News

Peter MallettStaff Writer––This year’s battle against seasonal flu has commenced at the base with vaccine clinics underway for military members. To kick off flu shot season, senior leadership rolled up their sleeves and took the shot last week from a Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific) member. “I am getting my flu shot because it minimizes the risks to my family at home and my Defence Team family in the workplace,” said Capt(N) Sam Sader, Base Commander. “My flu shot will protect the people I care about.”The Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General, MajGen Marc Bilodeau recently sounded the alarm over the concern of a twindemic, an overlap of flu season with a second wave of COVID-19 this fall and winter. “In light of COVID-19 precautions, any respiratory infection such as the flu could lead to your family having to stay home from work,” said Maj-Gen Bilodeau in a statement.Registered Nurse Nancy Gilmour, Community Health and Immunizations branch of CF HSC(P), echoes MGen Bilodeau’s concerns about the extraordinary urgency of being vaccinated with this year’s flu shot. “Not only will the flu shot help keep you and your family members healthy, it will reduce the burden on our health care system by ensuring hospitals are not trying to care for flu and COVID-19 patients at the same time. By reducing the amount of respiratory viruses in circulation, it will reduce the requirement for limited testing capability for COVID-19.”Updated guidance by Health Canada recommends Canadians six months and older be vaccinated. Military members experiencing symptoms of the flu, whether they have been vaccinated or not, are urged to contact their Integrated Health Team; civilians should contact their health care provider. Individual appointments and spots for this year’s travelling flu shot clinics are available from Oct. 21 to Nov. 19, and must be...

[caption id="attachment_24630" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S1 Sheldon Hawley conducts maintenance on valves in the Forward Auxiliary Machine Room.[/caption]Captain Chelsea DubeauHMCS Winnipeg––It’s a Sunday morning in HMCS Winnipeg, one of the best days of the week.The ship is in transit, deployed on Operation Projection, and best of all there will be ice cream later.“Marine Systems Engineering Officer speaking,” starts the pipe. “For the information of the ship’s company, showers remain out of bounds. Mini-laundry also remains out of bounds.”The problem is with the ship’s water-making capability, the Shipboard Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (SROD) system. In fact, both the port and starboard side SRODs are out of commission.You can almost feel the collective groan of the ship’s company as the day suddenly takes a sour turn. Showers have been out of bounds for over 24 hours and people are refraining from working out for obvious reasons. Signs have been posted throughout the ship and water usage is to be kept minimal.The Marine Systems Engineering (MSE) department on board has their work cut out for them.  They deal with a variety of systems that sailors often don’t think about unless it breaks - such as the water-making system. They also deal with propulsion, domestics (such as sinks), and power generation.Since this is the Royal Canadian Navy’s first deployment to the Asia Pacific region in the COVID-19 environment, planning, including what to bring such as spare pieces of equipment, could only go so far.Normally, ships at sea are assisted by Forward Logistics Services (FLS), a small team that goes port-to-port in advance of deployed ships and facilitates procurement of needed supplies, equipment, and parts. This is not the case for Winnipeg because of the pandemic that has created travel restrictions.“The travel for the FLS team would have put those members at higher risk of contracting the...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––To find Master Corporal Kim Draper, one has to take the stairwell into the basement of Nelles Block. With a team of two military and two civilian members, she manages Nelles Block Stores, a supply warehouse that supports the residents and employees that live and work in the accommodations building. They procure, store, and distribute everything from linen and mattresses, to tables and chairs, clocks and lamps, and pens and pencils.“It takes a special type of person to conduct the job requirements of Block Stores. You have to be happy, friendly, and courteous to customers. What I like most about my job is the people. Not just my co-workers, but the residents as well.” Nelles Block houses primarily junior non-commissioned members coming straight from basic training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School to take their trade training at Naval Fleet School (Pacific). “When members arrive they are required to sign for all items in their room and confirm that they are in a suitable condition,” explains MCpl Draper.If there is a problem or if anything is missing her team will replace the item and procure more if supply runs short. Weekly linen exchange is also a function of Block Stores. Her path to Nelles Block began in 2005 when she joined the Canadian Armed Forces  as a Supply Technician in the army. Supply Techs are a purple trade, meaning they can be employed within the land, sea, and air operating environments despite the element they belong to. In many cases, it is essential to gain experience in all three environments for professional development and career progression purposes. MCpl Draper achieved this goal with her posting to CFB Esquimalt in 2018.Upon arrival to CFB Esquimalt, she was posted to Base Logistics in a customer service...

