Fleet Pacific HQ staff, HMCS Regina, and the Personnel Coordination Centre in the initial roll out. “This application provides our ships and sailors greater insight into the data that affects their day-to-day availability and career progression, and is a boon to personnel management efforts,” says Lt(N) Brent Fisher, Digital Parade State (DPS) team lead. “DPS helps address crewing shortages and improves personnel management by providing a real-time view of billet status and key statistics, and it addresses limited visibility on sailor employability.” With a current shortfall exceeding 1,000 sailors, the software will aid in better addressing personnel challenges, he adds. The web-based application can be launched from any desktop computer on the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN) and is linked to a DWAN profile. After launching the program, users can select from various options depending on their role and permissions. A fleet overview gives a quick synopsis of the personnel status of each unit; a ship summary provides a deep dive into each department and their members’ availability; and a sailor profile provides qualifications, a brief posting history, and how they can be employed. “The idea is to digitize business processes and provide a one-stop shop where fleet staff can get an overview of all ships, who is available to sail, and who isn’t,” says Lt(N) Fisher....

[caption id="attachment_29595" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Madam Sylvie Bédard, Canada’s Ambassador to Ecuador, is joined by female sailors from HMCS Saskatoon on the ship’s fo’c’sle during a women and leadership event in Manta, Ecuador. Photo by Captain Jamie Blois[/caption] Captain Jamie Blois HMC Saskatoon Public Affairs — HMCS Saskatoon arrived in Manta, Ecuador, on April 18, marking the first time a Royal Canadian Navy ship has made this visit. The port visit was the fourth stop in the ship’s journey during Operation Caribbe and was a much anticipated reprieve for the crew after having spent a stretch of 19 days at sea. Manta’s port is the second largest in Ecuador after Guayaquil, which is further south. Beyond the necessity of resupply and reprieve for the sailors aboard Saskatoon, the ship was drawn to Manta because of an incident that took place a year earlier. April 24, 2021 Saskatoon was patrolling the Eastern Pacific during their deployment on Operation Caribbe. The day was as normal as can be on operation, just as it had been the 73 previous days. But on this day, the normality was broken when the ship’s Chief Engineer suddenly found himself with chest pain. After evaluation by the Physician’s Assistant, it was determined that Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Kerry Wiggins was facing a cardiac event and needed more medical attention than what the ship could provide. Based on the location of the ship, the closest appropriate medical centre was in Ecuador. It was a race against time, and the journey from ship to hospital was not a straight forward one. The first step was to transfer him to a ship with helicopter lift capability, along with a fellow sailor to serve as escort for administrative and moral support, and the Physician’s Assistant. Saskatoon, at full speed, headed towards the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, which was USCGC Tahoma. They adjusted their course to meet Saskatoon. Once the two ships were near each other, the three members were transferred via...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Mechanics at the base are upgrading their skills to better service the expanding fleet of electric vehicles. Eight members of Transport Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (TEME) recently concluded an Electrified Vehicle Technology Service course at Camosun College’s Interurban Campus. The course is introductory in nature and designed [...]

  Ashley Evans FMF CB/CS — Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, in Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax, millwright Chyenne McPherson was asked about her apprenticeship journey, both in school and on the shop floor, over the past year. What is your current position title? “I completed my dockyard written and practical trades test back in November, so I am now EME10. I’m also currently in school doing my level four block training.” When will you be taking your red seal test? “I’m planning to write my red seal certification exam at the end of April.” You recently spoke on a virtual panel for Nova Scotia Apprenticeship and modeled for some images - one of which that was on a city bus – can you please speak about this? “I spoke on a panel for International Women’s Day about my journey as a woman in trade; it’s always a pleasure speaking for the Nova Scotia Apprentice Agency (NSAA). Last summer, I participated in a photo/video shoot for NSAA and they have been using the content in commercials, advertisements, and on buses.” How does it feel seeing your photo on a bus? “It’s extremely exciting seeing my face on the side of a bus, it’s even more exciting hearing from people that they’ve seen me on the buses.” What is the coolest project you’ve worked on during your time at FMFCS? “Honestly, everything I work on is cool and fascinating, such as working on radars and antennas that do things I didn’t even know were possible.” What’s a neat fact about your trade/shop/schooling/apprenticeship you’d like others to know? “Cool thing about my shop and my line of work is the antennas and radars that I work on. It’s so cool to think about how far we have advanced in technology. It’s also really cool how not many people work on the same equipment as I do, or even know equipment like this exists.” What has been the most impactful part of your schooling?...

