Latest News

[caption id="attachment_29367" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Retired RCMP officer and former Army Reservist Richard Hessler poses with some military-themed gnomes he makes at his home in Cranbrook, B.C. A portion of the proceeds from sales goes to benefit the Calgary-area veteran’s charity Homes for Heroes. Credit: Richard Hessler[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A retired RCMP officer has launched a unique fundraiser for veterans, selling military-themed gnome bird houses and feeders online. In late January, Richard Hessler of Cranbrook, B.C., launched his charitable initiative called Gnomes For Homes. A portion from sales of his woodwork go to Calgary charity Homes For Heroes. The charity helps integrate homeless military veterans back into a community, and offers them places to live and support programs. They build special villages of 15 to 25 tiny homes arranged inwardly-facing in a park-like setting. So far Hessler has shipped over 100 bird feeders and bird houses to locations across the country. They are selling faster than he can make them, he says. “The interest level and response from veterans has been overwhelming, and it’s pure satisfaction for me to know I am bringing a bit of joy to veterans and families.” His military gnomes sell for $60 via the Facebook Page Canadian Veterans Marketplace. Five dollars from each sale goes to charity. Gnomes can be personalized as well, with a uniform to match any regiment or unit of the Royal Canadian Navy, Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force, complete with personalized regimental badges.    Accuracy is crucial, says Hessler. He knows military clients closely inspect and scrutinize everything he makes, especially when it comes to regimental badges on the gnomes.  A self-described former ‘Base Brat’, he lived on or near military bases for most of his childhood and knows when it comes to authenticity it is important to get every detail of a military uniform correct. His father was a member of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). He joined his local army reserve unit...

Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs — Crew members from HMC Ships Moncton and Goose Bay are currently deployed to promote maritime safety and security in West Africa, building relationships everywhere along the way. The Kingston-class ships are working alongside partners and allies on Operation Projection (West Africa) and Exercise Obangame Express 2022. [...]

[caption id="attachment_29322" align="aligncenter" width="595"] SLt Nick Zanko trys out a sextant on the bridge of HMCS Brandon.[/caption] Lieutenant(N) Pam Hogan MARPAC Public Affairs — On the bridge of HMCS Brandon Sub-Lieutenant Nick Zanko peered through the telescope portion of an 18th century navigation tool – the sextant. The Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel was on exercise for Arctic Edge 2022 off the coast of Alaska in February, to enhance Arctic warfare interoperability with the United States Navy, when SLt Zanko gave the device a try. The sextant was loaned from a Maritime Museum of British Columbia board of director who knew of his interest in historical navigation methods through SLt Zanko’s volunteer work there. Captain (Retired) Bill Noon, of the Canadian Coast Guard, loaned his sextant to the naval officer to bring to sea. “I loaned my sextant to Nick when I became aware of his interest in the old school means of navigation. I acquired the sextant when working on my nautical certificates at Camosun College under Captain Brian Silvester. Celestial navigation and the associated math was one of the tougher courses we had when going for our mate certificates.” Noon often brought his sextant on board Canadian Coast Guard ships as the sextant is still used to verify GPS positions of navigation aids. SLt Zanko, with a seasoned Navigating Officer as his guide, used the sextant as part of his training towards a bridge watchkeeping certificate. The instrument determines the angle between the horizon and a celestial body such as the sun, the moon, or a star, used in celestial navigation to determine latitude and longitude. The device consists of an arc of a circle, marked off in degrees, and a movable radial arm pivoted at the centre of the circle. “I do feel very lucky and thankful to be involved in the naval community, but also being connected to the wider maritime community - especially as a junior sub-lieutenant,” says SLt Zanko. “I’m happy to offer another journey to...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer — The process of calculating Sea Duty Allowance compensatory payments for nearly 10,000 Canadian Armed Forces members has begun. Director Military Pay Allowances Processing (DMPAP) on both coasts are working to compensate military members who deployed on international naval operations between Aug. 1, 2019 and July 23, 2003, who were entitled to allowances but did not receive them. The allowances affected are two of the Environmental Allowances: Sea Duty and Submarine, and one Operation Allowance: Hardship. Environmental allowances are meant to compensate members whose military duties involve exposure to adverse environmental conditions that are not normally experienced by other members. Hardship Allowance compensates for essentially the same conditions but applies on international operations. In an unintended omission to the original policy published on July 23, 2003, Sea Duty and Submarine Allowances were not included in the list of several environmental allowances that could not be received concurrently with the Hardship Allowance. As an interim measure, directives were issued aimed at mitigating the error and restricted the receipt of these allowances to either Hardship Allowance or Sea Duty and Submarine Allowances, but not both. However, in hindsight, those directives did not have the required authorization. As the policy itself did not specifically prohibit receiving Sea Duty and Submarine Allowance at the same time as the Hardship Allowance, members who deployed on international naval operations from the time the policy was written until it was corrected are technically entitled to receive both. For those affected, a compensatory payment will be made so they do receive both. The compensation stems from a grievance and subsequent Treasury Board of Canada decision, which resulted in multiple changes to the Compensation and Benefits Instructions for the Canadian Armed Forces. The process of calculating the compensation package each military member is owed is well...