[caption id="attachment_24618" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Cpl Michael Smith and team at CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue headquarters.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Tour de Rock rider Cpl Michael Smith says he was taken aback by donor generosity in this year’s fundraiser for children with cancer.The 29-year-old works in the Court Section of CFB Esquimalt’s Military Police Unit. He was part of a 19-person police and first-responder cycling team that pedaled a combined distance of 1,200 kilometres from Port Alice to Victoria between Sept. 23 and Oct. 2. Tour de Rock provides funding for paediatric cancer research and support programs through the Canadian Cancer Society while also raising awareness about the plight of affected children and their families. This year’s fundraising effort fell short of last year’s total of $1.2 million due to COVID-19 restrictions, but still reached its $600,000 fundraising goal. Riders set individual fundraising targets and this year Cpl Smith exceeded his $5,000 goal by $220. “Every year I am blown away by the generosity of people on Vancouver Island and at CFB Esquimalt. This year’s Tour de Rock was no different even despite the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Cpl Smith.The tour made fewer stops with much smaller gatherings of 50 people or less. “I understand these are tough times for everyone but I’m  glad to see our supporters realize that cancer doesn’t take a break, even for COVID-19,” said Cpl Smith. The tour made a stop on the last day at CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue headquarters to a COVID-19 scaled-back heroes welcome. Cpl Smith and the others riders were greeted by members of Esquimalt’s military police unit and fire department staff. ‘Game On’ For Golf CFB Esquimalt’s Military Police Unit continue their ongoing fundraising for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children with their upcoming golf tournament. A maximum of 60 participants will adhere...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––A revamped contest by CANEX launches later this month and hopes to catch the attention of gaming enthusiasts. Game On CANEX kicks off on Oct. 22 and is open to all Canadian Armed Forces members. The contest offers four separate sweepstakes for four consecutive weeks with a total of $4,000 in prizes up for grabs. In the first week, a HyperX Gaming Bundle and an AndaSeat Dark Knight Gaming Chair are the two featured prizes. The following week’s prizes include two Oculus VR headsets, a new Xbox Series X, and a new Sony Playstation 5. This year’s event replaces the CANEX Championship Gaming Series that ran from 2016 to 2019. That Gaming Series attracted about 400 participants and viewers each year with military members putting their gaming skills to the test against each other. Michael Prouty, CANEX Segment Marketing Manager, says earlier this year the decision was made to change the format to offer a wider appeal to all CAF community gamers. While those who participated in or watched the live stream of the tournament had a great time, Prouty points out the original game series spoke to a very small portion of the entire CANEX gaming community, which he estimates to be approximately 30,000 people.“Based on these numbers, we decided to revamp the format and appeal to a much larger population of gamers in the CAF community with Game On CANEX,” explained Prouty. “Given the fact that these prizes will be in high demand for the holiday shopping season, I am confident the participation numbers will be significant.” To enter the contest, applicants must provide their first and last name, email address, and their CF1 number in an entry form found on the soon-to-be-launched event webpage www.gameoncanex.com.A full list of prizes for each draw will also be on the website. Registered CAF members can earn more entries for each weekly prize draw by completing different tasks. They will include following contest clues and answering trivia questions provided...

[caption id="attachment_24611" align="alignnone" width="595"] Yana Hempler holds a placard boasting her summer fund raising achievement.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––These days, Yana Hempler runs with a purpose.The former army reservist and long-distance runner has taken to the trails and streets of Victoria to raise money for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to help expand and enhance the critical care capacity, now and into the future.What started out as a summer challenge of 12 marathons in 12 days, raising $15,000, has flourished into a $500,000 personal year-long fundraising challenge.“With the [COVID-19] pandemic, our healthcare heroes have been working even harder and longer and I cannot thank them enough. This fundraiser is my way of showing support for the amazing work they do and for the many lives they’ve saved, including one of my best friends back in 2019.”She will run one additional marathon – 42.2 kilometres – for every $15,000 raised. By this time next year, she hopes to complete 33 marathons, a total of 1,406 kilometres. “The most important thing through all of this is to pace myself properly during my runs to avoid burnout,” said Hempler, 30.While she is mentally determined, she admits running so many marathons can lead to physical fatigue. After completing the 12 marathons between July 24 and Aug. 4, she has remained injury free so far and says proper training and preparation has made a big difference.It’s not the first time she has raised money for charity.In 2013 she ran 495 kilometres from Port Hardy to Mile 0 in support of three local charities - the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Recreation Integration Victoria, and the B.C. SPCA. In 2015, she and a friend ran from Duncan to Victoria in another fundraiser. A year later, she launched her charity Run4Dreams to provide financial assistance for sick children and their families through an online virtual race that involved 32 competitors in four Canadian cities.Hempler currently works in the supply chain for aircraft manufacturer Viking Air but previously spent three years as a logistics...

[caption id="attachment_24608" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Behni Moosavi-Shalmani[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Art instructor Behni Moosavi-Shalmani believes everyone is bestowed with creativity. They just need to give themselves the opportunity to blossom.She is the course provider of ‘Paint It!’ for the Personnel Support Programs recreation department. “I can say with confidence that everyone who leaves one of my classes, leaves with a big smile on their face,” she says. “I am trying to reach out to the people who have never painted before and don’t believe they can do it.”Her easy going, no pressure and relaxing atmosphere in the class enables first-time painters to be brave with what they paint and how they paint it. “When an artist begins to paint they may struggle at first and find parts of a painting they are not happy with; this is exactly comparable to the struggles we face in real life” explains Behni. “These are experiences everyone goes through, so the big thing to do is take a step back and realize mistakes can be corrected and covered. There is always a chance to change. The important thing is to relax and let your mind and thoughts guide what you create.” Moosavi-Shalmani, 37, is a Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) employee and Personnel Support Programs (PSP) contractor. She is a military spouse, married to Cpl Hamid Anghaei who works for Base Logistics distribution centre in Colwood. The couple have two children and live in Langford. “When I’m working at CFB Esquimalt it’s like being at home and being with family,” she says. “I live the military lifestyle, so I feel comfortable with its people and love to work with them.”She learned art skills in a specialized high school art program while growing up in Iran. Then she earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tehran where she focussed on painting, sculpture, and photography. When she left Iran she had to leave much of her artwork behind. Over the years, she has developed a new portfolio...

