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DND –– Deputy Minister Jody Thomas and Acting Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre are calling upon the children of Defence Team members to design their 2021 holiday greeting card. The contest is open to children of military and civilian Defence Team members aged four to 12. The task? Come up with some creative holiday artwork around the chosen theme and follow the guidelines to submit. The contest closes on Nov. 24 and shortly thereafter, the DM and A-CDS will pick and announce a winning design. Submission Guidelines: All artwork must be completed on the template found at: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/ml-fd/2021/dm-cds-holiday-card-contest-form-2021.pdf Artwork should be themed around “How our Defence Team members make a difference”. For example, our military performing search and rescue, or our scientists developing new and innovative ways to keep Canada safe. There should be no text within the picture itself – all text is to be included in the description section of the template. Artwork will need to be submitted by the Defence Team member and include a description of the artwork (in the artist’s words) and include the name and age of the child. By providing a submission, you are allowing for the reproduction and use of the artwork for the holiday greeting card and for use on the Defence Team intranet, the Maple Leaf, and on various social media platforms. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, November 24. Artwork should be scanned at a high resolution and emailed to Internal_Communications_internes@forces.gc.ca ––––

[caption id="attachment_27286" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Three Cormorant helicopters and crew from 442 Search and Rescue Squadron evacuated people from Highway 7 after heavy rain triggered mudslides. Photos by Cpl Parker Salustro, Canadian Armed Forces Photos[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Following the torrential downpour last week, hundreds of motorists were left stranded on a flooded stretch of Highway 7 near Agassiz, B.C.The tiny mountain community is located approximately 24 kilometres northeast of Chilliwack, in the Eastern Fraser River Valley, and was the site of two landslides that had occurred on the night of Nov. 14.Aviators from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based out of CFB Comox were tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to rescue motorists as part of a landslide and flooding emergency response.Three Cormorant helicopters evacuated 311 motorists, including children, 26 dogs, and one cat on Nov. 15. Some motorists were rescued directly from their cars after becoming trapped by landslide debris. The airlift was hampered by the difficult terrain and the slide debris on the narrow stretch of highway.Landslides and flooding came in the wake of record rainfall that occurred across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island over two days. The fierce autumn storm stranded people in their homes and on roadways, created wide-spread power outages, saw evacuation orders and states of emergency issued for thousands, crippled transportation, and disrupted supply chains.State of EmergencyA State of Emergency was declared by the B.C. Provincial Government on Nov. 17, followed by an official request for assistance to the federal government for the Canadian Armed Forces, which was approved.The request prompted the sixth iteration this year of Operation Lentus, the Canadian Armed Forces response to natural disasters in Canada.As of press time, soldiers from 3rd Canadian Division – Western Canada, overseen by CFB Edmonton command, sent out a team to set up an immediate response unit (IRU) on the mainland.The Royal...

[caption id="attachment_27255" align="alignleft" width="591"] Pat Shaw, Academic Director for Coding for Veterans, travelled across Canada to educate military members on Coding for Veterans. Photo by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post[/caption] Patricia Leboeuf Petawawa Post Newspaper –– There are unique opportunities for life after the uniform for veterans and members considering leaving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Coding for Veterans (C4V) channels the distinctive skillset military members acquire during their military careers into well-paid and highly in-demand jobs in the cybersecurity and software development fields.  “The beauty of this is that veterans bring a range of skills and capabilities and a mindset that is directed towards security, so all we have to do is bring them up to speed on the technology,” says Pat Shaw, Academic Director for Coding for Veterans. CAF personnel tend to have a protective mentality and integrity, with the bonus of already possessing security clearance, he noted. This makes them highly desired by employers who are looking for qualified staff. “I personally know people who have been 14 months in the queue trying to get a security clearance as a civilian, and by then, the employer will have already hired somebody from our program rather than wait.” The need for qualified staff in the fields of cybersecurity and software development is growing every day. When the program was first formed, statistics showed there would be a need for an additional 127,000 jobs in the field. In just the last year that number has grown to 147,000 direct jobs. “But just last month, the University of Ottawa has correlated the skills being taught in this program to open jobs in Canada and that came up to 242,000 jobs today. We are actually losing ground by not being able to get people through the training and into the workforce fast...

