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[caption id="attachment_16517" align="alignnone" width="450"] Two of the five member team that won the CANEX Championship Gaming Series last year, Cpl Jeff Johnson and CPl Michael Ryer were presented with the trophy and first place prizes by Commodore Sean Cantelon, Director General Morale and Welfare Services; Captain(N) Chris Sutherland, Base Commander, CFB Halifax; Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, CWO Guy Pelleteir; and Larry Mohr, Senior VP of Commercial Services (CANEX and SISIP Financial), at the opening ceremony for the new CANEX and SISIP office at CFB Halifax Oct. 16, 2016. Team members not present were Jonathan Pulsifier, MCpl Terry Stafford and Cpl Mitch Talbot who helped take the first place title in the first ever CANEX gaming series.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Canada’s military store is once again offering video gamers a chance to compete for $7,000 in prizes when the CANEX Championship Gaming Series (CCGS) returns next month.The 2nd Annual CCGS launches on the Twitch Game Platform Aug. 18 to 20, with this year’s competition featuring six-player teams matching their gaming skills in the popular online combat-based action video game Overwatch®.Vivian Ngai, Segment Marketing Manager for CANEX, a Division of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), says they and their corporate sponsors are excited about the return of the gaming contest following the success of last year’s inaugural launch.Last year featured the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Ngai says it wasn’t just the game action itself, but also the interaction between players and spectators that created a social media buzz.“We had an overwhelming response last year with participation numbers of over 4,000 users and viewers either playing, watching the action on Twitch, or participating in our CCGS live event contests on the CANEX Facebook page,” says Ngai. “Our target audience are gamers from the Canadian Armed Forces...

Hundreds of visitors swarmed Canada Place to check out the many military displays. Plus the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Band of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, participated in the Vancouver Canada Day parade.In addition, HMCS Regina welcomed over 100 members of the Chinese and Sri-Lankan community on board July 3 as part of Canada 150. RAdm Art McDonald and HCapt(N) Chan greeted visitors and spoke about the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the Canadian Armed Forces. The visit to Regina included tours of the ship. The community members also sat for a briefing that highlighted the navy’s activities in Indo-Asia Pacific and efforts in diversifying its workforce to be more inclusive.Photos by Lt(N) Melissa Kia, MARPAC PA

[caption id="attachment_16502" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo courtesy HMCS Ottawa[/caption]SLt S.M. Anderson, HMCS Ottawa ~It was business as usual in the port of Incheon, South Korea, on Canada Day.The air was filled with the noise of a busy port as ships unloaded cargo in the humid air. For HMCS Ottawa, July 1 was far from a typical Saturday; it was Canada’s 150th birthday and together with HMCS Winnipeg, the ships’ crew would be the first Canadians to celebrate this milestone.On that hazy morning, the ship’s company assembled on the flight deck in tropical white uniforms, joined by Vice-Admiral Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. As the pipe from the boatswains call cut through the morning air, Ottawa’s crew stood at attention as the flag was raised, marking the first Canadian ‘territory’ to celebrate Canada 150 12 hours ahead of the rest of Canada.“It was a real privilege to take part in the colours ceremony, to be the first Canadians to celebrate Canada Day,” said Leading Seaman Peer, a Medical Technician.Celebrating Canada Day on the other side of the world was just one highlight of an eventful port visit to Incheon from June 26 to July 2. After partnering with Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) for naval exercises, Ottawa continued to foster understanding between the two navies by touring ROKN host ship, Cheon Ji.The Canadian warship returned the favour by hosting ROKN sailors onboard; tours reinforced the relationship between the Royal Canadian Navy and the ROKN as sailors noted the many similarities between the two navies.On June 29, Ottawa crewmembers joined sailors from the ROKN for a friendly soccer match at the Incheon Naval Base. Differences in culture and language were set aside for the mutual love of sport. The two teams played hard in the hot afternoon with the ROKN eventually...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new recruiting program set to launch at two test bases will give women considering a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) an intimate look at military life.The rollout of the Women in Force pilot project involves 120 participants taking part in two 10-day events.They will be split between CFB Borden’s Logistics Training Centre for those speaking English, and for French speaking women at the Leadership Recruit School at Saint-Jean Garrison, Que. from Aug. 14 to 23.Two shorter three-day weekend sessions will also be offered at the same venues in late October.The program is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to increase the percentage of women in the military to 25.1 per cent by 2026, says Lieutenant-Colonel Suzanne Raby Deputy Commander, Canadian Forces Recruiting Group Headquarters.“The whole purpose of Women in Force is to get the information out there and let Canadian women realize there are a multitude of career paths available to them in the armed forces,” she says.LCol Raby is 37 years into her CAF career and can speak first-hand about the expanding role of women in Canada’s military. She was in the first wave of women to graduate from the Royal Military College in 1984.“When I joined the military only five per cent of our membership were women, and women were restricted from serving in many of the front line occupations, such as infantry soldier, fighter pilot or submariner, so indeed we [women] have come a long way since I joined,” says LCol Raby.The Women in Force program will emphasize the current career opportunities in all 106 occupations.Participants will reside on base, eat at the mess and interact with military members. Tours and hands-on exercises, such as the CAF fitness test and firing a weapon, will also broaden their...

