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[caption id="attachment_6240" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Winnipeg took a big hit when fishing trawler American Dynasty stuck the port side of the vessel last spring.[/caption] After nearly a year of investigation, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has developed a picture of the events leading to the allision between United States fishing vessel American Dynasty and HMCS Winnipeg.According to the report released March 31, the board found that “a series of failures by crew and equipment led to the collision” on April 23, 2013. While the vessel was being towed to the Esquimalt graving dock, the vessel’s oiler took a call from the master, as the chief engineer was unavailable.  “At approximately 0816, the master transferred control to the engine control room. The oiler had never accepted control before, so he asked the electrician, who was also in the engine control room, about the procedure for accepting control.” The electrician then advised to push a transfer button on the propulsion panel, after which the vessel lost all electrical power. The emergency generator failed to initiate, and the bridge crew noticed the vessel accelerating from 1.6 knots to 5.0 knots and veering to starboard in the direction of Winnipeg. “Upon noticing propeller wash, the master attempted to call the engine room using the main phone, but the line was dead,” says the report. “The master then requested the first mate to go to the engine room and assess the situation. By this time American Dynasty was approximately 400m from Winnipeg.” Meanwhile, the tugs pulling the vessel also noticed the problem and attempted to correct course by towing the ship backward. They were unable to stop it when the winch on one of the tugs broke and American Dynasty pulled away. Below deck in the engine room, the chief engineer, unaware of the drastic...

[caption id="attachment_6221" align="alignnone" width="300"] PO1 Matthew Goodwin demonstrates proper lifting technique during a fitness class on the flight deck.[/caption] Who says you can’t eat healthy and get fit at sea? The ship’s company of HMCS Regina is leading the way in promoting health and fitness during its overseas deployment on Operation Artemis. Regina has implemented a number of initiatives over the course of the last four months, including diet and weight counselling, anti-smoking assistance, a Biggest Loser weight loss contest, and regular meetings of the ship’s fitness club. “We are reaching the mid-point of our deployment and we need to sustain our energy levels and stay healthy for the remainder of Operation Artemis,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “We encourage the ship’s company to make healthy choices in the hopes this will lead to an overall lifestyle change while they are on board the ship, as well as when they are back home with their friends and family. If I can do it, anybody can do it.” The ship’s Physicians Assistant, WO John Hancock, provides diet and weight counselling, as well as assistance to those who want to quit smoking during the deployment. Additionally, he runs the Biggest Loser contest on the ship, which is based of the popular TV show. Participants must weigh in at every fuel stop or port visit, and their weight loss is carefully monitored by WO Hancock. The winner of the contest will be named towards the end of the deployment, and will be decided by the percentage of weight lost by each participant vice the total number of pounds they lost. To help the ship’s company lose weight and improve their overall strength and cardiovascular conditioning, Regina started a fitness club where members can share tips on sports nutrition and engage in...

[caption id="attachment_6218" align="alignnone" width="300"] UrbaCity team Sparkle My World competes at a Challenge Station on Yates before being named 2013 Champions in the Brawn category.[/caption] In June, teams of brightly coloured contestants will sprint through the streets of downtown Victoria in the name of charity. The UrbaCity Challenge takes place June 8, and is a city-wide obstacle course that pits teams of two against each other in an Amazing Race-style event, with competitors completing various tasks, puzzles, and obstacles. Businesses and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can get in on the race through the new four person corporate challenge, or as a pair in the Brains, Brawn, and Ultra categories. “It’s a great opportunity for Victorians to get a look at their city like they’ve never seen it before,” says Priya Manhas of MAXIMUS Canada, the presenting partner for the event. “We want to put an emphasis on Victoria’s local culture, so all of our challenges will get participants up close and personal. With the CAF being such a large part of the community we hope the military represents as well.” Each team of two has a fundraising minimum of $100, while teams  of four must raise $400, with all money going directly to The Prostate Centre, a Victoria organization that provides direct support in relation to prostate health. “It’s important to MAXIMUS to support the community, so we wanted to reach out to a local organization,” says Manhas. “The Prostate Centre serves this community’s men and their families, and we wanted to do whatever we can to support them.” While the exact tasks for this year’s race are kept under wraps until the day of, Manhas says there is no end to variety. In years past, participants had to make a paper airplane together using only one hand each,...

[caption id="attachment_6215" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cannon Image Runner 3230 Multifunction device is one of many different devices that can be ordered through Base Information Services.[/caption] Base Information Services (BIS) has a great idea to save CFB Esquimalt money while improving efficiency. The plan is to switch out the single printer and the lone fax machine for a “Multifunction Device”. This piece of technology is a colour printer, scanner, copier and fax machine combined, with a hard drive to save files. Neil Grieg from BIS is heading the effort to convert both ships and shore units to the Multifunction Device, which will be leased with all maintenance included. “It’s such a simple solution to an expanding inventory of devices that cost electricity, and require different proprietary cartridges. By letting go of the idea of having a printer on your desk, and by taking an extra few steps, you are saving more money than people realize,” he says. Last year, BIS spent $80,000 on toner for the various devices in its office. The estimated cost savings of replacing eight printers with a Multifunction Device for three years is $22,770.87. The Canadian Armed Forces is required to conform to the Government of Canada’s Greening Initiative, which includes the Printer Reduction Strategy. The target is to achieve a ratio of eight people to one printer. The conversion has already started with HMC Ships Winnipeg, Regina and Vancouver, and in the shore offices of Formation Technical Authority and the Base Commander. “We used to have eight printers to 12 people and at any given time one would be out of supplies. Now we have one multifunction device on each floor instead of printers and it works great,” says Michael Morrison, Base Chief of Staff. “Having a multifunction device nearby makes it even easier to manage records...