Kateryna Bandura Lookout Editor — It’s 3 a.m. A small lamp casts a dull light towards a corner in the dining room where a makeshift art studio resides. Under the glow, Jay Baker hunches over an easel.  A glass of Disaronno liqueur with cranberries is within reach. Atop a nearby cabinet a cat swats at a collection of paint brushes. Soothing classical music fills the quietude. “I tend to do most of my painting in the middle of the night to help quiet the mind; so the softer music helps with the process,” says Baker. “However, I often have to fight the cat off while I paint.” The 47-year-old veteran from Pembroke, ON, battles insomnia and says late night painting helps him find peace, especially after a hectic, stressful day. “I was having issues sleeping and my psychologist suggested I try painting in the evenings as a way to quiet the mind before bed. So I tried it out and never looked back.” He retired from the military a year ago after a 27-year career in the Army Reserves as an Infantry Officer with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in Barrie, ON, and then the Regular Force in 2008 as a Land Communication Information Systems Technician. He has a rare condition that influences his art – monochromatism, complete color-blindness in which all colors appear as shades of one color. Because of this, he focuses on texture rather than colour. Texture created through brush stokes tells a better story. “As I paint, I’m mindful of these textures and try to use them to enhance my artwork. It’s one thing to paint a wave blue. It’s another to add texture to that blue to give the wave movement and life.” Blue is his primary colour because he can move freely between the light and dark shades without changing its base colour, unlike red that can easily turn pink. Subject matter is usually landscapes, developed with acrylic paint over canvas. “I enjoy the motion...

  [caption id="attachment_29550" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A/SLt MacArthur, A/SLt Sweet, A/SLt Campbell and A/SLt Lavoie on their first week in HMCS Calgary.[/caption] HMCS Calgary  — Four students on Personnel Awaiting Training Platoon for their Naval Warfare Officer (NWO) level III course recently joined HMCS Calgary for a month-long sail to the South Pacific. The sail aided their work towards their Officer of the Day packages.  The experience began with the four Acting Sub-Lieutenants - A/SLt Paula Campbell, A/SLt Luca Lavoie, A/SLt Scott MacArthur and A/SLt Sherri Sweet - being flown via a C-130 Hercules to Hawaii to meet up with the ship. This opportunity rarely happens for students just beginning their training – a full month of sailing, a port visit, and firsthand experience in a frigate for the first time in their careers.    Originally, the trainees were attach posted to HMCS Ottawa to work towards their Officer of the Day packages, an amazing opportunity in itself as most students don’t start this portion of their training until after their NWO IV course. However, having only been attach-posted for one week, this made them the ideal candidates to partake in this sail and experience life on ship firsthand, while still working towards their qualifications and participating in essential training.  Arriving in Pearl Harbor where it was 26 degrees hotter and immensely sunnier than Esquimalt, they took a brief ride to the jetty, joined up with Calgary, and enjoyed a crew-wide port visit, the first one since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Following a brief stay in Honolulu, the trainees returned to the ship and were encouraged by their new command team to take advantage of the experiences, evolutions, and opportunities to come their way, and to act like sponges, taking as much information in as possible.  Their first day was spent spread across various departments, shadowing and learning about the different roles such as Technician of the Watch, Petty Officer of the Watch, Shipboard Electro-Optic Surveillance System Operator, and...

[caption id="attachment_29540" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Photo Courtesy Black Cultural Centre For Nova Scotia.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — In a recent event coordinated with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to apologize for the treatment of No. 2 Construction Battalion members, Canada’s only all-Black unit active during the First World War. “[This] is an important step to address this historical wrong and to ensure that we learn from the past so that we build a more equitable and just future for the members of our Canadian Armed Forces,” said Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, via Zoom. When the First World War broke out in 1914, Black men across the country responded to the call but were turned away by recruiters. They persisted and finally on July 5, 1916, the No. 2 Construction Battalion was established in Pictou, NS, before being transferred to Truro. More than 600 Black men volunteered for service — with about 300 from Nova Scotia and the rest from other parts of Canada, the United States, and even some from the British West Indies. In his remarks, Russell Grosse, executive director of the Black Cultural Centre, paid tribute to the research and work done by the late Calvin Ruck, who, in 1986, published Canada’s Black Battalion: No. 2 Construction, 1916 – 1920; and the late Captain (Retired) George Borden, for his work in advocating for recognition of the battalion. “The story of the No. 2 Construction Battalion is a story of resilience, pride, and honour that was unfortunately marred by the effects of racial discrimination,” he said. Over the past year, a National Apology Advisory Committee, created by the Black Cultural Centre in partnership with the government, has held a series of consultations in...

[caption id="attachment_29535" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A nursing/pump room within HMCS Regina’s shore office.[/caption] Kateryna Bandura  Lookout Editor — HMCS Regina has set up a nursing/pumping room on the first deck of building D83, in the back corner of their shore office. The room has everything lactating persons need to pump and store their breast milk. “New mothers now have a safe, private space where they can perform a very natural bodily function - pumping the breast milk they may still be producing,” says A/SLt Melissa Boulanger of HMCS Regina. The rooms were established following Canadian Forces General Messages (CANFORGEN) 116/21 – “Support to Members Pumping and/or Nursing”, released last July. It directs Commanding Officers to put in place a lactation plan that includes a minimum of one lactation room for every 400 personnel. The new lactation room in D83 has been set up for anyone who needs to produce, pump, and store breast milk. The space is complete with privacy screens, a reclining chair, a mini-fridge for storing breast milk, a multi-outlet power strip, and plenty of surfaces for equipment. “The room is set up to be a quiet, private space; so, it’s a relaxing environment, which has been proven to help in the production of breast milk,” A/SLt Boulanger says. Nursing and breastfeeding is a human right protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Lt(N) Catherine Norris, MARPAC’s Defence Women’s Advisory Organization’s military co-chair, says that workplaces should support a member’s choice to continue breastfeeding and/or pumping when returning to work. “I have listened to the stories of veterans, retired civilians, and current Defence Team members about the discrimination or health issues they have faced when returning to work while choosing to continue to nurse or pump,” Lt(N) Norris says. In the past, some women had to wean their...

