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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[caption id="attachment_8915" align="alignnone" width="300"] Collecting Organic Waste[/caption]Did you know that CFB Esquimalt produces over 1,400,000 kg of waste each year?At one time half was  sent to the Hartland Landfill as garbage and the other half  recycled or repurposed.Thirty percent of all solid waste generated in the Capital Regional District (CRD) is organic waste.As such, the CRD will be enforcing this new bylaw, banning organic waste from the regular garbage stream.In this way, the CRD hopes to reach their goal of diverting 70% of waste materials from the landfill.In advance of this new bylaw, CFB Esquimalt’s Base Foods locations, such as Nelles Block, Chiefs and Petty Officers’ Mess, Work Point Galley and the Wardroom, diverted  220,000 kg of organic waste in 2014. This year, the program will expand to target the largest producers of food waste on base, including ships alongside, Base Foods locations, and contract kitchens (New Wave Café, FMF Cafeteria, etcetera), which should triple the amount of organic waste recovered.Your organics green bin will look similar to the one pictured, and will be located with the other waste disposal totes at select locations.The next phase of the organics program will study the viability of capturing smaller sources of organic waste, such as used bathroom paper towels, and office kitchen material around the base.In the meantime random organics bins from smaller sources will be located throughout Dockyard for voluntary disposal.For questions regarding green bin locations, please contact Bruce Chambers at 250-363-5454.Examples of acceptable organic waste include:meat & bonesgrainsdairy productseggs & eggshellsvegetables & fruits soiled paper productsFor a more detailed list of what food waste is accepted and what is not, please visit the following link:www.crd.bc.ca/......../acceptable-organicsFor further questions, comments, or concerns please contact Kara Foreman at 250-363-7457. 

[caption id="attachment_8907" align="alignnone" width="300"] Former HMCS Annapolis, stripped of all environmental contaminants, awaits its final fate alongside Long Bay on Gambier Island.[/caption]On Saturday, the last of the Annapolis Class Helicopter Destroyer Escorts (DDH) will be at the bottom of Halkett Bay Marine Provincial Park on Gambier Island, British Columbia, to start its new life as an artificial reef.Former HMCS Annapolis, decommissioned in 1996, will be sunk by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) on Jan. 17.ARSBC purchased the ship in 2008 from the Federal Government.However, changing provincial and federal regulations, environmental concerns, and legal challenges drastically slowed the project.“The project is now rapidly moving into its final phase of readiness,” says Howie Robins, President of the ARSBC.“We successfully navigated through all the obstacles and now have all the required federal and provincial permits in place, and the legal challenges dismissed in federal court.”Annapolis spent nearly three decades in service to the Royal Canadian Navy.It was used as a training vessel, and noted for being the first navy vessel to have a towed array sonar system, as well as the first to have a gender-integrated crew.The vessel has been prepared for sinking by ARSBC, which stripped it of all hazardous materials, making it the most comprehensively prepared man-made reef in the world in terms of environmental cleanliness.Following its sinking, Annapolis becomes one of seven marine habitats created by the Reef Society; the seven are five former RCN vessels, a coastal freighter present during D-Day, and the world’s first intact Boeing 737 passenger jet, all sunk in different marine areas of B.C.“The ARSBC’s mandate is to create long-term sustainable marine habitats using ethical means of vessel preparation that help promote eco-dive adventure tourism. It’s good for the small businesses, the economy, the environment, and the province as a whole,” says...

[caption id="attachment_8846" align="alignnone" width="300"] SISIP and CANEX representatives present Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, with a cheque for $177,819.[/caption]Military family members are being supported through the College Transferability Network to make their educational goals a reality.Many military spouses hold off on educational or professional pursuits while in charge of the day-to-day care of the family, and organizing the household while the military member is away on training or operations.The limitations imposed by frequent relocations with the military also take priority. However, pursuing higher learning or professional training has gotten easier, and there are initiatives in place to help make education aspirations more attainable.College Transferability NetworkHistorically, it has been problematic for military family members to transfer educational credits from one institution to the next. Understanding the challenges of regular military postings, the Royal Canadian Air Force and North Island College in British Columbia hosted a summit in 2013 with the aim of expanding educational opportunities for military families.What ensued was the development of the College Transferability Network, a community of public colleges, nine to-date, that have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster a barrier-free learning environment for military families.Military family members are being supported through this network to make their educational goals a reality.Supporting the educational goals of military members and their families is not new. More than 40 years ago, the University of Manitoba began assisting military members and their spouses through their Military Support Office.The University continues this support today by granting university credit for military courses and training, as well as providing military members and their civilian spouses services that include credit assessment and transfer, program advising and planning and other administrative support.Education OptionsThe Military Support Office at the University of Manitoba, and now the College Transferability Network provide options that significantly reduce completion...