[caption id="attachment_29313" align="aligncenter" width="595"] NPTG volunteers flex their muscles to celebrate a job well done.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Military personnel from the base continue to build on their legacy with the charity HeroWork. Their efforts were showcased March 12 during HeroWork’s Big Reveal event at the Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) in Langford. Approximately 450 volunteers worked on the IPS renovation including many civilians and military personnel from CFB Esquimalt. The project started in September 2021 with about two thirds of the total cost - materials and labour - donated by individuals and area businesses. Volunteer Lt(N) Robert McKay worked as a Site Manager drawing on his years of experience as a home renovator. He also organized a team of 10 volunteers from his unit Naval Personnel and Training Group to help out with a variety of tasks. He estimates logging 40 hours at the IPS over two months and says the volunteer work is highly rewarding and fully worth the time spent.  “There is a level of excitement and camaraderie felt while transforming a charity’s building that is really contagious,” he says. “You develop a great sense of pride knowing that what you are doing is not just changing a building, but the lives of people that live and work within it, and in this case far beyond.” The IPS trains approximately 1,300 people each year, mostly social workers and other support staff, who work with Indigenous communities to provide social services and other support. Some of the improvements at the site, located on Granderson Road, include newly-configured work spaces, culturally relevant designs, improved natural lighting and skylights, a redesigned interior layout, soundproofing, new washrooms, a redesigned building façade, and landscaping upgrades. “Over the past 10 years we have learned that we can count on members of Canada’s military to step up for HeroWork,” says Trevor Botkin, HeroWork Executive Director. “They volunteer their time, expertise, and positive energy in a service to our community and charity transformations. It takes...

Lt(N) Michael Cormie, Canadian Forces Environmental Medicine Establishment — The Experimental Diving and Undersea Group along with Clearance Divers from both Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) and FDU (Pacific) deployed to CFB Esquimalt Feb. 27 to March 6 to conduct open water testing and Initial Cadre Training on a new rebreather. The Canadian Underwater Mine-Countermeasures [...]

Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Susan Frisby, incoming Coxswain of HMCS  Winnipeg; Commander Doug Layton, Commanding Officer HMCS Winnipeg; and CPO1 Line Laurendeau, outgoing Coxswain sign the certificates during the HMCS Winnipeg Coxswain Change of Appointment Ceremony on March 11. [caption id="attachment_29295" align="aligncenter" width="596"] CPO1 Mark Chambers, acting Fleet Chief Petty Officer, presents a plaque to CPO1 Susan Frisby, incoming Coxswain of HMCS Winnipeg.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29298" align="aligncenter" width="596"]  [/caption] Incoming HMCS Winnipeg Commanding Officer, Commander (Cdr) Annick Fortin; Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific; and Cdr Doug Layton, outgoing Commanding Officer, sign the change of command certificates during the HMCS Winnipeg Change of Command Ceremony. Photos by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services [caption id="attachment_29297" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Doug Layton receives a gift from the crew, presented by Petty Officer First Class Brandon Ensom.[/caption]

Commodore David Mazur (centre), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific; Commander Annick Fortin (right), outgoing Commanding Officer of HMCS Regina; and Lieutenant-Commander David Dallin, incoming Commanding Officer, sign the ceremonial scrolls at the change of command ceremony held in Work Point March 10. Below: Outgoing Commander, Cdr Fortin is rowed away [...]

[caption id="attachment_29279" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Victoria Grizzlies players get ready for the draw in the ceremonial opening puck drop for Military Appreciation Night at the Q-Centre in Colwood on March 19. They were joined by MFRC Board Chair Samantha Krzywonos, her son Ben Krzywonos, and military veteran Steve Doucette. Photo Credit: Kyle Robinson.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Victoria Grizzlies Military Family Appreciation Night made a triumphant return to the Q-Centre in Colwood. The annual charity benefit game for the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 public health measures but made a successful return March 19. Despite a 2-1 loss on the ice to Coquitlam, off ice the junior hockey team scored a victory in helping raise funds for the MFRC and offering discounted tickets to the military.    “It was inspiring and uplifting to bring our military families together again and honour them with a celebration and some entertaining hockey,” says Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement Manager. “It was a fun and affordable evening for military families who attended.” A fundraising tailgate barbeque was hosted by the MFRC in the arena parking lot. Representatives from the (BC) 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, and 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron had display booths on site. Inside the arena, Grizzlies’ players wore specially designed military-themed jerseys for the game and held an online auction for them following the game. A Frisbee throw fundraiser during first period intermission and a portion from a 50/50 draw will be donated to the Esquimalt MFRC.  The BCHL team has traditionally hosted military appreciation nights over the years but their relationship with the MFRC is a relatively new one.