Katelyn MooresBase PAO––It’s the end of an era for one of the oldest and largest Arbutus trees on base, but hopefully also a new beginning. The Arbutus tree located in the Dockyard is estimated to be over two hundred years old, but a recent risk assessment found it in deteriorating health, and that instability poses a significant hazard to both people passing by and nearby infrastructure.“A certified arborist has been monitoring the tree for about 20 years,” said Don Fenton, Contract Coordinator with Real Property Operation. “During the course of this monitoring program, signs of decline were identified and the tree has been pruned back many times to help reduce risk. The latest assessment completed this summer showed that greater intervention was now necessary.”The assessment identified a continuing decline in its health and a large stress fracture in the tree’s largest limb. To mitigate growing safety concerns, most of the Arbutus tree will be cut down this week; however, instead of cutting the tree down to ground level, the four large stems will be left approximately 10 to 15 feet above ground. This decision was made to increase the potential for the tree to re-sprout, but also to preserve a portion of the tree to commemorate the natural heritage of the Esquimalt Royal Canadian Navy National Historic Site. Likely here long before the first military facilities were built in the 1850s, the Arbutus tree has become a well-known fixture within Dockyard where it stands just outside building DY68. With a combined trunk measurement of 259 centimeters, the tree was named to the B.C. Big Tree Registry in 2000, and currently holds the second  highest “tree score” for Arbutus in the province. The ranking is based on several different measurements including height, diameter, and crown spread.Before the tree could be cut back,...

[caption id="attachment_24592" align="aligncenter" width="594"] A/SLt LeMesurier with the goods following Operation Sticky Bun.[/caption]A/SLt Emily GjosContributor––Chances are if you speak to any junior officer who completed their Naval Warfare Officer training in the Gulf Islands they will know what you mean by Sticky Bun Run.It is tradition for students on the sea phase of Naval Warfare Officer courses on the West Coast to plan, execute, and enjoy an expedition to a small bakery in Ladysmith, or occasionally in Lund, B.C.Both bakeries make amazing cinnamon buns, almost the size of a human head.It has beens months since the last trip to Ladysmith’s Old Town Bakery due to the pandemic.However, when training operations resumed last month, the words “Sticky Buns” were floated throughout the crews of three Orca Class Patrol Craft Training Unit vessels conducting Naval Warfare Officer training from Sept 8 to 17. The idea was met with excitement and skepticism; could they really pull off a sticky bun run in a pandemic environment? What precautions should they take to ensure the safety of the crews and community? With these questions top of mind, the students were tasked to plan and execute Operation Sticky Bun.The second last day of the sail was chosen, in part to limit contact with the public that could affect training outcomes, and to reward the crews for their hard work over the 10-day sail.A four-person team drawn from one of the three ships would deploy in the ship’s Zodiac, in masks, to collect the buns from the bakery and distribute to the two sister ships, ensuring the social bubbles formed within the ships were respected.With these precautions, the ships could ensure the safety of personnel and avoid impacting the safety of the Ladysmith community.As the Sticky Bun Run approached, another danger was on the horizon: smoke carried from...

[caption id="attachment_24589" align="aligncenter" width="595"] MS Chris Shepard is the first Marine Technician to qualify as a Senior Engineering Watch Keeper.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––A junior ranks sailor currently on board HMCS Regina has become the first in his trade to qualify as a Senior Engineering Watch Keeper.MS Chris Shepard is a Marine Technician. He achieved the noteworthy milestone, usually held by a Petty Officer or higher ranking sailor, Sept. 26 when he passed his final qualification examination during his ship’s return from Rim of the Pacific exercises. The 38-year-old joined the Royal Canadian Navy as an engineer 11 years ago and says the exam was easily the most stressful but rewarding of his career. “It’s definitely pretty exciting and felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders now that I am finished with the qualification. Now I have something to look forward to and I am excited for the future as I move towards my goal of becoming a Chief Petty Officer.”The Marine Technician trade stood up in April 2017, replacing the three legacy trades of Marine Engineer, Marine Electrician, and Hull Technician. The consolidation of trades addressed the changing technology, crew models, and maintenance philosophies associated with the renewal of the fleet including the arrival of Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels. With the new certification comes new responsibilities. During his watch, he manages coordinating and controlling the propulsion of the ship, damage control, power generation, the distribution of equipment and systems to all modes of operation, and supervising the maintenance. “I am responsible for everything in the engineering plant that keeps the boat moving forward,” says MS Shepard. “It’s a huge responsibility that can’t be taken lightly because a mistake can seriously affect the safety of people’s lives.”The importance of his achievement was celebrated by his shipmates, his instructors...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––Two elite distance runners with ties to Canada’s Olympic program will put their coaching skills to work in an upcoming clinic for runners at the base. Erin Teschuk and Mariah Kelly will provide instruction in running performance and training techniques to participants of all experience levels in four hour-long clinics. They begin Wednesday evenings Oct. 28 and run weekly until Nov. 18 at various locations across Victoria. “I am incredibly excited to work with military members for this run clinic,” said Teschuk. “That’s because I know they embody a lot of the qualities that elite athletes possess - mental toughness, great work ethic, and the ability to set high goals and work towards those goals daily.”The program is one of the many offered by Personnel Support Programs Recreation department. Both Kelly and Teschuk were working towards being chosen to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in July. However, their Olympic dreams were scuttled as the Games were postponed until next summer due to the global pandemic. “I hope to show athletes that even though running is challenging it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding,” said Teschuk. “Mariah and I both know the importance of being adaptable and that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and it is extremely important for coaches to recognize that.”There are a limited number of spaces available for the 4 Week Fall Run Clinic, with costs ranging from $49 to $54. To sign-up call 250-363-1009 or visit https://bkk.cfmws.com/esquimaltpubImpressive Credentials Both athletes are members of local running club Vic City Elite, which is coached by Athletics Canada Coach, Heather Hennigar. The two have their own coaching business called Fitness 4 You, where they provide online and in-person coaching programs to athletes of all levels.Teschuk is a long-distance runner from Winnipeg. She was a member of...