[caption id="attachment_16463" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lt(N) Anis Gedeon high-fives children at the Courage, Compassion and Commitment House for children battling cancer in Sri Lanka. Photo by LS Simon Trudeau[/caption]Padre Matthew Squires, HMCS Winnipeg ~In support of Poseidon Cutlass 2017’s mission to strengthen international relations through regional engagements, members of HMCS Winnipeg ventured to the Courage, Compassion, and Commitment (CCC) Foundation, in Colombo, Sri Lanka May 23.CCC Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 2003 by Jetha Devapura, a Sri Lankan born Australian. He fundraised to build a “Ronald Macdonald” type house for families of children battling cancer. It is the largest transition home in Sri Lanka with 194 beds that serves as a home away from home for outpatients and their caregivers.Winnipeg started off the visit by giving a $5,000 donation from the ship and Boomer’s Legacy.Then 13 crewmembers spent time with the children and their caregivers.“We had an unforgettable time with the children coloring pictures, playing with Play-Doh, and teaching them how to make bracelets,” said LS Klarck Montemayor.  The Play-Doh was donated by LS Montemayor, and the bracelets were made with gun line patterned after the lanyards many sailors attach to their knives. Following the visit, Kamilka Perera, a committee member of the CCC house, expressed her appreciation to Padre Matthew Squires in writing: “As I was leaving CCC house, three female adult patients were seated on the bench outside near the gate and were braiding the wrist bands with eager smiles on their faces, and this is the kind of positivity we need to create. It certainly has a ripple effect.”Padre Squires said it was difficult to say who was impacted more profoundly by the visit, the children or the sailors.“I think we learned much about compassion, resilience, and the strength of unity as it was exemplified that...

[caption id="attachment_16458" align="alignnone" width="450"] LS Craig Langille chats with children in Mumbai, India. Photo by Padre Lt(N) Matthew Squires[/caption]THE NAVY JOINS AN ARMY TO FEED THE HUNGRY IN MUMBAILS Brendan Gibson, HMCS Winnipeg ~Thirty-two members of HMCS Winnipeg took time out of their schedule May 14 while in Mumbai, India, to join forces with the Robin Hood Army (RHA) and distribute a warm meal to those in need.The venture was organized by the ship’s Chaplain, Padre Matthew Squires.“We had a blast playing games with the local children, establishing connections with families, distributing food, and even demonstrating some drill for the kids under the direction of the ship’s Coxswain, CPO1 Sylvain Jaquemot,” said Padre Squires.RHA is a volunteer-based organization that gets surplus food from local restaurants to the less fortunate, while providing fun activities and education to disadvantaged children. Since its start in 2014, RHA has fed more 1.8 million people and is currently established in cities throughout India, and in 11 other countries.“Our community relations visits give us an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others at a humanitarian level, as well as recharge our spirits after being away from our families for extended periods,” said MS Kevin Simons. “There is nothing more refreshing than having smiles returned by the lives we touch to help us push through to our next event.”With the assistance of RHA, Winnipeg was able to make a small, yet profound, contribution to a huge cause. The “take away” on opportunities like these is best summed up by OS Anthony Brockmoeller who said, “Seeing the impact of our contributions while deployed is not always easy until we serve others and see the joy it brings.”

[caption id="attachment_16454" align="alignnone" width="450"] Commodore J.B. Zwick, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, is presented a flower necklace by two South Korean children, during HMCS Winnipeg’s visit to Jeju Naval Base, South Korea, June 22. Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]OS Darien R. Wickman, HMCS Winnipeg ~After a successful joint military exercise with Japanese Ship (JS) Inazuma, Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Te Kaha, HMCS Winnipeg and Ottawa waved goodbye and came alongside the island of Jeju, South Korea, June 21.The following morning, after a series of planning meetings, Ottawa and Winnipeg departed the hospitable Jeju Civilian-Military Port Complex for the next stage of Poseidon Cutlass 17, a bilateral exercise with the Republic of Korea.Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Kang Gam Chan spearheaded the exercise that included ROKS Yul Gok Yi, ROKS Suncheon, Ottawa and Winnipeg. The objective of the exercise was to promote good relations between allied countries, as well as to provide Force Generation training for the operator trades.“Working with the Koreans proved very similar to working with North American navies. They had an excellent execution of their exercise, primarily improved by the effective distribution of their program,” said Sub-Lieutenant David Hughes, a bridge watchkeeper on board Ottawa.The ROKN-RCN bilateral exercise demonstrated both the efficiency and interoperability between the navies of the allied countries. The three-day program was tightly scheduled to include many forms of military operations. These included, but were not limited to serials exercising various methods of communication, formation maneuvering, boarding exercises, gunnery, and operational scenarios.“During our interactions with the ROK Navy, the operations teams participated in multiple Above Water Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises,” said Ordinary Seaman Braeden Hart-Young, a Naval Combat Information Operator. “An operation of this scale showcases our allied navy’s potential to overcome both communication and technological barriers to successfully...

[caption id="attachment_16449" align="alignnone" width="450"] RAdm Art McDonald personally awarded the Legion of Honour Medal to Frank Poole with wife Melodie was by his side. Inset: Frank Poole’s portrait taken during his military career.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Second World War and Korean War veteran Frank Poole admits the Legion of Honour medal recently bestowed upon him is perhaps the most precious he’s received to date.Capt (Retired) Poole, 93, was presented France’s highest order of military merit by Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, during a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead.A client of the Veterans Health Centre Day Program at Broadmead, Poole says all of the 14 medals he received for his 25-year military career are important, but the Legion of Honour holds special cultural significance for his entire family.“This is so big and my family members are in awe,” says Poole. “I grew up in Cape Breton and can trace my family tree back to Normandy, and my wife of 59 years [Melodie] is of Acadian descent. So yes this is a truly great moment for the whole family.”The Legion of Honour award was originally established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte  and has been awarded to approximately 93,000 veterans worldwide. In 2015 the French Government began honouring 1,000 Canadian veterans with the award to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing.Veterans in line for the award receive a package containing a letter from Nicholas Chapuis, Ambassador for France to Canada, and their medal that signifies the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. The award itself is a five-armed cross with a v-shaped cut out at the end of each point, and surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves.RAdm McDonald, who also hails from Cape Breton, presented the medal to Poole...