HMCS Regina conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with United States Naval Ship (USNS) Joshua Humphreys off the coast of Somalia during Operation Artemis counter-terrorism and maritime security operations on April 2. This was Regina’s first RAS with one of its Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) coalition partners during this deployment. Although there were some differences with respect to how each navy performs this challenging evolution, this was offset by the high level of interoperability and familiarity between the United States Navy (USN) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). “The capabilities and professionalism displayed by USNS Joshua Humphreys were very impressive and the RAS went off without a hitch,” said Lieutenant-Commander Gordon Roy, Executive Officer of Regina. “All of the CTF 150 coalition partners and participating nations benefit from sharing each other’s knowledge and expertise of the unique operational and logistical challenges posed by the Op Artemis Joint Operations Area.” The RCN participates in numerous joint operations and naval training exercises with the USN and other allied navies on a frequent basis and this pays dividends during high profile overseas deployments such as Op Artemis. The long standing relationships established during these operations and exercises enhances mutual trust and confidence in each other’s capabilities and platforms. “Our ability to sustain these kinds of operations at sea over a prolonged period requires significant logistical support from ashore or from a RAS-capable warship at sea like USNS Joshua Humphreys,” said Commander Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of Regina. “Being able to RAS with one of our CTF 150 coalition partners keeps us in the fight so we don’t have to leave our designated area of operations to obtain fuel ashore in a foreign port.” -Lt(N) Mark Fifield, Op Artemis Roto 4 PAO

[caption id="attachment_6142" align="alignnone" width="282"] A national initiative has begun to increase the representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces.[/caption] A national initiative has begun to increase the representation of women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Through a Director, Marketing and Advertising (DMA) recruitment strategy, the CAF is being showcased as an employer of choice for women. More than 50 military members have been featured in the women’s campaign so far, with over 30 providing personal testimonials to help the cause.   “Looking at the numbers of women in the CAF it has become a priority to reach out and let women know the military is a real and viable option for them,” says Peggy Thériault, Senior Marketing Advisor with the DMA. “We went out into the CAF community and found great role models to show women they too can thrive in the military.” One marketing avenue is the website www.realwomenreallife.ca. It is a partnership between DMA and HGTV and showcases how nine CAF women manage work and life goals. Local member, PO1 Shanna Wilson, Planning Chief at HMCS Malahat, offered her story to the recruiting initiative. “The first ship I was on hadn’t had any women before,” says PO1 Wilson in her entry at Real Women, Real Life. “It was just like having a bunch of brothers. As long as you give as good as you get you’ll be fine. There aren’t a lot of firsts for women left.” As a member of the Defence Women’s Advisory Group, PO1 Wilson has always had a passion for supporting the role of women in the Forces. “There’s definitely a thought in place in a lot of people that the military is primarily for men,” she says. “That just isn’t the case anymore.” The Real Women, Real Life website has proven...

[caption id="attachment_6137" align="alignnone" width="300"] - Capt (Ret’d) Peggy Sherwood[/caption] For Capt (Ret’d) Peggy Sherwood, an end to her military career has not meant an end to her humanitarian work. The 64-year-old nurse has signed on for a two-week trip to Pointe Noir, Republic of Congo, aboard the rail-ferry-turned-hospital Mercy Africa. “I’ve been doing this for almost my entire life. I wasn’t going to stop just because I’m retired from the military,” she says. “I’m still working as a civilian nurse, and this was just another opportunity to help people.” Sherwood has had a long career as a medical professional, both military and civilian. She went to school for nursing, obtaining post-secondary training through a London, Ontario, hospital before joining the army in 1971. She spent time in the army, navy, and air force, both reserve and regular forces, before retiring in 2009.“I’m very proud of my time in the military,” she says. “I spent a lot of time putting a lot of broken bodies back together, and doing whatever I could to help those in need. I will never forget my time there.” Her military career included a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, where she served in the operating theatre at NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Air Force Base. While working with surgical doctors treating wounded military members and civilians, Sherwood got a firsthand look at the after effects of war. “Treating kids was always the hardest, because there was no way they had any idea what was going on,” she says. “We always did the best work we could, but there are some things you don’t forget, things that remind you why you’re doing the work you’re doing.” After 36 years it was time for Sherwood to hang up her uniform and move to the next...

