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[caption id="attachment_3871" align="alignnone" width="300"] Base Commander Capt(N) Bob Auchterlonie (foreground) and CFSA Commodore CPO2 John Haggis greet Dick Mills, owner of Jetstream.[/caption] Despite rough winds and grey skies, dozens of sailors gathered on the lawn of the Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) for their annual opening ceremony.Recreational sailors, both civilian and military, met April 28 for the opening of CFSA’s 65th sailing season.The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy was on hand, playing both the Canadian and U.S. national anthems to acknowledge American sailors present at the event. Following the recitation of the Prayer of the Sea, CPO2 John Haggis, Commodore of CFSA, gave a short presentation.He presented CFSA’s past commodores with specially made ball caps to acknowledge their service to the specialty club.“These are the people that made this association what it is today,” said CPO2 Haggis. “It’s not much, but it’s a small token of appreciation for all they’ve done and what their work has meant to us.”Base Commander, Capt(N) Bob Auchterlonie was also present to give a short speech, which he started with a humorous admission.“I own a power boat,” he admitted to the crowd of sailing enthusiast. “I hope you won’t hold it against me.”Capt(N) Auchterlonie spoke about the appreciation the Canadian Armed Forces has for the CFSA and the work they do in the community.“The sailing programs available for youth are exceptional, as is all of the work the CFSA does in the community,” he said. “This is an exceptionally well run organization, and the work John and his folks are doing is tremendous.”The CFSA’s traditional sail past, in which members sail their boats past the association’s Commodore for inspection, was put on hold this year due to winds that reached up to 30 knots.Choppy waters made the often delicate and synchronized nature of...

[caption id="attachment_3825" align="alignnone" width="300"] Seattle-based fishing trawler American Dynasty took a bite out of HMCS Winnipeg last week.[/caption] Last Tuesday, just after 8 a.m. Colours, HMC Dockyard’s normally calm environment was turned into one of tension when the Seattle-based fishing trawler American Dynasty slammed into the docked bow of HMCS Winnipeg.The sound of the collision echoed throughout C jetty and a large spray went over the bow of Winnipeg. The force of the impact pushed her stern into the jetty. Minutes later the area was transformed into an emergency response scene with the military police and firefighters managing the location.Several people were sent to hospital, but no serious injuries were reported.Dockyard workers stood behind the military police barricade wondering what had happened to create this bizarre mishap.“Nobody knows exactly what happened,” said Brian Carter, president of Seaspan Shipyards. “The fishing trawler American Dynasty was being moved into the Esquimalt Graving Dock for normal maintenance, and two tug boats operated by Seaspan Marine were manoeuvring the ship when it collided. Details will surface after an investigation is complete,” he said.“Safety and care of our employees are core values at Seaspan and we are committed to understanding what happened in this incident so we can make sure it never happens again,” he added.Winnipeg is in the final stages of the Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) Frigate Life Extension (FELEX). Before the collision there were 65 Victoria Shipyard employees on board Winnipeg working alongside some of the ship’s crew. It took the majority of the day to investigate and formulate a plan to dislodge the embedded trawler from Winnipeg’s bow. The ships were finally separated at 5:30 p.m.An investigation from the Transportation Safety Board is currently being conducted.“At any Transportation Safety Board (TSB) investigation there are three phases,” explains TSB spokesperson Chris Krepski. “Right...