[caption id="attachment_16446" align="alignnone" width="450"] From left to right: Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Gregoire, Formation Chief; CPO1 Robert DeProy, Petty Officer Second Class Andre Aubry, and Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, at the Wall of Valour monument June 26. Photo by Ed Dixon, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The names of three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Medal of Bravery recipients were added to Signal Hill’s Wall of Valour monument during a ceremony in Esquimalt, June 26.The Wall of Valour, located below the Wardroom just before the Dockyard Gates, now displays the names of 36 sailors including the most recent: Chief Petty Officer First Class Robert Deproy, Chief Petty Officer Second Class André Aubry, and Petty Officer Second Class Evan Beaton.The award was first created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC), presided over the ceremony.“The efforts of all three individuals embody the true spirit of the award and exemplify the ethos of service to Canada,” said RAdm McDonald, who noted their “selfless acts of heroism” by willingly stepping up “in the face of danger.”“Your exemplary actions were indisputably products of your own strength of character,” he said to them. “You are role models, gentlemen, and your actions have inspired others in our organization, your country, and most importantly in each other.”CPO1 Robert DeProyOn May 19, 2012, CPO1 DeProy risked his life attempting to save fellow diver CPO2 Richard Boileau, who eventually died of his injuries caused by a malfunctioning breathing regulator.CPO1 DeProy emphasized the importance of training in his rescue attempt, but said receiving the honour and spot on the Wall of Valour was tinged with sadness and is “bitter-sweet” because CPO2 Boileau did not survive.“I’ve been diving an awfully long time, and in the navy we...

DND ~Over the past 16 months, National Defence’s Directorate of Military Pay and Allowances Processing (DMPAP), with assistance and support from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), has been verifying the payment of Sea Duty Allowance (SDA) for personnel who were posted to HMC Ships undergoing refit from September 2001 to June 2014.This review of Sea Duty Allowance was initiated following the successful resolution of a grievance submitted by an RCN sailor who noticed a discrepancy between the existing policy and how it was being applied. In fact, at the request of the RCN, DMPAP conducted a wider investigation into the matter and found that more than 4,600 sailors were incorrectly not paid Sea Duty Allowance during a 13-year period.The policy application discrepancy has since been corrected and all sailors impacted by this error are having their pay accounts corrected. As a result of the review, the RCN reports that over 4,600 affected personnel have been collectively paid just under an additional $17 million in Sea Duty Allowance entitlements.However, the audit also uncovered other inaccuracies that needed to be fixed. Unfortunately, 63 members were overpaid during the same time period, amounting to approximately 1.3% of the total number of accounts reviewed. Many of these were as a result of incorrect SDA level increases being entered into the pay system.It is the RCN’s collective responsibility to ensure that taxpayer money is spent responsibly, and that members only receive the compensation they’re entitled to.At the same time, the RCN deals with such matters respectfully and with much regard to the personal circumstances of its sailors.The 63 members affected by the overpayment are being notified of the issue, and are being given time to decide on a repayment plan that best suits their respective situations.Affected members are encouraged to seek assistance from their pay...

[caption id="attachment_16404" align="alignnone" width="450"] Corporal Jason Turgeon prepares infrastructure at Camp Adaži, Latvia, on May 23, in advance of the arrival of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence multi­national battlegroup. Photos by Corporal Colin Thompson, Joint Task Force-Europe[/caption]Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~The Canadian Army is working with Latvian colleagues to ensure a NATO enhanced Forward Presence multinational battlegroup in Latvia will have comfortable living conditions when they arrive before year-end.This work is just one component of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s contribution to ongoing, NATO-led defence and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe.Army combat engineers, members of New Brunswick-based 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR), arrived in Latvia in April to begin temporary infrastructure projects at Camp -Adaži, which lies northeast of the capital Riga.The 50 members on the ground face a considerable challenge in providing shelter and many other necessities for about 1,200 troops from the six allied nations that make up the battlegroup.In the following interview, Lieutenant-Colonel Hugo Delisle, Commanding Officer of the Canadian Theatre Opening Team, provides an update on what they have accomplished.Canada is one of four Framework Nations in this battlegroup.What does that mean and how does it impact your work on the ground?The Battle Group will be made up of six nations that will be working as part of a Latvian Land Forces Infantry Brigade.The Host Nation is Latvia, the Framework Nation is Canada, and the Sending Nations are Albania, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain. Each has different responsibilities: Canada as the Framework Nation is responsible to work as a conduit for the Sending Nations (SN) through which to communicate with the Host Nation.It also is responsible, along with the Host Nation, to ensure all required support is available to the Sending Nations on their arrival. This includes office spaces, accommodations, internet, space management, and financial...