Joanie Veitch Trident Newspaper — Just before HMCS Halifax sailed away to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) in waters off Europe March 19, Commander Dale St. Croix, Halifax Commanding Officer, said he and his crew felt buoyed by the support they’ve received. Not just the extra help from base and dockyard colleagues, but also well-wishes from the general public. “Canadians usually don’t pay much attention to their armed forces, except at times of strife,” says Cdr St. Croix. “We’ve received a lot of encouragement, from people and politicians to business leaders, all telling us they’re proud of what we’re doing. It’s been very touching.” Halifax will join HMCS Montreal to provide additional military support to NATO operations in Central and Eastern Europe. The warship was to deploy on Operation Artemis in the Middle East in April, but was re-tasked by the Federal Government. While the ship is scheduled to arrive in the Baltic region in early April, Cdr St. Croix says the crew will be doing extra training activities on their way across the Atlantic Ocean, primarily working with their embarked helicopter air detachment. “We are at a level of high readiness, but with this final training we’ll be able to refine our skills so we’re even more prepared by the time we arrive.” While past deployments would see Canadian warships involved in a wide range of multinational NATO exercises over the course of their six-month deployment, the war in Ukraine has made the schedule of activities on this deployment less certain. Their main focus, Cdr St. Croix says, will be on combat-readiness operations within the greater mission, as well as providing general security, including search and rescue operations and any needed humanitarian assistance. “Any time there are people on the move in large numbers there’s a concern from a navy perspective for any incidents at sea with people in unseaworthy ships. It’s always something you prepare for,” he says. The main goal, he adds, is to be present “to assure our NATO...

Peter Mallett for RCN Staff Writer — The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) on the lower mainland has resurrected a Second World War era hand-made sailor drawstring pouch. Dubbed the Ditty Bag, which in the olden days would have held toiletries and personal items, the modern day bag holds goodies and goodwill messages.  The first set of bags made by Navy League officers and volunteers were handed out to HMCS Winnipeg sailors upon their return home just before Christmas on Dec. 16. Inside the bag were puzzle books, Christmas socks, a Christmas stocking filled with edible treats, hand-signed Christmas cards, and personalized messages from sea cadets. LCdr (NL) Cliff Mah, B.C. Mainland division area officer, Lt(NL) Ryan Moore, Commanding Officer of NLCC; and Hon Clarence Wallace from North Vancouver made the trip to be on the jetty and distribute the bags to sailors  returning from Operations Neon and Projection. They received assistance from the Military Family Resource Centre Esquimalt and volunteers from Naval Fleet School Pacific. “This is all about boosting their morale because when sailors are at sea they don’t get to see their families, they miss their loved ones, and sometimes they feel underappreciated,” says LCdr (NL) Mah. “To see the ditty bags laid out on the table and then given to the sailors gave me a very emotional feeling. I am committed to this project, and with the assistance of officers, instructors, and cadets, we will see this project continue.” Going forward, the bags will be distributed while sailors are at sea. First up is a delivery of Easter-themed Ditty Bags to sailors in HMCS Yellowknife and HMCS Saskatoon, and their embarked United States Coast Guard members. Bags will arrive at CFB Esquimalt later this month. With the help of the MFRC, they will be sent to these ships currently deployed on Operation Carribe. The Ditty Bag revival has attracted interest from an NLCC Corps in New Brunswick for Maritime Forces Atlantic sailors.  LCdr (NL) Mah’s Ditty Bag idea took flight...

[caption id="attachment_29216" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt(N) Alex Kooiman (left), and the Honourable Janet Austin (centre), speak with Lt Andrew Casey, Troop Commander before the live firing at Rogers Pass. Photo by SLt Wilson Ho.[/caption] Sub-Lieutenant Wilson Ho MARPAC Public Affairs — Last week, Captain(N) Alex Kooiman, MARPAC Chief of Staff Operations, accompanied Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, on a site visit to Rogers Pass. The two met with Royal Canadian Artillery troops on March 16 who are deployed on Operation Palaci. They were also greeted by Parks Canada staff. Operation Palaci is the Canadian Armed Forces’ support for the Parks Canada program to control avalanches in Rogers Pass. If uncontrolled avalanches were to take place, they can block the essential road and railway linking British Columbia to the rest of Canada. Operation Palaci is run under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of National Defence and Parks Canada. The visit began with a tour of the firing site, followed by a live firing using a 105mm Howitzer. Coordinating with Parks Canada staff, the Howitzer gun crew were given coordinates to locations where avalanches would most likely occur. There were five fire missions in total and both Capt(N) Kooiman and the Lieutenant Governor were given the opportunity to fire the Howitzer. Following the live firing, Capt(N) Kooiman and LGov Austin were given a tour of the Rogers Pass Discovery Center. There, the Lieutenant Governor spoke to the troops and thanked them for the work they were doing to help ensure the highway and railway were unencumbered and flowing freely. She also presented a few awards to deserving members of the troop. [caption id="attachment_29223" align="alignnone" width="595"] LGov Austin prepares to fire the 105mm Howitzer while a member of the troop acts as safety.[/caption]