[caption id="attachment_8841" align="alignnone" width="199"] MS Amy Bakstad and Lt(N) Andrew Brumwell of Seamanship Division accepted the prize for Seamanship Division’s “Best Griswald Tree”.[/caption]A flurry of decorating and creativity took place in the Wardroom, The Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess, and the Pacific Fleet Club during the first two weeks of December as members from 25 MARPAC units decorated pre-lit Christmas trees in a show of holiday spirit and healthy competition.Units that participated competed for prizes in three coveted categories: (1) Most Festive Design; (2) Best Griswold Design (for the most outlandish tree); and (3) Best Charlie Brown (for most commercialized or valiant effort).The contest was judged Dec. 16, and the panel included the Base Commander, Capt (N) Waddell; the Base Administration Officer, Cdr Golden; the PMC of the C& POs’ Mess, CPO1 Bodie; the Formation Chief, CPO1 Feltham; the Base Chief, CPO1 Taylor; the Formation Master Seaman, MS Ensom; and the Holiday Event Coordinator, Christine Farrington.It was a difficult decision to choose a winner in each of the three categories. All the trees were decorated with creativity and imagination that it was clear the holiday spirit was alive and well in the Formation.In the end, however, there could only be one winner in each category.The judges awarded the title of Most Festive Tree to HMCS Regina.The title of Best Griswold tree went to Seamanship Division at CFFSE, and the Best Charlie Brown tree went to the staff at CANEX.Honourable mention was given to 1 Dental Unit Detachment for their heartwarming reminder that the holidays do not have to be painful.MasterCard gift certificates were presented to the winning units by the Base Commander on Dec. 18.Judges and organizers for this year’s holiday lighting program would like to convey a sincere thank you to all of the participants in this year’s Formation...

[caption id="attachment_8836" align="alignnone" width="300"] The new bullet catchers are easy to modify and adapt to various weather conditions.[/caption]2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier has officially become the first Canadian Forces Base to use a green small arms firing range, called the Nicosie firing range.The new bullet catchers at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier caught the attention of a number of project stakeholders during a recognition ceremony on Sept. 9.The new catchers minimize the environmental impact of military training while ensuring the firing range complies with the Defence Environmental Strategy.The bullet catchers retain metal residue from small arms projectiles to prevent seepage water from reaching the firing range’s groundwater flow.In 2007, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and the Director of Land Environment began considering ways to create an improved and more cost-effective bullet catcher.After developing and testing various prototypes, the final design was revealed in 2011.To reduce the speed of projectiles, steel boxes filled with sand were built and installed on the existing range butts, and covered in self-healing membranes.When bullets puncture the membrane, the holes close over on their own.Receptacles developed by Institut national de recherche scientifique (INRS) collect the effluent made up of seepage water, directing its flow toward a treatment system.Valcartier military members have been training with these catchers for two years to measure the effectiveness of the self healing membrane and the cells’ impermeability.The catchers bore these trials well, and an independent study found they were 54 per cent more economical than the conventional sand butts after 20 years of use.This level of performance offers a long-term solution for managing metal residues from projectiles and should also reduce the environmental impact to almost zero.Military members who have tried the catchers had only good things to say about them.They pointed out that the catchers decrease noise...