[caption id="attachment_27252" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Oriole with a crew of cadets sails past Toronto’s CN Tower in 2018.[/caption]DND/RCN––Royal Canadian Sea Cadets will once again crew aboard the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) sail training vessel HMCS Oriole in the summer of 2022.Crewing the 31-metre sailing ketch isn’t new for the Cadet organization, a program for youth aged 12 to 18 years. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, Oriole hosted Sea Cadets to live aboard and crew the ship, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed all that.“The pandemic halted our Cadet training program,” says Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Robert Pelton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Oriole. “However, we are starting to look to the future again, and hope to be able to host Sea Cadets once again, beginning in summer 2022.”Sailing aboard Oriole, which turned 100 years old in June 2021, was a long-held dream for Lieutenant(Navy) Mark Phillips, Commanding Officer of Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Chaudiere, out of Milton, ON.“Over 20 years ago, I added sailing aboard HMCS Oriole to my bucket list, knowing full well it was highly unlikely to ever happen. The main reasons were that Oriole was permanently located on the West Coast and I was a Sea Cadet Instructor living in the Greater Toronto Area with just a dream.”In July of 2018 all that changed when he sailed aboard the sail training vessel for two weeks as the Sea Cadet Escort Officer, along with 10 Sea Cadets and two staff cadets.“That year it was announced that Oriole would remain on the East Coast, and it began hosting Sea Cadets from across Canada as it sailed from May to October, travelling from Halifax to Lake Erie and back.”With the tall ship receiving a refit the year before, it was in pristine condition.“The experience for myself and the Sea Cadets was awesome; truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. There were some great opportunities for teamwork, learning,...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The idea of learning a musical instrument usually elicits groans from a child. It’s usually seen more as a chore than a delight. That was not the case for S2 Giovanni Marco Bellosillo. As a boy, he sought out learning the violin after seeing one in a music store and asking his mother to buy it. Music lessons taught him how to hold the bow, proper finger and chin placement, body posture, and a few recital songs.With age came a taste for classical, electronic, and pop music, all trialled on his violin with hours of practice. He has a knack for listening to a piece and playing it on his violin, he says. “I see music as a gift from God that was given to me and provides me with a sense of comfort and relaxation when I perform for people or when I am by myself in my spare time,” says S2 Bellosillo, 22, who serves in HMCS Regina as a Marine Technician. In high school he joined the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, a regional orchestra for residents of Comox Valley and Campbell River. Founder and fellow violinist Blaine Walbauer schooled him in the more complicated aspects of playing the instrument, adding in a few tips on performing. “The best part of playing violin and performing for other people is seeing how happy they become when I play my violin,” says S2 Bellosillo. Much of that happiness takes place on board Regina where he shares the limelight with two other musicians - Saxophone player S1 Marianne Mojica and Baritone saxophonist MS Justin Grant - together forming 3-Deck band.The trio often perform in the ship’s mess and other locations for special occasion, normally playing jazz, but also capable of serenading sailors with classical, rock, R&B, and country music cover tunes...

Military Police Unit Halifax––It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the last military police working dog, Vimy, on the morning of Sept. 13.Vimy was named to commemorate the great battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War, which was situated in the north of France. The battle spanned from April 9-12, 1917, and saw more than 10,000 Canadian troops either killed or wounded. The name “Vimy” represented a military nexus to policing, along with a call to service within the Military Police Branch.Vimy was enrolled into the Military Police Branch in July 2008 after successful completion of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Canine Program with then Cpl Caron. Vimy was trained as a general service police dog for the Military Police Branch. It was a career that lasted for 12 years alongside his partner, WO Caron. Although Vimy was a general service dog, he also had a specialization in narcotic detection.Dog and partner trained with the OPP at the beginning of their career. They became certified in a variety of profiles including tracking suspects/missing persons, drug searches, searching ships, and officer protection. Together they worked countless hours with partnered policing agencies such as Halifax Regional Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Border Services Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, and Corrections Canada. Vimy and WO Caron helped bridge many relationships with partner police agencies through the K9 program.Throughout his career, Vimy followed WO Caron with police responsibilities to MPU Halifax (twice) and 2 MP Regiment, Detachment Petawawa. During the prime of Vimy’s career, he and WO Caron attended, on average, 130 calls of service a year. Vimy retired from duty on March 31, 2020.Vimy will be dearly missed. Anyone who would like to send messages, letters, and condolences can forward them to david.bamford@forces.gc.ca.––––

[caption id="attachment_27240" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Shane Mutlow, author and retired soldier.[/caption]Patricia LeboeufPetawawa Post Newspaper––It has taken over 25 years for retired Canadian soldier Shane Mutlow to summon the courage to share his story with the world.The trauma and suffering he experienced while in Rwanda in 1994 left him with mental health injuries that haunt him to this day. For six months, he bore witness to unimaginable horror - the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide that claimed thousands of lives and saw an estimated two million refugees flee the country.“One Foot over the Edge: A Canadian Soldier’s Personal Account of The Rwandan Genocide” recounts Mutlow’s story, his traumatic experiences in Rwanda including his own kidnapping, and witnessing a friend’s suicide.The story follows him as he tries to regain his mental health and find his footing again.Writing the book was simultaneously a catharsis and a trauma as Mutlow had to recount those dark terrors.“The reason why I wrote this is because I wanted to help others,” he says. “So, if that works, then I feel like I’m just doing my job.”Because he was unable to finish his career in the military, this is his way to help his comrades and show there is a light in the darkness.Response to the book, released in August, has been overwhelmingly positive, and some proceeds from each sale goes to Fortitude Farms in Braeside, ON, to provide funds for veterans who wish to try equine therapy.Ginger, a therapy horse at Fortitude Farms, became Mutlow’s lifeline, helping him slowly regain a sense of emotional balance.“The only thing that worked for him was equine therapy,” says his wife, Justine Mutlow. “Nothing worked except for horses.”His book has made the top 100 on Amazon and there is talk of turning his story into a movie.While the book is a success now, he was initially terrified to release it.“My worst fear was the response I was going to get from people I served with overseas,” says Mutlow. “All those people have...

[caption id="attachment_27234" align="aligncenter" width="595"] MCpl (Retired) Don Ward’s art titled ‘Juno Beach’.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Visitors to Peacekeepers Park in Angus, Ontario, are likely to see Don Ward’s art – haunting portraits of the fallen affixed to weather resistant plaques lining the four walls. The 63-year-old artist, a retired Master Corporal, says he wanted to add faces to the list of names etched in the granite monument at the entrance of the park. “Having their faces and information makes a person whole again and brings them back into the light.” So far, he has memorialized 284 fallen peacekeepers on canvas, service members involved in some of Canada’s 56 UN and combat missions from the 1950s to present day, a project he calls Bringing Their Faces Into the Light.“I have focused my artwork on remembering their courage and sacrifice, as I am afraid that it will be lost to future generations. We, as a society, can never forget this, for if we do, their sacrifice was for nothing. So that is why I am doing my part to make sure future generations never forget.”[caption id="attachment_27235" align="aligncenter" width="236"] MCpl (Retired) Don Ward[/caption]Ward is the son of a Second World War veteran, a career he also followed, serving with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, The 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), and The Royal Canadian Dragoons from 1975 to 1992.His service, and that of his father, brings an intimate understanding of the bonds that tie a unit together, through the shared experience of war and service to country. “Many of the people who I knew during my deployments are still my greatest friends to this day.”  Art is his way of illustrating the value of military service. He fully engulfed himself in drawing and painting after he retired, but age 10 is when he recognized his talent. He won an art contest at The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto.His watercolour paintings begin with a name – a fallen member, faceless until he finds a photograph. It is the emotion...