Peter Mallett  Staff Writer — After a two-year pause on volleyball competition, men’s players from CFB Esquimalt and Comox stepped back on the Naden Athletic Centre court for a best-of-three tournament. The end result wasn’t what the Esquimalt Tritons had hoped for though. After the blocks, bumps, and spikes were registered, the blue and gold were swept away 2-0 by their air force opponents from 19 Wing. The lop-sided result on the score sheet was a disappointing 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 in favour of Comox in Game 1, and 25-14, 25-11, 25-11 in Game 2. But the end result isn’t a major concern, says team manager and outside hitter, S3 James Watt. Canadian Armed Forces sport competitions have been making a slow return in recent weeks following the lifting of COVID-19 health and safety measures, which gave the Tritons only two weeks practice prior to the series. The entire team is new, including S3 Watt who last played volleyball in high school. “Hearing the referee’s whistle blow and signalling the team to serve certainly brought back a level of excitement I had definitely forgotten since high school,” he says. “The whole team had a lot of fun and loved the competition that we have been missing since COVID-19 happened, and we have high hopes we will be together again on the court later this year.” On the other side of the net, one of their opponents, Maj Lewis Williams was also enthused to return to action. He says the competition in the series was important to give players on both teams a “mental break” from their jobs. Maj Lewis has six years of experience in CAF volleyball play and noted his navy opponents are often hamstrung due to deployments. “With navy teams, due to the nature of their jobs it’s often a case of hit or miss,” he says. “While today they just didn’t have the formidable play we have grown accustomed to with the Tritons, in another posting season they could...

Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group – 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group is developing a new capability in disaster response, starting with the Ucluelet Canadian Ranger Patrol learning Light Urban Search and Rescue skills. Members of the Ucluelet Canadian Ranger [...]

[caption id="attachment_29195" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Newly hired Museum Curator Tatiana Robinson.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Two of CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum’s longest-serving employees, with over a half-century of combined experience, have stepped down from their posts. Museum Curator Debbie Towell retired in November 2021, ending a 30-year career at Department of National Defence museums. Exhibit designer Clare Sharpe retired Feb. 25 after 22 years at the museum. Sharpe will stay on part-time for a period. Stepping up as the new Curator is Tatiana Robinson, former museum registrar. “I knew it would be a big responsibility because a curator is a caretaker and custodian, not only of the museum and its archival collection, but also the history and legacy of so many people, and presenting it in a respectful way,” says Robinson. “It is a privilege to be in such a position and share those stories with others.” A Dynamic Duo Towell and Sharpe worked closely to revitalize the museum for over 20 years. “We managed to become a first-class museum for visitors and researchers alike,” says Towell. “I will really miss my co-workers and the museum’s volunteers as they are such a great crew.’ Towell worked as the Curator at the Canadian Military Engineers Museum at CFB Chilliwack before arriving in Esquimalt in 1996. She oversaw the transformation and centralization of the museum. This involved moving its artefacts and archive to one central location in Naden, collection had previously been stored in multiple locations around the base. Sharpe began in 1999, after graduating from the University of Victoria, as the museum’s Exhibit Designer, creating displays from start to finish. She says her affection for the museum and its beauty was a big reason for staying on as a part-time contractor. “I’ve always loved Naden and the historic buildings that house the museum in Museum Square,” says Sharpe. “This is one of the most scenic, interesting, and beautiful sites in B.C.” New management Both women agree that Robinson has the...

[caption id="attachment_29187" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Nzolantima Swasisa with his internet connecting invention is preparing to open a library in the Democratic Republic of Congo.[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Electronics Technician Nzolantima Swasisa has his sight set on boosting education in his homeland. Using his invention – a tiny black box called a Lokole that can provide web and email access in a 25-metre radius for up to 100 users – he is establishing a library in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It will house books, desks, and android tablets for users to access the Internet. The 63-year-old employee with Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton recently launched a Go Fund Me campaign to help pay the costs of the library in DRC’s capital city Kinshasa. “I am reaching out to any individual or organization that supports education for vulnerable populations for help,” he says. “Donations of computer tablets and the services of software engineers would also be greatly welcomed.” The need for access to information and digital educational materials through the Internet or offline is dire in this third world country, says Swasisa. With a population of approximately 90 million, less than 18 per cent have Internet access. The primary reason for this, he says, is poverty. Most Congolese people live on less than $2 per day; one gigabyte of data costs $1 and is limited to 48 hours. “It is easy to see they cannot afford this, so the only solution is to use offline applications. The is where a digital library fits in.” His digital library will be called Bibliothèque Lokole Numérique Zéro Méga, a nod to his invention. The name Lokole is derived from a Congolese drum used in pre-colonial times as a means of imparting vital communication between villages. While developing his invention, he received technical assistance...