[caption id="attachment_29524" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Jeff J. Hutchinson addresses the parade.[/caption] HMCS Esquimalt was a Bangor class minesweeper that served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Esquimalt served on the Atlantic coast of Canada conducting anti-submarine patrols in the approaches to Halifax Harbour. The ship was torpedoed and sunk off Cheducto Head, Nova Scotia, by U-190 on April 16, 1945, becoming the last Royal Canadian Navy warship lost to enemy action. Every year, the military and Esquimalt community hold a memorial service to remember those who perished when the ship went down. In addition to the 28 sailors believed to have died when the ship sank, another 16 are believed to have died of exposure, on the open water, before HMCS Sarnia could rescue them. [caption id="attachment_29526" align="aligncenter" width="594"] A member of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy salutes during the National Anthem.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29520" align="aligncenter" width="595"] MS Mark Littler is on hunt for more Clearance Divers.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — OPEN TO ANY TRADE, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY  Military members interested in diving, explosive ordnance demolition, and working in a close-knit unit, becoming a Clearance Diver might be just the fit. The Royal Canadian Navy is ramping up efforts to recruit regular and reserve force members to the trade, which mostly resides within Fleet Diving Units on both coasts. “This campaign is seeking highly motivated, intelligent, and physically-fit individuals that are looking for more out of their career,” says MS Mark Littler, from the Halifax-based unit. “If you are up for a new challenge and the experience of a lifetime, the Clearance Diver trade is looking for you.” Retirements have dwindled trade numbers in recent years, bringing the East and West Coast units together to recruit candidates. First in their efforts is bringing awareness of the trade to all three environments. “Our latest effort is intended to generate more interest in the Clearance Diver trade until we reach a point where our trade is well-known throughout the CAF,” says MS Littler.  A Canadian Forces General Message (CANFORGEN) memo, to be released in July, will officially promote the Clearance Diver Assessment Centre and provide application details and deadlines. The selection and training of Clearance Divers is conducted annually. Application deadlines typically end each year in November. Potential candidates must complete medical and dental screening and conduct a Clearance Diver Physical Fitness Evaluation with Personnel Support Programs staff during the application process. The Clearance Diver occupation dates back to the Second World War. The term ‘Clearance’ is derived from divers tasked to clear harbours and port obstructions, such as sea mines, by using underwater explosives. The first Royal Canadian Navy clearance diving unit was formed in 1954 and evolved over the decades. Today’s Clearance Divers play a vital role in neutralizing explosives, both underwater and on land. Core responsibilities are mine countermeasures operations, explosive ordnance...

Her Magesty’s Canadian Ships Goose Bay and Moncton returned to their homeport of Halifax April 15 after a four-month deployment to western Africa on Operation Projection, in support of security and stability in the region. Operation Projection (West Africa) includes strategic engagements with regional nations [...]

[caption id="attachment_29502" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Brad Riddoch, Marine Electrician[/caption] Ashley Evans FMF CB — Two members of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton Electrical Shop have logged more than 260 hours connecting and re-wiring hundreds of wires for HMCS Victoria’s motor generator starter panel. Marine Electricians Brad Riddoch and colleague Thomas Webb began the project in February with a targeted completion date of May. It began with a highly complicated drawing from engineering, detailing hundreds upon hundreds of lines that connected different areas of the panels. “Reading the drawing was daunting if you look at it as a whole. We broke down each component and focused on one wire at a time. With there being so many wires, inspections are difficult, so we have to be very diligent while working,” said Riddoch. Their work starts with soldering wires, which begins with adding a little flux to the terminal to improve the connection and prevent oxidation. From there, they “tin” the wire and the terminal, which means adding solder to each component. Following this, they put the two components together and heat them up with a soldering iron, creating a solid joint. Once the Electrical shop complete their work, the chemical cleaners, sandblasters, and painters will step in to ensure the panel cabinet looks new. Riddoch says the most challenging parts of this project is sourcing materials and ensuring every wire is correct, noting that he and Webb remove each wire and replace it with a new one prior to proceeding to the next one. “The most rewarding part of this project is definitely seeing all of the new wires flowing very nicely throughout the cabinet,” said Riddoch. The final installation of the panel back into HMCS Victoria will be completed by the Electrical and Boiler Shops, Mechanical Fitters, Riggers, and Sheet Metal.

