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[caption id="attachment_21492" align="alignnone" width="592"] A sign at building N20 marks the offices and archives of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. The building was recently designated as an Historic Place by the Province of British Columbia. Between 1973 and 1984, the red brick building was used as a French-language school and previously served as a residence for admirals and base commanders in the early portion of the 20th century. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The red-bricked office building for the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum has been designated a Historic Place by the Province of British Columbia.Naden building number 20 currently houses the archives for the base museum, but 35 years ago it served a much different purpose. Between 1973 and 1984, Cabin No. 20 was known to our Francophone community as “la petite école rouge” or “Little Red Schoolhouse” in English. Back then, the building was an elementary school for up to 80 French-speaking students each year. It had a staff of four teachers who offered instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 6. In October 1977 the school was officially named École Victor G Brodeur for the former Rear-Admiral who commanded the Pacific Fleet during the Second World War and used the building as his residence between 1932 and 1933. The building was designed by architect John Teague (1833-1902) to serve as a house for the Admiral, and in later years was also used as residence for Base Commanders. In 1985 the little red schoolhouse was deemed too tiny a building to satisfy the demand from the Francophone community and operations were moved off-site to Harborview School. Earlier this year, building N20 was named to the B.C. Register of Historic Places because of its cultural legacy and importance in the province’s history.The announcement came by decree...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Military parents in need of a tutor for their child need only look as far as the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).In collaboration with Rogers Hometown Hockey, the MFRC now offers Community Education Grants for tutoring children 12 years old and older during the upcoming school year.Application forms are currently available at both the Colwood and Esquimalt centres.Kelly Aucoin, MFRC Children’s Services Coordinator, says funding from Rogers Hometown Hockey was donated to the MFRC specifically to assist children of military members to better prepare for post-secondary education. “As a non-profit, charitable organization we welcome grants to support our operations,” said Aucoin. “We were delighted to see this funding for the MFRC and we know it is going to help fulfill a great need in Esquimalt’s military community.”The Community Education Grant is being offered for this school year only. It is being funded by a $15,000 donation to the MFRC from Rogers Communications through Support Our Troops, which raised proceeds from the Rogers Hometown Hockey event held at CFB Esquimalt in February. As part of the new program, the MFRC will hold regular Homework Support Groups for children attending classes this year in Grades 6 through 12 at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC). Application forms for the Community Education Grant are also available online at https://esquimaltmfrc.com.  Completed application forms will be reviewed by the MFRC’s Child and Youth Development Parenting Support Committee before reimbursements can be approved.

[caption id="attachment_21485" align="alignnone" width="593"] Capt(N) Sam Sader, Base Commander, and Matt Waterman, Navy League of Canada President, present Deborah Walker with a National Presidents’ Appreciation Award during a ceremony at the Wardroom, Aug. 23. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A nurse from the base hospital has been recognized by the Navy League of Canada for her quick thinking in providing emergency medical assistance to a Canadian Armed Forces member. Deborah Walker, a Primary Care nurse with Canadian Forces Health Services Pacific’s Integrated Health Team 3, was recognized for her off-duty medical support at this year’s annual general meeting of the Navy League of Canada in Ottawa in April. A woman that required assistance was taking part in the awards ceremony at the Bytown Mess when she fell to the ground. Walker immediately emerged from the crowd to assist. In an Aug. 23 meeting of the Navy League of Canada at Esquimalt’s Wardroom, Walker was recognized for her efforts with a National Presidents’ Appreciation Award. Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Sam Sader, and Navy League of Canada President Matt Waterman presented the award. Capt(N) Sader described Walker’s efforts as a “tremendous example of the selflessness and dedication” of employees at the base who truly live up to the motto of CFB Esquimalt ‘Portare per Omnia’ or ‘Support for All.’“We could not fulfill this, our mission, without individuals such as Deborah Walker who, in ordinary situations, rise to become extraordinary individuals,” said Capt(N) Sader. Walker was attending the April meeting with her husband Dave Yates, who is a member and past President of the Navy League. Walker didn’t realize the individual had fainted until her husband pointed it out.   “Dave and I were watching the presentations and I couldn’t see very well from our seats because I am short,” said Walker....

[caption id="attachment_21482" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by SLt Yeojin Kim, HMCS Calgary[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~High speed turns, fighting fires, the Royal Canadian Navy mascot Sonar, a Cyclone buzzing past and ice cream, could you ask for more? HMCS Calgary pulled all the stops last weekend to show girls and women from Achieve Anything Foundation’s Operation This is You, and a host of VIPs from the City of Vancouver, everything that the navy has to offer.“Sails like this are about awareness, about why a navy is important, about why Canada is a maritime nation, but most importantly about why the sailors you meet today love their job, love their country, love what they do,” said Cdr Jonathan Kouwenberg, Commanding Officer of Calgary. The ship departed North Vancouver early Saturday morning and headed for Howe Sound as the nearly 200 guests were split into smaller groups to explore all aspects of life at sea. On the flight deck, guests donned bunker gear and watched mock firefighting hot door procedures.In the hangar, members of the ship’s Naval Boarding Party fielded questions in full gear, while other groups were shown the ship’s multiple weapons systems on the upper decks, or the engineering compartments below deck.Sonar made a quick appearance to dispense high fives to children and help in some of the tour displays.After lunch and some ice cream, guests were treated to a Cyclone helicopter from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron demonstrating its aerial prowess, followed by Calgary performing a man overboard exercise to highlight the warship’s maneuverability.Throughout it all, the ship’s program was narrated by one voice, that of Lt(N) Samantha Bayne, Calgary’s Underwater Warfare Officer.“It was a great experience being the voice of Calgary,” said Lt(N) Bayne. “Getting to showcase what we do in the navy, especially for the ‘This is you’...