[caption id="attachment_24574" align="aligncenter" width="595"] From left to right: Commander (Cdr) Cameron Miller, incoming Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat; Captain(N) Patrick Montgomery, Naval Reserve’s West Region Captain; and Cdr Gregory Walker, outgoing Commanding Officer, sign the formal Change of Command certificates during the Change of Command Ceremony at HMCS Malahat on Sept. 19. Photo by S1 Sisi Xu, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt[/caption]SLt Donald DenHMCS Malahat PAO––On an overcast Saturday afternoon, selected members of the ship’s company of HMCS Malahat, as well as a small number of immediate family and guests, gathered two metres apart on the drill deck for the Change of Command Ceremony between outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Gregory Walker and the incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Cameron Miller.The Sept. 19 ceremony was presided over by Special Assistant to the Direct General – Naval Strategic Readiness, Capt(N) Patrick Montgomery. Accompanying Capt(N) Montgomery was Malahat’s new Honorary Capt(N), Her Honour, Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. This was an unusual change of command for Malahat with COVID-19 health and safety regulations in place. Absent was the traditional Honour Guard, parade, and larger crowds, as only a chosen few members of the ship’s company and family members could attend. In his outgoing speech, Cdr Walker expressed his pride in the ship’s company’s ability to persevere and thrive in these challenging times, highlighting that it was a “testament to Malahat’s resiliency and adaptability to observe the time honoured tradition of the change of command ceremony during this time.”Cdr Walker presided as Commanding Officer for two years, including the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the commencement of Operation Laser. He acknowledged the “strange and adverse times” the Naval Reserve and all of the Canadian Armed Forces have found themselves in now.  He said it has been an amazing two years, adding “it has...

[caption id="attachment_24568" align="aligncenter" width="594"] From the left: MCpl (Retired) Harold Davies, Malahat Legion; Sgt (Ret’d) Jim MacMillan-Murphy, Sidney Legion; Sgt Shawn Gaudet, Esquimalt Legion; and CWO Dwight Grieve, Malahat Legion with Fisher, Jim MacMillan-Murphy’s PTSD service dog. Photo credit: Debbi Ferguson[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Military veterans and family members gathered Sunday Sept. 27 for a sombre ceremony to remember the lives of fallen soldiers who have died by suicide. Victoria’s fourth annual Candlelight Service in Memory of Soldiers of Suicide (SOS) was held at God’s Acre Cemetery. SOS honours soldiers, sailors, and aviators who chose to end their lives due to mental health issues related to their service. The event is normally held in four cities across Canada but due to COVID-19 precautions events in Ottawa, Montreal, and Thunder Bay were cancelled.  The event in Victoria attracted the maximum allowed capacity of 50 people. Locally, SOS is organized by Sgt (Retired) Jim MacMillan-Murphy with Megan Willett Hiltz, a registered nurse from Victoria. MacMillan-Murphy served with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Cyprus and the Golan Heights. As emcee of the event, he told those attending the event isn’t just to remember the names of the fallen but to uplift their surviving family members, loved ones, and friends. “The primary purpose of this event is to provide moral support to our SOS families and raise awareness about the respect and pride we have for all of our Canadian military members,” said MacMillan-Murphy. “At the same time, we hope to change the taboo surrounding suicide in our military, and more often then not when someone loses their battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”The first SOS ceremony was held in 2013 in Ottawa when the loved ones of 21 suicide victims gave permission to SOS to share the names in a role call to conclude the...

[caption id="attachment_24562" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Scott Stewart, host of fishing show Reelistic Outdoors, displays a Lake Trout he caught in June 2018 on Cunningham Lake, B.C. Stewart, a lifelong fisherman and conservationist, says he tries to return each fish he catches safely back to the water. Photo by Jeff Christensen[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Unlike the tall tales of most fishermen, LS (Retired) Scott Stewart really has caught a big fish.That’s because the former Royal Canadian Navy sailor has turned his life-long love of fishing into a television show called Reelistic Outdoors. “I always knew I would host a fishing show,” says Stewart. “When I was young, I used to watch the Red Fisher Show every weekend. I realized from that point I wanted to host a show.” His fishing-themed show debuted on specialty cable channels the Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network in late September. “It’s a great feeling to know my show is now going to be seen by a much wider audience.”Six previous seasons of Reelistic Outdoors have aired on Shaw Cable local community television channels. The show, he says, has been nearly half a century in the making. His father James Stewart, who also served in the navy, took Stewart on his first fishing trip in the 1970s in Cambridge, ON. Stewart says he was “hooked” from then on. “My father taught me to fish and I just excelled from there. I loved how beautiful fish were, the fight you get from them while reeling them in, and learning to use the correct gear to catch them.”He has already filmed the first 13 episodes of this 26-epidsode season. He kicks it off by taking viewers on a helicopter trip to Hook Lake, nestled in B.C.’s Rocky Mountains. He has also filmed episodes on location in Saskatchewan and the Yukon and...