[caption id="attachment_16400" align="alignnone" width="450"] MS Kevin Simons joins in a sports activity at the Ang Mo Kio Training and Development Centre.[/caption]Padre Matthew Squires, HMCS Winnipeg ~Eighteen members of HMCS Winnipeg shared the June 2 morning with residents and staff of the Ang Mo Kio Training and Development Centre (AMK TDC) as a community relations initiative in support of Poseidon Cutlass 17.Ang Mo Kio is one of six training and development centres run by an organization in Singapore named the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled (MINDS). It is the mission of MINDS to provide care, improve well-being, and facilitate the cognitive development of Singaporeans in need.This is not the first time the Royal Canadian Navy has been involved in supporting MINDS. In January 2016, 17 members of Winnipeg visited the Fernvale Gardens School during Operation Reassurance, and during WESTPLOY 2016 HMCS Vancouver visited the Eunos Training and Development Centre.The morning began with a briefing by Isaac Loh, AMK TDC Training Officer. Loh’s brief raised awareness of the Centre’s work and provided situational awareness in preparation for the sailor’s morning with the clients. Half of the crew volunteered their time conducting much-needed maintenance on the facility, while the other half joined the clients in a nature walk coupled with sports activities.Upon completion of the morning, the crew distributed goodie bags prepared by Swee Leng Ng, Public Affairs Officer of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. Each goodie bag was distributed with pride, testifying to Canadian generosity while displaying a Canada 150 logo.When reflecting on his time with the residents of the Centre Leading Seaman Kyle Pillar said, “As members of the CAF we have the ability to provide aid and care to those in need, whether the need be big or small. Spending the morning with the kids at the Ang...

DND ~In honour of Canada 150 celebrations, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have launched a commemorative Canada 150 Defence Interactive Map.Canada 150 Defence Interactive Map: Mapping our Past and Present is a new online map that illustrates the impact the Canadian Armed Forces have had in communities around the country.Spanning 15 decades of Canada’s military history, this map details interesting events from the past as well as present-day accomplishments that pop up in the exact geographic location where they actually happened.Curious about the Snowbirds in Moose Jaw or the Cadets in Whitehorse? Filter your search by decade, organization, province, or territory to find out.One hundred and fifty years of Canadian history is an important milestone for our nation. It is an opportunity to share the stories and show the impact of past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence personnel in shaping our country.Check out the Canada 150 Defence Interactive Map http://caf-fac.ca/defence-150-map or by searching #DefenceMap on Twitter and participate in the conversation online. The map will also be featured on touch-screen kiosks during Canada 150 exhibits across the country throughout spring and summer 2017.

[caption id="attachment_16390" align="alignnone" width="450"] SLt Kassandra O’Rourke (left) meets her New Zealand counterpart, SLt Caitlin Wiseman, who spent a few days sailing with HMCS Ottawa.[/caption]SLt Kassandra O’Rourke, HMCS Ottawa ~I had the privilege of spending a few days on board the New Zealand frigate Te Kaha during the recent Pacific Guardian Exercise, a multi-national event with the goal of improving cooperation and interoperability between navies.The four-day exercise off the South East Coast of Japan was led by Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific and included HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Winnipeg, JS Inazuma and HMNZS Te Kaha.The Royal New Zealand Navy is incredibly professional and knows how to balance the hard work associated with life at sea. The ship’s motto is ‘He Ponanga Kaha’ or ‘Service with Strength.’I was picked up and transported over to their flight deck by their Sea Sprite helicopter. Once I arrived on board I was shown to the wardroom and to my cabin where I shared a room with one other female bridgewatchkeeper.I started noticing early on how similar our navies were to each other.The bridge equipment is almost identical to our own. One big difference I found interesting was that, although their ship is only slightly smaller than ours, they sail with 50 fewer personnel than we do.Their bridge watchkeepers must also attain three separate tickets to get qualified in comparison to our one. They will be fully qualified upon achieving their final ticket, whereas we must stand a Naval Officer Professional Qualification board in order to be promoted to Lieutenant (Navy).That first afternoon, I participated in a boxing fitness class. At first I was unaware of how the class was going to be broken down. I saw the crew putting on the boxing gloves that were littered all over the flight deck, so I ­followed suit. An unexpected steering gear breakdown drill pulled the instructor away to different duties. Suddenly a voice recording came over the work out speakers with a countdown starting at 10. With about...

James Vassallo, Base Public Affairs ~Coming from a small town in rural Saskatchewan with wheat fields below and a big sky above, a young Jason Boyd wanted to fly.“I wanted to be a fighter pilot as a kid,” says Capt(N) Boyd, sheepishly acknowledging the impact the film “Top Gun” had on him while growing up. “It wasn’t that I was so naïve that I didn’t know we had a navy, but the movie was the only real connection I had to the military.”However, CFB Esquimalt’s new Base Commander did have a connection to public service, something inspired in him by his father who served with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 41 years.After being approached by the Royal Military College with an offer to play hockey, get a good education, and a guaranteed job that would also allow him to serve, he jumped at it.“They deemed I wasn’t fit to fly an aircraft but my second choice was a Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface (MARS) officer,” says Capt(N) Boyd. “All I knew was I wanted to do something operational and be in a leadership position. I’ve never looked back since.”His time at the ice rink - supported by what he describes as some of the best lessons in leadership he ever received - gave him an appreciation of how important consistency is, and the ways to be part of, and support a team.“The things you experience in team sports are so applicable to everyday life,” he says. “You face adversity, you learn how to deal with the ups and downs, but you work together to overcome that and accomplish goals. This bonds you with people.”With this philosophy in place, his career as a MARS Officer led him from ships - as a bridge watchkeeper in Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Iroquois;...