MARPAC Public Affairs Office Royal Canadian Navy — Testing of the surf-board shaped Data Xplorer, a solar powered ocean drone, continued March 10 in the waters by Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges near Nanoose Bay. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) researchers conducted a second field trial of the unmanned surface vessel (USV) that may eventually be used to mitigate harm to whales and other marine mammals during military operations. The first testing under this collaboration took place off Cattle Point in December. As it bobbed along the waves, the USV harvested ocean data through a towed passive hydrophone array, and sent processed data via satellite to a command centre. The field trial was to validate the drone’s ability to detect and identify marine mammals, and estimate the location using the acoustic recordings of their unique calls. DRDC researchers played simulated whale calls from a fixed point in the Test Range. As the Data Xplorer navigated the water, the data sent back demonstrated it was able to accurately detect and classify the sounds, and estimate where they came from in real time. While the analysis took place at the Test Range in Nanoose, approximately 110 kilometres away from Victoria, the movement of the Data Xplorer was remotely controlled by Open Ocean Robotics staff in their Victoria office. The solar-powered drone was piloted remotely for the testing, and is capable of safe autonomous transit along a predetermined course using Automated Identification System data, a radar reflector, and maps to avoid collisions. It can also right itself in rough seas – up to sea state five. This second trial brought the reality of a marine mammals risk mitigation decision-making tool one step closer to fruition. Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada worked with DRDC through the Innovative Solutions Canada program to enable this research. Technology was co-developed with locally based JASCO Applied Sciences, and a Victoria-based startup called Open Ocean Robotics, which provides a clean-tech solution...

DND — The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has a plan to fill the 1,000 personnel shortfall that often impacts currently serving sailors. Leadership acknowledges the shortfall can lead to sailor burnout from maintaining a high operational tempo, training delays, and lack of consistency in work-life balance.  “Healthy, competent, qualified people are nearing or at the burnout stage. I’ve seen it firsthand and I get multiple phone calls and emails about it,” says Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) David Steeves, the RCN Command Chief Petty Officer. “It may not be in every sailor’s nature, but I ask those who are truly negatively affected to please speak up when they need help.” Creative Solutions To address these problems the RCN created Project Navy Generation in 2021, an initiative that reviews the navy’s entire personnel generation system, from recruiting to various training programs.  There is also the new Digital Parade State, an in-house developed tracking software that improves how the navy matches deployment and training openings with sailor availability. The goal is to distribute the workload more evenly amongst sailors across the fleet. Training The navy is now prioritizing training positions over routine activities to better fill positions in the long term with fully trained personnel. For example, if the only option to fill a specific position on board a deploying ship comes at the expense of the training system, the training system will most likely be prioritized. The ship would sail without the position, although with a plan in place to mitigate the risk. The navy is also implementing new internal guidance to allow more flexibility in different aspects of training. This new guidance emphasizes the continued need for sailors to build experience at sea; however, new options to do so are being explored. For example, those waiting for Naval Environmental Training will...

A/SLt Simona Mitu HMCS Vancouver — Sailing in HMCS Vancouver has been a blast. Although I am still new to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) – being a student at Naval Fleet School (Venture) – I was given the opportunity recently to join the ship as they sailed to Hawaii and California while I waited for my Phase IV course to start.  The first thing I noticed was just how much spirit the crew has, with their outstanding professionalism, inclusion, and resilience. Being considered one of the Battle Cats (nickname for the crew) is definitely one of the best feelings in the world. After a lot hard work, Vancouver is on track for their upcoming deployment later this year, and I am glad to have been a part of their training. One of the most noticeable things about being posted to a frigate is the amount of spaces on board.  It is really intricate, and every nook and cranny is crucial for the good operation of the ship. Doors and hatches everywhere. I particularly enjoyed spending time in the Machinery Control Room (MCR) learning about the engineering side of the ship. In the words of PO2 Allen Marin, the MCR is “the coolest place to hang out. This is where we drive everything, and where you get to hang out with the coolest people on Earth.” Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, and a schedule packed with some of the most difficult trials a ship can go through, the Battle Cats showed tremendous strength. It all comes from the inspiring internal culture. As the ship’s Executive Officer, LCdr Arthur says, “Better every day, Vancouver. Better every day.” It is difficult to contain my excitement when I speak of all the adventures I took part on with the ship. I can...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A naval officer has launched a unique fundraiser that educates participants from around the world about Canadian Indigenous issues, culture, and art. Lt(N) Kassandra O’Rourke and their wife Eleni O’Rourke founded Tortoise Tasks last year through their charitable small business Kaskata Key. Tortoise Tasks is an initiative they set up with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaigns at CFB Esquimalt, Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Pacific in Vancouver, and bases nation-wide as people can participate from any community. Once registered in the program, participants select from 215 tasks – ranging from activities, adventures, and even quests, all with an Indigenous and environmental theme.  “Tortoise Tasks can involve anything from adventure, learning, tranquility, or curiosity into Aboriginal culture and life,” says Lt(N) O’Rourke. “They can range from cleaning up a public park or beach, participating in a smudging ceremony, buying rechargeable batteries, or visiting a totem pole.” The 215 tasks were chosen to honour the number of children whose remains were discovered buried at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Lt(N) O’Rourke’s mother is a member of the Skatin Nations. Their biological grandmother Leona August, whom they never knew, went to a residential school and died before the age of 20. The unfolding residential school tragedy has become a watershed moment in education and understanding about Indigenous people for many Canadians, they say. “I have a lot of friends and co-workers who express their shame for not knowing more about our [Indigenous] histories and wanting to know how they could help when it came to Indigenous issues.” Monies raised through Tortoise Tasks will support projects to establish clean drinking water on reserves, opportunities for Indigenous youth, and organizations that support people impacted by the trauma of residential schools. Cost to...