[caption id="attachment_24551" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Left: Second World War veteran Ted Sheppard displays some of the letters he received over the years including a congratulatory letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acknowledging he and his wife Nan’s 50th wedding anniversary. Right: A picture of Lt Sheppard snapped somewhere in Holland in 1944 submitted by his son Mark Sheppard.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––On Monday Sept. 21, 98-year-old Ted Sheppard passed away at Veterans Memorial Lodge. Before he died, he shared his story of liberating prisoners at Holland’s Camp Westerbork during the Second World War. Seventy-five years ago, at the age of 21, newly minted Lt Ted Sheppard was in charge of a Canadian platoon who were the first Allied soldiers to arrive at Camp Westerbork. Located 40 kilometres south of Groningen, The Netherlands, the site was used as a staging camp for more than 100,000 Dutch Jews during the darkest days of the Holocaust. Most of the men, women, and children interred at the camp between 1942 and 1945 were eventually sent by rail to their deaths at infamous concentration camps Auschwitz and Sobibor. On the morning of April 12, 1945, ‘C’ company of No. 7 troop of the 8th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment, which included five armoured cars and approximately one hundred men, rolled up to the Nazi prisoner of war camp in the twilight hours of the morning. They approached cautiously, explained Sheppard. The guard towers were unoccupied, the gates were open, and the main parade square and courtyard of the camp were deserted. “It felt like we had arrived in a deserted ghost town.” Frightened prisoners were hiding in the barracks, not knowing if the armoured cars were those of the Germans, ready to open fire on them.“I can remember how quiet and eerily desolate the camp appeared even minutes after...

Captain Chelsea DubeauHMCS Winnipeg Public Affairs Officer––Four short pips come over the ship’s public address system, “Flying stations.”HMCS Winnipeg’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter is on the flight deck as the flight crew prepares to take off. It’s just another day for the air detachment, charged with the task of ensuring that one of Winnipeg’s most critical assets is ready to go for whatever task may come. Winnipeg’s helo goes by call sign Rebel, and while it’s not included in any recall list, the aircraft is a member of the ship’s company all the same. It is something to see in action. The first opportunity the ship’s company had to see the helicopter operating from the ship was during the Aug. 6 sail past departure for Rim of the Pacific (RIMAPC), when both Rebel and HMCS Regina’s Bronco flew in consort with both ships. RIMPAC provided an excellent platform from which to see not just one helo in action, but two. It also marked the first time the Cyclone had participated in the multi-national exercise. RIMPAC provided something else; thanks to Rebel’s participation in the exercise, the ship’s crew understands, with greater depth, the immense capabilities the aircraft adds to HMC ships, and of course to Winnipeg. “During one surface exercise, it was one task group versus another task group, so we were deployed as the air asset to advance and find the enemy fleet,” says Major Kris Sutton, Winnipeg’s Air Detachment Commander about RIMPAC. “Probably within 15 minutes of launching, we climbed to an appropriate altitude, picked up the radar tracks, and identified them while remaining outside the threat they posed to the aircraft. We were able to get those positive confirming details to the ship, which then allowed them to target the enemy fleet before the enemy fleet got...

[caption id="attachment_24545" align="aligncenter" width="595"] An artist’s depiction of the film Promises portrays an Allied soldier from India in action in the Second World War Battle of Monte Carlo in 1944. The Indus Media Foundation film production will portray the contributions made by South Asian soldiers during the war.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––The military community is answering a filmmaker’s battle cry for support in highlighting the role Indian soldiers played during the Second World War.Surrey-based filmmaker Steve Purewal is set to film Promises, an acknowledgement of the contribution Sikh soldiers made in the Battle of Monte Casino in Italy. He wants his film to educate Canadians about the sacrifices made by South Asian soldiers - who at the time of the war were British  citizens.“The memory of the contributions Punjabi’s made in the Second World War have largely been lost and my goal is to help people remember.”Some members of the British Columbia Dragoons will be featured as extras to portray Commonwealth soldiers. Purewal is growing his list of Sikh extras in the coming weeks by reaching out to the South Asian communities of the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and Southern Alberta. Currently serving member PO2 Kanwar Nijjer is helping the filmmaker find extras, specifically South Asian men aged 20 to 35. “When I explained the historical importance of this battle and the cultural significance of this film to the people I have approached, they have all shown great interest in taking part,” said PO2 Nijjer. Extras are paid $150 per day, plus free meals. Transportation and accommodation needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Filming is set for October on a hillside in the Okanagan Valley, with COVID-19 protocols in place. The historically correct wardrobe and props have been loaned by a former Canadian Army member, Maj (Retired) Ian Newby who...

[caption id="attachment_24537" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Clearance Divers in-training practice covert insertion into an enemy held beachfront to search for sea mines.[/caption]Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific)–––It has been a long journey for the 10 candidates on Clearance Diver Course 0014 - two officers and eight non-commissioned members who began their training on Sept. 3, 2019, and will graduate in November.Training has been run primarily at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) in Colwood by the Unit’s training department, which is comprised of highly experienced clearance divers who oversee the initial training of all new clearance diver candidates.“Over the course of a year we’ve learned a lot; surface-supplied helmet diving, how to treat dive casualties in a recompression chamber, and how to prepare and set explosive charges underwater. It’s a really broad set of skills,” says Lt(N) Jesse Deason, one of two officers on the course.To date, candidates havefinish honed their ability to locate sea mines in a non-permissive environment. The group planned and executed an underwater search mission, locating two training mines planted on the bottom of the ocean. One of these mines was a Rockan, which is deceptively shaped like a large rock and difficult to detect. Divers found it using their Shark Marine Navigator, an underwater navigation system with a fitted GPS and multi-beam sonar suite.They were the first group to undergo training with a focus on clandestine, very shallow water operations. This was a five-week phase in the course that began Aug. 18 and finished Sept. 17. The phase included learning how to dive with a rebreather and conduct covert missions within a limited timeframe. The group planned and executed underwater reconnaissance, survey, and clearance missions, both during the day and at night.“After a mission briefing given by the force leader, we set off to assemble dive sets and setup equipment,” explained...