[caption id="attachment_6089" align="alignnone" width="300"] Crewmembers from HMCS Regina catalogue and destroy 132 kg of seized heroin on the ship’s quarterdeck.[/caption] HMCS Regina successfully disrupted a narcotics shipment during a patrol in its designated area of operations in the Indian Ocean on March 31, as part of Operation Artemis. Regina intercepted and boarded a dhow off the east coast of Africa and discovered over 100 packages of heroin weighing 132 kilograms in total.“This successful drug seizure is a result of the patience and perseverance displayed by the ship’s company of HMCS Regina throughout our participation in Op Artemis. It is also a credit to our collective capability to work together with our CTF 150 partners to respond in a timely and effective manner to threats to maritime security and commerce in the region,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of ReginaThe illicit narcotics were subsequently seized, documented and later destroyed at sea, thereby ensuring they would not reach their intended recipients.This was the first drug seizure for Regina as part of its maritime security and counter-terrorism operations at sea in the Indian Ocean. Operation Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. “I congratulate the crew of HMCS Regina, who have certainly earned this success,” said Commodore Daryl Bates, Commander of CTF 150. “They have worked tirelessly since taking over from HMCS Toronto in February. In conjunction with the recent efforts of warships from the French, United States and Royal Australian Navies, the Royal Canadian Navy has continued to prove that the national contributions to Combined Maritime Forces can have a real impact on terrorist organizations, by disrupting their lines of funding.” -DND

Lt(N) Jim Parker and his partner, Dr. Heather Cairns, have created a photographic experience of Africa, one they invite you to embark on. The couple recently produced Children of Africa. A photographic journey, an 80-page soft cover book documenting their many travels through the continent. They say their point-and-shoot photographic approach provides a raw and emotional experience for their audience, as opposed to a professional photo approach that can diminish the candidness of the shot. “It is not a flip-through book,” the authors state at the start of the book. “This story requires your involvement…If you allow yourself to be drawn into these photographs and all that they represent, you will experience the book in the way we had hoped.” The book tells two stories, that of the authors’ journey through many of Africa’s 54 countries, and that of its people. Fittingly, the forward is by Mende Nazer, a Sudanese author, human rights activist, and slavery survivor. At age 12 she was abducted by slave traders and bought by a wealthy family in Khartoum. She lived as a slave for eight years before escaping, and eventually getting British citizenship. This enabled her to travel back to her home in the Nuba Mountains.   In her honour, an international charitable organization was formed – the Mende Nazer Foundation, which works with communities to construct primary schools, wells and water purification systems in the impoverished and war-torn Nuba Mountain region of Sudan. In the forward, she tells the story of her “hardscrabble life.” A portion of the book profits will be donated to the Mende Nazer Foundation.   The genesis of the book started in 2008 when Lt(N) Parker took a sabbatical from teaching at a private school in Victoria, and deployed to Africa as a military observer with the United Nations....

[caption id="attachment_6083" align="alignnone" width="300"] Two Cadets from 136 RCSCC Amphion in Nanaimo, B.C., carefully piece together puzzle pieces during the trivia event as judge, WO Marriott watches.[/caption] The Naden Drill Shed was a-buzz with activity on the weekend of March 22 when 88 Sea Cadets from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba gathered for the Provincial Seamanship Competition.The annual competition saw the top eight Sea Cadet Corps from across Western Canada face off in naval knowledge, ingenuity, teamwork, and seamanship.“It’s always a great event and this year was no exception,” says PO1 Line Laurendeau, event organizer. “We’ve got some of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, and skilled sea cadets in Canada here.”Competitions included knot tying, naval history quizzes, relay races, and replica ship building.At the end of the competition, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 136 Amphion from Nanaimo took home top honours, including a trophy and bragging rights. PO1 Laurendeau says while there is motivation within the organization for a national competition, so far the regional event is as far as things go.“We’ve always wanted to do it, but it’s a matter of resources,” she says. “It would be great for the kids, and at the end of the day that’s who this is for. We’ll see what the future holds.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_6059" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of 3rd Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) await instructions for the dismount entry exercise where they roll off simultaneously into the water and swim to shore.[/caption] Edmonton-based soldiers spent three weeks on the island jumping from helicopters, zipping around the ocean in rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and earning their sea legs on Orca patrol training vessels.More than 300 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) were at Albert Head, March 9 to 28 for Exercise Spartan Trident. The joint training exercise, which included naval and air assets, helps prepare the army’s light infantry to operate within a joint construct in littoral areas and rugged terrain.    “Light infantry is all about mobility and our ability to adapt,” explained WO Todd McKee. “These training exercises give our soldiers a wider understanding on integrating navy, air force and army tactics into one.” This exercise had platoons rotating through various naval and air force platforms, such as helo casting from a Sea King helicopter, and recovery skills of a capsized inflatable boat, as well as numerous small boat operations in conjunction with the Orca training vessels.“This exercise has proven to be very successful with the comprehensive integration with both the navy and air force. It has exposed our solders to new skill sets within a Maritime environment. Being from Edmonton, we are used to operating within a prairie or mountain environment and have limited experience with maritime operations. This has been a great learning opportunity for these men and women,” said WO Mckee.Such training exercises enable the Canadian Armed Forces to display their capability and preparedness to undertake operations quickly and effectively in any and all regions of Canada or the world. -Kara Tibbel, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_6056" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of HMCS Regina assist an injured motorist during a traffic accident on a major highway in Tanzania on March 18 during a port visit.[/caption] While on leave in Tanzania March 18, members of HMCS Regina rendered assistance to an injured driver at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on a major highway.The crew members were travelling on Tanzania’s major east-west highway back to the port city of Dar es Salaam when they came upon the accident. A tractor trailer had collided with another vehicle. Damage was so severe the cab of the tractor trailer was crushed, pinning the injured driver in the vehicle. “The situation was chaotic when we first arrived on scene as the injured driver was in significant pain and distress,” said Cpl Wade McAllister. Military members took immediate action to control the scene, direct the rescue effort, provide first aid, and extract the injured driver from the vehicle. Some crewmembers assisted the injured driver, while the others pried the cab open so they could extract the driver. Once the driver was safely out of the vehicle, an individual, who identified himself as a physician, took over his care.Members directed everybody at the scene to return to their vehicles, and then resumed their trip back to their ship. “I am very proud of how they performed as a team under these difficult circumstances and their actions are a credit to HMCS Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy at large,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of Regina. “The Tanzanians watching us on the highway that day will always remember how the Canadians helped a total stranger in his most desperate hour of need.”Regina is currently at sea conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations off the east coast of Africa as part of...

