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[caption id="attachment_4787" align="alignnone" width="300"] Newly appointed Honorary Captain (Navy) Peter Bissonette, President of Shaw Communications, accepts a toast at his official appointment ceremony.[/caption] The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) grew by one prestigious member Sept. 18 as Shaw President Peter Bissonnette was appointed Honorary Naval Captain.Friends, family, honoured guests and military personnel gathered at the Military Museums of Calgary to see him sworn in by Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence.“It is a privilege to appoint Mr. Peter Bissonnette as an Honorary Naval Captain,” said Minister Nicholson. “As a prominent member of the Calgary business community, I am convinced he will be an excellent ambassador for the Navy and continue to strengthen the vital relationship between the Royal Canadian Navy and industry.” The President of Shaw Communications heard about his naval position nine months ago and says he’s proud to join the naval community.“I sat down with VAdm Maddison in December for the interview, which coincidentally fell on my birthday,” he says. “When I found out that I’d been accepted I thought it was the best birthday present ever.”The Minister of National Defence, on the recommendations from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, is the approving authority for all appointments. These appointments are generally for a period of three years, although extensions may be granted.HCapt(N) Bissonnette’s official appointment took place in his hometown of Calgary. He’s already received his new salt and pepper uniform, which has garnered the praise of his wife Tracy. “She has always loved a man in uniform, so that’s a definite plus,” HCapt(N) Bissonnete says. “When I got fitted for it I took a picture and sent it to her. She’s happy and that makes me happy.” He considers his role as further service to Canada, having already served...

[caption id="attachment_4778" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naval Boarding Party students take a firing position with the Colt Canada C8 rifle. The live fire was part of a training course.[/caption] The crack-crack-crack of assault rifle fire last week signified a completed bullet point on the Naval Boarding Party (NBP) course lesson plan.A group of 20 students from Canada and abroad gathered at Heals Rifle Range in Central Saanich for live fire training.“Live fire training is an integral part of the NBP course,” says PO1 Ian Biller, Senior Instructor for the NBP Cell. “It’s just a small part of the overall curriculum, but it’s a vital and important one.”The eight-day range portion of the NBP course gives students a chance to get acquainted with the standard issue weapons of a Royal Canadian Naval boarding party: the Sig Saur 9mm pistol, the Colt Canada C8 rifle, the Remington 870 shotgun, and the MP5 submachine gun.“We teach them how to operate, care for, clean, and maintain those weapons,” says PO1 Biller. “By the end of the course we hope they’ll have a firm handle on what those weapons do, need, and mean.” Instead of the human shaped target made famous by Hollywood action films and TV cop dramas, students fire at a series of targets, starting with three inch circles to master the fundamentals, and eventually transitioning to human size silhouettes for faster, more realistic shooting skills. “We find when students start off shooting at human size targets they have a tendency to forget about accuracy,” says PO1 Biller. “This way we can call out certain numbers on the target and the students focus on being as careful and accurate as possible.”Live fire training is but a small part of the NBP course’s overall curriculum. Students are also taught the legal process behind boarding a vessel,...

[caption id="attachment_4775" align="alignnone" width="300"] The refurbished units in Belmont Park now have resilient Hardy Plank siding and a fresh coat of paint.[/caption] Open concept design and wheelchair accessibility are just two of the new changes made to seven of the 704 residential housing units (RHU) at CFB Esquimalt. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) listened to feedback by residents and developed an initiative to modernize some of the 60-year-old homes. “We’ve been getting a lot of comments and feedback from residents for things they would change about the housing,” says Anne Corkery, Chief of Business Operations for CFHA. “For instance, we found a lot of residents were using the ground floor bedroom in the units as a dining room due to lack of space.”Work started last year on the Belmont Park homes, which were chosen based on the amount of overhaul required. One home had severe water damage from a broken toilet. Story Construction Ltd. and Aral Construction did the renovations, which included converting a bedroom into dining space. Days of large families have long gone, allowing CFHA to modernize the homes based on current family needs. New roofs, siding, windows, doors, and flooring have transformed the once tired looking homes into contemporary dwellings. They’ve even revamped the interior for better flow.  “It’s important to us that the renovations are long lasting,” says Corkery. “If we’re going to be putting time and money into these houses, they should be of the highest quality possible.”The final touch was accommodating persons with disabilities by widening both the front and back door. “Our goal is to make this housing as comfortable as possible, since some families will be living here for years,” says Corkery.This minor recap project isn’t the only project with houses receiving attention. Last year a kitchen upgrade project was completed...

[caption id="attachment_4771" align="alignnone" width="300"] Angela Lavergne and dog Moxxii train at the Urban Search and Rescue facility at Work Point.[/caption] When Angela Lavergne and dog Moxxii go for a walk, it’s not trails and lakes they head for, but piles of rubble and dense tree lines.Lavergne and Moxxii are urban search and rescue volunteers and have been training in tracking and searching together for almost two years.Lavergne adopted Moxxii as a puppy, and within a year she realized the rambunctious German Sheppard was the “worst pet ever.”“I can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes, books, backpacks, and jeans I had to replace,” says Lavergne, administrative assistant to the Admiral. “She was just so energetic and excitable, no matter how I trained her. I didn’t know what to do.”It was around this time she came to a revelation. “When I would throw a ball for her she would zip out, grab it, and bring it right back to me. Her hunting instinct was very strong, and I thought maybe she could put that to use.”Lavergne, also a member of the Peninsula Emergency Measure Organization (PEMO) search and rescue, began working Moxxii in tracking and says the dog took to the task with a hunger.“We treated it like a game,” she says. “We would have someone run 15 feet away and hide behind a tree. When Moxxii would run and find them we’d give her treats and have a little party, and then do it all again.”Two years ago Angela approached CFB Esquimalt’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, which specializes in search and rescue in urban environments, to use their training area. USAR prepares for a variety of situations, from missing persons to urban disaster rescue, on their simulated training environments in Work Point.“We started training five days a week...