[caption id="attachment_3821" align="alignnone" width="300"] Military doctor Lt(N) Jodylynn Dans gives Cpl Rhonda Tiekenheinrich a check up at the Base Clinic.[/caption] The lack of family doctors in Canada has had a direct impact on Canadian Forces families across the country.The shortage has become such a concern for military leadership that finding a solution has been made a priority.“We have a lot of families, many of whom are in the point in their life when they’re having children, or are raising young kids that have health care requirements,” says LCol Nick Withers, Pacific Formation Surgeon. “We want them to have the care they need.”A 2011 study called “An Examination of Canadian Forces Spouses’ Access to a Family Physician” determined that 27 percent of Canadian Forces families do not have a primary care physician compared to the national average of 16 percent (StatsCan 2010).  LCol Withers says this is because of the transient lifestyle inherent to CF families.“Many CF families will move every few years to another posting,” he says. “Because of this it’s all but impossible for many to get to the top of a family doctor waitlist, and it’s a concern that their health will suffer as a result.”To combat the shortage, Health Services and the National Defence have been working with the national medical community to find a solution.“We want to work out a way to expedite the process for CF families, since the shortage affects a much higher percentage than the average population,” says LCol Withers. “We’ve had some good feedback so far from medical professionals. Hopefully we can come to an agreement.”LCol Withers says one proposed solution would be a “save-the-space” type of plan, wherein if a CF family on a waiting list were deployed another CF family could take their place on the list.“It would help get...

[caption id="attachment_3817" align="alignnone" width="300"] LCol Chris Linford wrote a book about his journey with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This book called Warrior Rising - A Soldier's Journey to PTSD and Back will be launching this spring. Seen here he holds the book cover and his dog Murphy, who served as a comfort dog during his illness.[/caption] LCol Chris Linford is using his experiences with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to help others fight this illness through a book he penned.Warrior Rising – A Soldiers’ Journey to PTSD and Back is his way of passing on the information and tools used during his healing process.“I wrote this book to help other veterans recover from this injury. I wrote it for their families and also for the clinicians who treat the injured veterans,” he says. “My book touches on my deployments and recovery. It chronicles my traumas, how they made me feel and how they impacted my personality and my family.”His PTSD stemmed from two deployments: Rwanda and Afghanistan.First, in 1994 as a nursing officer, he was deployed to Rwanda to help manage a cholera epidemic. “Our personnel were not prepared to witness the amount of deaths and severe injuries we observed, and it was extremely difficult as most of the deaths were children under the age of five,” he said. After the deployment, and for the next 10 years, he suffered from PTSD. He knew he had it, but he was at a loss for what to do. He fought the stigma. Eventually the illness led him to insomnia. Finally, he sought medical care. He was put on medication while receiving treatment with the Canadian Forces for PTSD and depression. After a year and a half he thought he had beaten it. Then his illness returned in 2009 during a...

[caption id="attachment_3777" align="alignnone" width="300"] Capt(N) Art McDonald and RCN Command Chief CPO1 Tom Riefesel accept the J.J. Kinley Award from VAdm Ron Buck (Ret’d), National President of the Navy League of Canada, on behalf of HMCS Ottawa.[/caption] The crew of HMCS Ottawa received a prestigious commendation last week when the commanding officer, Cdr Scott Van Will and his crew were honoured with the J.J. Kinley Award.  Capt(N) Art MacDonald and RCN Command Chief CPO1 Tom Riefesel accepted the award from the National Board of Directors of the Navy League of Canada (NLC) on behalf of Ottawa.“Ottawa was chosen largely due to the recent work off the coast of Coast Rica as part of Operation Carribe, and in seizing over $26 million worth of cocaine,” says Louise Mercer, Vice President of Maritime Affairs. “Cdr Van Will and his crew demonstrated their commitment to Canadian and North American security, and solidified the many opportunities Canada leverages to partner with other nations and organizations to suppress criminal activity at sea, and keep illegal drugs off our streets.”The J.J. Kinley Award is presented each year by the NLC to members, employees or units of the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the Canadian Forces who have made contributions to support naval and maritime interests.The nomination process for the award is handled exclusively by Navy League Executives, past presidents and the Royal Canadian Navy.According to Mercer the choice was not hard.“Ottawa played a major role in suppressing trafficking in international waters and airspace,” she says. “It’s easy to reward and recognize heroism. It’s only difficult because other ships are also engaged in equally valuable work with strong crews.”CPO1 Sid Tobias, Coxswain in Ottawa, says the award came as a surprise to the crew.“The crew was more than happy to receive the award....