[caption id="attachment_21477" align="alignnone" width="593"] File photo from 2018[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~You’ve seen them sailing off the Dallas Road waterfront.You’ve read about their deployments and successful operations. Now, in two weeks’ time, you can go inside a Royal Canadian Navy warship, submarine, and training vessel at CFB Esquimalt’s largest outreach event of the year – Defence on the Dock.This glimpse into the Canadian military takes place at Ogden Point, the downtown cruise ship terminal, on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it’s free.Tours are available in HMCS Winnipeg, HMCS Edmonton and Orca-class training vessel Renard 58. Plus, attendees can win a coveted tour of Victoria-class submarine HMCS Chicoutimi. Watch CFB Esquimalt’s Facebook page for your chance to win.From the air force, the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron will perform a search and rescue demonstration in the harbour. From the army, artillery, tanks and weaponry from 39 Service Battalion will be on display, as well as a mobile field hospital tent from the army medical unit 11 Field Ambulance.The base will showcase its own emergency services with vehicles and interactive displays from their fire and rescue and military police units. Plus, some of the unique support services housed at the base will be on display, showing their work and the many careers opportunities available to civilians. “Defence on the Dock is about bringing CFB Esquimalt to our community,” said Captain (Navy) Sam Sader, Base Commander. “This event is a great opportunity to strengthen ties with our neighbours while providing a glimpse into life here on the base and showcasing the talent within our Defence Team.” The Canadian Armed Forces is more than just the tools to do the job. At the heart of the military are its people. This year the Base Commander has...

[caption id="attachment_21459" align="alignnone" width="593"] Vice-Admiral Haydn Edmundson, Acting Commander, Military Personnel Command, with the Special Service Medal he struck during a recent tour of the Royal Canadian Mint.[/caption]Courtesy Maple Leaf ~Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Haydn Edmundson, Acting Commander Military Personnel Command (A/CMPC), accepted an opportunity to put his own stamp on things at the Royal Canadian Mint.After receiving precise instructions, the newly minted Vice-Admiral activated the hydraulic press and produced a Special Service Medal. This “striking” performance took place during a recent visit to the historic facility at 320 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, where VAdm Edmundson was guided through the painstaking process required to produce medals at a consistent level of quality required for Canadian military honours and awards.The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the many steps required to transform an intricate design into a medal. Since 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint has been manufacturing the bulk of the medals and other forms of recognition—such as bars, medallions, and Memorial Crosses—presented to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and employees of the Department of National Defence. The vast majority of the more than 16,000 medals issued by the Directorate of Honours and Recognition in 2018 were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and then shipped across Canada to units for locally organized presentations.As a gesture of thanks and appreciation, VAdm Edmundson presented the MPC Commander’s Coin to Eric Jodouin in appreciation of the Royal Canadian Mint’s steadfast support to the CAF.“What the Mint has enabled us to do is to present medals to those who have earned it while they’re still deployed, in the field,” explained VAdm Edmundson during the presentation. “There is a lot more meaning for our CAF members when they receive recognition in the theatre alongside their sisters and brothers in arms.”Timely presentation of honours and awards has...

[caption id="attachment_21454" align="alignnone" width="590"] Leading Seaman Desi Cozier[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Following what he describes as an “unforgettable” Warrior Games experience, a Royal Canadian Navy Combat Systems Engineer is helping others with a generous act of chivalry.Leading Seaman Desi Cozier has come to the assistance of the Gallant Knights Charity Sports Association, a newly created non-profit to help injured veterans and current-serving military pay for sporting goods and equipment. Gallant Knights is organizing its first annual 2019 Soldier On Motorcycle Ride and Classic Car Rally. The event will be held in 36 different regional routes in Ontario on Sept. 21 and 28. LS Cozier is selling raffle tickets for the event and hoping Victoria’s defence community will support this initiative. “Now that I have completed my Warrior Games experience, I wanted to help others and give them same healing I enjoyed while at the same time spreading the word about the Soldier On program,” said LS Cozier. “Right now, I have established and organized a meeting with Victoria’s Mayor Helps office to assist with reaching out to community groups as well as MLAs. I’m reaching out to friends, family, CFB Esquimalt, social media and local businesses to buy tickets or help boost our sales in any way they can.”He hopes some of the lucrative prizes in the raffle will catch the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts across the country. Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has offered several prizes including an early bird prize of a $2,500 cash credit to be used at its officially licensed motorcycle dealerships, a 2019 Triumph Speedmaster motorcycle, and a 2019 Harley-Davidson Street 750. LS Cozier was among 39 athletes who represented Canada at the United States’ Department of Defence Warrior Games in Tampa June 21 to June 30. The Department of National Defence’s Soldier On program organizes Canada’s Warrior...