Every year on Sept. 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at a residential school. Her story was told for the first time in May 2013. Since then it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion going on all aspects of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for Indigenous People, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.Here is Phyllis’ story in her own words:  I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned six years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school! When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared. I was 13.8 years old and in Grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10...

[caption id="attachment_24534" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A CH-148 Cyclone helicopter conducts a training exercise with HMCS Victoria on Sept. 22. The submarine commenced sea trials on Sept. 18, marking its first time at sea since February 2015. Photo by LCdr H.T. Nguyen-Huynh, Executive Officer, HMCS Victoria[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––HMCS Victoria achieved another milestone last week as part of its ongoing sea trials. With the diesel electric submarine operating on the surface near Esquimalt, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter hovered above to practice transferring equipment and personnel – a first for a Victoria-class submarine and this new helicopter. “This serial allowed both units to update their standard operating procedures for helicopter transfer with this new airframe,” said Capt(N) Jean Stéphane Ouellet, Commander Canadian Submarine Force. “The submarine crew gained valuable experience from this interaction.”Victoria and its 48-person crew returned to sea Sept.18 after a five-year hiatus in dry dock where it underwent routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. “The return of HMCS Victoria to sea marked a significant achievement for the Canadian Submarine Force and its submarine enterprise partners. It is the result of our collective hard work, resilience, determination, and dedication,” said Capt(N) Ouellet. That return also marked the resumption of Canadian submarine operations following a pause that began in 2018 when HMCS Windsor returned from a Mediterranean deployment.Eleven other personnel are on board Victoria for the trials including submariners in training and Sea Training staff. In addition, personnel from the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) were embarked to conduct specific equipment trials. After conducting trials at sea and damage control exercises, Victoria returned alongside to address some issues discovered during the trials before continuing on with the dived portion of the program. At-sea trials test most major mechanical and combat systems such as propulsion, steering, sonars, and periscopes. It is also an occasion to...

Shannon ChildsSISIP Financial Esquimalt––When faced with financial decisions such as retirement, we first tend to look to our peers for assistance; friends, family or the “almighty” internet are all ready with their “advice”, past experiences, and abundant data. But how to sort through the conflicting guidance, life lessons and dry analytics? From taking CPP at age 60, investing only in a TFSA or taking the Transfer Value, there is no right or wrong answer, just right or wrong for you. Each individual will have different financial circumstances, long-term goals, or tax considerations. What worked for your friend or parent might not be the best approach for you. So yes, it is crucial to weigh your options and seek financial advice, but from the right source.Canada Pension Plan (CPP)The choice to take CPP may seem straightforward; take it early and receive money before we die. While one individual may elect to take CPP early to avoid reaching a higher tax bracket in retirement, another might delay a spouse’s CPP, ensuring a higher amount, thereby lining them up for enough income if the other dies. Our income sources, tax consequences, and estate planning are large factors affecting how we will live in retirement, and we require expert advice to sift through it all.Tax Free Saving Account (TFSA)With the TFSA well established after 11 years, you may wonder, “Why we still need RRSPs?” Available since 1957, the RRSP has a unique purpose: to tax shelter growth, allowing you to reduce your taxable income. The main idea is put your money into an RRSP when you’re in a higher marginal tax bracket than you expect to be in retirement. Money goes in, the amount of income you earned that year is reduced. Your SISIP Financial Advisor will help you evaluate which investment vehicle is best for you, while assisting with your overall retirement planning so you can take proper advantage of your choice and keep your tax implications low. Transfer ValueReleasing from the military is...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––Formation Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel (Padre) Lisa Pacarynuk believes that spiritual and religious support is a key part of increasing the resilience of military personnel.“When people know they are supported and that they have a greater purpose in their service, they are more effective in their own work. So, I believe that chaplains contribute to the operational effectiveness of personnel as a whole.”She is only a month into her first tour with the navy, overseeing the spiritual and religious support within the naval environment; however, she has made her rounds throughout Canada’s defence community and the Royal Canadian Chaplin Services. She and her family have been posted seven times throughout her military career that started in 2000. She has served as Chaplin in both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force, and held team leader and staff positions in Ottawa. She also has the role of advising the leadership of both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Chaplain General on the provision of services, ensuring that units have chaplain coverage, and that chaplains are operationally ready to respond to the needs of the community. “I have a team of eight chaplains, half of whom work with the Fleet and the other half who support Base Services. I am responsible for ensuring their career development and ensuring they have the resources they need to fulfil their roles.”As with all areas of the base, the persistence of COVID-19 has added additional challenges to chaplain services and how they conduct business. “We have certainly modified our Christian Sunday services by limiting people, increasing cleaning, and ensuring one-way traffic. We still want to ensure people know we are there for them if they need us even though we need to reduce our unit visits.” The resiliency of the Chaplin Service is no different than the remainder of the Canadian Armed Forces; they always find a way to achieve what needs to be done. When pressed on the traits required to fulfil...