[caption id="attachment_6052" align="alignnone" width="300"] Liliane Lucarevsci, Human Resources Assistant with Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton’s Records Managment Office, was connected with her position through the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program.[/caption] Friends and co-workers gathered at the Wardroom March 19 to bid farewell to five participants of the Federal Internship for Newcomers program, (FIN) who found temporary employment at CFB Esquimalt.The FIN program is a pilot project between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Emploi et Développement social Canada (EDSC), which connects newcomers to Canada with employers in the Canadian job market related to their job experience.“When I was coming to Canada I wasn’t sure where I was going to work, if I would be able to find work in my field,” says Liliane Lucarevschi, one of five FIN program applicants who worked at CFB Esquimalt over the past six months. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lucarevschi has been working as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant with FMF Cape Breton’s Records Management Office since September 2013. “When I heard about the FIN program I signed up right away. I had all these job search boards and resources at my fingertips. After a while I was able to find administrative work, which was what I did in Brazil. It was perfect.”To be eligible for the FIN program local applications must first be screened by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre to test their experience and English aptitude. Following the application, participants are screened, and if they’re found to be suitable for government work they are invited to a panel interview. From there, managers screen pools of resumes, and offer suitable applicants positions. “I applied for the program in May and was offered a job in September,” says Lucarevschi. “I was surprised but excited at how easy it ended up being. The...

[caption id="attachment_6023" align="alignnone" width="300"] A commissionaire checks the identification of a contractor working in dockyard.[/caption] On any given weekday, about 1,800 people pass through the main gate of HMC Dockyard. These people are a mix of military members, civilian employees, contractors, visitors and delivery personnel. However, everyone who wants entry to HMC Dockyard, whether on foot or in a vehicle, must be cleared through an Entry Control Checkpoint.   Checkpoints are usually manned by Commissionaires. They require that personnel seeking entry into the Dockyard, or any other Controlled Access Zone, provide to them a valid photo ID. Recently, there has been a slight change to the way ID is checked. Commissionaires now require all personnel to show their ID in a way that enables them to confirm the expiry date on the document, and visually inspect the photo to confirm the identity of the holder. The practice of flashing  ID while slowly driving past the gate is no longer acceptable. Those unable to produce valid identification will be denied access. Although this may slow the flow of traffic, the result is a safer workplace. People are asked to have their ID at the ready prior to arriving at a checkpoint. Force Protection teams such as Military Police and/or members of the Formation Auxiliary Security Force may conduct random security measures such as vehicle and baggage searches. These random searches of personnel and baggage are authorized under Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations (DCAAR’s), which states: As a condition of being given access to any defence establishment, every person shall, on the demand of a security guard, submit to a search of his person or personal property while entering or exiting any such place or materiel or any restricted area within such place or materiel. Where a person refuses to submit to...

[caption id="attachment_6020" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon (left) and LGen (ret’d) Ken Foster (right) of the PPCLI unveil the PPCLI Centennial Commeorative Envelope from Canada Post.[/caption] In a well-attended gathering in the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture gunroom, Canada Post honoured the history of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).To celebrate the regiment’s 100th anniversary, a special edition envelope was launched. It commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the PPCLI. The unveil date was chosen because March 17 is the birthday of Princess Patricia, after whom the infantry was named. She was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and the youngest daughter of Prince Arthur, who was Governor General of Canada.“Canada Post is honoured to pay homage to PPCLI with this commemorative envelope on a day as significant as today,” said Kevin Pearson of Canada Post, who was on hand to make the presentation. “We believe it is a fitting way to honour the regiment, marking its 100 years of service, and believe it will bring the regiment’s proud and illustrious history to homes across the country.”A historic photo spans the length of the envelope, recalling the “Pats” early days with a placing of a wreath on the Regimental colour in February 1919. A row of images along the bottom capture the Regiment’s participation in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean and Afghanistan conflict, and a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.  The cancel mark features the letters and coronet from Princess Patricia’s royal cypher. The Princess’s two first names, Victoria Patricia are visible on both the stamp and the cancel shown as “VP”.On the backside is a synopsis of the regiment’s history. “This small gesture is part of the larger gratitude felt by Canadians everywhere,” said Pearson. “Anything we can do to recognize the service...