[caption id="attachment_3774" align="alignnone" width="300"] AB Sarah-Mae Pyndus shows off her 2013 Boston Marathon medal. She crossed the finish line with a personal best time.[/caption] Before the turmoil and ensuing tragedy from the bombings overshadowed the Boston Marathon, AB Sarah-Mae Pyndus was enjoying a moment of triumph. As she crossed the finish line on Boylston Street, she glanced at the clock: 3:22:32; it was a personal best. She had beat her previous record by more than 35 minutes. This was her third time tackling the long-distance running event.She placed 6,428 out of 23,336 participants, and placed in the top 11 percentage for her division – female 18-40. “I don’t run for myself,” said the 25-year-old who works as a naval communicator in HMCS Calgary. “When I run, I think about my family, my boyfriend and my ship. I’m really running for them. Every time I cross a mile marker I think of everyone who is watching me and I want to make them proud.”The marathon started 42.195 kilometres outside Boston at the town of Hopkinton. Runners were bussed to the start line. AB Pyndus describes running as both a physical and mental battle. “I knew my race was going well. Usually, by mile 20, I go through a point when I want to stop, walk, or give up and that is the mental wall you hit, but in this race I didn’t have that wall. I was really enjoying myself. I was in pain, my body screamed at me, and my knees, shoulders, and ankles were so sore, but then it went away,” she says.Upon completing the run, she grabbed a tin foil race blanket to keep warm, ate some energy food and walked to the John Hancock tower several blocks away for a post race massage.“About five minutes into the...

[caption id="attachment_3771" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ralph Zbarsky brought a picture of his uncle Ralph Zbarsky to the memorial ceremony. Zbarsky was one of the survivors awaiting rescue on a Carley float, but because help took so long to arrive, like many sailors, he died from hypothermia.[/caption] Veterans, serving military members, dignitaries and family of the crew of HMCS Esquimalt gathered outside Esquimalt City Hall April 16 to commemorate the sinking of the last Canadian warship lost to enemy action during the Second World War, and to honour the lives of the men who died.“On April 16, 1945, HMCS Esquimalt was torpedoed at Chebucto Head, Nova Scotia. From where we are in Esquimalt this would be about the distance of Race Rocks. She was sunk within sight of home,” said Base Commander, Capt(N) Bob Auchterlonie to the crowd. “For those individuals who were there, the sinking was an experience they will never forget, and neither should we forget their sacrifice.”The Bangor-class minesweeper operated on the Atlantic coast conducting anti-submarine patrols in the approaches to Halifax Harbour. In the early morning of April 16 it was torpedoed and sunk by U-190. The explosion knocked the power out making it impossible for the crew to send out a distress signal. It listed heavily to the starboard pushing the lifeboat underwater, but the crew managed to get four Carley floats away from the sinking ship. Within five minutes it was gone, sinking into the harbour and taking with it 28 sailors. With no distress signal to alert the mainland of their situation, the survivors spent six hours adrift in the frigid waters. Sixteen more died from exposure leaving only 27 men when help arrived. “The last of the 27 surviving members passed away last year. Today we remember the 44 sailors who perished and celebrate...

[caption id="attachment_3729" align="alignnone" width="300"] Personnel Support Programs fitness and sports coordinator Matt Carlson leads Operation Powerfit, an inclusive and extensive workout regimen. Here, he uses a Bosu ball to augment the traditional push-up.[/caption] In the Canadian Forces maintaining fitness is part of the job, but for some it’s hard to find fun, inclusive ways to work out. For those wanting a full body workout, there’s Operation Powerfit. “I wanted to create a new fitness experience for people to get excited about,” says Matt Carlson, Operation Powerfit instructor and certified personal trainer. No two classes are the same in Operation Powerfit. What’s important is to encourage your body to break out of its usual routine, says Carlson.This variety is key to what makes Operation Powerfit so effective. “Doing the same workouts all the time can cause your energy to level off and stagnate,” he says. “With Powerfit I like to keep the workouts both enjoyable and challenging so my participants are constantly engaged and always looking forward to the next session.”The gear used in Powerfit is as diverse as the workouts, and includes bodyweight resistance, free weights, kettle bells, and Bosu balls. “Great things can be achieved in a workout so long as you have great technique,” says Carlson. “Keeping your equipment varied as well as your workouts adds an extra layer of adaptation for your body that can produce very positive results.”This round of classes takes place from May 7-30. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursday from 4:15-5:15 p.m. in the NAC upper gym. Any one is welcome: Canadian Forces, DND employees, and civilian. Classes are $80 for eight classes for CF and DND members, and $90 for eight classes for civilians. For those who can’t commit to the full month but would still like to participate, drop in sessions are...