[caption id="attachment_21451" align="alignnone" width="593"] Members of the Naden Grappling Club pose for a group photo during a recent training session at the Naden Athletic Centre.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two navy grapplers are readying members of the newly formed Naden Grappling Team for national competition.MS Lee Thibault, a four-time national military combatives grappling champion and Greco-Roman wrestler, and OS Connor Sher, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu player and bronze medalist at this year’s national championships in Petawawa, are training military members in the discipline of submission wrestling, a unique martial art that borrows techniques from wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo in order to control and ultimately subdue an opponent.The team was founded by OS Sher this past winter as a way to get fellow sailors interested in grappling, the most important aspect of hand-to-hand combat. “Being a proficient, confident grappler is one of the most important things we can learn as a functioning member of the military,” says OS Sher. “Understanding how the human body works regarding its structural base, balance, leverage points and vulnerable areas is invaluable. When it comes to our military duties, being able to confidently de-escalate a situation with the least amount of force possible is always going to be priority number one. Whether it’s controlling an aggressive civilian or detainee overseas or an active aggressor in a naval boarding scenario, its importance cannot be understated.” MS Thibault’s enthusiasm for grappling is also infectious, his optimism unparalleled.“There are so many wrestlers, grapplers and mixed martial artists at the base who compete at their own private clubs, but what OS Sher and I are hoping to do is bring them together to train and fight under one banner.”Grappling teams have sprung up at other bases including CFB Edmonton, CFB Petawawa, CFB Gagetown and 12 Wing Shearwater. The Naden Grappling Team has...

[caption id="attachment_21445" align="alignnone" width="592"] Left: National Order of the Legion of Honour - France. Right: Ambassador for Peace Medal – Republic of Korea[/caption]Dear Editor,I would like to inform your readers about two very special medals that are available for our veterans. These are the National Order of the Legion of Honour from France and the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea.Our veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War have both fought hard and made tremendous sacrifices and they have both won the greatest level of respect and thanks we can give them. The Government of France is awarding their highest medal to all living Canadian veterans who directly helped to liberate their country between June 6 and Aug. 30, 1944. The Republic of Korea is presenting its Ambassador for Peace Medal to all Canadian Veterans who participated in the Korean War and its peace keeping operations between 1950 and 1955. Living veterans or the families of veterans who have passed away may be eligible to receive this special medal from Korea. If you are a veteran, or know someone who might be eligible for one of these important medals, please contact me. I am an unofficial volunteer who is willing to help you with your application. There is no fee involved.For more information please contact Mr. Guy Black C/O 515 - 95 Moody Street, Port Moody, BC V3H0H2 or email Korea19501953@yahoo.com and include the subject Veterans Medals.Thank you,Guy Black Recipient, Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

[caption id="attachment_21442" align="alignnone" width="593"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The crew of HMCS Regina returned to Esquimalt after a six-and-a-half month deployment in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. A large gathering of family, friends and military personnel waved, cheered and flashed homemade signs, flags, banners and balloons as Regina came alongside C2 Jetty in Dockyard on Aug. 19 after 193 days at sea. It was busy deployment for the Halifax-class frigate and its crew. Regina departed Esquimalt on Feb. 6 where it worked with other navies to enhance military cooperation and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific as part of Operation Projection. It then sailed to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and participated in Operation Artemis in support of a combined naval task force of 33 partner nations to deter terrorist organizations from using the high seas for smuggling. Regina also participated in Operation Neon, Canada’s contribution to supporting United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. “I am so impressed with the crew of HMCS Regina who represented the Royal Canadian Navy’s spectrum of tasks across the globe throughout this deployment,” said Commander Jacob French, ship’s commanding officer. “It’s a proud day for me seeing my crew reunited with their families after all they’ve accomplished.”The deployments also marked the first embarked CH-148 Cyclone detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, which Cdr French described as “an absolute bonus” and effective at conducting surveillance and searching out vessels of interest. The Cyclone was introduced on the Pacific coast at the start of 2019 as a replacement for the CH-124 Sea King. A Naval Boarding Party from the Naval Tactical Operations Group also embarked Regina for Artemis, assisting in four separate drug busts during the deployment.Regina also made several port visits during its time away including stops in Guam,...

[caption id="attachment_21438" align="alignnone" width="593"] MS Jeffrey Haines of HMCS Regina presents a cheque for $9,412 to representatives from Canadian Tire’s charity Jumpstart on Aug. 19 in Dockyard. MS Haines raised the money by performing hundreds of haircuts during his ship’s six-and-a-half month deployment.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~After a lengthy deployment, HMCS Regina sailors disembarking off the ship last week were some of the most well-groomed sailors in the Royal Canadian Navy. Their expertly cropped crew cuts and neatly trimmed bangs were the work of Master Seaman Jeffrey Haines in his makeshift barbershop ‘Greasy Clippers’. For the past six-and-a-half months, the 34-year-old Marine Engineering Technician has been the ship’s unofficial coiffeur performing his cuts from a corner of the ship’s Stoker Shop, all in support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, a national charity dedicated to helping kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and play.While most of the ship’s company were reunited with their loved ones, MS Haines walked down the brow with an oversized cheque for $9,412, which he presented to Katlyn Soanes, Regional Manager, Pacific for Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.“Jumpstart is thrilled to accept this generous donation from Master Seaman Haines,” she said. “We are very grateful for his fundraising efforts and for the support of all of our donors coast-to-coast who help get kids of all abilities off the sidelines and into the game.”Ryan Cane, Senior Manager of Military Recreation and Community Services for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), also applauded MS Haines for his “wonderful” efforts that will help support the children of military families in Esquimalt.  Cane noted that Personnel Support Programs (PSP) has also partnered with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to provide financial assistance to families with children ages four to 18 in accessing programs and equipment. Last year, $34,000 of support from Jumpstart...

