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[caption id="attachment_24274" align="aligncenter" width="593"] In a makeshift tented barber shop in Work Point, 40 recruits enrolled in Basic Military Qualification training shed their civilian locks for the more formal military look.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Forty new military recruits enrolled in Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training at CFB Esquimalt have been placed inside a self-isolating bubble to mitigate COVID-19. Recruits are confined to Work Point to live and train for 10 weeks, and will not be permitted outside the facility at any time.“This situation is absolutely new to us and there are a new set of rules involved,” said Lt(N) Guillaume Brochu, Leadership Division Section Officer with Naval Fleet School (Pacific) (NFS(P)). “BMQ is already an important and complicated course to administer and involves taking civilians, many of which have no formal military training, and transforming them into regular force members. Now, this effort has been made more complicated with restrictive COVID-19 measures.”These recruits are among the first wave of Regular Force military trainees across Canada taking part in the BMQ restart since COVID swept across the world in March. To assist with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)-wide recruit training backlog, and to prove the concept of decentralized BMQ training delivery by the various service elements, the Naval Fleet Schools (under the leadership of the Naval Personnel and Training Group) on each coast were tasked with running a BMQ serial.In hitting the BMQ restart button, enhanced force protection measures have been implemented at Work Point. All recruits and staff must wear non-medical face coverings and gloves when social distancing is not feasible.To further fight the spread of any potential viral infection, the entire course is broken down into four 10-person sections called “cohorts”, in much the same way that compartmentalization in a ship limits the spread of flooding. Initially, the four cohorts...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two civilian sailors and their dogs are safe on shore after a rescue at sea by HMCS Whitehorse.The Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, currently deployed on a coastal surveillance search and rescue (SAR) mission, responded to a mayday at 11 p.m. during a fierce storm Aug. 16. An 11-metre sailboat had become disabled in heavy seas off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island.“The vessel’s outboard motor had stopped working and the sails were ripped in multiple places, so they were drifting uncontrollably,” said LCdr Jeff Chura, Commanding Officer of Whitehorse. “Without any steering and propulsion, they were violently thrashing around, with wild pitching up and down, a 30 to 40 degree roll side to side, and would suddenly spin completely around on a swell.” Without a radio aboard, the two sailors waved down fishing vessel Pacific Viking, who relayed a May Day to Coast Guard radio. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) then tasked Whitehorse to provide support. “While Whitehorse was en route to the location, Pacific Viking attempted to take the sailing vessel under tow, but all the deck fittings on the sailboat kept snapping off due to the strain of the high winds and sea state,” said LCdr Chura.Once on scene, Whitehorse’s LS Lombardi, LS Kathol, and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Rescue Specialist Wesley Scott took the rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to the stricken sailboat. They verified there were no injuries aboard and then embarked the two sailors and their canine companions.The Commanding Officer then turned to SLt Gomery for guidance on how to tow the stricken vessel.“He has a 15-year history of both owning and racing his own sailing vessels, so I was able to consult with him for expert knowledge of yacht design and specifications. He was able to tell me that the...

[caption id="attachment_24262" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Members of HMCS Winnipeg wave goodbye as the ship departs Esquimalt Harbour Aug. 1. For the first several days at sea, sailors wore non-medical masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Due to the global pandemic, Winnipeg sailors will not be exploring foreign ports during their deployment on RIMPAC and Operation Projection/Neon, which will see the ship return in December 2020. Photo by Leading Seaman Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Phil Hopkins, HMCS Winnipeg Charity Officer ~For the most part, sailors join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to sail and see the world. During these trying times, however, sailors on board HMCS Winnipeg will continue to sail but won’t have the ability to explore foreign ports due to COVID-19 precautions. Nevertheless, and with high spirits, enthusiasm, and the willingness to “adapt and overcome,” Winnipeg’s charity team has created esprit de corps and morale events such as the “Run to Winnipeg and Back” challenge. The idea is for the crew to run to Winnipeg and back virtually, via treadmills and the flight deck, while deployed.With health and fitness in mind, and to promote this event, Winnipeg’s charity team has worked tirelessly to pursue opportunities to collaborate with veteran-owned and local businesses for prizes and items to support this cause. Donated items will be raffled off during the deployment with the profits going to the Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund, Winnipeg’s chosen charity.––––