[caption id="attachment_27230" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain (Navy) Martin Coates, champion of the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO); Steve Cleugh, Civilian Chair of the DTPAO; Master Sailor Erin Rautenstrauch, Military Chair of the DTPAO; and Chief Petty Officer First Class Al Darragh, Base Chief, hold the Progress Pride Flag that will be raised at CFB Esquimalt for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 20.[/caption]Hadley ParsonsDeputy Base Communications Officer, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt––While Transgender Day of Remembrance itself is a solemn occasion, a day meant to remember those who have lost their lives because of anti-transgender violence, the raising of the flag can hopefully serve as a symbol that celebrates progress made, and of hope for future progress.“To me, this flag means that the RCN, and the CAF are becoming more inclusive. Meaning anyone of any gender, or orientation can serve their country proudly. Be it in uniform or civilian,” says Steve Cleugh, co-chair of the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization said that to him.Designed in 2018, the Progress Pride flag retains the familiar six stripe rainbow, it adds in a chevron of white, pink and blue which represents the transgender community, as well as brown and black stripes which represent LGBTQ2+ people of colour. The black stripe also represents those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost.The flag’s designer, Daniel Quasar, used the chevron to denote forward movement, but placed it along the left side of the flag to show that there is still progress to be made for transgender rights and reducing discrimination.“The inclusive nature of this flag and sombre mission of this day of remembrance brings to mind the first principle of the CAF Code of Values and Ethics. It tells us that we have an obligation, not just to the Defence Team, but to humanity, to...

[caption id="attachment_27227" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Kapitänleutnant Tim Hupka, a German Exchange Officer, and Lieutenant (Navy) Christopher Sulyma, on the bridge wing of HMCS Winnipeg. Photo by MCpl Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Christopher SulymaHMCS Winnipeg––In an environment that seems more fractious with every passing day, alliances and partnerships become increasingly valuable. HMCS Winnipeg, currently deployed to South-East Asia on Operations Projection and Neon, has learned the importance of multi-national partnership first-hand. Outside the guardrails, Winnipeg has operated with a multi-national carrier strike group, participated in multi-national exercises off Japan, sailed in consort with seven allied nations, and participated in enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions. On board, multinational partnerships are also flourishing, as Winnipeg hosted the first German exchange officer to participate in Operation Regulus, Canada’s officer exchange program.Established in 2010, Regulus was created to enable sailors to gain valuable experience during a time when the Halifax-Class Modernization limited opportunities to sail at home. Since then, Canadian personnel have filled billets in numerous allied navies including the United States, France, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Chile, to name just a few. In turn, many allied naval personnel have sought placements and training within the Royal Canadian Navy to further develop their own skills and build the bridges of international cooperation that are vital to operations.Kapitänleutnant Tim Hupka, from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, joined Winnipeg in Manila, Philippines, half-way through the deployment. The time alongside gave him an opportunity to settle into the ship’s Wardroom, and meet the men and women he would be living and working with for the next two months. Assigned as his host, and a veteran of the Regulus program (Chile, April to September 2014), I was able to give KptLt Hupka a unique introduction to life aboard a Canadian warship. Within hours of his arrival, the ship’s...

[caption id="attachment_27220" align="aligncenter" width="595"] John Schut displays his latest hat acquisition – the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Retired construction worker John Schut has a unique hobby.The 61-year-old who lives in suburban Vancouver collects warship baseball hats from around the world. He has 457, with the last hat arriving in the mail a few weeks ago.“Before the package arrived I was eagerly checking my mailbox. I had even been looking at my mailman a few times to make sure he wasn’t wearing it.”The latest hat, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays, was sent to him by Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Public Affairs.He was expecting an HMCS DeWolf hat, but they were all handed out during its recent visit to CFB Esquimalt.“It’s so cool to have the Bernays’ hat. I think it will tide me over until the Harry DeWolf returns to Halifax later this year and sends me one of theirs,” he says. “Receiving the Bernays’ hat was a really nice gesture by the RCN, which I truly appreciate.”The caps line the walls of a spare bedroom in his home and he uses a leaf blower to keep them dust free. The first in his first collection was received over 40 years ago when he toured MacKenzie-Class Destroyer HMCS Saskatchewan at CFB Esquimalt.“During that tour I learned some of the visitors collected ball caps and other navy mementos; so I said to myself: ‘Hey, I want to do that too.’”Amongst his collection are hats from the navies of the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, China, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, France, and Mexico.He has built relationships with many navy public affairs offices, who graciously send him a hat if he can’t make a ship tour. He also has amassed 400 coffee mugs from navy vessels and a collection of (non-military) Zippo lighters.––––