[caption id="attachment_29106" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, Dr. Bonnie Henry addresses the WWRBC team and guests at the Langford Legion. Photo by John W. Penner/John’s Photography[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — With 800 kilometres travelled by foot, the Wounded Warriors relay team took their final steps March 6 into Market Square. The moment marked the eight runners eight-day journey across Vancouver Island to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider for military veterans and first responders. Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander; Chief Del Manak, Victoria Police Chief; and Saanich Deputy Chief Dean Duthie ran with them to the finish line. “It was incredible to be able to reconnect with so many people in all of the communities we stopped in previous years,” says Race Director, Captain Jacqueline Zweng. “There was even more support and encouragement than ever, I think because everyone felt the squeeze of mental health over the past two years of the pandemic and people just related that much more to what we are trying to do.” Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Provincial Health Officer, was one of many individuals compelled by the cause. She donned a red track suit and ran alongside the team through the streets of Langford to show her support. Runner Matt Carlson from Personnel Support Programs was most impressed with the patriotic show of support for the team when they ran past Naden. CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue members hoisted a giant Canadian Flag over the roadway from the top of their hook and ladder trucks with the firefighters cheering them on as they passed by alongside Military Police vehicles. “It was pretty awesome to see base firefighters out to cheer us on and to run underneath the flag as we made our way downtown,”...

HMCS Vancouver — The road to high readiness is both exciting and challenging, just ask the crew of HMCS Vancouver.  Vancouver just finished their Intermediate Multi-Ship Readiness Training (IMSRT) programme with Sea Training (Pacific) and went straight into exercising with the United States Navy Submarine Commander Course off the coast of Hawaii. Throughout Readiness Training the crew was assessed by Sea Training on the full range of operational capabilities.  “It was difficult at times, but ultimately it was a hugely beneficial experience,” says SLt Christopher McFarlane, bridge watchkeeper. Vancouver’s crew were tested on their ability to respond to a person overboard, search and rescue taskings, fires, and floods. Other capabilities tested included the Naval Boarding Party, the ship’s towing ability, and helicopter operations.  Readiness Training concluded with a 48-hour combat scenario.  “Those final 48 hours were intense,” says SLt McFarlane.  “We were bringing the ship to action stations multiple times a day, trying to defend ourselves against simulated surface, subsurface, and aerial threats. Sea Training aimed to make the exercise as realistic as possible. As the ship sustained simulated battle damage, areas in the ship would be placed out of bounds – some for the entire two-day period and always requiring the crew to adjust in order to maintain effectiveness. If you became a casualty, you were stuck with your simulated injury until the end of the programme.”  Despite the difficulty of the training programme, Vancouver’s crew came out strong, impressing Sea Training with their ability to adapt and overcome challenges that were thrown their way.  Ultimately, Vancouver got the green light for having passed its Readiness Training from the Canadian Fleet Pacific Commodore and Sea Training.  This was another step towards high readiness status as the ship and crew prepare for an operational deployment later in the year.  The crew of Vancouver – or the Battle Cats as they like to call themselves after the ship’s gun art - a Cougar pouncing on a Second World War U-boat- weren’t...

[caption id="attachment_29077" align="aligncenter" width="595"] The International Space Station backdropped by Earth's horizon and the blackness of space 2010.Getty Images.[/caption] DND — As space becomes increasingly congested, contested, and competitive, close cooperation with allies and partners is critical to ensuring the peaceful use of space now and in the future. This is why in 2014 Canada joined the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand in forming the Combined Space Operations initiative. In 2019 and 2020, Combined Space Operations welcomed France and Germany, respectively. Combined Space Operations is a key forum for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces to discuss space issues with allies. It enables enhanced cooperation on military space activities, improved resilience of space systems, and optimized resources across participating nations.  On Feb. 22, Canada and its Combined Space Operations allies released Combined Space Operations Vision 2031.  This document articulates the group’s mission, illustrates its shared guiding principles, and affirms the joint objectives that guide participants’ national and collective actions. Vision 2031 confirms Combined Space Operations’ commitment to protect and defend against hostile activities in space, and to exhibit leadership in space through responsible behaviour and adherence to international law. To view Vision 2031, and to learn more about how allied collaboration in space will help ensure the domain remains safe, secure, and accessible to all, read Combined Space Operations Vision 2031: https://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/space/combined-space-operations/vision-2031.page