SLt Wilson Ho MARPAC PA Office — On the last weekend of April, the Royal Canadian Navy and Maritime Forces Pacific will host a Fleet Weekend in Vancouver, with a variety of attractions and activities for all ages. On Friday, April 29, HMCS Vancouver, HMCS Calgary, HMCS Brandon, HMCS Edmonton, and three Orca Class Patrol Training Vessels will enter Vancouver Harbour and berth alongside Burrard Dry Dock Pier in North Vancouver in preparation for Fleet Weekend. The next day, ships will be open for tours to the general public. There will also be static displays from HMCS Discovery, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), and Naval Tactical Operations Group. On Sunday, May 1, the Royal Canadian Navy and Maritime Forces Pacific will conduct a Battle of the Atlantic Commemorative Ceremony at the Sailor’s Point Memorial in Waterfront Park, North Vancouver. Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous battle of the Second World War and one in which Canada played a central role. The battle began on the opening day of the war in September 1939, and ended almost six years later with Germany’s surrender in May 1945. The general public is invited to spectate and observe this event that honours the Royal Canadian Navy and Canada’s maritime history.

[caption id="attachment_29491" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Military personnel and civilian staff from the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG) and the Transport Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (TEME) branch converged on D Jetty in Colwood on April 7. They were part of Initial Cadre Training for the new Sea-to-Shore connector. Their tasks included assembly and disassembly of the barge and its 12 modules. The Sea-to-Shore Connector will serve the navy’s new Joint Support Ships (JSS) and is designed to move large quantities of cargo or personnel quickly. The vessel depicted is one of four to be delivered to the navy in the coming months. Photo by DND.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer _ The first of four Sea-to-Shore connector barges designed to serve the needs of the navy’s future supply ships has been delivered to Esquimalt. The barge was set-to-work by maker Montreal-based Navamar Inc, who also provided initial cadre training to Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) members, allowing them to learn how the barge is assembled and operated, from April 4 to 8 at D Jetty in Colwood. The modular self-propelled barge has multiple uses and configurations, is Canadian made, and engineered to be assembled from the platform of the upcoming Joint Support Ships (JSS). Their key feature is the ability to move large quantities of supplies or personnel to and from shore quickly, and the ability to be stored or transported like standard shipping containers. While the Sea-to-Shore Connector’s primary use is a self-propelled barge, it can also transform into a bridge, a floating dock, or even a diving platform for salvage. It can even be useful for ship-side maintenance and inspections. They could be also deployed as standalone units, for example to support an Operation Lentus in dealing with floods throughout Canada. The barge’s engines, ramps, and safety equipment will be stored in two separate 20-foot containers aboard the new Protecteur-class ships, once built. The 12 pontoons can be stored or stacked like sea containers.  When required, the pieces of the interlocking pontoon system...

[caption id="attachment_29483" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Cans of Ever Brave beer, brewed specially for HMCS Halifax by Nova Scotia’s Garrison Brewing Co. Photo submitted.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — When HMCS Halifax left Halifax March 19 to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 in northern Europe, the ship’s crew had a little something extra on board — a hundred cases of beer brewed especially for them. Garrison Brewing Company, one of Nova Scotia’s first craft breweries, made a batch of ale called Ever Brave for the crew prior to their departure. Proceeds from beer sales will go to the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre. The idea for a special brew came from the ship’s company who reached out to Garrison, says Meg Brennan, director of sales with Garrison Brewing, adding that while Garrison regularly supplies beer to ship’s crews, this was the first time they’ve been asked to brew an exclusive batch. “It was great to be able to show our support for the crew as they left on their mission to support NATO in the Baltic Region,” she says. Similar to Garrison’s Tall Ship beer, Ever Brave is an East Coast ale with an easygoing style. At 4.5 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume), it’s also relatively low in alcohol. The can design depicts the ship’s crest superimposed over a stormy sea. “We worked with the crew on the design and the style. It was a fun project,” Brennan adds. The original plan was for the beer to be a “one-off” brew for the crew and their mission in support of Operation Reassurance, NATO’s deterrence measures against Russian aggression. However, after a lot of social media attention, Garrison is “actively pursuing” the possibility of brewing another batch or two. “We had a ton of people reach out wanting to buy it....

[caption id="attachment_29476" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Second World War veteran Cdr (Retired) Peter Chance (left) prepares for an interview at his home in Sidney, B.C., with Don Foster of the Legacy of Honour video collection. Credit: Legacy of Honour[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — An Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel has been recognized for his video project featuring veterans’ accounts of the D-Day landings. Don Foster, a Senior Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns, volunteers as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Vancouver-based 15th Field Artillery Regiment army reserve unit. On March 3, he was presented with a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The award comes mostly for his tireless work establishing and directing the Juno Beach Centre’s Legacy of Honour video collection. The Juno Beach Centre is a museum established in 2003, built to tell the story of Canadian military members at war and to preserve their legacy for future generations.  It is located in Normandy, France, on a section of beach where 14,000 troops landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Foster launched the centre’s video program in 2017. The collection of oral histories offers veterans’ accounts of their experiences landing on the beaches. “The award embodies everything I have been doing with my colleagues at the Juno Beach Centre,” he says. “Our efforts are to acknowledge the difference those who served have made to our freedoms we enjoy in Canada.” The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was established in 2001 to formally recognize outstanding volunteer service to the veteran community, or individuals who represent commendable role models for fellow veterans. Five other B.C. residents were honoured during the ceremony, which was presented via Zoom. Upon accepting his commendation Foster acknowledged the work of his videographer Chris Ainscough. The pair travel across the country to interview veterans in their homes and capture their stories.    He was nominated for the award by two Canadian Second World War veterans featured in his project, George Chow and Norm Kirby, who have both since passed away. Foster says he develops...