[caption id="attachment_3726" align="alignnone" width="300"] A restored depth charge thrower is just one of many artefacts on display at the museum’s Battle of the Atlantic Gallery.[/caption] Visitors to the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum can now learn about the Battle of the Atlantic and life on board a Corvette class warship. A section of the museum has been re-designed with new exhibits and artefacts from the museum’s own collection that reflect many aspects of nautical life during the Second World War. “The museum’s new galley provides visual and documentary insight in the long-running sea battle that definitively shaped Canada’s navy,” says Claire Sharpe, exhibit designer. She researched and wrote the gallery’s text panels, selected the images, and worked with graphic designers and local signage companies to bring her vision to life. A realistic cutaway of a warship deck is the most visually compelling exhibit, complete with crew mannequins, rust and railings. Plus people can see a restored depth charge thrower used to thwart German submarines, Carley float, life raft, rations and authentic uniforms. An important component of the gallery is the award-winning film series “Convoy” that tells the epic story of the Battle of the Atlantic within an international context. “It’s an important part of the Canada’s naval history and we wanted to show it the proper respect,” says Sharpe.The gallery was a two-year project with many hands bringing it to fruition, including hull technicians from Fleet School, Integrated Personnel Support Services Centre personnel, Construction Engineering, and Sharpe’s husband Greg. A local engineering company manufactured fake depth charges and a davit for the life-scale corvette display that anchors the gallery. It’s the details that have made all difference, such as painting the room in the disruption pattern colours – western approaches blue, green and white - used to mislead wartime...

[caption id="attachment_3723" align="alignnone" width="300"] LCol Steven Richards, Deputy Director of Military Prosecutions (West), is hard at work in his brand new office in Naden Building N30.[/caption] The opening of the Regional Military Prosecutor (RMP) office at CFB Esquimalt last summer was a clear sign this resource was much-needed locally. But finding a place to house the RMP (Pacific) office and the Deputy Director of Military Prosecutions for Western Canada, LCol Steven Richards, has taken a little time. Good news, he’ll no longer be rooming with the Assistant Judge Advocate General (AJAG) staff. The finishing touches are complete in his new three office space in building N30, and with it will come more staff to help him prosecute cases. “I’m the only one here right now, so it’s been a busy year,” says LCol Richards. “We’ve prosecuted around a dozen cases in the Pacific Region so far and advised on many more, and that’s just this year. So I’m excited for the new staff to arrive.”He’s expecting a Regional Military Prosecutor in July, and a civilian legal assistant to compliment his roster. The RMP is a branch of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) that, much like AJAG, provides legal counsel and services to the Formation. While AJAG deals with a wide range of legal subject areas, including laws pertaining to the conduct of military operations, the RMP is focussed specifically on military justice, including prosecution of court martial cases.“When the Commander MARPAC reviews a case and thinks it may require a court martial, he sends it to our office,” explains LCol Richards. “Once we take a look at the evidence and the circumstances of the offense, we decide whether or not charges should be laid to be tried by court martial, and if so what those charges should be.” The branch...