[caption id="attachment_29068" align="aligncenter" width="595"] World famous mixed martial arts champion George St-Pierre.[/caption] Peter MallettStaff Writer — World famous mixed martial arts champion George St-Pierre has come aboard as a presenter in a two-day online inspirational symposium for teenagers of military families. The Ultimate Fighting Champion and motivational speaker from Saint-Isidore, Que., will be among four keynote speakers at the Virtual Teen Conference entitled Level Up, held March 19 and 26. Level Up is organized by the national Personnel Support Programs (PSP) and registration for the event is free through the website CAF Connection.ca/levelup. “In the past two years the world has changed and we have reinvented the ways we live, the ways we learn, and the ways we work,” says Ryan Cane, Senior Manager PSP Recreation Program and Community Services. “Level Up is a virtual experience designed to connect, inspire, and help teens become their own champions.” Level Up participants will have the opportunity to discover new passions, voice their concerns, and take action through breakout sessions held throughout the two days, says Cane. Each symposium will last approximately four hours, starting at 8:45 a.m. (Pacific). The March 19 symposium is entitled Mental Health and Resiliency and March 26 Make Your Own Path. Cane says teens will draw inspiration from St-Pierre and the three other guest speakers: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Peter Katz, and Olympian Cassie Sharp. St-Pierre, 40, overcame a difficult childhood and schoolyard bullies. Today, he is considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of Mixed Martial Arts. He retired as reigning Welterweight Champion in 2013. He is also the author of New York Times bestseller The Way to Fight, which shares lessons learned in his rise to the top of the highly dangerous contact sport. Also following his retirement he founded the GSP Foundation that aims to reduce bullying and encourage youth participation in sports. Hanley-Dafoe, an award-winning psychology and education instructor, specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness. JUNO Award and Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_29063" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter, HMCS Ottawa Weapons Engineering Technician S1 Syl Pike.Photo credit MARPAC Imaging[/caption] Peter MallettStaff Writer — Getting called into the Coxswain’s office can be a heart-stopping moment for a non-commissioned sailor. But for S1 Syl Pike, his meeting with CPO1 Steve Sheffar on board HMCS Ottawa turned his thumping heart into one of excitement. “The Chief called me into his office in a manner that didn’t seem positive; he kept me waiting outside for a few minutes and was a little gruff in handing me the phone,” recalls S1 Pike. “After initially thinking something was terribly wrong, I was stunned to find out I was being presented with an award by the Fleet Commander and Chief.” The 46-year-old Weapons Engineering Technician was informed he was the Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Quarter. In the coming weeks, he will be officially presented a certificate and commander’s coin. He has already received one prize for his win, a parking spot in front of MARPAC headquarters. “From what I have heard, it was my hard work in the department, innovation, positive attitude, and team vision that played a role in why I was chosen.” He brought an event called Meditation Monday’s into practice on board the ship. It offers the crew weekly meditation practices to assist with mental health. He’s also a singer and songwriter and is forming a Ship’s Band Committee to ensure musical instruments are available for the crew while on deployment. “This keeps morale much higher during long trips where the crew has a creative outlet different from the usual sports and games,” he says. “Both music and meditation have been important factors in my life’s balance.” Canadian Fleet Pacific recognizes junior sailors who perform their duties above and beyond the high standard demanded of them on a quarterly basis. The award celebrates their military service in a positive and meaningful way, and considers their professionalism, dress and deportment,...

[caption id="attachment_29059" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant(N) Warner Moczulski, Navigating Officer, takes a bearing during pilotage navigation through Seymour Narrows, B.C. Photo by Lieutenant (N) Pamela Hogan[/caption] Lt(N) Pamela Hogan HMCS Brandon — HMCS Brandon is participating in the United States Arctic-collective Exercise Arctic Edge 2022 in the Alaskan Command area of responsibility until March 11. The biannual exercise helps sharpen Canadian-U.S. interoperability and sharing of cold-weather warfare expertise in the Arctic. Inaugurated in 2018, the exer­cise is carried out in multiple venues across the Alaskan area of responsibility and runs concurrently to related Arctic exercises from late February until mid-March, with approximately 1,000 participants. It is sponsored by North American Aerospace Defence and United States Northern Command and planned and delivered by United States Alaskan Command. Canadian Armed Forces units from the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force participate. For this third iteration of Exercise Arctic Edge, Brandon is the first and only Royal Canadian Navy vessel participating in the naval vignette. The team aboard the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel is exercising Arctic warfare interoperability coordinated by the United States Navy Mine Countermeasures Group Three, which simulates cold weather mine-countermeasure activities. The embarked navy Seabed Intervention Systems team launches a Remote Environment Measuring Unit (REMUS) 100 to scan the area for mock underwater mines laid by Mine Countermeasures Group Three.  To identify the scanned objects, the team evaluates the acoustic profile graphic of the undersea surface produced by the REMUS 100, and identifies any underwater mines in the image that require intervention by the embarked Clearance Diver team from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific). The dive team deploys to either render safe or dispose of potential underwater mines, which Brandon returns to their U.S. counterparts in Juneau, Alaska, before returning to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in mid-March. [caption id="attachment_29055" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor First Class Aaron Speare prepares to dive during a dive exercise in Perrin Anchorage, B.C.Photo by Lieutenant (N) Pamela Hogan[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_29044" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Esquimalt Senior Tritons celebrate PO2 Pat McKernan’s (centre) game-tying goal in the third period of Game 2 of their exhibition series against Comox. The Tritons won 2-1 in overtime for a series sweep.Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Esquimalt Tritons hockey teams have returned to the ice on a winning note with a pair of victories over 19 Wing Comox. The Esquimalt Tritons Senior Men’s won a tie-breaking Game 3 in their three-game series against the Silver Totems, with a 2-1 overtime win on Feb. 24. Later that afternoon, the Tritons Men’s team completed a series sweep of their RCAF rivals with a 5-4 overtime victory. A/SLt Cameron Lamport scored a hat trick for the Men’s, erasing a 3-1 Comox third period lead in Game 2. Comox looked like they had pushed their series to a Game 3 tie-breaker after taking a 4-3 lead with 2:15 remaining in the third period. But then a snap shot by PO1 Curtis Gillies with just 12 seconds remaining tied the game and sent it to overtime. S3 Brady Hillock then cemented the series sweep for Tritons Men’s after scoring the winner less than a minute into overtime. He collected a pass from A/SLt Lamport and scored with a well-placed backhand under the crossbar to win the game and series for Esquimalt. “The team was pumped,” says PO1 Gillies. “Everyone jumped the boards to congratulate Hillcock and Lamport.” In Game 2, Tritons Senior Men’s PO2 Pat McKernan scored a tying goal with 5:39 remaining in the third period. Then, CPO2 Robert Tibbetts and WO Frank McCafferty assisted on PO1 Glen Thompson’s overtime winner for the series victory.  “Game three was a tightly fought war of attrition with great end-to-end action,” says CPO2 Tibbetts. All three players involved in the Tritons Senior final goal had been doing double duty as members of the Tritons Men’s team as well. The Canadian Forces National Sports championship series have been...