[caption id="attachment_6015" align="alignnone" width="300"] Five HMCS Regina sailors rock out “Takin’ Care of Business” for the Bachman Turner Overdrive tribute video contest. The winner of the contest will be featured on the Juno Awards March 30. Regina sailors are looking for more votes to pull them from second place to first.[/caption] Legendary Canadian classic rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this year. To celebrate this historic accomplishment, the 2014 Juno Awards have organized a contest where people can submit a tribute music video of themselves “Takin’ Care of Business” after BTO’s famous hit song of the same name. Contributing to the contest is HMCS Regina’s rock band Pile O Bones, with a special video of the band rockin’ it on the ship. Regina is currently conducting counter-terrorism and maritime security operations at sea off the coast of Africa during Operation Artemis. Band members are PO1 Joseph Scheubel (lead singer), PO1 Keith Muffty (bass guitar), PO2 James Ward (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Lt(N) Colin Pilkey (lead guitar and backing vocals) and LS Corey Pettipas (drums). Production of the tribute music video was a collaborative effort of the entire ship’s company, including the CH-124 Sea King Helicopter Air Detachment, who incorporated the aerial video shoot within their required training schedule. The video was also produced in a highly compressed timeline to meet the submission deadline of the Juno Awards contest.Pile O Bones “Takin’ Care of Business” tribute music video has garnered enough votes online to be in second place, but they need support to reach number one and win the contest. The winner will be announced during the 2014 Juno Awards broadcast at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 30. “Creating this music video has been a great experience for the...

[caption id="attachment_5985" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Dave Eason serves up hot food at the Nelles Block service line.[/caption] On Wednesday, diners at Nelles Block and Venture’s galley can stick their forks into some international cuisine. A special menu has been created by Base Foods staff to support International Day for the Elimination of Racism.“It’s a good opportunity to give people something new to try during their lunches, as well as a way to support a good cause,” says MWO David McLaughlin, Deputy Base Foods Officer. “Base Administration is committed to supporting causes like this, and we thought this would be a fun and unique way to throw our hat in.”The menu includes Szechuan Pork Stir Fry, Lahori Red Chicken Karahi, and Mexican Vegetarian Corn.“We tried to pick foods from all across the globe, instead of just one continent or country to give people lots to choose from,” says MWO McLaughlin. “It’s nice to be able to use the unique skills of Base Food staff.”The menu is also an opportunity for the cooks at Base Foods to showcase their cooking skills.“The cooks get a chance to make things they don’t get to make every day,” he says. “With the creativity involved in preparation and the unique choices for people dining at the mess halls, on top of supporting something we care about, it’s a win-win all around.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5982" align="alignnone" width="300"] Anissa Paulsen, Director of Exhibits and Visitor Engagement, stands beside the CFB Esquimalt dry dock model.[/caption] The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is making significant revisions to its naval gallery. The gallery is being revitalized to “celebrate the story of the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Anissa Paulsen, the museum’s director of exhibits and engagement. “The Naval Role in the Development of British Columbia is the working title for the new gallery, which will look at how the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy have both influenced the development and identity of British Columbia throughout history and today. During this project, the museum will explore ways to portray the experiences of current navy families within the context of Canadian naval history. Re-development will occur in three stages, with the first stage focusing on the early history and significance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock. The second stage will feature the first Canadian naval vessel - HMCS Rainbow – as part of a tribute to the anniversary of First World War. Part of the re-development plan is to include a more user-friendly approach to showcase local history so children and adults can engage with the exhibit. As a result, the third stage will include a “life at sea” section where visitors can better imagine life on board a navy vessel; for example, through an interactive display. The first stage of the gallery renewal is currently underway with plans to finish in June 2014. This stage will highlight the importance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock in the development of Esquimalt and the City of Victoria. “Our historic interactions with the water are critical to our identity as British Columbians today,” Paulsen said. “Esquimalt developed around the dockyard and the graving dock was huge part of that development.”The plan to...

[caption id="attachment_5979" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boatswain LS Rebecca Charlesworth makes an announcement on the ship’s communications system.[/caption] Life in HMCS Regina has its challenges. From stormy seas to the daily activities of Operation Artemis (the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) maritime security operation in the Arabian Sea region) crew members are kept busy. However, the one challenge not faced by the crew, in particular women aboard Regina, is their gender.  On March 8, Canada celebrated the United Nations International Women’s Day, and one only needed to look at the formidable women onboard Regina to see the accomplishments Canada has made in terms of gender integration in the Royal Canadian Navy, and more widely in the CAF. The meritocratic system allows women to pursue any role with equal consideration to their male counterparts. CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith is Regina’s Coxswain. As such, she mentors and provides leadership to crew members of all ranks. She is the highest ranking non-commissioned member on board – a commendable position that is still relatively rare for women. The first female Coxswain of a major warship was CPO1 Jan Davis, appointed 2004. CPO1 Graham-Smith’s ambition and industrious attitude helped her overcome the challenges faced when she first entered the CAF 33 years ago. At that time, women did not serve on board warships, in the air or in the field. She felt held back by the limited number of positions she could achieve. Despite that, a 19-year-old Graham-Smith informed her father that she would become a Coxswain in the navy. To which he replied, “That’s impossible, they don’t even let women serve on board ships. How in the world will you ever do that?”The answer? Dedicated work and progressive changes in policy. He is proud that she and the CAF proved him wrong. Canada’s developments throughout the mid to...