[caption id="attachment_29470" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The ship’s badge for the future HMCS Max Bernays was unveiled during a ceremony on March 30.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — T he unveiling of the future HMCS Max Bernays’ badge signified a major step in the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel’s (AOPV) progression to serve the Royal Canadian Navy. Max Bernays will be the first AOPV homeported in Esquimalt. “Although you will bring the future HMCS Max Bernays to life here in the Atlantic, you will prove her ready for operations in all of Canada’s oceans and bring Max Bernays to her homeport in British Columbia in 2023,” said Capt(N) Sheldon Gillis, Deputy Commander, Canadian Fleet Atlantic, speaking to the ship’s crew at a ceremony in Halifax on March 30.  The ship’s namesake Acting Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays was a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. He served as Coxswain of HMCS Assiniboine during the Second World War. On Aug. 6, 1942, during an intense battle with a German submarine, CPO Bernays ordered two junior telegraph officers to clear the bridge before taking the helm.  Surrounded by smoke and fire, he single-handedly steered the ship and dispatched orders to the engine room, eventually managing to ram and sink the U-boat. He received the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his courage. “The name Max Bernays in our navy is directly associated with the character traits that led the allies to victory at sea: personal courage, loyalty, and integrity, all qualities Max Bernays demonstrated so valiantly under fire from an enemy submarine in 1942,” said Capt(N) Gillis.  Family members of Max Bernays watched the ceremony online. A letter written by his granddaughter was shared as part of the ceremony.  “We are a navy family. Max’s son, Max Bernays Junior, continued the naval tradition and joined at 17,” wrote Shannon Bernays. “Grandpa always said that the navy ran in his blood. We know that both of them would have been overjoyed to see the ship and meet her crew. They...

Emma Moon Human Factors Support Cell DGLEPM/DSSPM — Anthropometry is a science that deals with the standardized measurement of the human body. It ensures appropriate fit of equipment and clothing. Anthropometrics are used to answer questions about fit and form such as: “Where should we place pant pockets, and at what angle, so the most military members will be able to comfortably access them?” Anthropometric data can also be released to industry in order to ensure their designs align with the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) population. That is why the CAF is introducing a fleet of 3D scanning technology to systematically capture the body morphology of military members and provide key measurements for sizing and fit. Given the individuality and diversity of its members, the CAF will also modernize the collection methods and database. This will improve the procurement of individual clothing and equipment to ensure all body types and gender considerations are taken into account. The process is being led by the Directorate Soldier System Program Management who also maintains the database of information for these updates. This change comes as the CAF evolves to attract members of different genders and ethnic backgrounds. As the CAF membership changes, the way they outfit their members must also evolve. The goal is to get as close to customized clothing and equipment for each individual as possible. Updating the survey Currently, the procurement of individual equipment and clothing is done using a database of measurements generated in 2012. As the demographics of CAF members have changed, the existing anthropometric data is becoming obsolete and less reliable for acquisition decision making. The new portable scanners will be deployed across Canada to capture more inclusive and relevant data. This will also support targeted efforts for data gathering in specific under-represented populations such...

[caption id="attachment_29449" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Snowbird pilot Capt Logan Reid.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A Victoria-born pilot will be at the controls of one of nine CT-114 Tutor jets, when the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic display squadron takes to the skies over Canadian cities this summer. Tucked in the cockpit of Snowbird 8 will be Capt Logan Reid, donning the familiar red pilot flight suit. However, before he and his fellow pilots can delight air show fans across Canada with their signature manoeuvres, which include the Canada Burst, formation heart, and solo head-on crosses, they must first complete training camp. From April 19 to May 11 the 24 member show team will relocate from 15 Wing Moose Jaw to CFB Comox. 19 Wing has been the site of the Snowbirds’ annual spring training camp since the mid-1970s. “Getting to Comox is an exciting time for us because the flying tempo steps up considerably and it’s a significant milestone as we get our manoeuvres put together,” says Capt Reid. “It’s also the first time you get the feeling of really taking up the mantle for the new pilots and technicians who have joined the team.” After spending his Easter weekend with wife Nicole and their four-year-old son Mackenzie in Moose Jaw, Capt Reid and his teammates will hop in their jets and fly west. Under normal circumstances, he and the team would head to Comox to refine their routine for airshows in May. But some exceptional issues including bad weather, COVID-19 restrictions on personnel, and maintenance factors have put them behind schedule. Their first airshow will be June 18 and 19 over Borden, ON. After that, they will zigzag across the country performing into September before crossing the border for a few shows in California. During training, they plan to make two flights a day, six days a week with their flight paths very close to the Courtenay-Comox region. The practice is all for a good reason, says Capt Reid. When performing...