[caption id="attachment_27220" align="aligncenter" width="595"] John Schut displays his latest hat acquisition – the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Retired construction worker John Schut has a unique hobby.The 61-year-old who lives in suburban Vancouver collects warship baseball hats from around the world. He has 457, with the last hat arriving in the mail a few weeks ago.“Before the package arrived I was eagerly checking my mailbox. I had even been looking at my mailman a few times to make sure he wasn’t wearing it.”The latest hat, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel soon-to-be HMCS Max Bernays, was sent to him by Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Public Affairs.He was expecting an HMCS DeWolf hat, but they were all handed out during its recent visit to CFB Esquimalt.“It’s so cool to have the Bernays’ hat. I think it will tide me over until the Harry DeWolf returns to Halifax later this year and sends me one of theirs,” he says. “Receiving the Bernays’ hat was a really nice gesture by the RCN, which I truly appreciate.”The caps line the walls of a spare bedroom in his home and he uses a leaf blower to keep them dust free. The first in his first collection was received over 40 years ago when he toured MacKenzie-Class Destroyer HMCS Saskatchewan at CFB Esquimalt.“During that tour I learned some of the visitors collected ball caps and other navy mementos; so I said to myself: ‘Hey, I want to do that too.’”Amongst his collection are hats from the navies of the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, China, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, France, and Mexico.He has built relationships with many navy public affairs offices, who graciously send him a hat if he can’t make a ship tour. He also has amassed 400 coffee...

[caption id="attachment_27202" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Artist John Horton presents his painting of HMS Erebus to the Commander of HMCS DeWolf, Cdr Cory Gleason. Photo by Corporal Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician[/caption]Elizabeth Murray––Delta marine artist John Horton could not have imagined his painting of the Franklin Expedition’s HMS Erebus would one day hang aboard HMCS Harry DeWolf. In 2014, inspired by discovery of the wrecked Franklin ship, Horton painted a rendition of HMS Erebus. Harry DeWolf sailed into Vancouver Harbour Oct. 1 having completed the first Northwest Passage transit by a Canadian naval vessel since 1954.Horton presented his painting to Harry DeWolf’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Corey Gleason, and his crew at the end of a three-day Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) outreach program in which he participated.John Horton’s special interest in the Arctic prompted a conversation with Cdr Gleason where they discussed at length the ill-fated Franklin Expedition and how Harry DeWolf had followed Franklin’s tragic path. “Hearing how the ship anchored near the wreck sites enabling visits to graves of the crew, was an unparalleled privilege,” Horton said. “It was gratifying to learn that the ship’s company of approximately 87 sailors had become fully engaged with the history of the 1848 Expedition and gained a huge respect for those who had gone before.”Canadian Leaders at Sea aboard Harry DeWolfHorton was invited to join a group of 15 Canadian community leaders, who boarded Canada’s newest warship at Lower Lonsdale’s Burrard Dry Dock Pier in North Vancouver and sailed to Victoria’s Ogden Point.This Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is the lead ship of its Class and one of six built, or under construction, to ensure Canada’s Arctic interests are secure. These patrol vessels are designed to operate anywhere in the world, but especially in first-year ice of up...

[caption id="attachment_27196" align="aligncenter" width="595"] James Francis “Stocky” Edwards[/caption]Emily LindahlDirector Air Public Affairs––Wing Commander James Francis “Stocky” Edwards, 100, is a Canadian hero on several fronts.Books have been written about him, military aviation web sites list his accomplishments, and numerous news articles include his name. He is an artist and conservationist in his own right.Flying AceEdwards is one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) top Second World War Flying Aces. His wartime accomplishments are included in the book about the RCAF’s history, On Windswept Heights:“Wing Commander James Francis “Stocky” Edwards was one of the RCAF flyers who squared off against Axis pilots and helped knock the enemy out of the air. He was only 19 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in October 1940. By the end of the war he had 20 confirmed kills (with Probable kills, his score passed 30) and had risen to the rank of wing commander.He shot down most of these planes in the North Africa campaign. Edwards flew a P-4 0 Kittyhawk against the Messerschmitt (Me) 109; the Me-109 was faster and better armed than the P-40, but that never got the better of Edwards.” He flew 373 operational sorties during the war and was never shot down.Honoured throughout the yearsStocky Edwards has been recognized and honoured in Canada for his actions during the Second World War and beyond, and received decorations from the UK and France:Distinguished Flying MedalDistinguished Flying Cross (UK) and BarCanadian Forces Decoration and Two ClaspsLegion of Honour, France. Chevalier (Knight) – 2014Vintage Wings of Canada has a Curtiss P 40-N on display, which is a tribute to Stocky. The fully functional aircraft has a paint job that is an exact replica of the Kittyhawk flown by the Flying Ace in the North Africa campaign when he was with 260 Squadron. In 2013, Stocky was joined by his family on a visit to Vintage Wings of Canada. He was there to check out a banner that had been previously raised...

[caption id="attachment_27192" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Padre Andrew Cooke, Chaplain of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, leads a Committal of Ashes ceremony on board HMCS Sackville on Oct. 8. Photo by Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff[/caption]Ryan MelansonTrident Newspaper––The Committal of Ashes Ceremony aboard HMCS Sackville has long been an annual event for the historic ship, taking place once a year, on Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, off of Point Pleasant Park in Halifax.Because of Sackville’s deteriorating condition, it was forced to pause the services starting in 2014, and recent years have seen present-day Royal Canadian Navy ships step in to assist family members in having their loved one’s ashes brought to sea as their final resting place.With major repair and maintenance work completed on the Second World War-era Corvette earlier this year, Sackville’s volunteer crew are now continuing this service. The ship recently held two, one on Sept. 24, and again on Oct. 8.“The service is a mainstay for us and it’s one of the most important activities the ship carries out,” says Cdr (Retired) Gary Reddy, Sackville’s Commanding Officer with the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (CNMT), the non-profit that owns and cares for the ship. “Honouring those who served, in all elements of the Canadian Forces, and even in foreign militaries, is what the ship is all about.” The ceremony itself is short and respectful, with words from CNMT Padre Andrew Cooke and a brief biography of each individual whose ashes have come aboard. Family members are invited to observe and release flowers overboard as the ashes are let go.It’s the wish of many former sailors to have their ashes brought to sea, and there is often a waitlist as only so many can be accommodated on each occasion. Because of this, Sackville is planning for the committal ceremonies to take place...