[caption id="attachment_24513" align="aligncenter" width="594"] NTDC(A) has several virtual reality simulators that are valuable in delivering training. [/caption]Lt(N) Peter BigelowNTDC(A)––Similar to the mythical phoenix, out of the ashes of Canadian Forces Naval Operations School (CFNOS) rose Naval Training Development Centre Atlantic NTDC(A) in 2016. It was established after CFNOS ceased to exist and Campus Atlantic was stood up. Under the Campus umbrella is NTDC(A) and Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) (NFS(A)). It is mirrored on the West Coast with Naval Training Development Centre Pacific and NFS (Pacific), as well as with the Naval Reserve school becoming the NFS(Q). This change is outlined in the RCN’s Future Naval Training System Strategy, a document that describes the coordinated approach to the development and support of a future technologically enabled, integrated Naval Training System. The organizations have a strong relationship with each other but remain independent.So what is NTDC(A) and(P) and what they do? It is a question that everyone seems to have these days, especially those who see it on their posting message. Both NTDC(P) and NTDC(A) fall under Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), a headquarters located on the Pacific coast.Technically, despite the A standing for Atlantic, NTDC(A) falls under Maritime Forces Pacific.The two units essentially focus on one thing: training. Staff develop training in the form of Qualification Standard and Plans and training aids such as videos, virtual reality simulation, and 3D printing. The military tradition of creating fine, educational videos dates back to classics such as In Through the Out Door and it continues at both NTDC(A) and (P) within their Learning Support Centres (LSC). At each location, there is an entire lab filled with professionals dedicated to making new, high-quality videos and graphics to help demonstrate various lessons. Think of it like building a YouTube tutorial video library. There are also...

[caption id="attachment_24510" align="aligncenter" width="595"] While deployed on a Royal Canadian Navy submarine, Warrant Officer Josée Couture, a Preventive Medicine Technician and member of the Deployed Health Hazard Assessment Team, prepares air sampling equipment to help ascertain air quality as part of an ongoing Canadian Forces Health Services occupational health study.[/caption]Warrant Officer Brad StudhamPreventive Medicine Technician, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command––Traditionally, the Preventive Medicine Technician (PMed Tech) occupation accepted occupational transfers (OTs)/component transfers (CTs) from the Medical Technician occupation only. The approval of a new Entry Standard now allows OTs/CTs from any Regular Force or Primary Reserve occupation as long as the applicant has reached the operationally functional point in their current occupation.What is Preventive Medicine? In short, Preventive Medicine is a multi-disciplinary occupation whose responsibility and ultimate goal is to protect and preserve the health and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Just shy of one hundred positions across Canada, we undoubtedly have our work cut out for us.As advocates for force health protection, PMed Techs employ proficiencies in public, occupational, and environmental health in order to anticipate, identify, evaluate, mitigate and prevent workplace conditions that may adversely affect the health of serving members. It is our duty to provide force health protection intelligence to leadership to enable them to safeguard the health of personnel, while we work towards achieving mission objectives. Distinguishing attributes of a PMed Tech include someone who is a strong communicator, has the ability to apply both analytical and “outside the box” critical thinking skills, is naturally inquisitive, and has an avid desire to learn new knowledge and skills to enrich their personal and professional development.While I have held many positions at different units, the one I consider the most noteworthy is the position that I am currently serving in as a Supporter with Canadian...

Esquimalt residents are being asked to weigh in on a project that would significantly alter how waste is processed in the township.After receiving a presentation about integrated resource management (IRM) at a July 6’s council meeting, Esquimalt council tasked staff with reaching out to the community to hear residents’ questions and comments about the proposed waste management project. Integrated Resource Management is a process used to maximize resource recovery from wastes that would typically get recycled or go to the landfill. In the case of this study, the proposal is to have solid waste, kitchen scraps and yard waste processed using gasification rather than sending those materials to the landfill or composting facilities. Gasification is a process that differs from incineration in that the materials are not burned. Rather, they are subjected to high heat in a closed environment. The by-products are energy and biochar, a carbon-rich organic substance.“It’s important that we hear feedback from our residents and businesses on this potential project,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “What we are discussing here is a remarkable opportunity.”Part of the impact to the township is the need to build a facility to process the waste. The report proposes using a portion of the Township’s public works yard to house the site.The report also outlines various cost/benefit projections based on different scenarios, such as the facility processing Esquimalt’s wastes or opting to take wastes from additional sources in the community, such as commercial operations or large multi-family complexes.To help residents and businesses get a better understanding of the project and what it means for the township, the public is invited to a live webinar on Sept. 22 where they can ask questions and learn about the potential project. Council will review the results from the public engagement activities at a Committee of the...

[caption id="attachment_24504" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capt Brown and his team, MCpl Cape and Cpl Smith, assess a patient with possible SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. The team is wearing full Personal Protective Equipment. The combination of a live role player and simulated casualty (mannequin) was used for the training scenarios. The team questioned and examined the role player and then performed required interventions on the mannequin.[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Medical staff aboard Pacific Fleet warships are improving their readiness to handle life-and-death emergencies at sea. Three Physician Assistants and six Medical Technicians recently completed a three-day Acute Care Team Training, Aug. 25 to 28 at Albert Head Training Facility. Students were the first wave of Esquimalt-based medical staff to complete the training with additional coursing scheduled for later this year. Course organizers say instruction focused on enhancing the skill set and knowledge of ship’s medical teams and their ability to operate successfully in a navy-specific environment. Captain Irene Doucette of Canadian Forces Health Services (Pacific), a Coastal Forces Physician Assistant, coordinated the event and also acted as an in-class mentor for the students. She says the rationale behind the coursing is to fill an important gap, in that land-based units of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have received similar training for several years but until now did not address the various demands of at-sea operations.“Being on board a ship with a critically ill or injured patient is a very unique and demanding situation,” she said. “Our ships sail in all weather conditions, often with prolonged evacuation times that could last days depending on a ship’s location.” They trained in a simulated environment with simulated patients, but Capt Doucette said the supplies and medication used by students were the same ones available on a ship. Students were divided into two teams with their skills put to the test...