[caption id="attachment_29444" align="aligncenter" width="596"] S1 Simeon Weststeijn of the Naden Band speaks with students during a virtual concert for students while Image Technician S1 Sisi Xu manages MARPAC Base Imaging’s YouTube livestream. Photo by Steve MacDonald, Naden Band.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Classrooms across British Columbia came alive with the sound of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy’s music last month. Students of all ages watched a series of livestream concerts throughout the month of March. Concerts were produced and streamed live by MARPAC Imaging on YouTube. Four separate performances by the band were delivered each week, two for Elementary School students and their teachers, and two for Middle School and High School. The band traditionally performs live in-person, but due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions in early 2022, the decision was made to deliver the programs via live-stream. The idea came about after discussions between Lt(N) Ben Van Slyke, Naden Band Music Officer, and, Lt(N) Catherine Norris, Naden Band Commanding Officer, following a presentation by the directors of music of the six United States armed forces special bands at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.  The presentation included discussions on the virtual outreach they had accomplished during the pandemic. “In the end, this was a very effective method for the Naden Band to reach out to schools across the entire province,” says Lt(N) Van Slyke. “MARPAC Imaging was integral to the success of this project as their professionalism, flexibility, and the quality of the video were top notch.” Each week saw different instrumental group or style of music delivered. On March 2 and 3, it was brass instruments and percussion performances; March 9 and 10 woodwind instruments and percussion; and March 16 and 17 the focus shifted to the sounds of jazz. Percussion was...

[caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Cpl (Retired) Jonathan Lafleur and his fiancé Kristyn Moore in happier times.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A fundraising campaign is underway for a former Port Inspection Diver whose Cowichan Valley home was destroyed by a fire on February 6.    The blaze completely gutted the newly-built container home of Cpl (Retired) Jonathan Lafleur, which was located in a remote section of Cowichan Valley. Lafleur says the fire started when an article of clothing ignited from the hot exhaust of a propane-fuelled on-demand water heater. He does not have fire insurance. He had attempted to buy insurance for his home but had difficulty finding the proper policy for a container home.    He is a former member of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific and Atlantic, CFB Comox Fire and Rescue, and previously served with NATO security forces in Afghanistan. Following his service in Afghanistan, Lafleur was clinically diagnosed with PTSD. He built his off-the-grid metal container home himself and had been living there for almost a year before the fire. It was meant to be a sanctuary and escape from the stresses of urban living, says Lafleur. Due to the nature of his mental health condition, he cannot tolerate loud noises, be in big crowds, or heavily populated areas. Fundraiser launched His fiancé Kristyn Moore recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for personal items lost in the fire and to rebuild. Lafleur says reaching out for help has been extremely difficult.  “I am a proud veteran and I used to be the person who helped other people. Today, I am admitting very candidly that I have problems in my life and that it is hard for me. But in a situation like this you need to throw all of that out the window, ask for help, and take it.” Lafleur and his fiancé managed to escape the blaze with only the clothes on their backs and their cell phones. Everything else the couple owned including their identification,...

HMCS Yellowknife — Just two weeks into their deployment on Operation Caribbe, HMCS Yellowknife and crew, with its embarked United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), interdicted a go-fast vessel carrying approximately 800 kilograms of cocaine. The operation is Canada’s contribution to the U.S. led enhanced counter-narcotics mission Operation [...]

[caption id="attachment_29406" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Bernice “Bunny” McIntyre is seen distributing poppies in 2018 alongside her friend and fellow Somme Branch Legion member MWO (Retired) Paul O’ Boyle, RCN/CF.[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — The changing role of women in the Royal Canadian Navy took centre stage in a new exhibit that opened March 8 at the Naval Museum of Halifax. While COVID restrictions still prevent members of the public from visiting the museum in person, museum director Jennifer Denty and exhibit co-curator CPO1 (Retired) JoAnn Cunningham, invited Capt(N) Sean Williams, CFB Halifax Base Commander, and CPO1 Alena Mondelli, Base Chief, to join them on a virtual tour that was also live streamed on the museum’s Facebook site. “Traditionally, we would have had a large opening with speeches and finger food but given the COVID environment we’re still in, that just wasn’t feasible,” said Denty during a pre-show sneak peek. The new exhibit is housed on the lower level of the museum, in the former communications exhibit space. With large panels and artifacts from the early 1900s to present day, the display tells the story of women in the Royal Canadian Navy, highlighting their contributions and how the role of women in the navy has changed over the years. “We’re quite pleased with how it turned out. It’s a story that needs to be told,” says Denty.  Nursing Sisters served with the Canadian military from the late 1800s through to the First World War, but women were not permitted to enlist in the navy until the Second World War, when on July 31, 1942, the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) was established.  Following in the British tradition for the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the women in the WRCNS were known as Wrens, and several panels and displays in the exhibit tell their story. At their peak during the war, more than 6,800 women served as Wrens in the RCN, with nearly 1,000 Wrens housed on the top two floors of a...