It’s been decades in the making, but has finally come to fruition. Safety and security-oriented access rules have been defined around Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) buildings in what is now called the ship repair zone (SRZ). It’s the latest advancement in the massive facility consolidation project that began more than a decade ago. To improve safety and security of the area, the zone is now only accessible to FMF CB employees and those conducting business with the unit. The zone includes the main structure - D250, D252, D190A, D215, D149 and smaller outlying buildings. “I have seen too often people wearing flip flops while using the FMF CB buildings as a shortcut to transit the yard - this is a safety issue, plain and simple,” says Capt(N) Don Smith, Commanding Officer of the FMF CB. “Our number one concern is ensuring no one gets hurt, and to do that everyone needs to keep up with some simple safety regulations.  Also we must control access to the weapons systems and classified information needed to support the operational capabilities of the Fleet.” People needing to enter the area must report to the commissionaires’ desk in D250 with valid ID. They’ll be given a visitor pass if they are not in possession of an access badge. Visitors with less than level two security, or without DND ID, will be escorted.They will be required to don CSA approved hardhats, work boots, and safety glasses if entering any of the production work centres.  FMF CB employees working in or visiting the Ship Repair Zone will be required to carry their ID badge and have it displayed when in office areas. These double as electronic swipe cards to pass electronic check points at the various entry points of the building and other areas within the SRZ. “This is a military industrial zone, and there are things here that need to be more regulated than they have been in the past,” says Capt(N) Smith....

[caption id="attachment_3676" align="alignnone" width="300"] Personnel Support Programs' administrative assistant to the manager, 25-year-old Fawnia Robitaille, hopes to be the next Miss Universe Canada.[/caption] The next Miss Universe Canada could be CFB Esquimalt’s Fawnia Robitaille.The 25-year-old works at Personnel Support Programs as administrative assistant to the manager. Strutting down the runway in Canada’s top pageant is familiar terrain for the brown-haired, brown-eyed beauty. She put herself under judge’s scrutiny in 2010 in the same competition. While she didn’t win, it didn’t deter her from slipping on a gown again in hopes of a tiara, and a chance at the world title.   “Doing pageants builds character,” she says. “It keeps me motivated to achieve a goal, whether it’s to improve my fitness, to look good in a bathing suit, or to improve my public speaking during the interview with the judges.”The road to the May 25 competition has been a testament to self control. Most after-work hours are spent at the gym – almost three hours, and every day she considers her meals, choosing small healthy choices to boost her metabolism over alcohol and fast food.She’ll know April 15 if it paid off when she gets fitted for her gown.  “The gown is sponsored by Victoria Bridal Boutique and after a meeting with them we mutually decided on a few dresses. I won’t go into detail about the dresses so as not to spoil it, but they are gorgeous dresses and I am very excited to wear one of them during the Miss Universe Canada pageant. The bathing suit is the same for all delegates, and we receive those once we arrive in Toronto.”And which does she prefer – gown or bathing suit?“Both. The gown is what identifies me and my flavour for fashion. Being in a bathing suit shows off the...

[caption id="attachment_3673" align="alignnone" width="300"] Girls from the 2012 Sisters Under Sail program relax on the deck of Unicorn during some downtime.[/caption] On the worn wooden deck of a tall ship named Unicorn, 12 young women will learn about sisterhood this summer in a program called Sisters Under Sail.The program empowers young women ages 13 to 18 with confidence, independence, and identity through nautical adventures.A dozen young women are chosen to take part in the two-week voyage across the Great Lakes.This year’s program focuses on girls from military families from both the U.S. and Canada. Dawn Santamaria, owner of the 110-foot Schooner Unicorn with husband Jay, says military children are rarely acknowledged for the lives they lead on behalf of their parents.“So often they’re uprooted and moved to other parts of the world, or have their parents deployed to dangerous places. That can be very difficult,” she says. “I wanted to honour these girls and everything they go through, and give them the tools they need to make it through what can be a very challenging life.”Applications from children of fallen or active status/active duty members in any branch of the military, including National Guard, Reservists, or Coast Guard will be accepted until April 15. Applicants must fill out an application downloaded from the Sisters Under Sail website at www.sistersundersail.org, write a 300 to 600 word essay on overcoming obstacles, and submit a letter of reference from a non-family member that speaks to the girl’s strength of character. Applications are reviewed by the Sisters Under Sail Board of Trustees, who then choose the 12 sailors - six girls from Canada and six from the United States.The program began eight years ago when the Santamarias saw the effects a life of sailing had on their four daughters.“They became so confident, and strong...