[caption id="attachment_27189" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Royal Canadian Navy, Retired Lieutenant (Naval) Peter Ward[/caption]DND––Former Naval Reservist and friend to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Retired Lieutenant (Naval) Peter Ward was honoured for his efforts saving part of RCN history.Lt(N) Ward is the final surviving, founding member of Haida Inc., a group of five who saved the “fightingest ship”, the Second World War Tribal-class destroyer HMCS Haida, from disposal. On Oct. 4, he was virtually presented with the Naval Association of Canada’s Admirals’ Medal in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of maritime affairs. Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, congratulated Ward, telling him, “Hearing your moving story has made me a prouder sailor and a prouder Canadian.”Ward says he shares the Medal with departed Neil Bruce, Norm Simpson, David Kidd, and Allan Howard, who co-founded Haida Inc. with him.“We established a not-for profit corporation together to save this wonderful ship and to honour Canadian sailors, underlining our proud history of the Battle of the Atlantic.”Ward has spent a lifetime connected to the military and the RCN. He is an acclaimed retired journalist, military editor, war correspondent, broadcaster, and author. He served as a public information officer with Toronto’s Naval Reserve Division HMCS York from 1962-1978.In 1963, Ward sailed in HMCS Haida during its Great Lakes deployment, which served as the inspiration to save the ship from the breakers. About HMCS HaidaHMCS Haida, which saw action in both the Second World War and Korea, has been credited with sinking more surface tonnage than any other RCN warship. For Ward, however, his connection with Haida is personal.Ward’s father, Lt(N) Leslie Ward, was one of the 128 sailors killed on board HMCS Athabaskan when it was sunk by the enemy off the French coast in April 1944. It was Haida that ventured back into the thick of things to rescue nearly four dozen survivors,...

[caption id="attachment_27186" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Adam Arbiter[/caption]Adam Arbiter, 22 Wing CFB North Bay Mess Manager, has always had a passion for writing. For years he struggled to finish a story until he discovered one he really wanted to tell.Emily NakeffBorden Citizen––His debut novel “I’m Here” tells the story of Garret and Simon, two soldiers that fall in love while fighting on the front lines in the Second World War.Arbiter pulled inspiration from war poetry, but the heart of the story fell into place when he came across an old photo. The black and white image depicted two male soldiers dancing together, a joyful moment in time. With no source, the mystery image became the foundation for the story. “That idea was just beautiful to me,” Arbiter says. “That the war somehow brought these boys, who felt different and alone and wrong, to a place where suddenly they were just like other men, and they found each other, and they found love, and a sense of peace.”This first novel is the product of two and a half years work. Finding the time between his job and spending time with his husband and young son wasn’t always easy. He jokes that keeping a notebook in every room of the house helped. But he was eager to tell a story that was missing from other historical fiction work.“I really enjoy uncovering the stories we aren’t told in history class,” he says. “A lot of those stories are LGBTQ+ that got washed away because it wasn’t the thing people wanted to talk about. It was shameful, or it was a misconduct of some kind, especially for soldiers in the Armed Forces.”He is very connected to the LGBTQ+ community, volunteering as a positive space ambassador on the Pride Committee at CFB North Bay, which he says...

[caption id="attachment_27178" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A chunk of 200-year-old Oak that Allan Harrison transformed into the sculpture on the right.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––For artist Allan Harrison, the three-dimensional art of sculpting strengthens the connection between the natural world and humankind. By using wood or clay, elements found in nature, he creates effigies to that relationship, one that goes back to ancient times often revealed through devotional icons.“For me, sculpture is the most effective way I can communicate the concept of getting back to the fundamental relationship of mankind with the natural world.”Harrison, 54, was a former army medic for 17 years, before remustered as an Officer Cadet to become a Physician Assistant. He is currently training at CFB Borden. When a work crew chopped down a 200-year-old Oak tree near the base to make way for hydro lines, Harrison managed to haul away a large piece of the tree trunk and began paring it down in his backyard.“To gain something, you must first sacrifice something,” he says of the Oak tree that would become Wounded Warrior 1: Sacrifice.With hand chisels and sandpaper, he created a slender sculpture inspired by the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness located near Orkney, Scotland. The stones were created in the Neolithic age and believed to be one of the oldest henges in the British Isles. One of its most famous giant standing forms has a hole in it, which Harrison says was named by Scandinavian settlers as a tribute to Norse god Odin who sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for gaining wisdom. That hole is replicated in his wooden sculpture and the theme is a warrior’s sacrifice.[caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sculpter and military member Allan Harrison.[/caption]Like many artists, he excelled in art and sculpture in high school, but left it for other career aspirations. Creativity...