[caption id="attachment_5943" align="alignnone" width="300"] Seventeen civilians wave goodbye to the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy after being dropped off at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The civilians were on HMCS Protecteur’s Tiger Cruise when a fire broke out.[/caption] When United States Ship (USS) Michael Murphy arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on March 4, there were 17 passengers onboard who had been through a once-in-a-lifetime experience.They were all family members of HMCS Protecteur crew members, who had embarked on the ship for the “Tiger Cruise” transit from Pearl Harbor to Esquimalt, B.C. at the end of the ship’s two month Mid-Pacific Oiler deployment. As Mid-Pacific Oiler, Protecteur provided replenishment and re-fueling for allied ships in the Pacific. Having family members on board for the last part of a sail is a common practice with Royal Canadian Navy ships returning from extended operations, and one that family members appreciate.They were expecting to enjoy a leisurely journey, getting a glimpse of life at sea in the Royal Canadian Navy. Instead, they got a first-hand view of their loved ones in action, doing what they are trained to do, respond to a serious fire at sea. At around 10 p.m. on the second day of their journey, the lights suddenly went out, followed by a fire alarm and emergency pipe announcing the fire was in the engine room space. The engine room is the largest compartment inside the ship, and is filled with machinery, fuel lines, and high voltage electric cables.They were 340 nautical miles from land, and with no other vessels close enough to assist, the crew of Protecteur was on their own. They would have to solve this problem together, and their lives depended on it. Wade Keller, father of AB Sam Keller, said, “They mustered us with the...

[caption id="attachment_5939" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Rebecca Charlesworth and Stephanie MacLean reload a .50 cal heavy machine gun during a training exercise to trial the newly installed Herstal mount on the starboard bridge wing.[/caption] HMCS Regina is currently conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations at sea off the east coast of Africa as part of Operation Artemis. Op Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Oman. Regina’s mission is to deter and deny terrorist and transnational criminal organizations from using merchant shipping lanes to smuggle weapons and illicit cargo, while simultaneously enabling the free and fluid movement of goods and services in the region.In general, Regina’s mission is similar to what previous HMC Ships such as Toronto have done in the region, although each ship has been assigned to different areas within the Operation Artemis Joint Operations Area. “We are taking valuable lessons learned from previous rotos and adapting them to the constantly evolving maritime operations picture in the area,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “Our presence also provides the Government of Canada with the flexibility and capability to respond to an emerging crisis in the region on their behalf.”Regina and its CTF 150 coalition partners are working closely to promote security, stability and prosperity in an area that spans over two million square miles in one of the world’s most important shipping routes for transoceanic commerce and trade.The Joint Operations Area includes the main shipping routes from the Far East to Africa, Europe and North America with one third of the world’s oil passing through the area and over 23,000 shipping movements each year.It also contains three narrow waterways, or chokepoints, where ships have...

[caption id="attachment_5936" align="alignnone" width="300"] Search and Rescue Technicians from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron discuss their plan of action on the ground as a Cormorant helicopter comes in to land on top of a mountain near Hope, British Columbia during an annual Search and Rescue Exercise.[/caption] 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from 19 Wing Comox and local Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) members conducted a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Abbotsford under the control of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria from Feb. 25 to 28. The team practiced their collective ability to respond to a plane crash.“This exercise highlights the importance of partnerships and interoperability within the SAR community. Collective search and rescue efforts between the Canadian Armed Forces, other government departments and volunteer organizations help promote education and training, which is fundamental to saving lives,” said RAdm Bill Truelove, Victoria Search and Rescue Region Commander and the commander of Joint Task Force Pacific.The squadron provided CH-149 Cormorant helicopters and CC-115 Buffalo aircraft. More than 70 members from the squadron and 19 Wing Comox participated, along with 35 CASARA members who provided aircraft and assistance in the exercise. Aircrews practiced homing in on emergency locator beacons, parachuting to crash scenes and evacuating patients from remote areas.Search coordinators were located at a command centre in Comox, deployed air and maintenance crews were in Abbotsford, while RCAF Cormorant helicopters, Buffalo airplanes and CASARA aircraft were launched to the Hope and Chilliwack areas of the Lower Mainland to conduct the exercise.Members of the local CASARA provided their own aircraft and local knowledge to assist 442 Squadron personnel. CASARA aircraft are used in a search role and CASARA personnel can be used as spotters onboard military aircraft.“When searching for an aircraft in a remote part of British Columbia, it is...

[caption id="attachment_5892" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Wounded Warrior Run B.C. team gathers at the Mile Zero monument in Victoria after running 600 kilometres and raising more than $10,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada.[/caption] After six days on the road and 600 kilometres traversed in running shoes, the Wounded Warriors made it home.The running team, including Wounded Warrior Run B.C. founder PO2 Allan Kobayashi, crossed the finish line Feb. 21 in Colwood.“It was a great experience. There were definitely some challenges but I’m proud of everyone,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We set out to raise some money for military members, and we surpassed even our expectations. I’m thrilled.”The event raised money for Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that provides programs and connections for military personnel suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other work-stress injuries.The run gained public attention as the miles wore on.“We got a phone call from the president of Wounded Warriors Canada, who said he’d been directly receiving phone calls talking about our run,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We were making waves, and word was getting out. It was huge for us.”The team shattered the fundraising goal of $2,500, raising more than $10,000.“The money just kept rolling in,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “We had schools donating money raised through lunch funds and little kids emptying their piggy banks. It was a very emotional experience.”Setting off from Port Hardy Feb. 15, the team encountered high winds, knee deep snow, and driving rain. PO2 Kobayashi says with the warrior spirit in their hearts nothing could stop them, not even nature.“I was running my leg further up island and nature called. So I ran off to the side of the road and as I was finishing up I heard someone yelling at me from the support vehicle,” says PO2 Kobayashi. “I turned around and there’s...