[caption id="attachment_4705" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Algonquin sustained significant damage to its hangar during a tow exercise with HMCS Protecteur.[/caption] Now that HMC Ships Protecteur and Algonquin are alongside HMC Dockyard after a collision at sea Aug. 30, two separate investigations have commenced: A technical survey and a Board of Inquiry.   Algonquin sustained significant damage to her port-side hangar during a towing exercise with Protecteur. “A technical survey is being conducted to determine the extent of the damage to Algonquin,” said Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC). “On completion of that survey, a plan will be developed to repair Algonquin with the goal of returning her to sea as quickly as possible. Protecteur, however, suffered only cosmetic damage that has already been repaired and she is scheduled to return to sea this week.” While the exact cause of the collision is unclear at this time, a Board of Inquiry is being convened to investigate the incident. The Board will examine all the evidence and contributing factors that led to the incident, and make a determination as to the causes. The board will also make recommendations on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collision cut short what was to be a four-month deployment to the Asia Pacific region. Disappointment rippled through the ships’ crews when they realized there would be no trip to Sydney, Australia, for the International Fleet Review, and diplomatic visits to various Pacific Rim nations. “There’s no way around it, it was going to be a great trip for many of these sailors,” says Cmdre Auchterlonie. “But as professional sailors, they responded by taking on the new challenge of doing what it takes to get both ships back to sea.” Both ships stores were filled with supplies, including perishable food items that had...

[caption id="attachment_4742" align="alignnone" width="300"] Amanda Kaluza clears trays and washes dishes at Nelles Block along with Alexandra Lambeck. Kaluza is on the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).[/caption] There is a unique résumé bank available for government employers that unites full-time students with short-term or part-time jobs. The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), established in 1990, is administered by the Public Service Commission of Canada.  The program is open to full-time secondary or post-secondary students in an accredited institution. Applications are added to an e-recruitment inventory, and when a government department needs extra help, possible applicants are pulled from the database.   For Amanda Kaluza, a fourth year anthropology major at the University of Victoria, her application was drawn from the pool, and eventually scored her a job with Base Foods for the summer. This drew a sigh of relief as regular job hunting had garnered no paid employment.      “A lot of places weren’t willing to hire me since I’d be continuing school at the end of the summer,” she says. For the last two months she has donned an apron and helped out in Nelles Block, washing dishes, boxing lunches, and replenishing the salad bar. While it is not the most glamorous work, for a university student with a full work load it’s the best kind of job around - a flexible one. “Base Foods has been very understanding and aware that I’m going back to school,” she says. “They know that it’s a priority for me, so they’re working with my schedule.” She re-applied to work at Base Foods during the fall semester and was granted another few months employment. “Once you’re in the program it’s a lot easier to re-apply,” she says. “The people I work with are so positive and helpful that I wouldn’t...

[caption id="attachment_4739" align="alignnone" width="300"] LCol Chris Linford will be at the CFB Esquimalt CANEX on Sept. 12 to sign his book, “Warrior Rising.”[/caption] LCol Chris Linford is filling the shelves with his book Warrior Rising: A Soldier’s Journey to PTSD and Back, a personal story about his struggles with the illness, and the tools he used to overcome it. To honour his writing journey, there will be a book launch and signing next Thursday, Sept. 12, at the CFB Esquimalt CANEX. “It’s been a long, hard road and I’m glad to finally see the end,” says LCol Linford, a former nursing officer. “I’ve put my heart and soul into this book and to get it out to the public is hugely gratifying.”From noon until 3 p.m. people can meet and talk with the military veteran and learn firsthand about his experience, and buy a copy of his book. “This book is about what happened to me and how it affected my life and my family’s lives,” he says. “I think it’s important to hear about these things directly from me. It affects way more people than a lot of people realize.”The soldier’s struggle began with his deployment to the Gulf War, and continued through his time in Rwanda during the Genocide of 1994, and finally his seven months in Afghanistan at the NATO Role 3 Combat Hospital in Kandahar. At the keyboard he had to re-live the memories that had afflicted so much pain. “It wasn’t easy reliving those memories,” he says. “I had to stop and collect myself pretty often. I still remember those times like they were yesterday and it can be painful.”Following the book signing at CFB Esquimalt, LCol Linford and wife Kathryn will fly to St. John’s, Newfoundland, for the Sept. 19 start to the book...

[caption id="attachment_4705" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Algonquin sustained significant damage to its hangar during a tow exercise with HMCS Protecteur.[/caption] On Friday, Aug. 30, at approximately 11 a.m. PST, HMC Ships Algonquin and Protecteur collided at sea while conducting exercise manoeuvres en route to Hawaii. Algonquin sustained significant damage to the hangar on her port side while Protecteur sustained damage of a lesser degree to her bow.There were no reported injuries, and both ships have returned to their home port of CFB Esquimalt.The full details of the incident are not yet known but a thorough and rigorous damage assessment has commenced.  The goal is to get both ships back to sea as soon as possible.A Board of Inquiry will be convened to further investigate the incident and circumstances surrounding it, and will make recommendations as to how to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. The ships were conducting a towing exercise where Algonquin was required to make a close approach to Protecteur in order to pass the necessary gear to take her under tow, simulating a loss of propulsion onboard Protecteur.This activity was being conducted as it is a routine training exercise. RCN ships may be called upon at anytime to conduct this evolution in any environment to aid a stricken vessel.This training exercise is necessary so ships are prepared to respond to an emergency at sea in any environment.  Most navies maintain an ability to take another vessel under tow. -MARPAC PAO