James Vassallo, Base Public Affairs ~Early in his time as Base Commander, Commodore Steve Waddell, promoted to his current rank earlier this month, began to address the issues that landed in his sights.He made a plea to whomever was placing sharp objects on the ball fields around CFB Esquimalt to stop, and just come and talk to him about it instead.Seeing the impact of early morning starts – missed breakfasts, childcare conflicts, worsened commutes – he moved Base Divisions to later in the day, making it less formal and allowing people to ask questions or bring forward issues after inspection.Concerned over the availability and condition of residential housing units at remote sites, he worked to change that.By themselves these are perhaps small things, but together they represent something significant: a way of leading, and an understanding of him as a leader.“After almost 28 years in the navy I don’t think I’ve really changed who I am,” he says. “I recognize the value of our output has always been based on the aggregate of the efforts of everybody. Going around talking to people, understanding their issues and validating they’re part of a greater activity, whether big or small, that was always important to me.”That “greater activity” was a deceivingly simple sentiment: get warships to sea for Canadians. In practice there was always the potential for things to become more complex given a diverse civilian and military workforce, significant interdependencies between internal and external organizations, and needs spread over a wide range of areas – hospital services, IT infrastructure, human resources issues, support for military ­families – that go far beyond operationalizing a military.“Unlike a ship, it can be harder to build esprit de corps across a diverse portfolio like the base, but I always reminded people about all the valuable things...

[caption id="attachment_16380" align="alignnone" width="450"] (Centre) Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific; former Base Commander Commodore Steve Waddell (left); and incoming Base Commander Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd (right), sign off on papers officially appointing Capt(N) Boyd to his new post during a Change of Command Ceremony at Museum Square, June 22.[/caption]By Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Last Thursday, with the summer sun in full bloom, Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd became the new Base Commander in a change of command ceremony brimming with warmth and fond farewells.First to the podium was Elmer George representing the Songhees Nation. He gave a special blessing that reaffirmed the unique connection CFB Esquimalt has with the First Nations communities of Greater Victoria.Humour, pride and humility were well woven into Commodore Steve Waddell’s address. Having spent one of the longer terms as the “Fourteenth Mayor” – a month shy of three years – he made certain to acknowledge all units, both military and civilian, for their efforts supporting the fleet.“Spending three years as CFB Esquimalt’s Commander was a unique opportunity to forge deep bonds across the region and witness the incredible contributions our people make to each other, the community and our mission as part of the Department of National Defence,” he said.Then, with the military parade neatly lined row upon row on the museum parade square, and hundreds of spectators assembled to witness the event, Cmdre Waddell, Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and Capt(N) Boyd all signed the command change certificates signifying the legal transfer and change in leadership.During his remarks, RAdm McDonald likened the Base Commander’s job to that of a Mayor, noting the “city” of CFB Esquimalt has its own fire department, police force, schools, and even a newspaper. Cmdre Waddell, he said, “showed dedication and tact” while fostering relationships both inside...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The opportunity for civilian employment within the Federal Government has become a reality for many post-secondary students looking for short or long-term public service jobs.Several of the Department of National Defence’s new student hires are already at work at CFB Esquimalt and other military bases across the nation. Their presence has been bolstered this year following a report by Canada’s Privy Council in March that urged the government to revamp efforts to attract, retain and develop skilled labour for its civilian workforce.The Annual Report of the Clerk of the Privy Council noted that since over 9,000 public servants have retired within the last year, the Federal Government must now work on innovative student recruitment “in an effort to mobilize the energy and creativity of a new generation of public servants.”Following the report’s release, DND Deputy Minister John Forster made the pledge to hire 1,200 new student workers to its civilian ranks.National Student Hiring Team stood up in March to expedite the student hiring process across DND. Roxana Kendall, team lead, says the 18-member team is specifically focussed on the recruitment and hiring process to make sure the Federal Government meets its hiring targets.Kendall’s hiring team began the first big push to get several post-secondary and secondary students to work across the Formation in its Co-operative Program and Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).Civilian student employees who work at the base are broken into three categories:Co-Op Program placements, which includes university and college students normally working a 16-week paid work-study term as part of their course of study;FSWEP that enables full-time and returning students hands-on work experience and the ability to apply for targeted job opportunities as well as a general database anywhere in a variety of Federal Government departments; andthe Student Bridge Program that encourages the integration of students with past government work experience into a permanent or term public service position. Placements can range from highly-skilled technical jobs with Base Logistics and Fleet Maintenance Facility,...

[caption id="attachment_16328" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Naden Quartet Band plays on Edmonton’s foc’s’le during a cocktail party.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) outreach efforts were in full bloom again last week with HMCS Brandon and HMCS Edmonton’s participation in the Portland Rose Festival.The two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels were moored at the Portland Seawall, June 7 to 12, as part of the Fleet Week segment of the month-long civic festival held each year in June.Two United States Navy (USN) vessels, aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill, and Independence-class combat ship USS Jackson, along with three United States Coast Guard vessels – USCGC Alert, Bluebell and T/V Ironwood – also participated.The company of all six warships gave guided tours during Fleet Week, an event that celebrates Portland’s more than 100-year relationship with the navy.This was the fifth Rose Festival for LCdr Lucas Kenward, Commanding Officer of Edmonton, who said he relishes the opportunity to represent the RCN at this event.“Portland is a wonderful city and as one would expect they really roll out the red carpet for our sailors with multiple events and activities throughout the Portland region during Fleet Week. The Seawall area in particular is abuzz with many uniformed personnel interacting with the citizens of Portland and its tourists, touring each other’s ships, and exchanging stories of times at sea.”Brandon’s Commanding Officer, LCdr Jolene Lisi noted her ship’s company were “truly overcome by the hospitality of Portland” and also valued their interaction with USCG and USN crew in a social setting.On June 10, the RCN ships co-hosted a Canadian reception with Consul General James K. Hill and Commander MARPAC, who was represented by Commander Michele Tessier, Commander Coastal Forces. Dignitaries such as Vice-Admiral Nora Tyson, Commander USN Third Fleet; Vice-Admiral Midgette, Commander Coast Guard Pacific Area; and Rear-Admiral...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Those living and working in close proximity to McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt will soon contend with increased traffic and noise levels associated with the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction project.Officials from the Capital Regional District (CRD) are awaiting building permits before excavation and controlled blasting commence at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) construction site.The construction site is in close proximity to Work Point’s military barracks, Naval Officer Training Centre, and military housing units.A spokesperson from the CRD says they anticipate construction to begin ramping up late June with a completion target of 2020.“We are very mindful that construction does have an impact on the local community, and we are making sure the management team and all our contractors consider the traffic and noise impacts as they plan their work,” said Elizabeth Scott, WWTP Deputy Project Director. “There is a traffic management plan developed by the contractor [Harbour Resource Partners] that had input from the public and was approved in May [2017].”Scott anticipates increased traffic of approximately 30 trucks hauling excavated material per day along the McLoughlin Point delivery route, which uses Peters Street and Head St. via Esquimalt Road. The majority of blasting and excavation is expected to wrap up late August, after which truck traffic will vary between five and 15 trucks per day, depending on the construction stage, until the project is done in 2020.Disruptions to traffic on Bewdley Avenue and Anson St. are also expected during geotechnical investigations and construction to accommodate a pipeline that will connect to the existing CRD pumping station at Macaulay Point Park as part of the conveyance system to pump liquid waste to the new treatment plant at McLoughlin Point. Construction will also take place along Victoria View, Patricia Way and Peters Street to accommodate utility servicing and as part...