[caption id="attachment_21434" align="alignnone" width="593"] Members of the Pineda and Scott family move groceries into their hotel room in Langford. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two military veterans and their families were displaced last week when a fire gutted their Langford home.The six-bedroom, three-story house located on Bear Mountain is owned by Master Corporal (Retired) Elder Pineda, a veteran who did two tours in Afghanistan, and his wife Catherine, a paediatric nurse at Victoria General Hospital. The couple resided there for three years with their two children, their service dog Lincoln, and Catherine’s mother Diana and father Warrant Officer (Retired) Darren Scott, who occupied a ground floor in-law suite. “We are still in a state of shock, have lost most of our personal belongings, but are very grateful and blessed that everyone is still alive, that’s the important thing,” said Elder Pineda. The fire broke out at approximately 1 a.m. on Aug. 18 while the family was sleeping. Pineda was the first to awake to the smoke alarms and his first concern was making sure everyone got out. A neighbour called 911 while the men tried unsuccessfully to control the blaze with a garden hose before it engulfed the upper floors, which were destroyed in the blaze. The ground floor was spared but sustained extensive smoke and water damage. “No matter how hard we tried to fight the flames back it wasn’t enough and there was nothing we could do,” said Darren Scott, who works at Rocky Point Ammunition Depot as a civilian after a 30-year military career.Pineda is in the final year of studies for his masters degree in communications at Royal Roads University. His final thesis project was stored on his computer, which was lost in the blaze. His graduation from the program has been pushed forward to 2020. At press time, the cause of the blaze was was still being investigated.Scott was able to retrieve some of his late father-in-law’s service medals, but all of...

[caption id="attachment_21424" align="alignnone" width="592"] After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2017, Lt(N) Dale Molenaar used an exercise routine to regain strength and confidence. Photo by Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2017 and suffering his first relapse from the neurological disease, Lt(N) Dale Molenaar found himself in poor health. His symptoms started with numbness in his arms and legs, and progressed to include balance and vision issues.His diagnosis was closely followed by nine months of paternity leave, and by the time he returned to work at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott (FMF CS) in the fall of 2018, he knew he needed help.“Things weren’t going good. My balance and vision were still off and my confidence was totally shattered,” he said. “I didn’t trust myself walking down the street without a cane.”He sought out professional help from the resources available to him as a military member, starting with Occupational Therapist Amanda Campbell and Dr. Alex Swift at CF Health Services Centre Atlantic, who then referred Lt(N) Molenaar to the PSP Reconditioning Program. Targeted exercises got him moving again, and he was monitored to ensure measurable results were seen, including improvements to his balance, which began to restore confidence.Lt(N) Molenaar’s MS is the relapsing-remitting type, which means periods of remission offer a chance to build muscles and bounce back from setbacks that occur while symptomatic. Without hard work and motivation, however, that can be very difficult.“Exercise is very important for MS. Once I lose some sort of function, it’s tough to get it back. Going through rehab forced me to get exercising and go through some uncomfortable movements,” he said. “It wasn’t necessarily that I couldn’t do it, but I was scared to do it.”Thanks to his work in the gym and the...

[caption id="attachment_21421" align="alignnone" width="592"] CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith at Albert Head CTC on Vancouver Island. Photo by Captain Peter Fuerbringer, Public Affairs Officer, Albert Head CTC[/caption]Captain Peter Fuerbringer, AHCTC Public Affairs Officer ~CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith is almost embarrassed at the intimation that she’s a trailblazer of sorts, but after an hour listening to her remarkable life’s story, there really isn’t another way to describe her. Her ability to set big goals and simply stick with it until she succeeds is a character trait that has enabled her to accomplish many firsts throughout her 35-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces. CPO1 Graham-Smith grew up in Nova Scotia near Canadian Forces Base Greenwood. As a child she would see military people and male army cadets doing interesting things on the base, which at the time were unavailable to her as a girl. The only community programs open to her were Brownies and Girl Guides, which she joined as an outlet for our adventurous spirit. But in 1975 things changed. Girls were given the right to take part in the Cadet Program, and in that same year, she joined the local Air Cadet squadron and stepped off into what would lead to an extraordinary life. “I wanted to join cadets so badly because I knew they got to do really interesting things that weren’t available in other programs,” says CPO1 Graham-Smith, “So as soon as girls were allowed to join, I did, and never looked back.” She thoroughly enjoyed her cadet career, experiencing leadership, aviation, drill, orienteering and travel to other parts of Canada. “As a teenager, we got the opportunity to rebuild a glider during the winter and then fly it in the spring. What other 16 year old gets that opportunity? That to me is what made me so excited to go...

Courtesy Maple Leaf ~The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has issued direction and guidance in an update to the current tattoo policy for military members.The tattoo policy was updated to reflect the more mainstream acceptance by society for body art. The updated policy expands the eligibility of suitable applicants interested in joining the military. “As the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, I’m always observing who we are as a force and how well we are reflecting those we serve,” said Chief Warrant Officer Guimond. “Tattoos are more and more mainstream in Canada and that’s what this policy update is all about. Greater control over your personal appearance is good for the morale of our people and it helps us attract future members to our team. As part of the CAF leadership, I’m proud of how we are modernizing our work culture and we will continue to do so.”The new policy states that tattoos are now only prohibited on the face and the scalp. Members can request an accommodation if they have, or intend to have, cultural or religious-based tattoos on the face and scalp. Exceptions are also being made for cosmetic tattoos that are natural looking in shape and colour.Restrictions also include tattoos displaying any connection with criminal activity, nudity, or promoting or expressing hatred, violence, discrimination, or harassment on the grounds prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act.In order to be eligible for enrolment, recruits are subject to the same rules on tattoos as existing members. Any non-compliance with the policy can result in administrative and disciplinary measures.