[caption id="attachment_4702" align="alignnone" width="300"] CPO2 Jamie Lone, Bob O’Blenis, Jack Panter, Richard Vandekamp, and Jim McEachern dip their tires into the Pacific Ocean following the 2013 cross country Military Police Motorcycle Relay Ride.[/caption] After an 8,338 kilometres trek in the saddle, CPO2 Jamie Lone was relieved to see the Pacific Ocean.The Fleet School Hull Standards Chief returned Sunday Aug. 25 from a 20-day cross-country charity ride that began in Halifax as part of the 5th Annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay Ride.Flanked by his team of three West Coast riders, CPO2 Lone backed his rear tire in the ocean at Macaulay Point for a salty dip. It was the finale to a ride that began Aug. 6 with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax.“We wanted to give ourselves a physical goal,” he says. “Knowing the Pacific and home was waiting for us on the other side was a pretty great motivator.”As part of the relay, around 125 riders from provinces across Canada joined a leg of the journey, but only four rode all the way across the country.“We would meet provincial riders and they’d ride with us to the other side of their province,” says CPO2 Lone. “It was awesome to have that level of support from riders we’d never met before.”Sleeping in bases and armouries, and eating in legions along the route, the four-member team met hundreds of supporters. Some drove home the reason they were on the ride.“We met a visually impaired girl who had recently applied for funding through the Military Police Blind Fund,” he recalls. “She was such a smart, vibrant young girl and the kind of person we were helping with our ride.”To ensure they made their 20 day time frame, riders were on the road up to 12 hours; for two consecutive...

[caption id="attachment_4699" align="alignnone" width="300"] Meal rations are being reviewed in the field by Ann Delaney (left), Edith Jutras (centre) and Julie Brooks (right).[/caption] This fall, soldiers on exercises at various field units will be eating their lunch with the team from the PMO National Combat Rations Programme who will be hearing comments and opinions on the food and its packaging in an operational environment.  Edith Jutras, Manager of the Program, says ration packs used to have feedback forms inside, but the rate of return was extremely low. She believes being in the field with the troops will build an understanding of what soldiers like and don’t like about their rations, and will help steer improvements in years to come. “The troops will have a chance to meet and talk directly with us,” she says. “In the past few years we have focussed our efforts on improving food taste and variety. Now we will evaluate the packaging in order to make it more in line with soldiers’ needs. We’ve already cut down the number of loose items in the ration pack in response to soldier comments, and we’re looking at switching to reusable packaging if possible.” The PMO National Combat Rations Programme is part of the Directorate of Food Services in the DCOS division and is responsible for the shelf-stable packaged meals that are provided to soldiers in the field. The small three-person team designs the rations and validates requirements, works with industry to develop recipes and new products, contracts for all the components, supervises production and assembly, conducts testing and quality validation, and provides expertise on stock management. Combat rations must adhere to NATO standards for nutrition and interoperability so allied soldiers can easily eat rations during joint operations. The team works years ahead due to a long production and...

[caption id="attachment_4665" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMC Ships Protecteur and Algonquin are headed to the Asia Pacific Region for Westploy.[/caption] Warmer waters are in the future for HMCS Protecteur and Algonquin as they head south for Westploy. HMCS Protecteur left Monday for the strategic deployment that will see them working closely with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for its International Fleet Review, as well as strengthening relationships with other Pacific Rim nations and trade partners. HMCS Algonquin is expected to leave shortly. “It’s an opportunity for Canada to show its interest in and commitment to the whole of the Pacific Region,” says Cdr Todd Bonnar, Commanding Officer of Protecteur. “The region’s security challenges have been shown to have an effect on international commerce in the way of shipping routes and trade relationships. We’re doing our part to support that security.” Cdr Ryan Tettamanti, Commanding Officer of Algonquin, says this deployment is the kind of trip that entices people to join navy because of its many port visits. “Plus, we’ve got four months of uninterrupted sea time,” he says. “It gives the crew a lot of time to sign off on training packages, and to complete qualifications. It’s such a great environment of learning and progress.” The RAN’s International Fleet Review takes place from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11 in Sydney Harbour and will feature ships from more than 20 nations. The event is anticipated to host 40 warships and 20 tall ships to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RAN fleet’s first entry into Sydney Harbour. “It’s a great way to show our support for our naval allies as well as maintain relations with navies all over the world,” says Cdr Bonnar. “It’s going to be a once in a lifetime event and the crew is very excited.” The Fleet Review is...

Lying on the couch watching TV, Jill Munro came up with an idea that might win her $50,000.Munro, daughter of LCdr (Ret’d) Dave Munro, zeroed in on the “Lay’s Do Us a Flavour Contest” while recuperating from a severe back injury. The contest encouraged Canadians to send in their flavour ideas along with a few key ingredients, from which a group of four finalists would be chosen.Laid up on the couch for months, and desperate for a distraction, Munro took to the contest with a hungry passion. “I probably entered about 10 flavours,” she says. “I just kept thinking about what I would want to eat and the ideas kept coming to me.”Among Munro’s proposed flavours were Balsamic Vinegar, Poutine, Maple Bacon, and Spicy Deli Mustard, but it was her Creamy Garlic Caesar - with garlic, parmesan cheese, and cream - that got Lay’s attention.“I got a call from my parents about three months later saying someone was calling and asking for me,” she says. Creamy Garlic Caesar potato chips was one of four flavours chosen out of 60,000 entries. That earned her a finalist’s $5,000 cheque.  She was flown to Toronto to meet the other finalists, receive media training and conduct interviews.“It was all really cool,” she says. “I’ve never done anything like that, so I felt a bit like a celebrity.”She is now in the running for the $50,000 grand prize, plus one per cent of sales for the duration they are on store shelves.The contest ends in November after the public tastes and votes on line. The four flavours - Creamy Garlic Caesar, Perogy Platter, Maple Moose, and Grilled Cheese and Ketchup – are available in stores for a limited time. “It’s a long time to wait,” says Munro. “I’m just trying to keep my self distracted. I hope it works out.”If she wins the money responsibility will most likely overtake luxury.“I’ll probably pay off my student loans,” she says.To cast your vote online for Creamy Garlic...