[caption id="attachment_8824" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm Bill Truelove and Mrs. Brenda Truelove wish the entire MARPAC team a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.[/caption]As the year draws to a close and we enter the Christmas/New Year season, I hope that you’ll take the opportunity for some well-deserved leave. It is an important time to spend with family and friends, reflect on the past year, and prepare for the year ahead.In looking back over the last year, I am incredibly proud of what our Formation has achieved. Operational excellence, our core mission, was evident in our ships, with embarked UAV and Air dets, and submarines deployed on operations and exercises around the globe. I am particularly proud of the tremendous accomplishments of HMCS Regina during her extended deployment on Op Artemis and Op Reassurance and all the units that deployed on Op Caribbe.  I would also highlight the excellent work done by all the participants in Ex RIMPAC.  At the same time, I note with pride the return of Calgary, Winnipeg & Vancouver to the fleet having completed their modernization while also highlighting the return of Chicoutimi to sea; our second operational submarine on the West Coast.Once again our Joint Rescue Coordination Center provided assistance in almost 3000 requests for assistance; saving lives every day.  Our Joint Task Force Pacific have also been busy conducting a range of operations and exercises across the province. I also applaud the outstanding work done by the Cadet organization; 7000 cadets in 140 Corps/Squadrons – future leaders of Canada all.At the same time, we have seen the Formation grow considerably as we have taken on responsibilities for the Reserve component, Naval Training System, Advanced Naval Boarding Party and Commander, Canadian Submarine Force.  These steps in our ‘One Navy’ evolution are important and we could not...

[caption id="attachment_8821" align="alignnone" width="300"] Robyn Los cuddles an orphan at the Kondanani Orphanage in Malawi, Africa.[/caption]In the city of Blantyre, Malawi, in Africa, Victoria resident Robyn Los found a way to help children in need, and in doing so, created a new life for herself.Los, an Early Childhood Educator at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre, took a mission trip in 2009 to rural Malawi. While visiting the country’s universities with 20 other students from across Canada, Los visited Kondanani Orphanage in Blantyre.“Seeing the work they were doing at the orphanage, I just saw how many of these children needed love and attention. I felt like there was something I could do to help improve their lives,” she says. “The work they do at Kondanani is incredibly inspiring, and I just couldn’t get it out of my mind. I knew that I had to go back.”She returned in 2010, spending a year volunteering at Kondanani and teaching in the orphanage’s school. It was during this year that Los met her to-be husband David, turning what was initially going to be a three month trip into three years.Moving from Kondanani to a private school in Blantyre, Los got a close look at the education system in a culture that hasn’t traditionally had much use for Western education.“School isn’t a big deal over there. They didn’t have an education system of their own, so schools would use American curriculums,” she says. “So at some schools, Malawian children would be learning about American history and taking tests on it. It was kind of strange, but it gave me an opportunity to improvise and teach them things that would be more useful to them.”After that, Los moved on to teaching at an international school, alongside teachers from all over the world. Teaching with a British...

[caption id="attachment_8817" align="alignnone" width="300"] Silvia Penkova was named Co-op Student of the Year for her efforts during a work term at FMF Industrial Engineering from January to April of 2014.[/caption]Fourth year Mechanical Engineering student Sylvia Penkova is a hard worker and now she has an award to prove it.Penkova was recently named Co-op Student of the Year by the University of Victoria for her work with Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton Industrial Engineering from January to April of 2014.“I was very happy to hear I’d been chosen,” says Penkova. “I knew that I worked hard, but it’s always nice to be recognized for the time and effort you put into your tasks.”During her three month co-op, Penkova worked on a number of primary and secondary projects with FMF, including designing a new Submarine Hydraulic Oil Polishing Unit, and collaborating with the team on the Waste Water Treatment Plant and Electroplating Facility.  Penkova says the experience she got working alongside FMF engineers and shop workers was more challenging than the work done in school.“In school when you’re working on projects there is always someone you can talk to, or a manual you can read to fill in a blank,” says Penkova. “When you’re designing something from scratch and you run into a problem there isn’t a manual you can look at. It was up to me to come up with a lot of the fixes for these problems, which was invaluable information and experience.”Tom Percy, Industrial Engineering Manager at FMF, says having Penkova on board not only gave her the experience she needed, but greatly benefitted FMF as well.“With the amount of projects we have on the books, it can be difficult to make time with the resources we have available,” he says. “Having someone like Sylvia around, with her...