[caption id="attachment_21414" align="alignnone" width="592"] Cpl Alex Millham of CFB Comox poses with Military Police National Motorcycle Relay mascot and social media sensation Ordinary Cadet Moira Stone during this year’s ride.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Motorcyclists across Canada are revving their engines and rocking down the highway this week in the final stages of a coast-to-coast motorcycle relay ride to benefit blind children.With bright blue skies overhead, the 11th annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay had their grand send-off from Work Point in Victoria on July 25. Local volunteer riders participated in the opening leg of a 10,000-kilometre road trip that is making stops in 19 different communities and military bases in an effort to raise money for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children (MPFBC).The relay concludes in St. John’s, Nfld. on Aug. 22.Lieutenant-Commander Todd Kennedy marked his second year volunteering for the Motorcycle Relay. He volunteered as Rendezvous Coordinator and was also one of 32 riders who participated in the opening leg from Victoria to the BC Ferries Terminal in Sidney. “People from all walks of life just want to help and be part of the process of helping out blind children,” said LCdr Kennedy. “This comes by first gaining awareness about their needs and then by donating their time and charitable nature to help make the future brighter for our youth.”That glimmer of light began in 1957 when late Canadian Army Provost Marshall, Colonel James Riley Stone founded the non-profit. His initiative came from the personal tragedy of the death of his daughter Moira Stone who became visually impaired following an eye cancer diagnosis.In the years following Moira’s death, Stone canvassed military police members and established a charitable organization that helps visually impaired children with financial assistance and support programs. Today the charity has branches at military bases across the...

[caption id="attachment_21411" align="alignnone" width="593"] Junior Canadian Ranger Wilbert Shisheesh of Lac Seul, Ont., offers Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group, Brigadier-General Dave Cochrane some blackberries during the permaculture workshop held on Aug. 14 at Ruckle Provincial Park on Saltspring Island. Photo by SLt Natasha Tersigni[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A select group of Junior Canadian Rangers from across the country converged on Salt Spring Island last week for outdoor adventure geared to enhance leadership skills.Western Canada’s 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group held this year’s annual National Leaders Enhance Training Session (NLETS) in the scenic Gulf Islands. The event hosted 35 Junior Canadian Rangers (JCRs) between the ages of 16 and 18 who travelled to Vancouver Island.The Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) are a community-led, army supported youth development program - one of the four programs of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support GroupMany of their members come from First Nations communities and are guided by members of the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (CRPG), a team of approximately 4,000 part-time reservists who act as the eyes and ears in remote isolated regions for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). They provide lightly equipped, self-sufficient mobile forces to support CAF national security and public safety operations in Canada. The CPRG often works closely with local detachments of the RCMP to assist in search and rescue (SAR) and forest fire management operations.Highly MotivatedBefore the JCR’s outdoor adventure began on Aug. 10, they were housed at Pearson College in Metchosin. For three days they participated in orientation and leadership training sessions under the guidance of Major Scott Macdonald, Officer Commanding the Junior Canadian Ranger Company, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.The Junior Rangers attending this year’s training session are a hand-picked and highly motivated group of youths, he says. They were nominated to...

[caption id="attachment_21408" align="alignnone" width="591"] Badge 1 (left): The Naval Boarding Party Basic Qualification badge is a silver shield bordered by gold trim three centimetres in height. A stylized naval compass is centred on the shield in the background with a gold fouled anchor centred on top of the compass. Badge 2 (right): The NTOQ badge is a black shield encased in gold trim three centimetres in height. A gold trident is centred in the background with a red maple leaf centred on the staff of the trident. Photos by DND[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The latest candidates of the Naval Boarding Party (NBP) Basic course at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) graduated Aug. 15 at a ceremony in Work Point. They were the first in the Royal Canadian Navy to receive the new Specialist Skill Badges for the NBP qualification.The new NBP badge is one of three new skill badges introduced by the navy in May to recognize the specialized skill sets of the NBP, the Naval Security Team (NST), and the Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG). All three badges consist of a shield, a traditional symbol of protection, and the NBP badge has a stylized naval compass and a fouled anchor.While addressing the 11 graduates, Lieutenant-Commander Danny O’Regan, Acting-Commandant of NFS(P), congratulated them for their achievement following the six weeks of physically and mentally demanding training.“Boardings are an important part of what the RCN does operationally during deployments around the globe and these new specialist skill badges are visible recognition that you have attained this significant qualification,” said LCdr O’Regan. “I hope you will wear them with pride as you take your new skills to your shipboard teams.”A recent CANFORGEN (CF General Order) stipulates that those receiving skill badges shall wear them centred above the left pocket, with production of cloth badges...