[caption id="attachment_29400" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Master Sailor David Murphy at the wheel of a hybrid electric small boat in Halifax Harbour during trials in 2021. RCN Innovation continually explores new ideas and technologies to ensure the Navy is ready to meet the future operating environment.[/caption] RCN — The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Innovation team – a small group focused on matching emerging technologies of today with the needs of tomorrow – is ensuring the navy is finding and exploiting state-of-the-art technologies for its future capabilities. The RCN is in the midst of its largest naval recapitalization program since the Second World War, which includes building new classes of ships and life-extending others, as well as pursuing necessary infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to shore and training facilities. Preparing for this future fleet isn’t just about building ships. It’s also about future-proofing vessels to ensure that systems stay relevant for years to come, and more importantly, that tomorrow’s sailors have the equipment they need when sent into harm’s way. “Staying at the frontier of rapidly evolving new technologies is essential to maintain a warfighting advantage,” says Commander (Cdr) Lee Vessey, Director of RCN Innovation. “The capabilities of our future fleet will include some of the novel technologies we’re trialling now.” The team had a very busy 2021 and continues to have a busy 2022. For instance, last year, members of the RCN Innovation team joined a group from private industry to test hybrid electric small boats in Halifax Harbour. “When they switched off the diesel engine, the boat went completely silent, and changing the battery after three hours felt as normal as swapping cans of gas. It’s exciting to get a first look at what could be the future of the navy,” says Master Sailor David Murphy, who participated in the trial.  Later...

[caption id="attachment_29397" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Stadacona Band Celtic Ensemble[/caption] Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — When the Stadacona Band posted a video clip of the newly formed Celtic ensemble playing the Irish folk tune ‘Sí Beag, Sí Mhór’ on the band’s Facebook page recently, it generated a bit of buzz, racking up more than 6,000 views in the following days. “Celtic music is very well loved here on the East Coast,” says S1 Mark Morton, a percussionist with the Stadacona Band and the ensemble coordinator. “Actually, because this audience knows the music so well, there was some apprehension about forming the ensemble.” The four members of the ensemble are PO1 Charmaine Chaddock, who plays tin whistle and occasionally spoons; PO1 Larry Bjornson on bass and guitar; PO2 Jeff Brancato playing mandolin, Irish bouzouki and guitar; and S1 Morton on violin and mandolin. All, with the exception of PO1 Bjornson, play secondary instruments. While the band has performed in the past with many Celtic-inspired arrangements and played with East Coast musicians, such as Scott Macmillan and Dave MacIsaac, the idea of forming a dedicated Celtic ensemble first came up at a Christmas party back in 2018. It wasn’t until a year and a half later that it really took hold.Casting about for a project to work on during the initial “lockdown” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, S1 Morton and some other band members returned to the ensemble idea. Knowing the band had two “nice old violins from the 1800s” in its inventory, S1 Morton took one home to try out. “I had taken violin lessons as a kid but when I first tried it again, I had to relearn everything. I felt like I was 10 years old again,” he says. Still working to improve his proficiency on the violin, S1...

[caption id="attachment_29392" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Canadian Ranger, Master Corporal Christine Kuizema has been skydiving for four years, with almost 400 jumps and her C licence. This month, she will become the first Canadian Ranger to try out for the SkyHawks, the Canadian Armed Forces’ military parachute demonstration team.[/caption] Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group — Two years ago, Master Corporal Christine Kuizema became the first Canadian Ranger chosen to try out for the Skyhawks military parachute demonstration team. The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to her attempts to earn a spot on the team and jump under the SkyHawks’ distinctive Canada flag canopies in 2020 and 2021. But this month she is getting her chance. CR MCpl Kuizema, the Second in Command of the Gold River Canadian Ranger Patrol on Vancouver Island, has left for training in Ontario. SkyHawks demonstrator selection training includes six weeks of theory and practical instruction. Ground training, which is held at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, will begin with the Parachutist Physical Training test, which includes a 1.6-kilometre run in 7.5 minutes, seven chin ups, and 31 sit ups. Having gone through all the preparation for the selection training once before in March 2020, she is feeling ready. In the two years since she was originally chosen for selection training, she has been jumping a lot, refining her skills, and learning new disciplines. She loves skydiving so much it hasn’t been hard to stay motivated. “I think once you have a passion for something, then it’s kind of self-motivating. So over two years, I’ve gotten better at jumping and took on different disciplines and took some training courses,” she says. “It’s been pretty easy to be self-motivated in that sense. It’s a good community to be around as well, so it keeps the stoke high.” She started skydiving four years ago and fell in love with it right away. Last summer she started wingsuiting – flying with a...