[caption id="attachment_5889" align="alignnone" width="300"] Honorary Colonel Rick Hansen presents the Sacrifice Medal to Cpl Darryl Hansen.[/caption] The room buzzed with excitement, admiration, and inspiration when Canadian legend Rick Hansen entered the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) Feb. 26.Hansen, an Honorary Colonel for JPSU, stopped by the base during a visit to Victoria and made a few presentations.“It’s an honour to be a part of this unit, and by extension a part of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Hansen, who inspired the world during his Man in Motion tour, which saw him cross 40,000 kilometres across 38 countries, raising money for spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives. “People like you are what inspired me to become who I am,” he said to the crowd.HCol Hansen presented a medal to Cpl Darryl Hansen (no relation), who received the Sacrifice Medal for a deployment with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) to Afghanistan in 2008. While there he sustained a traumatic brain injury when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded.“It was a real honour to have HCol Hansen present the medal to me. He’s an inspiration to Canadians everywhere,” said Cpl Hansen. “My time in Afghanistan was life changing in many ways, and it means a lot to have those experiences recognized.”MCpl Brett Trimble was also called forward to receive his Canadian Forces decoration from HCol Hansen for 12 years service to the military.He also presented a quilt from Quilts of Valour, a local organization that provides handmade quilts to military service people and community members going through hard times. One quilt was presented to Cpl Hansen, and another to Victoria local Beverly Hamilton.“When you get down to it, organizations like the CAF are about helping people,” said Hansen. “Whether it’s helping their own recover from the effects...

[caption id="attachment_5886" align="alignnone" width="300"] Volunteers Blair Black (left), Cpl Chris Smith (middle) and OS Christina Blaskavitch (right) help pile up documents for the shredder.[/caption] Shredding paper has put $10,000 into caring for the elderly. The cash was raised at the 2nd Annual Shred a Thon for Broadmead Care, through document shredding on Saturday Feb. 22.Volunteers from Maritime Forces Pacific, Sea Cadets and Claremont High School dumped boxes of documents, magazines, old newspapers, and other paper products into a shredder for a donation.“Last year’s event had such a great reaction we wanted to give it another shot,” says Kathy Baan, Director of Development for Broadmead Care, a non-profit organization that provides housing, and social and health service for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Among the facilities run by Broadmead care are Nigel House, Harriet House, and the Lodge at Broadmead, where the event took place.“These are members of our community who have contributed to our country in ways many of us cannot imagine,” says Baan. “We want to do anything we can to get the community involved in giving back to them.”Money raised from the event goes directly to supporting social programs at Broadmead Care’s facilities, such as creative arts. These programs forge connections and create positive moments for residents suffering from cognitive impairments.“A lot of our residents suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Baan. “With art programs we’re able to engage them mentally, which can do wonders for the cognitive ability and emotional wellbeing. It really can change their lives, if only for a moment at a time.”Island Document Storage and Shredding was on site, filling ears with the sound of documents falling to the teeth of their churning machine.“People bring all kinds of things,” says Baan. “We’re happy to provide a place to get rid of it all...

[caption id="attachment_5844" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Commanding Officer RAdm Bill Truelove (centre), with Formation Chief CPO1 Paul Helston (left), and MARPAC Chief of Staff Capt(N) Mike Knippel (right) show their support for Pink Shirt Day.[/caption] What is bullying?Bullying is described as an act(s) or verbal comment(s) that could mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace.Sometimes, bullying can involve physical contact as well. Bullying can include, but is not limited to, repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of people. It has also been described as the assertion of power through aggression.Some examples of bullying are:•    Offensive jokes or comments•    Insults•    Belittling opinions•    Withholding necessary information or intentionally giving misinformation•    Excluding or isolating the target•    Physical abuse or threats of abuseBullying in the workplace is often more subtle, and harmful, than direct verbal and physical abuse. Bullying behaviours are toxic not only to the individual and their family and friends, but also to bystanders and the entire organization. What to do if you feel bulliedThere are a number of steps you can take if you are feeling bullied by someone at work. If you feel safe doing so, talk firmly to the bully about stopping the unwanted behaviour. You may wish to arrange a witness to be present for this conversation. Make sure you keep a factual journal with detailed descriptions of the events- including date, time, witnesses, and outcome. Ensure you keep copies of any written communication from this person.Keep job appraisals and performance reviews.If bullying persists, talk to a trusted supervisor, a union representative, the Good Working Relations Advisors, the Unit Harassment Advisors, General Safety Officers, or the Employee Assistance Program to make a plan of action, but do not retaliate.What...