[caption id="attachment_21399" align="alignnone" width="592"] Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O’Regan inspects members of the Raven program during their graduation ceremony. Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]A/SLt Michelle Scott, MARPAC Public Affairs ~It was a day that will long be marked in the memory of the 40 graduating members of the Raven program. In a parade that included Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O’Regan as Reviewing officer, the ordinary seamans received their basic military qualification at Work Point on Aug. 13.The six-week Raven course is one of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Indigenous Summer Programs that aim to build bridges between Aboriginal communities and the military, and to raise awareness among Indigenous people of potential military or civilian careers with the CAF.The parade began with an Indigenous drumming circle performed by members of CFB Esquimalt’s Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group, followed by a sash ceremony that saw five Raven students receive Métis sashes to wear on parade.It was then that Raven student and Parade Platoon Commander OS Reed Eady marched his platoon out onto the parade square accompanied by the sounds of the Albert Head Air Cadet Band all to the delight of friends and family in attendance. Their drill sharp and well-practiced, the platoon waited on the parade square for the arrival of Minister O’Regan, the teepee erected off to the side serving as the perfect backdrop for the occasion. Minister O’Regan arrived shortly after to inspect the platoon and address the audience. In his speech he made mention that he had been looking forward to the day since he was sworn in as Minister of Indigenous Services, both in part due to his previous role as Minister of Veterans Affairs and his connection to the CAF through his brother who serves in the navy in Esquimalt. “That swell of pride that you feel...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A former sailor says a one-of-a-kind physiotherapy clinic now operating on the West Shore has been the perfect medicine for him, and others like him.Petty Officer Second Class (Retired) Sean Wieler had a 23-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He served aboard multiple warships in Canada’s navy and was deployed to Bosnia as a member of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in 1994 and 1995. Then, hip and neck injuries related to a workplace fall ended his military career.  He was also diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2010.After battling both mental and physical injuries for several years, he was introduced to Veterans Rehab and Performance in Langford earlier this year. The Rehab and Performance Reactivation Center opened in early 2019. Owned by Victoria’s Integrated Rehab Performance Ltd., the clinic operates out of a studio in a small three-unit plaza on Jacklin Road. Co-owners Steven Inglefield and Tawanda Asher Adaarewa say the clinic is the only facility dedicated exclusively to the recovery of injured veterans and first responders in the Province of British Columbia, and, to their knowledge, all of Canada.Weiler says he was uncertain Rehab and Performance could free him from the circle of depression and inactivity that had transformed him into a person he barely recognized, but he was enrolled and went through the process. The Reactivation Program has multiple components including education on the body’s pain system, graded physical activity, graded exposure to manual therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, and discharge planning assistance. Patients can spend two to five days a week at the clinic for approximately one to two hours a day, with the treatment program lasting between six and 12 weeks. Each program is specifically designed and geared towards an individual’s needs and personal recovery goals. “Our reactivation program takes a...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Four years ago, a friendly quip from a co-worker spurred Master Seaman Laura Allan to raise the bar on her fitness. While working in HMCS Victoria’s engine room on a repair, a fellow submariner commented on her impressive strength and said, “You should compete as a powerlifter.”She decided to test his idea by venturing to the gym weight room. Powerlifting is a strength sport and she quickly found she had a natural aptitude. “Today I am in the best shape of my life,” said the 34-year-old Marine Technician. Beyond elevating her fitness, she has stepped on to the IPL World Powerlifting stage and competed in multiple international events.She hired local strength and conditioning coach Stephen MacKinnon, who works mainly with elite athletes in different sports. In her most recent competition, May 18 in the Kabuki Strength Pacific Northwest Classic in Portland, she had an unbeatable combined score in squats, bench press, and deadlift. She finished top in the women’s 90kg category and went nine-for-nine on her lifts, finishing the day with a 202.5kg/446lb squat, 97.5kg/215lb bench press, 200kg/441lb deadlift, totalling 500kg/1,103lbs. Less than 48 hours later, she returned to Victoria and competed in the 2019 Highland Games Strongman competition at Topaz Park, finishing as the top female. She defeated her closest female opponent in three of five events, one of which she carried two 220lb weights in each hand a distance of 50 feet.“I am not an overly competitive person. I am more competitive against myself,” said MS Allan. “When someone else at an event scores a personal best I am the first one to congratulate and admire them for that success.”She’s sitting out at IPL Worlds 2019 to give her body a rest. Instead she’s heading there to coach a client and friend to compete Oct. 25 in...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~In a show of support for military families and the defence community, Babcock Canada has united with the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre for a special fundraising hockey game. On Sept. 4, 1 p.m., Babcock employees will face off against the CFB Esquimalt Senior Tritons at the Wurtele arena in a battle for the inaugural Victoria Class Cup. To fill the stands with spectators, the MFRC will serve up free hot dogs, pizza, and pop 45 minutes before the puck drop. Special commemorative items will be handed out prior to the game, and there will be a chance to win a door prize. “I am honoured to be working with the people at Babcock to create an exciting annual hockey game that supports our military community,” said Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement manager. Spectators should bring cash for the 50-50 draw and Chuck A Puck contest, with proceeds going to the MFRC. “We’re delighted to partner with the MFRC for this year’s Victoria Class Cup and thrilled to have become such an integral part of this navy community,” said Jake Jacobson, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations. Hockey mascots Marty the Marmot of the Victoria Royals (WHL) and Victoria Grizzlies’ Grizz (BCHL) will be attending the game, as will senior military leadership. For more information about the MFRC, the programs they offer, and other upcoming events visit their website: https://esquimaltmfrc.com