[caption id="attachment_8765" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of the Canadian Armed Forces marched on the field for the opening ceremonies of the 102nd Grey Cup held at BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, on Nov. 8.[/caption]The legendary Grey Cup got one heck of a ride as it zipped across the waters beneath the Lions Gate Bridge Nov. 26, in the firm grip of Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, while being escorted to Vancouver by the crew of HMCS Vancouver.Vancouver took a trip to the vessel’s namesake city for the 102nd Grey Cup, taking part in a weekend full of fun, festivities, and the most important football game of the year.“The crew says it was the best shore visit they’ve had to Vancouver so far,” says Cdr Jeffrey Climenhaga, Commanding Officer of Vancouver. “I would have to agree. It was a really great time.”On top of delivering the iconic Cup itself, Vancouver took part in a number of other activities, including demonstrations and tours for families, a Grey Cup breakfast, and a reception hosted by Gen Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.“That was a great opportunity,” says Cdr Climenhaga. “It was the first time personally I’ve had the Chief of the Defence Staff on board, so it was an exciting event for me, as well as the crew.”Cdr Climenhaga says the most important part of events like this is strengthening the relationship between the general public and the Royal Canadian Navy, an opportunity both he and the crew relish.“It’s very important to us to be visible, and let the community get to know us. We’re here for them,” he says.On game day, the crew of Vancouver joined the people of Vancouver and beyond for the game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.“It was a close game, and...

[caption id="attachment_8762" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Vancouver crew members show off their moustaches in the hangar of the ship on Nov. 25 while on their way to Vancouver. Crew members went without shaving for the month to raise awareness and more than $800 for Prostate Cancer.[/caption]For the month of November, sailors of HMCS Vancouver looked a little more bristly than usual when they let their upper lip locks get luxuriously long.About 35 moustachioed Vancouver crew members, led by PO1 Yannick Gagne, managed to generate over $800 for prostate cancer research during this year’s Movember GCWCC fundraiser.“I’ve been taking part in Movember for about three years now, but before I never committed to raising a lot of money,” says PO1 Gagne, a Senior Hull Technician. “I would donate $20 every year, but this year I thought that I could do better, so I gathered a bunch of people that also wanted to do better to.”For the first two weeks of November, Vancouver was at sea with 40 Movember participants, but once they returned home the number shrunk to 35.“People wanted to shave, or their significant others had something to say about it.”PO1 Gagne let what he called his “Tom Selleck” moustache flourish for the entire 30 days of Movember, where it grew into a thick, solid moustache. However, the moment the month was over, so was the ‘stache.“My wife hated it,” he says. “She was happy to see it go.”With over $800 raised and more coming in every day, PO1 Gagne is happy to contribute to a cause he says all men should be aware of.“This [prostrate cancer]affects a lot of people. Not even just the men diagnosed with it, but their friends and families,” he says. “I cross my fingers that it won’t happen to me, but you never know, right?...

[caption id="attachment_8759" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Calgary sails through B.C. coastal waters. The ship had one of the busiest years in recent history.[/caption]It has been an eventful and active year for HMCS Calgary, with the modernized warship spending more than 250 days away from its home port, all in support of Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) trials, and the core roles and missions of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). “For us, it has felt like nine months of deploying, without deploying,” says Cdr John Wilson, Calgary’s Commanding Officer.  “We did have the short Caribbe deployment but, given the year we just had, it just felt like another task for the ship’s company.”Commencing with operations team training in Halifax in the beginning of the year, the ship’s company spent the following nine months on variety of taskings that have provided well-rounded training opportunities for the sailors, while giving them the opportunity to explore a number of foreign ports. Immediately following a full set of workups in the spring, Calgary provided support to the fleet navigating officer’s course by conducting navigation training in the Gulf Islands.  At the same time, the ship hosted the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Judith Guichon, during her visit to coastal communities.Next, the combat team made their way to Halifax in preparation for their missile readiness inspection trials, the first for HCM ships.  Following a short work period alongside Esquimalt, Calgary sailed on an action-packed two-month deployment that included exercising in a multi-ship and multinational environment during a task group transit, and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014.  Port visits to San Diego and Pearl Harbor, where the ship hosted a noteworthy Canada Day reception, were included in the activities. It also allowed an opportunity for Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the RCN, to visit Calgary’s sailors and field pertinent...