[caption id="attachment_5839" align="alignnone" width="300"] Six Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels conduct a starboard turn in formation in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The PCT vessels in the formation are: PCT Orca, PCT Raven, PCT Renard, PCT Wolf, PCT Grizzly and PCT Cougar.[/caption] The waters off the coast of Victoria were host to a rare sight Feb. 14: seven Orcas sailing in formation.The Orca-class Patrol Craft Trainings (PCT) vessels set out from Esquimalt harbour before separating on different training missions.“It was a great opportunity for a little visibility within the Royal Canadian Navy,” says Capt(N) Bradley Peats, who rode in Orca PCT 55 for the morning. “There haven’t been this many Orcas on the water at one time in quite a while, so we weren’t about the pass this chance up.”Six of the vessels were performing Sea Readiness Inspections in preparation for various training missions, such as MARS III and MARS IV officer training, and the Command Development Course that prepares senior officers for command, and the Orca Class Engineer and Senior Boatswain’s Mate Course that trains Orca crews of the future.  “We want to make sure everyone can work as a team and this is how we do it,” says Cdr Malcolm Musgrove, Officer in Charge of minor war vessel Sea Training. “Everyone is certified, everyone has taken their courses and has their tasks, but we want to make sure they can take their training and use it to help each other.”The Sea Readiness Inspection ensure crews are prepared and able to respond to emergency situations through simulated fires, floods, and medical emergencies.“It’s a valuable tool, and gives crew the realism needed to drive a message home,” says Cdr Musgrove. “Though each individual has their specific training, with this they are able to work towards the whole.”During the morning,...

[caption id="attachment_5836" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Command Team of HMCS Regina serves sundaes to the ship’s company from the main steam line during weekly Operation Artemis Sunday’s Sundaes off the coast of India on Feb. 16.[/caption] The weekends just became a little sweeter for HMCS Regina as the ship has now started Sundae Sundays during the overseas deployment for Operation Artemis. Each Sunday evening, Regina’s Command Team serves sundaes with all the fixings to the entire ship’s company from the steam line. “Sundae Sundays provide a little taste of home for the ship’s company and it gives them something to look forward to every week,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “Sometimes it is small things that help make a huge difference in the ship’s morale during a long deployment such as Operation Artemis.”The importance of quality food services cannot be overstated in a Canadian warship at sea. Regina’s galley produces a diverse menu that contains a selection of healthy choices, as well as some “comfort food” to keep sailors both healthy and happy, especially on a long deployment. “Our cooks are doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone well fed and there is always delicious duff (desserts) available in all of the messes for those sailors who like to indulge their sweet tooth,” said LCdr Gordon Roy, Regina’s Executive Officer. “Well fed sailors are happy sailors and it is the least we can do considering how hard the crew has worked over these many months preparing for Op Artemis.” -Lt(N) Mark Fifield, Op ARTEMIS Roto 4 PAO

[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cpl Dominic Larocque will be competing in the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.[/caption] Cpl Dominic Larocque will represent Canada with pride at the XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in March.“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Cpl Dominic Larocque for making the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team,” said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Cpl Larocque’s drive and determination serves as an inspiring example for us all. This March I urge you to join me cheering on Cpl Larocque, and all of the men and women who will represent Canada as part of our Paralympics teams.” In 2007, Cpl Larocque was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he was wounded in an improvised explosive device attack. As a result, his left leg was amputated above the knee.Following an extensive rehabilitation period, Cpl Larocque was introduced to the Soldier On Program and to the sport of ice sledge hockey.“In 2010 I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver during the Paralympics. It really inspired me and I decided that I would like to be part of the national team in Sochi. I am extremely proud and excited that my dream has become a reality,” says Cpl Larocque.Military/sport connectionThere is a long relationship between sports and military service in our country. Canadians serving in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War often took part in games days and other official and unofficial athletic contests. This military/sport connection has continued in the post-war years. Not surprisingly, some of these ‘soldier-athletes’ have worn both a military uniform and an Olympic athlete’s uniform for our country.Paralympic GamesThe origins of the Paralympic Games are closely tied with military service. In the years after the Second World War,...

[caption id="attachment_5798" align="alignnone" width="300"] Runners (left) PO2 Allan Kobayashi and (right) Sgt Dan Bodden meet up with sponsor Dr. Richard McIlmoyle of Achieve Health for a health assessment just before commencing the Wounded Warrior Run BC.[/caption] Five Canadian Armed Forces members have undertaken an arduous journey this week, running from one end of Vancouver Island to the other in the name of mental health. PO2 Allan Kobayashi, creator of the Wounded Warrior Run B.C., began the initiative following his own personal struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “I did everything they told me. I went to therapists, support groups, psychiatrists, and doctors, but I never felt like it was enough,” he says. “Once I got involved with Wounded Warriors I found there was an organization looking to help people just like me, and I wanted to do what I could to contribute back.” The six-day relay style run across Vancouver Island started Sunday in Port Hardy and will end Friday in Colwood. “It’s quite a distance,” says PO2 Kobayashi before the run. “We’re all experienced runners, so I think we’ll be just fine.” That being said, PO2 Kobayashi isn’t looking to take any undue risks for the team. Runners will only be on the road during the day, and will be followed by support vehicles full of food, water, and medical supplies should any need arise. “The only thing we had to worry about was packing on a few pounds before we ran,” he says. “We’ll be shedding more than our fair share of weight running that far.” Money gathered through fund raising will go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada. Founded in 2006, Wounded Warriors Canada helps injured CAF members with...