[caption id="attachment_29035" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Janet Austin, His Honour Ashely Chester and Vice-Regal Canine Consort, MacDuff (centre) pose with Honorary Aides de Camp of British Columbia during a dinner in their honour at Government House in January 2020. Credit: Government House[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) is seeking nominations for Honorary Aide de Camp (HADC) to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Nominees should be serving officers at the rank of Lt(N), LCdr, or Cdr. Deadline for candidate nominations from all local units was recently extended to March 15. An HADC is the uniformed officer who accompanies the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Janet Austin at official events and engagements. The HADC also performs other duties as directed by the Lieutenant Governor, her Private Secretary, or designate. These include assisting with details of the Lieutenant Governor’s official engagements; representing her on specific occasions; and serving as a liaison between Government House and the area for which they are appointed. Nominees should be prepared for a minimum commitment of two events per month and a minimum one year assignment. LCdr Melissa Desjardins has been serving as HADC since August 2019. She currently works as the Senior Staff Officer Strategic Outreach (Western Canada) with the Royal Canadian Navy. She was nominated for the position by her colleague and supervisor. “I would say the main qualities required for the HADC nomination are for candidates to be: outgoing, have good interpersonal and communication skills, organizational and multi-tasking skills, and time management skills. Nominees should also have the ability to deal with situations with tact, be flexible, and have the adaptability to work with changes to an event or engagement.” Even though there is no financial compensation for their duties, LCdr Desjardins rates the...

[caption id="attachment_29028" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Cmdre Dave Mazur (left), Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Cdr Mark O’Donohue, ship’s commanding officer, congratulate SLt Travis Verbeek on his Command Commendation aboard HMCS Calgary during a port visit in Hawaii. Photo Courtesy HMCS Calgary[/caption] Peter Mallett Staff Writer — A ship’s diving officer has been recognized with a prestigious Command Commendation for saving the life of a shipmate. SLt Travis Verbeek, a Naval Warfare Officer in HMCS Calgary, was conducting underwater salvage operations on Oct. 2, 2019, in Esquimalt harbour when he noticed his dive partner lying motionless on the seabed. His diver training immediately kicked in. He initiated the Unconscious Diver Emergency Drill and was able to return the stricken diver safely to the surface without risking further injury. His life-saving efforts were recognized in an official certificate signed by Gen Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Acting Sub-Lieutenant Verbeek’s professionalism and decisive actions saved the life of his partner,” wrote Gen Eyre. He received the commendation while Calgary was alongside in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on its current deployment. The commendation was presented to him by Commodore Dave Mazur, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific., during a medal presentation the for ship’s company for their previous deployment during which they set many records for drug busts. The incident At the time of the incident, SLt Verbeek was posted to Fleet Diving Unit Pacific to undergo ship’s diver on-the-job training. He and his dive partner were diving to depths of 15 metres to move underwater welding tables to a new location. The two divers were making a series of individual ascents and descents to bring their tools and equipment back to the surface. While performing these tasks the divers were separated for approximately 30 seconds. That’s when SLt Verbeek found his dive partner face down on the sea floor and motionless. “At that moment my initial reaction was to take positive control of him, assess if he was okay and why he wasn’t moving, and...