[caption id="attachment_3643" align="alignnone" width="300"] The recruits for CFB Esquimalt’s 2013 Nijmegen March take an early morning stroll in preparation for the annual march through the Dutch countryside.[/caption] Early risers in Esquimalt can expect to see a sea of green trudging down Lampson Street. The morning military marchers are in training for the annual Nijmegen March in the Netherlands.“It’s a physically demanding training process,” says CPO1 Chris Koblun, team leader for the CFB Esquimalt Nijmegen team. “By the time we head to the march in July we’ll have walked the distance of 30 marathons. It may be tough, but the results are worth it.”Nijmegen March is gruelling four day trek through 160 kilometres of Dutch countryside, which participants cover in full combat uniform carrying a 10kg rucksack.“It’s an absolutely career changing experience,” says CPO1 Koblun. “It’s very physically and emotionally demanding, but it gives you a new perception on what it means to be in the military.”CPO1 Koblun says the experience of the Nijmegen March is one all Canadian Forces members should experience.“Canadians are really the guests of honour there,” he says. “Civilians are excited to see the teams from other countries but when they see the Canadian flag they really go crazy.”The Dutch adoration of the Canadian Forces stems from the final days of the Second World War when the Canadian military liberated Holland and provided citizens with food and protection.“During the march you hear stories from the older civilians saying they wouldn’t be alive if the Canadians hadn’t saved their parents,” says CPO1 Koblun. “It can be very emotional, and very humbling. Even after all this time they’re still grateful.”Training for the march, which began Feb. 25, is as gruelling as the event itself, and it’s not a certainty all marchers will go.  Out of the 24 people that...

[caption id="attachment_3639" align="alignnone" width="300"] Construction on sections of Hospital Road at CFB Esquimalt have caused many closures and re-routes along Dockyard’s central road.[/caption] CFB Esquimalt has gone through enormous changes during the past few years and there are several more years to come.  Over the next year, employees will see several major construction projects take place, many continuing through 2014 and beyond.  Although the focus tends to be in Dockyard, there are also major construction projects underway at several other sites. The objective is sustainable infrastructure to support a modern navy. As evident by the time line, there are many projects either underway or about to start. The Royal Canadian Navy has the lion’s share of the Department’s construction allocation over the next 10 years.There are even more projects in the budding stages.  Below are the projects that are underway or coming soon. Base Fire Hall and Command PostThis brand new facility is in final stages with occupancy slated for May 2013.  Its street appeal is achieved by radical use of color and innovative architectural style. Inside it’s fitted with the most current fire-fighting equipment and comfortable accommodation facilities including theatre classroom and kitchen.Utility CorridorThis project started in June 2012 and will continue until October 2013.  This three meter by three metre tunnel will form the backbone for municipal infrastructure within Dockyard (water, sanitary sewer, steam, power and communications) ready for future development. The contractor is working both ends towards the middle to reduce construction time. There will be, however, ongoing traffic detours as the contractor excavates and builds the tunnel. In the end, there will be a wide corridor with bicycle lanes and sidewalks all the way from the Gate House to B-Jetty.Fleet Maintenance Facility (Cape Breton)  This multi-phased project will enhance FMF (CB)’s ability to deliver ship repair...