[caption id="attachment_21371" align="alignnone" width="593"] LCdr (Retired) Jeff Thomson, Base Administration Project Officer, shows one of CFB Esquimalt’s new solar powered strobe lights. These lights have been installed at specific locations around the base and are designed to ward off non-migratory geese. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Solar powered strobe lights have been introduced to five areas at the base in the ongoing effort to deter non-migratory Canada Geese and the accumulation of their feces.The quickly-flashing nighttime lights look similar to the lights on a police car roof or fire engine. They were first installed on a trial basis by Base Administration in February after complaints about nuisance geese nesting in front of the Formation Chaplain’s Office and the tracking of feces inside the building. The lights have proven to be an effective deterrent at warding off the geese, says LCdr (Retired) Jeff Thomson, Base Administration Project Officer. The lights were also introduced to protect the lawns and walkways in front of Nelles Block, the running track and volleyball court near the Naden Athletic Centre, the picnic area behind the Gun Room at Work Point, and the baseball fields on Colville Road. “The lights don’t affect people but are very annoying to geese because they have extremely sensitive eyes. So far, the lights have proven to be a very effective way of reducing the problem,” said Thomson. “It’s humane and environmentally friendly.”The six lights cost about $2,000. They emit a series of quick flashes every two seconds, similar to a strobe light and provide 360 degrees of coverage during nighttime hours. The lights are intended to disrupt nesting geese, says Thomson, making them uncertain about staying in the area.Thomson has been working closely with Formation Safety and Environment (FSE) who are monitoring the effectiveness of the lights in the...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~As family and friends waved their farewells from the Esquimalt Lagoon shore, HMCS Ottawa sailed away for a five-month deployment last Tuesday. Ship and crew are heading to the Asia-Pacific region to take over the ongoing Operation Projection and Operation Neon mission from HMCS Regina, which returns home in a week. Operation Projection is the Royal Canadian Navy’s ongoing commitment to global peace. The deployment to the Asia Pacific region contributes to making the world more secure and stable. It also shows how the RCN is ready to support Canada’s interests around the world. Operation Neon is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea.“The crew of HMCS Ottawa has been working hard for months to prepare for this deployment and I have every confidence in our ability to carry out our mission,” said Commander Alex Barlow, Ottawa’s commanding officer. “I would also like to acknowledge our families whose love and support gives us the strength we need to work hard to remain operationally effective and deploy to support Canada’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.”In a media scrum at Duntze Head, just after taking the salute from the ship, RAdm Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, spoke about the ship’s upcoming mission. “In order to have a persistent presence [in the Asia-Pacific region] we have been keeping our ships forward-deployed in the region,” he said. “Last year we had Calgary there; Regina has been in the region for the last six months and she’s now on her way back home; Ottawa is currently deployed, and early next year Calgary will be heading back there again.”Ottawa will work with navies from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to enhance military cooperation and partnerships. The...

Lt(N) Paul Goff, HMCS Halifax ~HMCS Halifax has broken its fundraising record for the Children’s Wish Foundation by raising $45,780 for the charity. This is the most money the ship’s sailors have raised for the charity since they started fundraising for it 16 years ago.The money was collected through online donations, fundraisers held on board Halifax, and through an eight-member team that participated in the annual Run For The Wish fundraiser from June 3 to 14. The team started their run in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and over a 10-day period travelled through Baddeck, Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish, Truro, Halifax, Wolfville, Windsor, Digby, and Yarmouth. During this period, each member ran 10 kilometres a day. As part of the Run, they were given a sponsor child named Cailum. He is a nine-year-old from Dartmouth, NS, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His wish is to go to Disneyland with his family. Each child’s wish costs approximately $10,000, so the sailors were able to grant Cailum’s wish and those of another three sick children. Currently in Nova Scotia, there are 88 sick children waiting for wishes. To donate go to online www.childrenswish.ca and to volunteer email NS@childrenswish.ca.

Courtesy Maple Leaf ~Canadian Armed Forces members who deployed on international naval operations between July 23, 2003, and Aug. 1, 2019, will receive a compensatory payment for allowances they were entitled to receive but did not. The allowances affected are two of the Environmental Allowances: Sea Duty (SDA) and Submarine (SUBA), and one Operation Allowance: Hardship (HA).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, SDA and SUBA were not included in the list of several environmental allowances that could not be received concurrently with HA because they essentially compensate for the same things. As an interim measure, directives were issued aimed at mitigating the error and restricted the receipt of these allowances to either HA or SDA/SUBA but not both. However, in hindsight, those directives did not have the required authorization.As the policy itself did not specifically prohibit receiving SDA or SUBA at the same time as HA, members who deployed on international naval operations from the time the policy was written until it is corrected are technically entitled to receive both. For those affected, a compensatory payment will be made so that they do, in fact, receive both.A team from Director Military Pay and Allowances Processing (DMPAP) will lead the initiative to ensure that all affected Canadian Armed Forces personnel, who will be identified by the Royal Canadian Navy, have compensatory payments calculated and paid out. This will also encompass affected personnel who have since released from the Canadian Armed Forces.The initial estimate of the number of individual deployments is upwards of 20,000 with an overall cost of...