[caption id="attachment_4659" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mothers and children participate in the MFRC’s Roots and Seeds of Empathy. Left to right: Maj Angela James and her son Finnegan, Lt Amanda Kihn and her son Mason, A/SLt Melanie Aqiqi and her daughter Scarlett, and Jennifer Hawke and her son Benjamin pose together outside the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre.[/caption] An internationally-recognized, anti-bullying program developed in Canada is hitting its stride at CFB Esquimalt, and helping young children from military families build important skills.  Roots and Seeds of Empathy sprouted eight years ago at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). There are now four groups actively reducing aggression in children while raising social and emotional competence.  The program uses a mother and baby to teach children aged three to five empathy, and to become aware of other people’s emotional needs, as well as their own. The children observe the interaction between mother and baby, and then talk about how the baby might be feeling. Maj Angela James and her baby son Finn participated in the Roots of Empathy program at École John Stubbs School located near the Belmont Park Resident Housing Units.  “It was very meaningful to us,” said Maj James. “It was a real privilege to be a part of these kids’ lives.”She and her son visited the class once a month from October to June with each visit focusing on a new theme. One memorable visit involved a “wish tree” where the children thought into the future and did their own dreaming for her son. The children’s wishes were quite profound: that her son would “grow to be an old man,” “have lots of friends” and “grow big and strong.” When she compared that with her own dreams for her son, she was sincerely touched by what came out of the mouths...

[caption id="attachment_4628" align="alignnone" width="300"] A long line of Air Cadets, 60 in total, made their way into East Sooke Regional Park on Aug. 9 to remove Daphne Laurel and other invasive plants.[/caption] A large group of air cadets - mostly teens between 13 and 15 years of age - were in East Sooke Regional Park on Friday, Aug. 9 to help remove invasive plants. At the same time, another 60 cadets were hard at work in Metchosin doing roadside clean up, as well as dismantling beach campfire sites dangerously close to dry vegetation. The environmental efforts of these 120 cadets - plus another 120 air cadets who were at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse Historic site earlier in July to “wage war on invasive species” – equals 1,260 hours of concentrated effort for the betterment of the communities in Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke. “It was both fun and important,” said Cadet Cat Wang of 513 Squadron in New Westminster of her efforts in East Sooke Regional Park. “We spent the day protecting the environment with our friends in the beautiful forest.” The 240 cadets were from all throughout B.C. on various courses at Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) in Metchosin. The cadets’ contribution to the western communities satisfied program requirements for their respective courses’ community service project. “The development of responsible and caring citizens is one of the most important aspects of the cadet program,” said LCol Carrie Johnston, Commanding Officer. “Cadets regularly participate in citizenship activities in Victoria and other cities and towns across Canada throughout the year." -Lt(N) Peggy Kulmala, AHCSTC Public Affairs    

[caption id="attachment_4624" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Maritime Forces Pacific team performs the traditional skit in front of multi-national teams at Camp Heumensoord after their 40 kilometre march on July 17 during the 97th International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, Netherlands.[/caption] Five time veteran of the International Four Day Marches Nijmegen, CPO2 Koblun says this year’s team was one of the best he’s ever seen.The Chief and his 11-person troop recently returned from the 97th Nijmegen March. This four day event saw thousands of people marching through the Dutch countryside.“They meshed together so well, from a personality and a discipline standpoint,” he says. “Even when things got tough and everyone was hurting, they could still march, smile, and sing. They helped each other through all of it.”The CFB Esquimalt team’s dedication and near superhuman effort secured them the top Canadian honour. On top of finishing the race first out of all the Canadian teams, they were also awarded the Woodhouse Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the top Canadian military contingent at the March; an honour the CFB Esquimalt team has won three years out of the last four years they have participated.“It feels really great to have our training program validated,” says CPO2 Koblun. “The blood and sweat we put into this March isn’t going unrecognized. We work hard and being acknowledged for that is a great feeling.”The tough selection and training process is what put them a step ahead of other participants. They were used to marching 40km a day by the time they landed in The Netherlands.“They started calling us ‘cyborgs’ and ‘robots’,” says CPO2 Koblun. “When we’d get to rest points the other teams would have their boots off, feet up, just crashed. We would still have our boots on and be playing frisbee. It was just the way...