[caption id="attachment_16321" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by MCpl Chris Ward, Imaging Services, CFB Esquimalt[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Construction crews working on the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project in Dockyard will begin 10 weeks of controlled blasting operations starting June 21.The use of explosives will be limited to a controlled site and occur up to three times a day on land located near B Jetty and the foot of Rainbow Drive, and is expected to conclude in early September.Blasting is part of the excavation of 11,000m3 of bedrock to allow for proper elevation of the extension of the utility corridor, and new electrical substation, Jetty Interface Building, and filter press building to process oily waste water.Erin Rice, Team Leader Construction Services for Defence Construction Canada, says blasting will be limited to a controlled site and provide no danger to neighbourhood residents. She said pre-blast signals of 12 short whistles followed by an all-clear five-second whistle will likely be the only audible noise for residents.“The blasting activities are limited to very low velocities due to the surrounding heritage structures, and conducted by a team with extensive experience blasting in the dockyard,” said Rice. “We have retained geotechnical engineers to monitor all blast impacts, and the contractor and consultants will both be monitoring activity with seismographs placed in the vicinity.”People working in Dockyard are reminded to heed all safety signage and avoid the area.Blasting on the site will be necessary at some point in 2018, with details and timelines to be announced at a later date.Communications packages explaining further details about the blasting are being sent to effected stakeholders in close proximity to the site, and Rice said a timetable of the blasts will also be made available.Work on the demolition of B Jetty, an initial phase of the $781 million, eight-year A/B Jetty recapitalization...

[caption id="attachment_16318" align="alignnone" width="550"] Warship celebrates Canada 150 in an unusual way[/caption]Lt(N) Daemen Wolch, HMCS Ottawa ~How does a Canadian warship commemorate Canada 150 while deployed half way around the world?In the case of HMCS Ottawa, the answer would be with a specially created “Canada 150” screen, being used by the ship during Poseidon Cutlass 17, while conducting exercises with other navies in the region – part of Canada’s strategic involvement in the South China Sea.Screens are tools used by navies to assist with the assignment of positioning when working with other ships at sea. Different segments of the surrounding area are each assigned a name for the sake of brevity. Often a theme is chosen for the names that reflects the mission at hand. In this case, Ottawa chose to spread some Canadiana to foreign warships.The Canada 150 screen celebrates the sesquicentennial with an ode to the mothers and fathers of Confederation, as well as a nod to the Canadian provinces. The inner sectors are named after Fathers of Confederation: Sir John A. MacDonald, Sir George Archibald, Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Sir Charles Tupper, Alexander MacKenzie, and William McDougall.The middle sectors each bear the name of a Canadian province.Finally, the outer sectors are named after Mothers of Confederation: Queen Victoria, Anne Brown, Mercy Coles, and Luce Cuvillier.The screen was first used by HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Winnipeg and HMAS Ballarat, an Australian warship. The three ships conducted exercises over the course of three days using the Canadian designed screen. The screen was also successfully used with the French ship Prairial during a full day of activities. The Canada 150 screen will be used with other regional partners as HMCS Ottawa continues its mission of global engagement on Poseidon Cutlass 17.The Canada 150 screen will see its next use during Pacific Guardian...

[caption id="attachment_16315" align="alignnone" width="450"] MWO Dave Daly, a Loadmaster with 429 Transport Squadron in Trenton, Ont., secures a RHIB to the floor of a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane. Photo by Peter Mallett/Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Traffic Technicians at Base Logistics are being hailed for their work getting 32,000 tons of Naval Security Team equipment airlifted to Busan, South Korea, for their upcoming deployment.The 75-member Naval Security Team will provide port security for Poseidon Cutlass 17, where HMC Ships Ottawa and Winnipeg will be involved in a multinational task group performing interoperability exercises and above and below water warfare training.This is the first time traffic technicians have tackled packing both a C-130 Charter plane and a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane at the Victoria International Airport.Included in the shipments were two Defender Class Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats weighing more than 10,000 lbs each, security team body armour, and medical equipment.“Deploying equipment on aircraft is not something the RCN normally does, as our personnel usually deploy aboard RCN vessels, and all of your equipment is always with you at sea,” says Lt(N) Tim Turner, Naval Security Team Executive Officer. “This has been a monumental undertaking for the Traffic Tech and other Base Logistics employees, and they have done a brilliant job of moving all the little pieces to South Korea. It has been critical component to making our mission successful.”One key component of the Naval Security Team deployment will be providing “a bubble of protection” around the Canadian warships entering and exiting the harbour in Busan. The team will work closely with the Republic of Korea Navy to provide force protection at sea, and on land to provide protection from threats to and from controlled access points.Traffic Tech Sergeant Andrew Tobin will meet the cargo planes in South Korea to help facilitate the...