2Lt Justin Leong, Base Administration ~When it is time to leave the military, Canadian Armed Forces members at CFB Esquimalt must visit the Release Section located in Naden 30 - Base Orderly Room. Greeting them are Rachel Labute and her staff of seven who work with members to ensure their smooth transition out of the profession of arms. While it is a process, with lots of paperwork, the real skill lies in managing the emotions that come at the end of a career.   “Everyone deals with their release differently,” says Labute. “Some members are ready to release and are super happy and excited for the process and what the future has to offer. Some members are upset and anxious because they have spent their whole career in the military and it is hard to think of a life outside of that. Some members are dissatisfied with how their career in the military transpired and are ready to start a new career.” As the person in charge of the Release Section, Labute’s responsibility is to manage the section, train new employees, review and approve their pay, and meet with releasing members. Releasing members come in for an initial interview, followed by paperwork that includes their out routine, security clearance cancellation form, and Statement of Understanding. They also review the forms to request a Certificate of Service, Prime Minister Letter if a member has more than 20 years, Member’s Personnel Record Resume, member’s Release Notification Message, and their Declaration of Intended Place of Residence. The member’s pension package is reviewed in a second meeting. “Forms are completed and photocopies are made so the member can send in their pension package right away,” explains Labute. The third appointment is when the member signs all final documents, along with their security caution and document return...

[caption id="attachment_24250" align="aligncenter" width="594"] OS Eloise Lavoie[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A naval reservist who returned in June from her work at a long-term care home in Quebec has one small request of Canadians: Wear a mask and follow the guidelines of health experts. “It’s vitally important that all people in all parts of the country follow the rules because it will save countless lives as this global pandemic unfolds,” says OS Eloise Lavoie, a registered nurse. “Even if you live in a region of the country with a low number of reported cases, wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing is not that hard to do and is the easiest way to reduce the spread of COVID-19.” The 22 year old is a member of Montreal-based reserve unit NCSM/HMCS Donnacona. She was one of approximately 1,500 military members deployed to 54 long-term care facilities in Quebec and Ontario in April, May, and June as part of Operation Laser.  OS Lavoie and other members from Donnacona were deployed to a seniors residence in Manoir Verdun, a suburban neighborhood of Montreal, in April. Before their arrival, many residents at the nursing home had become infected with COVID-19, with eight dying from it.   Military members were tasked by the government to help as approximately 1,200 staff at long term care facilities in Quebec had not shown up to work due to illness, as a precaution, or out of fear of being infected.  “Many residents in the Verdun nursing home simply couldn’t get their regular daily care and were left on their own for hours at a time because they were so short of staff,” said OS Lavoie. When the request came from her unit for volunteers she was one of the first to step forward. “I called my supervisor and said I want to do this. I thought to myself, I am young, healthy, and have the nursing skills that I could put into helping people who need our assistance immediately.” She spent most of her time working on a quarantined floor of the nursing home designated for approximately 20 people who had tested positive for COVID-19. Her role was categorized as non-medical but the duties she performed were essential to...

[caption id="attachment_24243" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Christina Morrison[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Seaspan Victoria Shipyards employee has launched an ambitious art project: to paint all the tugboats on the west coast of British Columbia. Christina Morrison is a local artist who confesses she has a quirky, life-long passion for tugboats. She estimates there are approximately 400 tugs in B.C. and that her project may take 15 years or longer to complete, but she is determined to make it happen. “We live on an island and these boats are essential to our existence,” she says. “I think tugboats are an important part of our maritime community and shipping industry. The scope of businesses and harbour operations they support is truly remarkable.”Since May, Morrison has been reaching out to the maritime community for photographs of tugs to use as reference material for her paintings, which she does in acrylic on gallery wrapped canvass.“A lot of the owners think it’s really cool that I want to paint their tugs. Moving the project forward is really about getting connected with everyone in the maritime community and tugboat owners.”She completed her first painting in May of local tugboat Esquimalt II and has since painted 10 more tugs. Four of the paintings, including the Esquimalt II, have sold but are on hold until her art show next summer. The asking price is affordable for original artwork - between $500 and $900.She prides herself on her attention to detail. “People in the maritime community are very passionate about their boats and complete accuracy in my paintings is a must.”In her queue are the 10 vessels of Queen’s Harbour Master. She has collected images of Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessels (CFAV) Tillicum (YTM 555), Glendyne (YTB 640) and Glendale (YTB641); although she is looking for better quality images so she can capture their true beauty. The 43-year-old works as a Production Clerk at Seaspan’s Admiral’s Road location. She has been around the sea most of her life, growing up in Sooke.“When I...