[caption id="attachment_4621" align="alignnone" width="300"] Second World War ace “Stocky” Edwards (left) with Comox Valley artist Brian Scott, who is holding his new painting “19 Wing Perspective.”[/caption] Artist Brian Scott was thrilled when veteran Canadian aviator James Francis “Stocky” Edwards agreed to sign his print “19 Wing Perspective”, which depicts 19 Wing Comox, B.C., and the Comox Valley.“There’s a natural connection between Stocky and 19 Wing Comox,” says Scott. “Stocky’s achievements as a [Royal Canadian Air Force] ‘ace’ pilot during the Second World War, and his post-war leadership, are legendary in aviation circles. He retired in the Comox Valley in 1972, is an honorary member of the Comox Air Force Museum and a lifetime member of the 19 Wing Officers’ Mess.”The prints, signed by Edwards, are available to the public and can be purchased from the Comox Military Family Resource Centre and at Scott’s art studio and gallery in Black Creek, B.C.About James Francis “Stocky” EdwardsWing Commander (Ret’d) Edwards was the top Commonwealth “ace”, flying Kittyhawks against Rommel’s Afrika Korps during the North African Campaign of the Second World War. He was often mentioned in Royal Air Force dispatches for his prowess as a crack shot and his flying skills.Victorious throughout the dangerous Desert Campaign, W/C Edwards then flew Spitfire operations in Europe. He was the first flight instructor on the Vampire, Canada’s first post war jet.  He also led the first wing of F-86 Sabres and served for three years in Europe as part of Canada’s premier front line air defence during the early years of the Cold War. Prior to his retirement in 1972 he also flew Lancaster bombers, Canso flying boats, CF-100s and T-33s.Edwards is a highly decorated veteran. He’s been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar and the Order of Canada and...

[caption id="attachment_4540" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sgt Frank Dominix (left) and RAdm Bill Truelove (centre), Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, stopped by for a spin and to support to Military Police Officer and Cops for Cancer rider Sgt Mike Oliver (right) during Sgt Oliver’s 12 hour ride at the main dockyard gate to raise money for Cops for Cancer.[/caption] Starting at the entrance to dockyard, Military Police (MP) Officer Sgt Mike Oliver cycled nearly 250 kilometres without ever leaving the gate.He accomplished this feat Aug. 8 on a stationary bike, spinning for 12 hours to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.As part of this year’s Tour de Rock team, Sgt Oliver was hard-pressed to find ways to raise the $5,000 each rider is expected to raise.“I rode with the Saanich Police for their 24-Hour Bike Relay, so I thought I’d do something similar,” he said. “I’ve got people who will be riding alongside me [sporadically through the day], but I’m doing the whole thing on my own.”From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sgt Oliver’s legs pumped away stopping only for the occasional bathroom break.“There were peaks and valleys,” he said. “At around hour three I started feeling burnt out, but the energy comes and goes.”The physical exhaustion of 12 hours in the saddle is nothing compared to the mental, physical and emotional exhaustion cancer patients and their families go through, he said.“It’s hard to think of what I’m doing as difficult when I know what those families and those patients deal with every day. I was able to bite my tongue, grit my teeth, and push on for them.”Riding that wave of motivation, Sgt Oliver raised more than $3,500 for Cops for Cancer. “We did really well that day,” he says. “People are so hugely generous...

Games, whether classics like Monopoly or cutting edge video games, are always more fun with many players.Lt(N) Michael Greer is hoping to prove that with the upcoming Day of Gaming on Aug. 18.The event will take place at the University of Victoria’s Clearihue Building from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The $5 entry fee gets you unlimited access to a variety of games and eligibility for door prizes. “People can stay for as long as they’d like,” says Lt(N) Greer. “Some of these games can take a few hours, so we want to give people enough time to play as many games as they’d like.”While the event will boast a large supply of role-playing games (RPG), card games, and board games of all kinds, attendees are encouraged to bring along games they would like to share.“The gaming community is about trying new things,” says Lt(N) Greer. “Anything that anyone wants to bring will definitely get people interested.”The idea for the event struck Lt(N) Greer following a four month course in Halifax earlier this year. He was introduced to the Halifax board gaming community and took to the hobby as a fun and social way to pass the time.“It’s a very healthy, connected community,” says Lt(N) Greer. “There are a lot of people, and smaller groups, but they’re all connected. There are some nice big groups that get together weekly.”Lt(N) Greer says the gaming groups in Victoria are disjointed and many groups are unaware of each other.“There’s a group that meets at a local bakery in town and I asked them if they’d ever heard of the UVic group,” he says. “They had no idea! Many gaming groups in Victoria seem unaware of each other.”With an eye toward cross-pollinating as many gaming groups in Victoria as possible, Lt(N) Greer took up...

[caption id="attachment_4534" align="alignnone" width="300"] Camp attendee Lea-Ann Bee explores a tide pool as a camp staff member looks on.[/caption] On an idyllic island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca the staff and volunteers of Camp Hornby are changing lives.“I’ll never forget some of the things I saw and the people I met,” says Military Police Unit Esquimalt Member Cpl Ashley Pye, who recently visited the summer camp for blind, visually impaired, and deaf/blind children, and their families.The camp took place July 25-29 at Hornby Island’s Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre.Cpl Pye went as a representative of CFB Esquimalt’s Military Police, who sponsor a large number of the camp’s attendees each year through the MP Blind Fund.“Of the 24 kids there this year we sponsored 13 of them,” says Cpl Pye. “I really wanted to go to the camp and see what we do for these kids. I was thrilled to be sent this year.”While there, Cpl Pye witnessed the strength of the human spirit in the determination the children exhibited.“What some people would see as a serious disability these kids adapt to with strength and perseverance,” she says. One particularly awe-inspiring event involved an activity where the children climbed up a 40-foot pole and jumped off while attached to safety lines. Cpl Pye watched with amazement as a young wheelchair-bound girl, who is visually impaired and suffers from Cerebral Palsy, hauled herself halfway up the metal rungs with one arm.“I couldn’t believe it,” says Cpl Pye. “I could barely bring myself to do it at all, and this girl was doing it with one hand.”It was then that Cpl Pye had a revelation. “These kids don’t see themselves as weak or broken,” she says. “The world has a tendency to classify them as disabled or less fortunate, but these...