SLt Wilson Ho, HMCS Winnipeg ~One hundred and fifty eager and excited young women stepped on board HMCS Winnipeg on Saturday July 27 at Burrard Street Pier in North Vancouver, for a first-hand experience in the life of a Canadian sailor. Winnipeg partnered with the Achieve Anything Foundation’s “This is You” program. The Achieve Anything Foundation organizes hands-on experiences by the Royal Canadian Navy and other agency/industrial partners that are improving gender diversity and equal opportunity in their workplaces.   The day’s events started with guided tours of the ship, including the operations room, bridge, and machinery control room, highlighting the various jobs on board the Halifax-Class frigate. In addition to tours, guests were able to try on equipment from the ship’s team divers and test their skills at firefighting. With clear skies and Howe Sound as the backdrop, crew and guests were treated to a flight deck luncheon. In the afternoon, Winnipeg demonstrated its manoeuverability, conducting full speed runs, crash stops, and high speed turns. Day sails are one of the many ways the Royal Canadian Navy connects with the public, showcasing what life at sea is like. Winnipeg is currently conducting trials, working up to deploy on the Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise and Operation Projection next year.

[caption id="attachment_21337" align="alignnone" width="592"] Ryan Yeomans works on a Kisbee ring in his Fleet Maintenance Facility work shop. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you’ve wondered who creates the decorative Kisbee rings that adorn Royal Canadian Navy warships and units of CFB Esquimalt, you aren’t alone says their maker. Craftsman Ryan Yeomans works his magic on those doughnut-shaped flotation devices from an art studio in Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton. For the past 12 years he has been the man responsible for transforming the safety rings into ceremonial display items. “They are the first thing you see when you cross the brow on a ship, but most sailors think they come from a warehouse and are made on an assembly line. They don’t realize how much work goes into creating these and that they are all done by hand.” It’s a complicated labour-intensive process involving continued attention to detail, says Yeomans. The lifebuoys are made of plastic, filled with foam and orange in colour when they come to his shop from manufacturer Aer-o-buoy. He removes the manufacture’s rope that covers their circumference. A thicker more attractive gage rope will be attached later by workers from the rope shop. He then washes the ring, sands it, and sprays an epoxy sealer and polyurethane finish before adding coats of navy blue and white paint. It can take up to two days for the paint job and layers of protective coating to dry. It is at this point Yeomans’ steady hands are showcased.He carefully outlines the ship or unit’s name on the blue ribbon he’s painted on the ring. Then he fills the letters with sizing glue, waits an hour for it to dry, and applies 23 carat gold leaf sheets. The sheen from the gold is what makes the letters pop and...

[caption id="attachment_21333" align="alignnone" width="592"] Clearance divers practice an all-around defensive posture with C8 carbine rifles in preparation for a multi-national training exercise with the U.S. Marines in Guam later this month. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Clearance Divers from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) are making final preparations for a multi-national training exercise in Guam.Eight personnel from the dive unit and two from Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) will head to the U.S. territory in August for Exercise Hydracrab. The 12-day exercise involves approximately 100 military personnel and is being hosted by the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five. Hydracrab also involves units of the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marines, two clearance diver teams from Australia, and one team from New Zealand. The purpose of the exercise is to give military personnel greater experience in improvised explosive device (IED) disposal near port and jetty facilities, and coordinating those efforts with other nations, says Lt(N) Sebastian Harper, FDU(P) Operations Officer. “It’s very important for us to know how to work with our allies and have a common procedural understanding before a conflict breaks out,” says Lt(N) Harper, who will be Officer in Tactical Command of the Canadian contingent. “It helps us find common ground and will make things more predictable when they need to rely on us in a real-life situation, and vice versa.”Fleet Diving Unit members will act as an IED support unit during the exercise. The team will be pushed to their limits, rendering safe IEDs in a high tempo semi-permissive maritime environment, says Lt(N) Harper. They will also assist specially trained boarding parties from the Marines to defuse IEDs during operations involving smuggling, interdiction, and other scenarios. Some of the biggest hurdles to overcome for multi-national training exercises such as these often occur well before boots...

[caption id="attachment_21325" align="alignnone" width="592"] Artist Derek Rickwood signs a print of his HMCS Calgary painting at the ship’s Cowboy Up fundraiser on May 11. He is joined by Lt(N) Sonja Maul-Wilson (left) of Canadian Fleet Pacific and Elida Ninami.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Nanaimo-based artist Derek Rickwood has a strong attachment to his first commissioned painting for the Canadian Armed Forces. When Rickwood began painting a rendering of HMCS Calgary in July 2018, he says the project was inspirational, but also tinged with sadness. With every brush stroke he thought of his father, Warrant Officer (Retired) Ralph ‘Randy’ Rickwood who died in 2008. “Painting this meant a lot to me because of my father and his own military service,” said Rickwood. “It wasn’t any ordinary commissioning to have worked on because this one involved an organization my father devoted his life to.”His dad wasn’t only a career soldier, he was also a talented artist who passed his love of painting to his son. Since 1986, Rickwood, 60, has done many commissioned paintings. The Calgary commissioned work was unveiled at Calgary’s Cowboy Up event in May to former Commanding Officer, Commander Blair Saltel. The 16” x 24” oil on canvas was a gift for him ahead of his June 3 Change of Command Ceremony. The painting will be hung in the cabin of current Calgary skipper, Commander Jonathan Kouwenberg.“This painting to me represents everyone who has served in Calgary over the years and the community it represents,” said Cdr Saltel.  “This likeness of a modernized frigate as a work of art, made by hand, really represents the reverence for tradition and the necessity for technical skills a modern navy requires for success.  People connected with the ship, either past or present crew, can look at something that is aesthetically pleasing, but also take solace that it is their ship on the wall being depicted and celebrated.” In the painting, Calgary is portrayed sailing past Fisgard Lighthouse in Esquimalt Harbour. Rickwood used a mixture of...