[caption id="attachment_24247" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Photo credit: Nelson Museum, Nelson BC[/caption]National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces ~The Royal Canadian Navy’s sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) will be named in honour of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War.Lt Gray joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1940, and served as a pilot in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. He embarked on HMS Formidable with 1841 Squadron, which joined the war in the Pacific as part of Operation Iceberg in April 1945. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously, for courage and determination in carrying out daring air strikes on the Japanese destroyer HIJMS Amakusa. On Aug. 9, 1945, he led two flights of Corsair aircraft to attack naval vessels in Onagawa Bay. He opened the attack run flying straight into concentrated anti-aircraft fire, and was hit almost immediately. With his aircraft on fire, and one bomb lost, he continued the attack and released his remaining bomb on the escort vessel HIJMS Amakusa, causing the ship to capsize and sink. His aircraft then crashed into the sea, and his body was never recovered. “Lieutenant Gray was known to his fellow military members as a courageous leader, with a brilliant flying spirit, who continued to inspire and motivate his crew after his unfortunate passing,” said Vice-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. “By naming the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship after Lt Gray, we honour him as a Canadian naval hero, and celebrate his outstanding leadership and heroism.”The other five AOPS are named Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, Max Bernays, William Hall, and Frédérick Rolette.The Harry DeWolf-class will be capable of armed sea-borne surveillance of Canada’s waters, providing government situational awareness of activities and events in these regions, and cooperating with partners to assert...

[caption id="attachment_24238" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Members of Naval Fleet School Pacific gather for a group photograph in celebration of their 11,000 non-medical mask milestone on Aug. 14 at the Seamanship Training Centre. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Like elves at Santa’s workshop, sailors within the Naval Fleet School (Pacific) (NFS(P)) have cut and stitched over 10,000 non-medical masks at a make-shift assembly line set up in the Seamanship Training Centre (STC).The masks have been created and distributed to the 1,100 Esquimalt-based students, instructors, and staff that could be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. “Using their inherent ‘bos’n’ trade skills, members applied themselves to setting up and honing the entire production process, from ordering raw materials to marking, cutting, sewing and final assembly,” said LCdr Michael Erwin, NFS(P) Seamanship Division Commander. “The result has been an amazing organization that has optimized productivity while contributing significantly to their shipmates in the Formation.”Mask production began May 7 with a Joint Task Force Pacific Task Order that was part of the Canadian Armed Forces response to the pandemic. Initially, PO1 Scott Colburn coordinated NFS(P)’s mask production. Then, PO2 Brett Spelliscy oversaw the production team consisting of two dozen boatswains, who were conducting training, and members from within Seamanship Division. They used electronic cutters  and 16 in-house sewing machines to speed up the mask-making process. They performed their “magic” and quickly transformed large bolts of fabric purchased from area retailers into masks, says PO2 Spelliscy. “Learning how to use a sewing machine is part of the normal training for boatswains and as per their jack-of-all trades job description, they are required to have these skills among many others when they arrive on ship,” he adds.On average, from the start to the end of production, STC...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Veterans and currently serving military members gathered Sunday Aug. 9 at the B.C. Legislature cenotaph to mark National Peacekeepers’ Day. A flyover by a CC-115 Buffalo plane from CFB Comox added a poignant moment for the men and women in blue berets. In 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers aboard a Buffalo transport plane were shot down by Syrian missiles during operations supporting the United Nations mission in the Golan Heights. “It was an important day of healing and recognition for so many veterans and current-serving military members in attendance and the Buffalo flyover was just a fantastic moment for everyone who attended,” said Jim MacMillan-Murphy, 63, founder of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veteran’s Association and president of its B.C. Chapter. “It was the first time it had ever made an appearance at our ceremony.”National Peacekeepers’ Day was established in 2008. It is a sombre memorial for the 130 Canadians killed in the line of duty in the past 75 years. MacMillan-Murphy served five decades ago with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) as part of Canada’s United Nations Peace Keeping mission in Cyprus in the mid 1970s. He was also involved in the Golan Heights conflict between Syria and Israel in 1980.As a transport sergeant, it was often his responsibility to collect the personal effects of deceased service members and inform their loved ones of their deaths. He remembers the Buffalo tragedy vividly and every Aug. 9 he cries when thinking back to that day and the many others that claimed the lives of Canadian Armed Forces members. “We had been injected into terrible situations to put our bodies on the line against warring factions with the intent to do something good for the world and that is why we wear the blue berets with pride,” said MacMillan-Murphy.The proceedings on the legislature...