[caption id="attachment_4487" align="alignnone" width="300"] Thirteen-year-old Joshua Emery, an Air Cadet with 89 Squadron in Victoria, gives a thumbs up following his familiarization flight in a Cessna 172.[/caption] Joshua Emery, 13, an Air Cadet with 89 Squadron in Victoria, enjoyed a familiarization flight on July 30. Cadet Emery flew in a Cessna 172, piloted by Captain Nathan Pritchard - a Cadet Instructor Cadre officer who celebrates his 20th anniversary since he got his own wings. During the flight, Capt Pritchard personalized the experience for Cadet Emery, pointing out various landmarks and famous buildings including the B.C. Legislature (where the cadets visited the day prior), the Bay Street Armoury (where Emery’s squadron parades during the training year), and even Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre.All General Training Course (GTC) cadets have an opportunity to go on a 20-minute flight in one of three Cessnas, rented from the Victoria Flying Club and flown out of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Sidney. Last week was Cadet Emery’s second “powered” flight, but his first time sitting in the front seat. When asked how his flight was, Cadet Emery simply said, “Awesome!”Over 140 air cadets from throughout B.C. are presently on the GTC at Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. The two-week course is the first introduction many cadets have to life at a Cadet Summer Training Centre, some even the first time away from home.Cadet Emery and his flight mates graduated on Friday, Aug. 2. Capt(N) Bradley Peats, Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, was the Reviewing Officer. Over the summer, Albert Head CSTC will run three GTC courses, with over 400 air cadets.The newest of B.C.’s four Cadet Summer Training Centres, Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre was established in 1995. Each year, approximately 930 cadets attend the Albert Head Air Cadet...

A digital facelift is on the way for Department of National Defence (DND) computers across Canada. Starting in September, Base Information Services (BIS) will begin to implement the Windows 7 operating system on all DND workstations in the Formation. The upgrade comes as part of a nation-wide mandate from Treasury Board of Canada, which states all government-owned workstations must be upgraded to Windows 7, Internet Explorer 9 and Office 2010 by March 31, 2014.“This isn’t just a CFB Esquimalt specific initiative,” says Rocky Passarell, Windows 7 Project Manager for Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). “This will be happening to every single government-owned computer across the country.”The mandate comes as a reaction to Microsoft’s withdrawal of support for the Windows XP operation system, which the majority of government workstations run on, including DND.“They won’t be creating anymore patches or tweaking Windows XP to work with more current machines,” says Passarell. “As we move forward with modernizing the hardware we work with, we have to make sure we can run the best software we have available to us.”The rollout itself will be simple. Personnel won’t be required to undergo long hours of finicky technical upgrades. It will be uploaded to the Formation’s 5,000 workstations via BIS networks, one department at a time.“The upgrades will automatically install themselves when each division gets it,” says Passarell. “It will be as simple as coming to work the next day and turning on your computer.”In preparation for the change, DND personnel will have to ensure they’ve recovered and backed up all user files located on their C: drives, as the drives will be wiped. Personal Q: drives, however, will remain untouched.“The files on the C: of all workstations will be cleared. When it’s cleared none of it will be recoverable,” says Passarell. “It’s vital that all personnel...

[caption id="attachment_4481" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Amy Young is a regular at the Naden Athletic Centre weight room as she prepares her body for competition.[/caption] It’s one thing to face yourself in the mirror and flex your well-developed muscles; it’s a whole other experience to pose on a stage and be judged – in a bikini.Completely exhausting and very intimidating is how LS Amy Young characterized that experience. A few weeks ago, she oiled up her five-foot-two-inch frame, glued on her bikini and flexed every muscle in a series of poses designed to showcase her exceptional physique.    It was her first Women’s Physique competition, held within the B.C. Provincial Championships for the BC Amateur Bodybuilding Association.“You train and train and train, but when you actually get on stage and it’s just you and the judges, everything becomes a lot scarier,” she says of the experience. Fear was not apparent in the judges’ eyes, as LS Young was awarded Women’s Best Poser, and second place in the Women’s Physique A category, netting her a spot in the National Championships Aug. 17.The results were remarkable for only a year’s effort working to sculpt her body. “I was thrilled to place where I did,” she says. “The girls there were in incredible shape. To have hacked it with them, and held my own, was a real honour.”Body building, like many sports, has its dark side. Some competitors go to extremes to enhance muscle definition. “Some of these competitors don’t drink anything for three days before the show to keep their liquid weight down,” says the sailor. “They think it gives them an advantage as far as muscle mass goes, but it can just as easily put them in the hospital. I’m not in it for that.”Bodybuilding caught hold of LS Young last year as...

[caption id="attachment_4440" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maj Aaron Novecosky, Commanding Officer of Acoustic Data Analysis Center (ADAC) (Atlantic), and CPO2 Brad Main retire the ADAC(P) unit kisby ring to the Naval and Military Museum representative Clare Sharpe during the closing parade on June 28.[/caption] After supporting the Pacific fleet and honing the analysis skills of Sonar Operators for 45 years, the Acoustic Data Analysis Centre Pacific (ADAC (P)) closed on June 28. The unit’s responsibilities have been assumed by the consolidated ADAC in Halifax, with local acoustics training transferred to Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt (CFFSE).“The thought process was it didn’t make sense to have two identical branches doing the same work,” says CPO2 Main. “Bringing the two branches together into one allows a greater degree of efficiency in the administration of the organization, as well as a more consolidated degree of leadership.”Formed in 1968 as a detachment of the original ADAC based in Halifax, the unit’s mission was to collect, catalogue, and report on acoustic information from ships, submarines, and aircraft. That information was then used to help Royal Canadian Navy Sonar Operators and Royal Canadian Air Force Acoustic Sensor Operators enhance their knowledge of acoustic signatures through advanced courses and continuation training.“We helped bring the knowledge and skills of a basic Sonar Op to a more advanced level,” says CPO2 Brad Main, Senior Sonar Operator Instructor at Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt (CFFSE), and the final Unit Chief of ADAC (P). “By enhancing what they already knew through an advanced acoustics course, we were able to give them a broader and more detailed knowledge of sonar operation and identification.”ADAC (P) became a formed unit in 1995, with its own heraldic crest and unit motto, Scientia per sonum – “Knowledge through sound.”  A joint RCN/RCAF unit, it had air force officers...