[caption id="attachment_29388" align="aligncenter" width="596"] The children's space at the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Esquimalt branch.[/caption] The wait is over for library lovers in the Esquimalt area with Greater Victoria Public Library’s (GVPL) relocated Esquimalt branch doors now open. After months of planning and construction, the new library, which is located inside the Esquimalt Town Square development at #101-503 Park Place, opened Thursday, March 31. Replacing the branch that had been located in the Esquimalt Municipal Hall, the new library is a true community living room with a modern design and décor. With large floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors will be immediately struck by the dramatic design features of the space, including soaring ceilings, exposed natural wood beams, concrete floors, and a calming colour palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa said she is thrilled to welcome the community into the beautiful new space. “We are especially proud of the children’s area, which has been thoughtfully designed to encourage discovery and safe play for children who are crawling, learning to walk, and interacting with the space. The space is anchored by an interactive learning play structure that was purchased with funds from the Friends of the Library. The Play and Learn Pod will allow children aged five years and younger to develop and practice early literacy skills through play.” “With dedicated areas for children and teens, comfortable reading areas, public computers with printing, bookable study rooms, flexible program space, and Wi-Fi throughout the branch, this is truly a flexible and inclusive space that will both inform and inspire the community,” added Sawa. The library’s collection features the latest fiction and non-fiction books for adults, youth, and children, as well as mystery, romance, and other fiction genres. Audiobooks and music on CD, feature films and TV series on DVD and Blu-ray, video games, and newspapers and magazines are also available. The branch also features resources that are staples of GVPL’s system-wide collections, including large print books and an Indigenous Reads display. Surrounded by a vibrant town...

Royal Canadian Navy — For Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Daniel Pelletier, receiving a letter from the grateful parents of a student with learning disabilities was unexpected and touching. A 20-year veteran and instructor at Naval Fleet School (Pacific), PO2 Pelletier teaches classes in the Marine Technician trade. Along with fellow instructors Petty Officer First Class David Van Egmond [...]

[caption id="attachment_29378" align="alignnone" width="595"] Lynn Carroll (front row, third left), Quilts of Valour Society Canada representative for Southern Vancouver Island, gathers with members of the Esquimalt Transition Centre for a group photo in December 2021 after receiving a Poinsettia as recognition for her volunteerism. Carroll and her organization have teamed up with the Transition Centre to distribute hand-made quilts to injured military veterans. Photo courtesy of Transition Centre[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer   —    A troop of dedicated quilters is providing warmth, comfort, and gratitude to Canada’s injured veterans. Armed with the tools of the trade - scissors, rotary cutters, stitch rippers, and sewing machines – members of the non-profit Quilts of Valour – Canada Society (QOVC) are on a mission to wrap quilts of comfort around ill or injured Canadian military veterans. Since commencing operations in 2006, QOVC has distributed 18,409 quilts across the country. Nora Johnson, Service Coordinator for the Transition Centre at CFB Esquimalt, says the efforts of QOVC are very beneficial. “I think this is a wonderful initiative that is allowing people outside of the Department of National Defence to recognize military members’ contributions,” she says. “They are truly beautiful gifts and a heartfelt way to recognize people who have been injured in their service.” A few years ago, QOVC on Vancouver Island teamed up with the Transition Centre at CFB Esquimalt to distribute quilts on Southern Vancouver Island. The centre is part of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group network and works with Veterans Affairs Canada and other partners to provide professional, personalized, and standardized transition services to discharging Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Johnson adds the gratitude is a two-way street and being recognized in this manner is a morale booster for veterans as well. National Movement The charity was founded by Lezley Zwaal, who says its origins stem from a personal visit she made to an Edmonton hospital back in 2006. Zwaal, who now lives in Parksville, B.C., had seen the news about...

[caption id="attachment_29372" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Gordon Quan in London, UK, 1945. Photo courtesy The Chinese Canadian Military Museum.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Second World War veteran Gordon Quan, 96, has an intriguing story to tell, one that includes top secret work in South East Asia in the final months of the war. He got his chance to join the fight in 1944 after the Canadian government allowed a select group of 600 Chinese Canadians to enlist. He underwent Basic Training in Saskatchewan and was then dispatched to England for training by the British Secret Service. Quan and other Chinese Canadians joined Special Force 136, a branch of the British Special Operations Executive. Chinese Canadians were deemed the perfect recruits to fight against the Japanese because they could blend in with local populations, and understand some Southeast Asia languages, says Quan. In 1945, with the war in Europe already over, Special Agent Quan worked as a secret agent in Malaya, Burma, and India. His mission was one of sabotage against Japanese forces using his training in demolition. “We were trained in small groups of 15 in how to be effective and how to destroy and disrupt supply lines, fuel depots, ammunition dumps, transportation networks, and other Japanese controlled infrastructure.” His service lasted only a few months before the war with Japan drew to a close following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Quan believes the use of the H-Bomb was a necessary evil of war. “When the Americans used this weapon on Japan it gave us the opportunity to survive,” he says. “The world would have been changed completely if the Japanese and Germans maintained their control.” He has few clear recollections of his experiences as a secret agent, and many more he doesn’t want to remember. “It really boiled down to a case of kill or be killed, so that’s why remembering or thinking about these moments can often be difficult,” he says. Quan was discharged from the military in 1946...