[caption id="attachment_8689" align="alignnone" width="300"] Click on the image above for larger images[/caption]It’s almost that time of year when we put down our tools, come out of our cubicles, and share in a little festive holiday cheer.The 2014 MARPAC Holiday Program is taking shape.This year’s nautically-themed program, “Sailing Through the Holidays” will run from Dec. 7-20 and feature a host of holiday activities for all members of the Defence Team and their families.  The program will begin in earnest on Dec. 7 with the Township of Esquimalt’s Parade of Lights.The parade will muster at the Canteen Road parking lot, and make its way to the Archie Browning Sports Centre for the community celebration.On opening night, CANEX will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with decorations, hot chocolate and snacks, and perhaps even a visit from Santa himself. Families are welcome to watch as the lights are turned on at 5:15 p.m.Naden’s Holiday Route will remain lit from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly until Dec. 20. Visitors can drive the route by entering through either the Sturdee Street entrance or the Naden Main Gate (at Admirals and Woodway Roads). For your shopping convenience, CANEX will be open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 7, 13, 14 and 20. There will be in-store specials and items from their Military Elite Collection, which make great Christmas gifts.On the last night, Dec. 20, drop by CANEX between 5 and 9 p.m. to have your photo taken with Santa by MARPAC Imaging staff.In addition to the Holiday Route, all units are encouraged to take part in the Formation Tree Decorating Contest, which will take place from Dec. 1-16.A great opportunity for morale building and fun, the pre-lit trees will be available for your decorating ideas at the Wardroom, Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess, and the Pacific Fleet Club. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Most Festive Design, Best Griswald Design (for the most outlandish tree), and Best Charlie Brown (for most valiant effort).Teams can register...

[caption id="attachment_8686" align="alignnone" width="300"] Left to right: Regina Pats (#4) Kyle Burroughs; Cameron Hope, General Manager of the Victoria Royals; Capt(N) James Clarke, Commander Canadian Submarine Force; Cdr (Ret’d) Lloyd Barnes; and Victoria Royals (#2) Joe Hicketts at centre ice during the puck drop for the 4th Annual CAF/Defence Team Appreciation Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Nov. 22.[/caption]With more than 6,000 fans watching, the Victoria Royals hockey team saluted 100 years of submarine service in Canada during their fourth annual Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Saturday Nov. 22 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.  Possibly inspired by their specially designed jerseys that bore the submarine crest, the Royals cruised to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Regina Pats, backstopped by call-up goaltender Jayden Sittler’s 33 save performance.The pre-game celebrations were highlighted by a dynamic opening that featured a Tri-Service Colour Party, Naden Band vocalist PO2 Katrina Bligh performing O Canada, and members of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group rappelling down to ice-level to deliver the ceremonial puck from 80 feet up in the rafters.Capt (N) James Clarke, Commander Canadian Submarine Force, and Cdr (Retired) Lloyd Barnes, former Commanding Officer of HMC Submarines Rainbow, Ojibwa and Onondaga, dropped the puck in a stirring centre-ice ceremony.This latest version of Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night was a fitting tribute to the Canadian Submarine Force, their families, and their efforts over the last century. The passion, dedication and resilience of past and present submariners were well represented in both the superbly-designed commemorative game jerseys, and in the enthusiasm shown by the throngs of fans in attendance.While the Royals dominated the Pats for 60 minutes on the ice, the multitude of interior and exterior displays along the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre concourse showcased the diversity of talents and opportunities working together as part of the...

[caption id="attachment_8683" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Vancouver slipped all lines and proceeded to sea.[/caption]On Nov. 10, for the first time in two years, HMCS Vancouver slipped all lines and proceeded to sea.With help and guidance from Sea Training Pacific, sailors progressed through a five day intense programme of training serials designed to test Vancouver’s response to a wide variety of emergency situations including damage control, man overboard, and the planning and response to a search and rescue mission. As a result, Vancouver has returned to operational status and Restricted Readiness.The successful completion of Restricted Readiness Inspections represents the culmination of months of hard work and preparation at all levels of the ship’s company, but it is only the first step on the long road to full operational status.Over the coming weeks and months, the officers and crew of HMCS Vancouver will continue to take every opportunity to refresh old skills, master new ones, and come together as a team. Lt(N) Eric Ward,  HMCS Vancouver