[caption id="attachment_4437" align="alignnone" width="300"] AB Thomas Davis does pushups following a mile long swim in Esquimalt Harbour.[/caption] Standing along the edge of a 10-foot pier, finned feet dangling over the briny water, a group of HMCS Winnipeg sailors prepare to jump.They’re prospective Ship’s Team Divers, and if they’re going to make the cut they’re going to have to get their feet wet.“The Ship’s Team Diver qualification course has something like a 50 per cent fail rate. It’s hugely physically demanding,” says PO2 Clint Mack, Senior Diver in HMCS Winnipeg. “I wanted to give Winnipeg sailors looking to become a diver a chance to prepare for what is a truly gruelling course.”To do this, PO2 Mack takes Winnipeg sailors interested in the Ship’s Team Diver course out to the Fleet Dive Unit up to twice a week for specialized training.Prospective divers, along with current team divers, go through rigorous callisthenics such as running, jumping jacks, or wind sprints. PO2 Mack says intermingling prospective divers with current team members promotes a team cohesiveness not always found.“As Ship’s Team Divers we are trained to save lives and work under water while manipulating extremely heavy gear, so a higher level of physical fitness is required of our divers,” he says. “The training I have instigated promotes team cohesiveness, camaraderie, and fitness between the new divers and the experienced ones.  A physically fit team will do the job faster safely.”Part of the training also involves the traditional one mile swim around the harbour, in which divers swim a predetermined coursed around a series of floating checkpoints, each attempting to get a better time than the last.“This is a swim that Clearance Divers do all the time, and they get very competitive about it,” say PO2 Mack. “I want these guys to have a firm grasp...

[caption id="attachment_4434" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cadet Clayton Leone and Cadet Kyle Baird, both from Ladysmith, work together to remove the daphne laurel at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historical Site. Cadet Leone is on the three-week Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course, graduating July 26, and Cadet Baird is on the six-week Ceremonial Instructor Course, graduating Aug. 16.[/caption] More than 120 air cadets spent the day toiling in the sun, all for the betterment of one of our local treasures – Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Site.As one of the largest groups to volunteer their time and muscles, the cadets helped remove invasive plants that threaten the Garry oak ecosystem, did a bit of gardening and built a sandbag wall on July 19. “It was wonderful to have so many dedicated and well organized cadets help us with the Garry Oak ecosystem work we do here at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site,” said Susan MacIsaac, Species at Risk Communications Officer with Parks Canada. “It would have taken my staff of three a month to do what the cadets accomplished in one day.” After the teens piled off the three buses, they were split into three groups. The first group started removing daphne laurel – a particularly invasive plant that grows as high as a metre, choking and shading out other plants that the Garry oak ecosystem needs to thrive and remain healthy. This activity was certainly more than just weeding – requiring gloves and pruning shears.The second group went to the nursery, and working side by side with their flight-mates, helped thin out camas bulb beds. Cadets carefully sorted through moist earth looking for camas bulbs, an indigenous plant that grows only in Garry oak ecosystems. Once they found the bulbs, they were set...

[caption id="attachment_4377" align="alignnone" width="300"] An RCAF Otter takes off from the flight deck of HMCS Magnificent.[/caption] One of the more delightful things about historical research is the interesting nuggets that I find when combing through old records and files. Often the nuggets that I uncover have nothing to do with the primary focus of my research (much to the chagrin of my boss), but they do often tend to generate a great story.As a case in point, a few years ago I came across an approved unit crest for 115 Air Transport Unit (ATU). Given the Egyptian image within the crest, I was curious to find out more about this particular unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). In truth, I found many stories, but one of the best was that 115 ATU became the first, and to my knowledge, only RCAF unit to operate fixed-winged aircraft off the deck of one of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships.This particular RCAF composite unit was part of the Canadian contribution to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). In its first iteration (there would be a second UNEF created in 1974), the UNEF was deployed beginning in November 1956 during the Suez Crisis.In a nutshell, the Suez Crisis revolved around Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizing the Anglo-French Suez Canal Company and the waterway from which the company got its name. When Israel and Egypt went to war in October of that year, the British and French governments, who had already worked out a deal with the Israelis, invaded Egypt ostensibly to safe-guard the canal. It being the height of the Cold War, there was a significant danger that the Soviets (supporting Egypt) and the West (supporting Israel, Britain and France) might get drawn into the conflict, resulting in a major war. The...