[caption id="attachment_27178" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A chunk of 200-year-old Oak that Allan Harrison transformed into the sculpture on the right.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––For artist Allan Harrison, the three-dimensional art of sculpting strengthens the connection between the natural world and humankind. By using wood or clay, elements found in nature, he creates effigies to that relationship, one that goes back to ancient times often revealed through devotional icons.“For me, sculpture is the most effective way I can communicate the concept of getting back to the fundamental relationship of mankind with the natural world.”Harrison, 54, was a former army medic for 17 years, before remustered as an Officer Cadet to become a Physician Assistant. He is currently training at CFB Borden. When a work crew chopped down a 200-year-old Oak tree near the base to make way for hydro lines, Harrison managed to haul away a large piece of the tree trunk and began paring it down in his backyard.“To gain something, you must first sacrifice something,” he says of the Oak tree that would become Wounded Warrior 1: Sacrifice.With hand chisels and sandpaper, he created a slender sculpture inspired by the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness located near Orkney, Scotland. The stones were created in the Neolithic age and believed to be one of the oldest henges in the British Isles. One of its most famous giant standing forms has a hole in it, which Harrison says was named by Scandinavian settlers as a tribute to Norse god Odin who sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for gaining wisdom. That hole is replicated in his wooden sculpture and the theme is a warrior’s sacrifice.[caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sculpter and military member Allan Harrison.[/caption]Like many artists, he excelled in art and sculpture in high school, but left it for other career aspirations. Creativity was never far away, and he developed his passion at the University of Guelph Fine Arts department when he met and studied under John Fillion, award-winning Canadian sculptor, and Fine...

[caption id="attachment_27174" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson[/caption]On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and aviators who never returned home, as well as by those who did return but were never the same. We must also recognize the contributions of those currently deployed around the world, such as the crew of our own HMCS Winnipeg sailing in support of Operation Projection and Operation Neon, as well as those of our resilient military families who show up for us every day, enabling the work that we do.This Remembrance Day, as I lay a wreath at the Esquimalt Cenotaph, I will reflect on the valour and dedication of all past and current military members, on battles fought over fields, skies, and oceans from South Africa to Afghanistan, from the frigid depths of the North Atlantic to a critical hill at Kapyong. Wherever they have been called, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have served valiantly. We will remember them.For those marking the day from home this year, there are many ways to remain connected virtually, with ceremonies across the country being broadcast by major news networks and live streamed – including CHEK News’ coverage of commemorations here on Vancouver Island.For those attending local ceremonies, please follow Provincial Health Orders, maintain physical distancing where possible and wear a mask. However you choose to mark this day, I encourage you to seek out the stories of our veterans, our country, and to share your own. Lest we forget.Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson––––

[caption id="attachment_27174" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson[/caption]On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and aviators who never returned home, as well as by those who did return but were never the same. We must also recognize the contributions of those currently deployed around the world, such as the crew of our own HMCS Winnipeg sailing in support of Operation Projection and Operation Neon, as well as those of our resilient military families who show up for us every day, enabling the work that we do.This Remembrance Day, as I lay a wreath at the Esquimalt Cenotaph, I will reflect on the valour and dedication of all past and current military members, on battles fought over fields, skies, and oceans from South Africa to Afghanistan, from the frigid depths of the North Atlantic to a critical hill at Kapyong. Wherever they have been called, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have served valiantly. We will remember them.For those marking the day from home this year, there are many ways to remain connected virtually, with ceremonies across the country being broadcast by major news networks and live streamed – including CHEK News’ coverage of commemorations here on Vancouver Island.For those attending local ceremonies, please follow Provincial Health Orders, maintain physical distancing where possible and wear a mask. However you choose to mark this day, I encourage you to seek out the stories of our veterans, our country, and to share your own. Lest we forget.Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson––––

[caption id="attachment_27167" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Rear-Admrial Angus Topshee, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific[/caption]Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, as part of the veteran’s speaker program, spoke to students  at Shoreline Middle School about Remembrance Day. The following is his message to them:On this Remembrance Day, Canadians stand united. On the one hundred year anniversary of adopting the poppy as the symbol of remembrance, we honour generations of brave Canadians who have put themselves in harm’s way for peace and freedom. Canadians have always been there when the world needed us and the Royal Canadian Navy has a proud history of being Canada’s first responder in times of conflict.In both the First and Second World Wars, it was Royal Canadian Navy ships based in Esquimalt that were the first to put to sea upon the outbreak of war. In 1939, HMC Ships St Laurent and Fraser were among the escorts for the first convoy across the North Atlantic – beginning a campaign that would last until the final day of the war and would cost Canada over 4000 lives and 22 warships, including HMCS Esquimalt, the last RCN ship to be sunk in the war in April 1945 within sight of Halifax. When the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950, it was three Esquimalt-based destroyers, HMC Ships Cayuga, Sioux and Athabaskan who sailed within days to show Canada’s commitment to the first attempt at collective security by the new United Nations. Throughout the Cold War, Canada stood ready with our allies to defend Europe and democracy. For the Royal Canadian Navy, this meant being continuously forward deployed, and tragically included the death of nine sailors in an explosion aboard HMCS Kootenay in October of 1969. In Afghanistan, Canadians fought and died to bring stability and security to a desperate place – fighting that included navy clearance divers who worked to identify and render safe a wide assortment of improvised explosive devices. War is horrible and it should never be the first choice for...