[caption id="attachment_24501" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Deborah receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Canadian Forces Health Services Command at her retirement ceremony on Sept. 3. Photo credit Dave Yates[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Members from Canadian Forces Health Services Pacific said farewell to one of their longest serving members. Doctors, nurses, and clinic staff held a retirement ceremony outside the main entrance Sept. 3 for Primary Care Nurse Deborah Walker. With physical distancing measures in place, they celebrated her 18 years as a civilian Department of National Defence employee, and her 41-year career in the health care sector.Walker, 60, says the event and her career were special. “I loved the job of looking after and caring for our sailors, but my time has come to an end and it’s time to move on. It was a demanding job that took great focus and energy.”She acted as a liaison between ship’s medical teams and land-based members of the Integrated Health Team 3 (IHT3).Her co-workers, including Primary Care Services Manager Peter Blencowe, praised the skills and determination she brought to the table. “Over the years I have known Deb, she has had but one aim: the health and well-being of the sailors,” said Blencowe. “She truly exemplifies what nursing is all about and treated every person with the same level of care and respect. We will miss the joy and enthusiasm that Deb brought to work every day.”Walker says her desire to care for people began at a young age. “I decided I was either going to be a teacher or a nurse. I went the nursing route, never looked back, and it was an enjoyable career from the get-go. I started my career at Veterans’ Hospital in Winnipeg as a Nurse Aid and ended with the Department of National Defence.”Her connections to Canada’s navy were strong...

Lt(N) Peter Summers and Ashley EvansFMF CB––As those on-site at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) have likely noticed, there are currently three vessels – the 250 Barge and two Camel Fender Barges – docked in the dry dock, a big difference from the usual sight of one, or none. Although unusual, this is not the first time three vessels have been docked there. Records show this was fairly routine through the 1960s to 1980s, and was normally a combination of the small minesweepers (Bay class), gate vessels (Porte class), and various auxiliary vessels and barges.The last three-vessel docking appears to have been Oct. 31, 1985, when HMCS Fundy, HMCS Miramichi, and YDG 3 were docked together. There was one instance of a four-vessel docking, on Jan. 13, 1971, with HMCS Beaver (ex YSF 216), YMG 189, YMG 190, and YC 428 all docked together. The last time YOM 252 (250 Barge) was docked at FMF CB was May 17,1993, but since then it has always gone to contractor yards for routine docking. What are these barges used for? YOM 252 is an environmental barge. It contains a number of tanks that receive liquids from ships that pump out their tanks or bilges to the barge. The barge then takes the liquid away to be properly discharged at a processing or storage facility. This is very useful as it enables ships to offload liquids as part of their work periods without having to go over to the Colwood side of the base. Camel Fender Barges are used for berthing U.S. Navy submarines. The barges have underwater structures that hang down about six metres (20 feet) below the waterline. One side has horizontal rubber fenders that press against the columns of a pier or jetty, while the other side has...

Zoe CôtéBorden Citizen Newspaper––The annual Steel Spirit Gallery, founded by Barbara Brown in 2017, showcases the unique artwork of military, police, firefighters, paramedics, hospital practitioners and other first responders.Brown’s inspiration initially came from her own ties to the military and its unique lifestyle; however, she quickly noticed an interconnectedness between the emotional experiences of military members and first responders. “Diverse backgrounds lead to diverse artwork,” said Brown. “It is one of the things that makes this project so special.”For more information, visit www.thesteelspirit.ca. Steel Spirit Galley is accepting artwork submissions by military and first responder services.Featured Artist: Shawn McCowell To get somewhere as the light fades one must negotiate the trip by sound and touch as much as by sight. The trick is to stay focused, remain calm, and keep paddling.Beginning in March, Staff Sergeant (Retired) Shawn McCowell created a dozen paintings capturing the emotions Canadians are experiencing during COVID-19, from apprehension to anxiety to outright fear. He entitled it the Pandemic Collection.  In the Half-Light is one of the paintings from this series. McCowell is a retired Peel Regional Police officer who uses art as a vehicle to rid himself of stress garnered from lived experience and in his role as a peer support consultant for first responders. In addition, he is the founder of Police Artists of Peel, an organization that raises money and awareness for various charities. He is self-taught and began painting while attending university. His medium is acrylics, clay, and wood. He focuses mainly on police-themed work, family settings, landscapes of all types, and as an Irishman, he says he is “forever drawn to painting darkened trees in brooding forests.”“As first responders we are often exposed to the harsher realities of life and the suffering of victims we are sworn to protect. Those experiences of critical incident stress,...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) needs your input as they build a new back-to-school support program for youth ages 12 to 19. The MFRC’s Family Wellness Counselling Team is currently planning events and workshops for middle school and high school aged students designed to ease the stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social distancing measures. “It’s an effort to be supportive to the stress and anxiety many students and parents may be feeling these days as they head back to school in this time of uncertainty,” said Hanna Law one of four members of the MFRC’s Family Wellness and Counselling team. “We have people reaching out to us in recent weeks requesting to be connected with resources available through the MFRC and through local community services.”Currently, the MFRC provides individual counselling, family counselling, support navigating mental health systems, and referrals to other available community services and resources. Counselling ServicesLaw says her team is specifically trained to relate to the concerns of youth from military families through in-house counselling sessions. Those can come in the form of a one-on-one meeting at their Colwood (CPAC) office, a virtual appointment, or simply meeting up in the park to go for a walk and talk about their concerns. She notes that the MFRC has also set up a closed Facebook Page specifically designed for parents of youth to discuss issues in a supportive group setting with staff and encourages anyone interested to get involved.Free TutoringOne other important program, says Law, comes in the form of educational support for students struggling in school. Until Dec. 31, the MFRC is offering specialized tutoring for Grades 6 to 12 students having issues with their studies and requiring extra one-on-one instruction. Families will be reimbursed for any costs for tutoring services...