SLt Jacob Booth, HMCS Ottawa ~HMCS Ottawa achieved another milestone after successfully completing a layered missile engagement against a Hammerhead target while deployed on Poseidon Cutlass 17-1.After many weeks of training, the exercise concluded with the launch of an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and engagements with the Bofors 57mm Mark III and 20mm Close-in-Weapons-System in an impressive display of firepower.Conducted off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, a first for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the trial demonstrated the capabilities of the ESSM when used in Surface-to-Air in Surface-to-Surface (SASS) Mode against a small boat attack, as might be experienced during asymmetric warfare.The target for the event was provided by QinetiQ Target Systems Canada (formerly Meggitt), a Canadian company based out of Medicine Hat, Alberta.Intended for destruction, these targets provide an opportunity for ships to exercise their skills while employing weapons systems to their full potential.Preparations were extensive and undertaken over countless hours of training and study. From refining a checklist of actions by individual team members, to refining the optimal employment of weapons and sensors, and participating in increasingly complex training scenarios, the operations room worked on every detail to hone their operational skills and warrior spirit. This not only ensured the success of the shoot, but also the defence of the ship against asymmetric threats such as small boats.Although everything was well prepared by the time Ottawa arrived on the range, Fire Control Operator LS Derek Urichuk said the anticipation in the operations room was palpable.“I couldn’t believe the nervous excitement that was felt throughout the ship as we all awaited the shoot,” he says.A very early morning start saw the commencement of checklist items that culminated with a mid-morning action alarm energizing the ship to action stations.Closing at high speed, the target was piloted towards Ottawa to...

[caption id="attachment_16275" align="alignnone" width="450"] Brian Seymour, Collections Manager of the Department of Anthropology of the Royal BC Museum, show artifacts to CFB Esquimalt members during a special collections tour. Photo by William Chaster, MARPAC PA Office[/caption]William Chaster, MARPAC PA Office ~High in the upper floor of the Royal B.C. Museum, in an area not open to the general public, Brian Seymour, an Anthropology Collections Manager, holds a small, angular shard of rock to the light.Surrounding him is a group of 16 people from CFB Esquimalt, gazing intently at the shard.At first glance it resembles a regular stone, but upon closer examination chips and grooves become apparent, too intentional to be from natural causes. This sliver of rock, explains Seymour, is an ancient tool used by a member of a First Nations community hundreds of years ago, carefully shaped and scratched so it could cut or grind plant and animal materials.This tool is one of dozens of artifacts showcased to base members during a museum tour organized by the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) May 25.“The tour was absolutely outstanding,” said Lisa deWit, an employee with Formation Review and a member of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. “The archive is a real treasure and I felt we could connect in a meaningful way to our culture and ancestors.”The tour was in honour of Aboriginal Awareness Week.As Seymour took the group through each room, all crammed with historical First Nations’ objects, he gave encyclopedic detail on those items he chose to highlight, such as carved wooden flutes lining a drawer. In another cabinet, he revealed a selection of woven hats, each with a unique design embroidered around the brim, carefully stored so as not to lose their shape.This was the DAAG’s first visit to the First Nations Collections.“It was so popular we filled...

[caption id="attachment_16271" align="alignnone" width="450"] Alexandre Boulé finishes first in the men’s Canadian competitors with a time of 2:35:23. Photo by Corporal Lisa Fenton, Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) Imaging Services[/caption] CFMWS ~The 49th CISM World Military Marathon Championship (WMMC) was hosted in Ottawa May 28. The event, which took place within the broader Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon, included 83 military athletes from all over the world competing from 22 CISM nations.The hard fought battle ended with a clean sweep from Poland, with Arkadiusz Gardzielewski taking first place overall in the men’s side, and Iwona Bernardelli taking first for the women’s, with times of 2:13:42 and 2:34:46 respectively.The Canadian contingent had another strong showing, with Alexandre Boule coming first among men’s Canadian competitors with a time of 2:35:23, and Kathleen Beaudry finishing strong with a time 3:11:37 for the women’s competitors.Founded in 1948, the International Military Sports Council (CISM) is one of the largest multidisciplinary sports organizations in the world. Created with the mission of promoting peace and international dialogue through sport, CISM allows the militaries of the world to compete peacefully in the spirit of cooperation.The WMMC is one of many world championships that occur in CISM, and this year’s competition saw some of the top runners in the world competing in Ottawa.

SLt Ben Mullin-Lamarche, HMCS Ottawa ~As the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) brass band echoed from the jetty in Shanghai, China, HMCS Ottawa came alongside May 26, greeted by Senior Captain Wei, Chief of Staff to the Commander Shanghai Naval Base, and sailors from the host ship Zuxhou.That evening, members of the ship’s company were treated to a reception against a backdrop of the brightly lit Shanghai skyline.There, they mingled with the officers and crew of the host ship and enjoyed a buffet dinner. The reception included speeches given by Rear-Admiral Wang, Commander Shanghai Naval Base, and Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. Both highlighted the importance of relationships and communication between the navies in the Asia-Pacific region.This visit marked Ottawa’s third to the Chinese city, the first being in 2002 and the second in 2008. However, it was the first Royal Canadian Navy ship deployed on Poseidon Cutlass, an operation designed to provide opportunities to conduct diplomatic engagements to other countries in support of Government of Canada objectives.The next afternoon, Rear-Admiral McDonald visited PLA(N) ship Zuxhou, and made an office call on Vice Mayor of Shanghai Xu Kunlin, before coming aboard Ottawa to present awards and promotions.Included in the parade was recognition of some deserving sailors for their work and dedication with Commander Maritime Forces Pacific and Formation Chief coins.“It is definitely a different experience,” said Leading Seaman Tom Eustace, who was presented with a Bravo Zulu Coin by the Admiral. “I was not expecting it at all. It’s nice to be recognized in front of peers.”Following the awards ceremony, the ship’s company prepared a reception for key community, PLA(N) and Canadian leaders in Shanghai, which was hosted by RAdm McDonald and the Canadian Ambassador to China, the Honourable John McCallum.While the ship was hosting events onboard, members...