DND––The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is developing an application to better manage personnel. The new initiative called the Digital Parade State will display sailor availability and provide recommendations to crew RCN ships for operations.“The Royal Canadian Navy is facing personnel shortages across a variety of trades,” says Commander Ben Seaby, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Coordination Centre Pacific. “Having a digital dashboard that accurately tells us who is available at any given time to fill a vacancy will greatly enhance our ability to crew ships and essential shore-based positions quickly and effectively.”The Digital Parade State will combine the data needed to make crewing decisions into one location. Such metrics include training status, time away from home, recent tasks and postings, and availability assessments based on medical or compassionate factors. Future versions of the application will use optimization software to provide holistic personnel solutions, with the potential to optimize training and fleet scheduling.The application development team is made up of members from Halifax, Ottawa and Esquimalt, and led by Lt(N) Brent Fisher. Although the application will be produced through the Digital Navy Organization App Development Team, the Digital Parade State project is a larger endeavour that is identifying improvements for the navy regarding governance, sailor qualifications, and the use of Military Command Software, the suite of personnel management and human resources products that are used across the Canadian Armed Forces. These efforts are expected to have a direct impact on sailor quality of life by reducing turnover, increasing the quality of sea time, and taking into consideration personal preferences.The initiative is co-sponsored by Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Personnel and Training, and Commodore David Patchell, Director General of Naval Strategic Readiness, and is the top priority under the Digital Navy program.The Digital Parade State will support Project Navy Generation’s goals...

DND––The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is developing an application to better manage personnel. The new initiative called the Digital Parade State will display sailor availability and provide recommendations to crew RCN ships for operations.“The Royal Canadian Navy is facing personnel shortages across a variety of trades,” says Commander Ben Seaby, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Coordination Centre Pacific. “Having a digital dashboard that accurately tells us who is available at any given time to fill a vacancy will greatly enhance our ability to crew ships and essential shore-based positions quickly and effectively.”The Digital Parade State will combine the data needed to make crewing decisions into one location. Such metrics include training status, time away from home, recent tasks and postings, and availability assessments based on medical or compassionate factors. Future versions of the application will use optimization software to provide holistic personnel solutions, with the potential to optimize training and fleet scheduling.The application development team is made up of members from Halifax, Ottawa and Esquimalt, and led by Lt(N) Brent Fisher. Although the application will be produced through the Digital Navy Organization App Development Team, the Digital Parade State project is a larger endeavour that is identifying improvements for the navy regarding governance, sailor qualifications, and the use of Military Command Software, the suite of personnel management and human resources products that are used across the Canadian Armed Forces. These efforts are expected to have a direct impact on sailor quality of life by reducing turnover, increasing the quality of sea time, and taking into consideration personal preferences.The initiative is co-sponsored by Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Personnel and Training, and Commodore David Patchell, Director General of Naval Strategic Readiness, and is the top priority under the Digital Navy program.The Digital Parade State will support Project Navy Generation’s goals...

[caption id="attachment_27156" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Cpl Vincent-Gabriel Lamarre[/caption]Defence Team Pride Advisory Group––Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on Nov. 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.Despite recent political victories, increased transgender representation in the media, and promotion of new policies that protect transgender rights, transgender people still face disproportionate rates of discrimination compared to other communities. In the Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization is encouraging employees to join the day of remembrance and embrace inclusivity at work and in the community at large, and help end discrimination and violence towards this marginalized group.“Transgender Day of Remembrance is key to shifting public opinion on transgender people in the Forces,” says Cpl Vincent-Gabriel Lamarre, a transgendered military member. “On Nov. 20, let’s talk about how we can create an accepting work environment for trans people and acknowledge the injustices they have faced. Show your solidarity and be open minded for the occasion.” Understanding TransgenderCpl Lamarre began a gender transition a few years ago with the support of his family and military hierarchy. It is crucial to understand the difference between sex and gender, explains Cpl Lamarre. Sex refers to the biological elements of a person, while gender refers to the social construct of femininity and masculinity in a specified culture and time period. Understanding this distinction is crucial so as to not limit gender to just reproductive organs. Moreover,...

[caption id="attachment_27149" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Sackville completed its refit and undocking on June 2 thanks to the hard working team at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs[/caption]HMCS Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial, returned to her summer berth on the historic Halifax waterfront in late June after an extensive hull refit and welcomed—amidst COVID limitations-- more than 27,000 visitors.Commander Gary Reddy (ret’d), commanding officer of Sackville reports a number of activities and services were carried out during the summer and early fall leading up to ship’s return to her winter berth in HMC Dockyard and observance of Remembrance Day.One of Sackville’s significant duties is conducting committal of ashes services for veterans and family members and this year services were held in September and October. With the aid of tugs Sackville transits to an area south of Point Pleasant Park and abeam of Sailors Memorial. For both services the ship’s crew was supported by CFB Halifax Chaplain’s Office, Queen’s Harbour Master, fleet personnel and CNMT Trustees; the services involved the committal of 12 ashes. “In August the ship participated in Dervish’80 to recognize the 80th anniversary of Arctic Convoys to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.  The Russian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Vladimir Proskuryakov, was a guest and participated in the ceremony.  It was great to have our veterans onboard to conduct the bell ringing ceremony,” Reddy commented.In October the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust participated in DEFSEC Atlantic (defence, security and aerospace exhibition) at the Halifax Convention Centre and the Sackville booth attracted a good number of visitors.   While COVID has placed limitations on hosting activities the ship’s crew is working on return to the popular Friday lunches.Captain (N) Bill Woodburn (ret’d), Chair of CNMT noted that Sackville -- the last of the Allies 269 Second World War corvettes --...