[caption id="attachment_3636" align="alignnone" width="300"] Your internet activity could impact workplace security.[/caption] Ever consider that by “liking” an ad, picture, or video on Facebook you may have invited a computer worm to sift through your personal information?  According to Infosecurity magazine, cyber security, cyber espionage and cyber terrorism top the 2013 list of information security threats. Individuals, industry and governments are clamouring to proactively manage the inherent security demands. Your personal computing habits - the way you browse the internet, use social media, and save and transfer files - can also be a hazard to work place security. Sharing the details of your daily activity is common place in social media. Minute-by-minute updates of your personal life are not harmful unless sensitive information is included in your posts. For example, Tweeting, “Glad the ship broke down and we get to stop in Crete for parts…who know how long the repairs will take,” discloses Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI) that are useful to anyone who wants to cause harm. In general, EEFIs include information about personnel, equipment, capabilities, position, and operations. This Tweet has just told the “bad guys” where the ship is headed (position), that she is broken (capabilities), her operational capability is limited and that the ship’s company will likely be exploring the sights and sounds of downtown Crete. This is valuable information for anyone with the will and means to derail the ship’s mission. Private computing behaviours seldom adhere to principles of acceptable workplace computing and are rarely conducive to operational security (OpSec). The recently promulgated VCDS OpSec directive (CANFORGEN 032/13) serves as a reminder and a warning to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel that sensitive information must be handled with care, exercising due consideration for public safety and national security. With access to privileged information comes the...

Search and Rescue Technicians MCpl Nick Nissen (left),  Sgt Chris Lamothe (centre) and MWO Gavin Lee (right) wait to be hoisted into a Cormorant helicopter during a search and rescue exercise held in Kelowna, B.C. from March 18-22, 2013.

MWO Gavin Lee, a Search and Rescue Technician with 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, spots for a simulated downed aircraft  from a Cormorant helicopter during a search and rescue exercise held in Kelowna, B.C. from March 18-22, 2013.

Cody Bauml of Edward Milne Secondary practices the proper procedure for flipping a capsized life raft during HMCS Malahat’s Sailor for a Week exercises last week at Naden Athletic Centre.

Students participating in HMCS Malahat's Sailor for a Week practice sea survival techniques by forming a ring to conserve body heat at the Naden Athletic Centre Pool.

Cadets from across B.C. kicked off their March Break at CFB Esquimalt with a colours ceremony held at Work Point. Seen here PO1 Susannah Weber, A/Slt Kent MacLeod, PO2 Drew Meyer and CPO2 Christopher Amundson.

Cadets kick off March Break with a colours ceremony: PO1 Deryn Hotel, PO2 Kevin Daniel, PO2 Lyndsay Bodgener, PO2 Nancy Andrews, PO1 Susannah Weber, A/Slt Kent MacLeod, PO2 Drew Meyer and CPO2 Christopher Amundson.

[caption id="attachment_3598" align="alignnone" width="300"] Paul Servos, co-owner of the Flag Shop, practices a technique called applique-sewing, in which an image is sewn onto both sides of a flag to give the impression of a flat image.[/caption] The flag-lined store front on Fort Street is suggestive of what is offered beyond its doors. Inside the newly re-opened Flag Shop is a vast inventory of international flags, ensigns and anything flag related. Owners Paul and Maggie Servos opened the Flag Shop, with the help of Mayor Dean Fortin, Feb. 15, National Flag Day. It’s one of 13 Flag Shops across Canada, a franchise owned by Vancouver-based Textile Image Inc. “I’d been looking for a small business and a friend of mine suggested I look into the Flag Shop,” says Servos. “I’ve always had a strong connection to nautical life, so it seemed like a perfect fit.” Servos has come out of early retirement to run the shop. In 2010 he stepped down as CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and spent more than a year travelling the world. While he says the break was nice, it wasn’t long before he got restless. “When you spend most of your life working it’s hard to just give it up,” he says. The shop was owned by Jamie and Chantal Webb for 14 years. They sold it in 2009, but it closed shortly afterwards. Under the encouragement of Webb, Servos seized the opportunity to bring a full service flag shop back to Victoria.  “Especially in a navy town like Victoria there is a huge market for flags,” says Servos. “We hope that if the military needs flags made they’ll come here.” Most businesses that sell flags are what Servos calls “catalogue shops”; the inventory is ordered in only when the customer needs it, which...