[caption id="attachment_4374" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maj Nickolas Roby, Maj Dany Hétu, Maj Dany Jacob-David, and Kimpoko school children move their new desks in their classrooms.[/caption] As the newly procured school desks were off loaded from the United Nations (UN) cargo vehicles, the children and villagers of Kimpoko began to chant a traditional Congolese song, thanking the Mundèle (the white travellers) for giving them a helping hand. The children danced and assisted us in moving the desks into their classrooms; it quickly became evident that The Boomers Legacy Fund had once again changed the lives of those less fortunate, but this time it was far from the Afghanistan desert.The village of Kimpoko is situated approximately 45 kilometres east of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and houses 100 civil war widows and their children. In 2006, Canadian Armed Forces members here in the DRC recognized the requirement for assistance in the village. Since then, various projects have been initiated and completed including the construction of water wells, and the construction of 40 homes. More recently, CAF members have assisted in the financing of the education of the children of Kimpoko by paying $8,000 in tuition costs per year.During a recent visit, Operation Crocodile Task Force members identified the requirement for classroom desks, as many students were either sitting on the dirt floor, or were crowded three to five children on one bench, which was originally constructed for only two children. It was clear  these conditions were not conducive to a beneficial learning environment.Remembering the work that had been completed under the auspices of The Boomer’s Legacy Fund, a request was submitted for funding in order to assist in the purchase of school desks.About $10,000 was allocated for the acquisition allowing us to purchase 150 desks for the three Kimpoko...

[caption id="attachment_4371" align="alignnone" width="300"] Taken between 2:45 and 3 a.m., these photos show the blaze at its peak.[/caption] It only took three minutes for CFB Esquimalt firefighters to respond to the 2:30 a.m. emergency call last Tuesday; however, when they arrived on scene the Tudor House was already engulfed in flames. “As soon as I pulled out of the station I saw flames three metres above the roof,” says Battalion Chief, Randy Morton.Bright orange flames were consuming both floors of the building and the unique castle-like tower. But the fire hadn’t quite taken the beer and wine store, and Morton knew it wouldn’t be long before the alcohol inside became fuel for the fire.With no one inside the building, Morton and the Incident Commander from Esquimalt Municipal Fire decided their mission would be to contain the fire to the 109-year-old structure and keep surrounding buildings safe.The two fire departments, which have a mutual aid agreement, set up a perimetre of people and equipment, dousing the structure with water from three hydrants to ensure the flames wouldn’t reach the building next door, which housed residents and several businesses.“It was in such close proximity to the building behind it, it would have set that building on fire,” says Morton.Even though firefighters managed to contain the fire by about 4:20 a.m., smoke from the blaze migrated through open windows in the next building setting off fire alarms. Residents were being evacuated.Adding to the inferno was alcohol from the bar and grease from the kitchen fryer. There was also a gas line that had to be closed off. Fortis BC employees arrived at 3:30 a.m. and dug into the ground with a backhoe to manually pinch the line.Eliminating at least one fuel source for the fire went a long way to help crews douse...

[caption id="attachment_4339" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maurice Hundleby, 91, shows the 2013 CFB Esquimalt Nijmegen Marching Team photos from his time in the Netherlands as part of Canada Command Headquarters during the Second World War.[/caption] Two weeks ago, shouldering 30 pound rucksacks in 30 degree heat, the 11-member CFB Esquimalt Nijmegen March team trekked from the field at Work Point to the Lodge at Broadmead in full kit.Waiting for them at the end of their journey was Maurice Hundleby, a 91-year-old veteran. The team, on one of their final training marches before heading to The Netherlands for the rigorous annual four day march, was making a special visit to see Hundleby.Hundleby, who was born in Victoria in 1922, joined the infantry before heading to Europe in 1944 to work as a clerk in the Canadian Command Headquarters in Nijmegen as Allied forces liberated the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940 and relinquished its stronghold in 1945, when it was liberated by Canadian Forces. The region was in rough shape as famine, forced upon the Dutch citizens by the Nazi government, had led to the deaths of about 20,000 people. “I remember walking through the streets and seeing the kids there starving. Everyone was living on bread. We gave them whatever we could,” he recalls sitting on the rooftop terrace at Broadmead Care, a Victoria retirement home for veterans, surrounded by young military members in CADPAT.On Tuesday, July 16, the base marching team, dressed in combat uniform and carrying a 10kg rucksack, will begin their walk through the same territories Hundleby and other Canadian Forces member traversed 68 years ago. “I wanted the team to get a first-hand account of what that time was like, and why we’re doing what we do,” says CPO2 Chris Koblun, team leader for...

[caption id="attachment_4335" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Naden Band five-person corps of drums took to the streets during the Victoria Day Parade.[/caption] In April, there was an unusual sound coming from the museum parade square; a steady drum beat that echoed throughout Naden. Making the rhythmic noise was a five-person corps of drums training under the watchful eye of Naden Band Chief, CPO2 Pierre Cayer. The distinct staccato of the side drums, along with the military precision of the professional musicians, was impressive, and reminisced of times gone by.“Out of respect for our proud navy heritage and to remember the days when military bands had such a huge importance, I was inspired to facilitate a comeback of the corps of drums here at Naden,” said Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Commanding Officer of the Naden Band.With origins dating back as far as the mid 17th century, drummers were used by the Royal Marines to transmit signals on the battlefield by beatings, but eventually were replaced by buglers. In 1902 at the Coronation Review for King Edward VII in England, Lt George Miller put 30 side drummers in the front ranks of massed Royal Marine bands. Since then, side drummers have always been in the front rank of Royal Marines Bands.LCdr (Ret’d) David J Freeman, an avid historian and volunteer at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum explained the historical development of the corps of drums in the Canadian Armed Forces. “As far as can be determined, Royal Canadian Navy bands copied the Royal Marines front rank tradition for side drummers. A photo of King George VI presenting Colours to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1939 here in Victoria shows some 40 musicians with the side drummers in the front rank.  This practice continued throughout the Second World War. In the late 1940s, the...