[caption id="attachment_16264" align="alignnone" width="450"] Carol and Scott Lee and their children Kristen and Graham with a historical survey marker that will be transformed into a headstone for a distant relative. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout. Bottom right: Colonel Josiah Greenwood Holmes (right) with Major James Peters at Work Point in 1909.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A 19th Century granite survey marker, placed by Dominion of Canada surveyors to establish the bounds of Work Point Barracks in 1887, will become a tombstone for the Deputy Adjutant General of Military District # 11 appointed in 1883.Descendants of Colonel Josiah Greenwood Holmes were at the Work Point Barracks site June 6 as workers from Mortimer’s Monumental Works dislodged the massive granite marker from the ground and hauled it on to a flatbed truck with a mechanical arm.The marker had been cast aside following the demolition of the Work Point’s Officers’ Mess in 2006.“It’s terrific to see this stone finally being pulled from the ground,” said Carol Lee, great-granddaughter of Col Holmes. “This process is helping myself and other family members rediscover our military heritage, and someone who played such an important role in the history of Victoria and Canada.”Col Holmes was born May 28, 1845, in St. Catharines (Upper Canada). A graduate of Royal Military College, he worked as an adjutant (administrator to a senior officer) of A Battery in Ontario from 1872 until his promotion to the Commander of Military District # 11, including ‘C Battery” and the Canadian School of Artillery in Victoria -Esquimalt. He had previously served in the Fenian Raids in 1866 and 1870. He eventually retired in 1909 and passed away at his home in Victoris in 1928.C Battery was gazetted in 1883, and arrived in Victoria in 1887, established to shore up coastal defences to protect Victoria and...

[caption id="attachment_16261" align="alignnone" width="450"] In front of the Arctic display outside the Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic’s (MARLANT) office, Cdr Corey Gleason, Commanding Officer HMCS Harry DeWolf; RAdm John Newton, MARLANT; CPO2 Rick Bungay, Sea Training Atlantic; and CPO1 Gerry Doucet, Coxswain HMCS Harry DeWolf, display the Polar Flag. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]CPO2 Richard Bungay, Sea Training Atlantic ~When HMCS Labrador undertook its maiden deployment in 1954, it was the first warship to travel the Northwest Passage and circumnavigate North America.Throughout its operational history with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) the ship was unique, as it had created its own unofficial ship’s flag.The Polar bear, a universal symbol of the Arctic and unofficial ship’s mascot, was hoisted while at anchor and entering and leaving harbor, signifying an end of a voyage. The crew called it the Polar Flag and it was a source of pride and cohesion.Fast forward 64 years later, being an enthusiastic student of RCN history and proponent of RCN Arctic deployments, I wanted to link the past with the future of the RCN in the Arctic.I wanted to recreate the flag, and so I proposed the idea to the Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic who is also interested in the Arctic and its history.The flag has now been recreated and is displayed outside the Admiral’s office as a cornerstone of the Arctic display recently erected.When HMCS Harry DeWolf is commissioned, it will fly this flag as the ship’s company of Labrador once did.To be successful in the Arctic we must look to the past as well as the future, and I believe the reconstituted Polar Flag will serve as a tangible link between our shipmates of the past and a source of pride of Harry DeWolf’s crews of the future.

[caption id="attachment_16258" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Will Chaster, MARPAC PA[/caption]Will Chaster, MARPAC Public Affairs Office ~A crowd of shouting protestors march towards a barricade guarded by a security force wearing dark Kevlar vests. Most of the protestors stop a few feet from the guards, but two walk up to the barricade, screaming with arms waving. In the midst of this chaos, the Kevlar-clad guards remain immovable; calmly they defuse the situation and do not react to the provocation of the activists. After a while the crowd disperses and the guards fall out.A protest scenario was one of many exercised last week by the Naval Security Team (NST) as part of their Validation Readiness Training in order to deploy. The training was implemented by Sea Training Pacific.“We’re making these exercises as close to the real thing as possible so they are prepared for any eventuality,” said Commander Christopher Peschke, Commanding Officer of Sea Training Pacific. The week-long exercise took place on land and at sea, and included everything from low-key activities such as searching bags and checking identification, to high pressure situations such as confronting a crowd of angry protestors or dealing with a car bomb.The 78 NST reservists from across the country underwent weeks of individual training in first aid and weapons drill before arriving at CFB Esquimalt.“There’s such a wide variety of people here; we have everyone from newly graduated university students to school teachers to a dentist. It’s a really interesting crowd,” said Cdr Peschke.Their training involved inter-agency participation from B.C. Ambulance, 11 Field Ambulance, Military Police Unit Esquimalt, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), HMCS Vancouver crew, and Sea Training staff.Members of the NST are selected from a pool of reservists who must sign a reserve contract and go through intensive training before being allowed to deploy overseas.Their job...