[caption id="attachment_3595" align="alignnone" width="300"] MS Shianne Auger of 158 Grizzly Cadet Corps is instructed in striking techniques by James Tosoff.[/caption] Lined up on the hardwood floor of the Naden Athletic Centre gym last week, the row of cadets more closely resembled the ranks of disciplined Royal Canadian Navy sailors. The group of 30 youth, under the tutelage of James Tosoff, were being given an overview on the basic rules of taekwondo, kickboxing, and jujitsu. “I’ve trained a few military personnel in my time, so I wanted to work with the kids who could be the future of our military,” says Tosoff, owner and Chief Instructor at Westcoast Taekwon-Do. “This is a prime time in their lives, where the discipline and physical fitness learned through martial arts can impact their future.” Tosoff and his instructors gave the cadets demonstrations and theory lessons on the basic strikes, kicks, blocks, fighting stances and warm up exercise. They were also shown basic juijitsu grapples and kickboxing strikes. “These techniques are building blocks for fitness and discipline,” says Tosoff. “It’s the lessons at the core of the techniques that are really important: patience, confidence, and leadership.” The cadets were part of the 2013 Regional Inter-Divisional Seamanship Competition. The week-long event took place over spring break and tested the naval skills of select sea cadets from across British Columbia. Part of the event included teambuilding exercises, such as the martial arts lesson, to strengthen leadership and cooperation. “It was a lot of fun, and it was very enlightening,” says PO1 Emily Roberts of Sea Cadet Corps 137 Kamloops. “We get to do a lot of things in cadets but this was a new experience for me.” She has been training in karate for 10 years, but says the opportunity to try a new style of martial arts was exciting.“Even if it’s just the basics it’s still a new experience,” she says. PO1 Roberts says her time in martial arts has greatly benefited her time as a cadet,...

[caption id="attachment_3593" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Kotelko, an RMS clerk from HMCS Unicorn stands duty as a lookout on HMCS Yellowknife.[/caption] What better way to spend spring break than leaving the shovel behind and bidding “adieu” to Saskatoon’s knee-deep snow for plus temperatures and liquid water?  This was the experience for members of the naval reserve division HMCS Unicorn who were in Victoria sailing in HMCS Yellowknife and conducting tours from Feb. 16-24.  This is the second year Unicorn took out a contingent of its ship’s company to sail as part of a combined ship’s crew on a Kingston class vessel.     Unicorn sailed in Yellowknife just days after LCdr Corey Gleason assumed command of the ship. The two crews from Yellowknife and Unicorn  went right into the week’s program with a man overboard drill shortly after slipping. They continued the day with manning checks and drills, followed by .50 caliber machine gun shoot for the Deck Department, and message processing and modem configuration for naval communicators. This sail supported Unicorn sailors in several ways: for working on on-the-job performance record, maintaining skills, giving sailors in support trades the opportunity to sail on a MCDV and to see what could be achieved in a week on board ship. “What wasn’t a success?” said LCdr Karen Wallace, Commanding Officer of Unicorn. “From the non-qualified naval environmental training program, ordinary seaman to the bridge watch keeper qualified, maritime surface and sub-surface officer, each learned or honed skill sets.” Exercises continued through the week with boatswains conducting a timed deliberate firing on the .50 caliber machine gun - which had everyone in good spirits as their final times were announced; a pyrotechnics lecture and demonstration; light line approaches and transfer with HMCS Saskatoon; and preparing for a Cormorant helicopter with flying stations.  It turned out the Cormorant was not able to participate, but after the evolution was cancelled Yellowknife was tasked with a “no duff” search and rescue (SAR), with Yellowknife and Unicorn working...

Colin Spivey of Intercon Marine works to lower HMCS Oriole's newly refurbished engine into the ship's engine room.

Family and friends welcome HMCS Regina home alongside "A" Jetty on March 14. During its eight-months in the Arabian Sea, the ship was primarily employed in maritime surveillance, a task that involved monitoring, hailing and investigating vessels.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen Tom Lawson chats with students and staff at Venture, The Naval Officer Training Centre Gun Room.

Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Director of Music, accompanies Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen Tom Lawson, as he inspects the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy on his arrival at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.

Al Hall, work centre manager electrical gives 24 Camosun College students a tour of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton's electrical shop so they can see where their electrical work relates to the ships.