[caption id="attachment_8614" align="alignnone" width="300"] "The Homecoming” memorial statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour[/caption]A generous donation by a local business man has honoured two fallen soldiers and supported military families at the same time.Casey Edge, Executive Director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association, purchased a brick at “The Homecoming” memorial statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, dedicating it to the memory Cpl Nathan Cirillo and WO Patrice Vincent.He wanted to pay his respects to the two CAF  members who were tragically killed last month in two separate attacks.“I think the families of these men would be happy to know they are being honoured and remembered all across the country,” says Edge.The brick reads, “Cpl Nathan Cirillo. WO Patrice Vincent. Honour and Remember”, and was placed at the memorial Nov. 6.Edge says he was compelled to make the donation following the tragic events in Quebec on Oct. 20 and in Ottawa on Oct. 22.“It happened over 4,000 kilometres away, but it had a profound effect on everyone,” says Edge.“We had Remembrance Day and then in the same week we have our [municipal] elections. The elections generally have a pretty low turnout, and it seems like a lot of people don’t care to participate in a free election, which is a privilege many other countries don’t have access to. This can stand as a reminder of the freedoms people put their lives on the line for.”The money from the brick dedications goes directly to the Military Family Resource Centre, providing additional funding for programs and aid for military families.Edge says this was another one of the reasons he chose to memorialize Cpl Cirillo and WO Vincent the way he did.“The military aspect is a very important aspect of our community, and maybe we don’t think about that as much as we should,” he says.Shawn O’HaraStaff Writer

Base implements new smoking policyAs part of continual review of Base Standing Orders and in line with the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy, the new smoking policy (BSO 2-128) brings MARPAC into compliance with the Non-smokers Health Act. As of Dec. 1, smoking is prohibited on DND property with the exception of designated smoking areas.Why the change?CFB Esquimalt is federal property.As such, it must conform to the federal and provincial laws that govern its use.The Tobacco Act and the Non-Smokers’ Health Act regulate and restrict smoking beyond designated smoking areas.As a result, base policies will be in accordance with federal and provincial law.Do all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) bases have the same rules and regulations?Canadian tobacco laws empower each province’s ministry of health to regulate legislation concerning smoking, including the boundaries and areas in which it is legal to smoke.Depending on a CAF base’s location, it is possible that the rules and regulations surrounding smoking can be different.If I smoke e-cigarettes do the regulations apply to me?Yes.According to Health Canada, all tobacco accessories are subject to the same laws as tobacco itself.That means that e-cigarettes may only be used within a designated smoking area.Where will I be allowed to smoke?All personnel who are on DND property must smoke only within a designated smoking area.This policy is inclusive to guests and invitees.In accordance with DAOD 5020-1, designated smoking areas will have neither sides, nor seating.Butt receptacles will be provided at each of the designated smoking areas. It is the users’ responsibility to keep the smoking areas clean.What happens on board ship?Smoking on board HMC Ships is regulated by Ships Standing Orders.If I live in barracks, where can I smoke?All members on TD or who live in fully furnished military accommodations or those members who rent mess accommodations for social events, such as gatherings and weddings, must smoke only within designated smoking areas.They are not permitted to smoke within their quarters.Residential Housing Units on DND property are exempt from the policy.   What will happen...

[caption id="attachment_8603" align="alignnone" width="300"] Join the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)        Dec. 15-17 at the Royal Theatre[/caption]Join the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Dec. 15-17 at the Royal Theatre for some good old-fashioned holiday cheer during their Christmas Concert Series.The concert is an annual tradition for the Naden Band and one the musicians look forward to.This year they have prepared all new music, with several pieces arranged by band members.“We’re going to be debuting a piece called ‘The 12 Navy Days of Christmas’, as well as a few arrangements done by members of the band, so we’re very excited about that,” says Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Commanding Officer of the Naden Band.“We’ve put a lot of work into this year’s concert and we’re excited to share it with the community as members of the Royal Canadian Navy.”Joining the Naden Band once again are vocalists Ken Levigne and Stephanie Greaves, who will be performing both solo and duet pieces alongside the band.This year’s concerts also mark the premiere of a special piece composed for the Naden Band by Canadian composer Robert Buckley.Buckley, a Juno Award winning composer who has created scores for Disney, Cirque du Soleil and countless other productions, saw the Naden Band perform in Vancouver and met with Lt(N) Clark to discuss a possible collaboration.“Over the course of a few meetings we decided that we’d like to work together. We’re extremely excited to debut the piece. It’s just beautiful,” says Lt(N) Clark. “Any opportunity we have to get more quality Canadian music written by talented Canadian musicians out into the world is great.”Tickets to the concert are $10 plus a new, unwrapped toy.The toys go the Salvation Army for distribution this season.“It’s about family, it’s about the holiday season, it’s about giving back; basically all the things that make Christmas something we look forward to,” says Lt(N) Clark.Shawn O’HaraStaff Writer