[caption id="attachment_27145" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Eight-year-old Daniel Drover was thrilled to watch the ceremony at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Oct. 14. Pictured here, Daniel meets with RAdm Brian Santarpia. Photo by Joanie Veitch[/caption]Joanie VeitchTrident Newspaper––Barely tall enough to see over the second-level railing at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, eight-year-old Daniel Drover stood riveted to the scene unfolding in the lower-level gallery below, as naval officers and veterans gathered Oct. 14 to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the sinking of SS Caribou.After standing ramrod straight through the playing of the Last Post and two minutes of silence that followed, the young boy was up on tiptoes to watch Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, and Captain (Retired) Earle Wagner, Merchant Navy veteran, lay a wreath at the Merchant Navy Memorial.Held each year in remembrance of the 136 people who perished in the sinking of the Newfoundland ferry SS Caribou on Oct. 14, 1942, the ceremony also pays tribute to thousands of Canadians who volunteered their service during the Second World War.Approximately 12,000 men and women served in Canada’s Merchant Navy during the war.According to Royal Canadian Navy information on the Battle of the Atlantic, 59 Canadian-registered merchant ships were sunk by enemy or probable enemy action, and 2,000 RCN members, 1,600 Canadian merchant seamen, and 752 Canadian airmen lost their lives.Opening his talk with a reading from The Sea Is at Our Gates, a book about the Battle of the Atlantic written by Tony German, RAdm Santarpia spoke of the constant danger faced by the Merchant Navy as they “fought and won” the longest battle of the Second World War.“It’s fitting that we chose today, as a nation, to commemorate the efforts of the Merchant Marine – the 14th of October – because on that day in 1942, SS Caribou was sunk,  marking the greatest loss of life in the Battle of the Atlantic in Canadian waters,” he said.SS Caribou was a steamship ferry that operated...

[caption id="attachment_27142" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt (Retired) Maurice-André Vigneault[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A retired Royal Canadian Air Force member has penned a book of his firsthand account of Canada during the Cold War, a period between the end of the Second World War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.Mud on My Boots: Dares and Ventures of a Canadian Airman During the Cold War written by Capt (Retired) Maurice-André Vigneault recounts his four-decade career that spanned the entire Cold War era. During this time, the world was largely divided into two ideological camps, the United States-led capitalist “West” and the Soviet-dominated communist “East.” Canada aligned with the West. While the war never became “hot” through direct military confrontation, there were plenty of behind-the-scenes stress-filled moments, says Vigneault.He was a radio operator and radar technician who rose through the ranks during decades of geopolitical tension between East and West.  It was a seemingly endless war of attrition, of check and check mate that came in the form of arms and troop build-up between the two factions who were always on the brink of full-out war.“The Cold War was a different kind of war, not a shooting war as was the Korean War,” says Vigneault. “The West’s objective was deterrence, and deterrence worked as not a single bullet was fired.” In an op-ed piece in the Globe and Mail by General Paul Manson, entitled Canada’s Forgotten Cold Warriors, he said: “We trained for war so that we did not have to fight a war.”That piece was Vigneault’s inspiration to write about his own extensive service in the air force with postings to radio and radar stations in Europe and Canada, during the Suez Canal crisis, the 1960 Congo crisis, the establishment of NORAD’s line of radars, and six years at Arctic stations.Vigneault was...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––CFB Esquimalt’s Naval and Military Museum is offering a window into history – literally. The glass panes of Naden building 29, the museum’s workshop, have been transformed into a pictorial gallery visible from the outside. Island Graphics staff were contracted to print and install black and white historical images to eight exterior windows on Oct. 13. “The photos can be enjoyed by visitors even after hours when the museum is closed to the public,” says Clare Sharpe, Museum Exhibit Designer. “When guides and museum interpreters are available to help show our visitors around, the photos will provide some key talking points and get visitors oriented to Naden and its significance.” Sharpe selected the photos from thousands of pictures in the museum’s collection.One photo, taken from a nearby rooftop, features the joyous moment of hundreds of sailors tipping their caps during the Change of Command Ceremony for Captain Ian Agnew. Another image is undated and features young cadets from the Royal Naval College of Canada on the bowsprit of the Dominion Government survey ship Naden. The college was moved to Esquimalt following the Halifax Explosion in December 1917, and the schooner Naden was built in 1913 and was loaned to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1918.   Sharpe says the images selected will give museum visitors a better sense of the buildings at Museum Square and their roles and connection to the Naden community over the years. For more information about the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military museum and the historical legacy of CFB Esquimalt visit their website: https://navalandmilitarymuseum.org––––

[caption id="attachment_27135" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Pte(T) Alison Tso[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––HMCS Calgary was in the final leg of its deployment last July when Pte(T) Alison Tso was called to the Coxswain’s office on board the ship. She was surprised to find CPO1 Mark Chambers and the entire ship’s command team assembled, so her first thought was a worried “Uh oh.”That thought turned to astonishment when the Fleet Chief told her she was nominated and selected for the Maritime Forces Pacific’s Sailor of the Third Quarter. “My mind was still in deployment mode, so being told I had won the award felt like it was a dream,” she says. “I was a Private winning the Sailor of the Quarter Award and it was really nice to have been recognized for the work I was doing.”In an internal document, Cdr Mark O’Donohue, Calgary’s Commanding Officer, said Pte(T) Tso’s “professionalism and dedication, both on and off duty, reflects the morals and ethics expected of a service member” and that her “strong work performance and initiative makes them an outstanding candidate for this award.”CPO1 Chambers described Pte(T) Tso as “one of those sailors that seems to be wherever she is needed and never hesitates to roll up her sleeves and lend her assistance whenever it is required.”The award most certainly stems from her leadership skills mentoring of junior members; streamlining the communications process for casualty clearing, which earned her a Commanding Officer’s Coin from Sea Training Pacific; volunteering to assist physician’s assistants and medical technicians to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine in foreign ports; and volunteering for a promotional video about her position on board Calgary that was meant to educate university students in Vietnam on gender-equality in the Royal Canadian Navy that appeared on its Facebook page.The 25-year-old grew up in Burnaby, B.C., and studied Human Resources...