[caption id="attachment_24220" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Members of the Port Hardy Canadian Ranger Patrol install signage in Winter Harbour on May 9.[/caption]Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung, Quesnel Canadian Ranger Patrol ~When communities across western Canada asked for help responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Rangers from 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) were quick to answer the call. They have worked with a variety of partners to do everything from distributing food to isolated residents to staffing emergency response centers. In support of Operation Laser, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) response to the pandemic, more than 200 Canadian Rangers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have been on standby since April, with many Patrols from 4 CRPG activating their Local Response Forces after requests for support from their communities.In northern Saskatchewan, Canadian Rangers from the Wollaston Lake, Fond-du-Lac, Île-à-la-Crosse, and Lac La Ronge have worked as liaison officers through their local emergency operations centres, assisting with duties at the centres; hunting and fishing to provide food for residents; putting together and delivering care packages; and conducting wellness checks, among other tasks.Partnerships are key and many of them have been built over a long period, says Master Warrant Officer Jim Vogl, 4 CRPG's Alberta/Saskatchewan Company Sergeant Major. “Being a community-based organization or unit within CAF, much of the relationships needed to furnish success on operations were already there, with Canadian Rangers living among and knowing the people,” he said. There are many reasons the Canadian Rangers are a valuable partner in domestic operations such as Op Laser.“With Canadian Rangers coming from all different walks of life, they bring a vast variety of skill sets to the table,” he said. “We’ve got very skilled hunters, very experienced search and rescue people. They bring a bit of fluidity to operations in the north because of...

[caption id="attachment_24217" align="aligncenter" width="594"] HMCS Ville de Québec and HMCS Glace Bay deployed for Arctic waters on Aug. 4 on Operation Nanook, the Canadian Armed Forces signature northern operation designed to exercise the defence of Canada and secure the northern regions alongside partner nations engaged in Arctic security. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT Public Affairs[/caption]National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces ~Naval ships from Canada, the U.S., France, and Denmark departed Aug. 4 to participate in Operation (Op) Nanook-Tuugaalik in the waters of the Eastern Arctic. Op Nanook-Tuugaalik is the maritime component of the Operation Nanook series of deployments and training events.For three weeks, HMC Ships Glace Bay and Ville de Quebec, as well as MV Asterix, will conduct presence and multinational operations with maritime partners, including the United States Coast Guard (USCGC Tahoma), the United States Navy (USS Thomas Hudner), the French Navy (FS Fulmar), and the Royal Danish Navy (HDMS Triton). “Op Nanook provides an excellent opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy to build interoperability between Canada's principal partner nations engaged in Arctic security,” said Rear-Admiral Brian Santarpia, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic. “It allows us the chance to foster multinational cooperation and trust, and achieve national training objectives aimed at building capable and adaptable maritime forces.”Op Nanook is the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature northern operation comprised of a series of comprehensive, joint, interagency, and multinational activities designed to exercise the defence of Canada and to secure the northern regions. It strengthens the knowledge of this vital region, allows Canada to work hand-in-hand with fellow Arctic nations and key allies, and fortifies close partnerships with federal, territorial, and local communities.Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions in place, the operation will be a shorter deployment than in previous years, with no planned port visits – aside from Nuuk, Greenland,...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A junior public affairs officer (PAO) from Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) has been honoured for her stellar leadership skills when she stepped up to fill the manager role in the unit during the senior PAO’s absence last year. Lt Chelsea Dubeau received the Public Affairs Special Recognition Award on July 21 for her “exceptional leadership and professionalism under stress.” She was nominated by Captain(N) Chris Peschke, MARPAC Chief of Staff, who also delivered the award.“Initially, I wasn’t sure what to think as I was brought to his office by my supervisor. My initial reaction was ‘oh no, I must be in trouble for something’,” said Lt Dubeau. “When Capt(N) Peschke started reading the citation and I realized why I was there, I became overwhelmed.”Due to COVID-19 physical distancing measures, there was no official ceremony to present her with the award. Instead, she received official proclamation in the form of a congratulatory video.She earned the award by filling the senior public affairs officer position during unforeseen circumstances when the deputy senior officer PAO was deployed to the Middle East. “I was very fortunate to have a small but mighty team of individuals who rose in equal measure to the many challenges,” said Lt Dubeau. “I hope they know we all share in the many successes and lessons learned during this period, which certainly helped in my personal and professional growth.”During her tenure, she provided much-needed guidance to the Admiral, Commodore, and Commander Canadian Submarine Force. In the nomination her work is described as: Demonstrating professional acumen with complex media issues far beyond that expected from so junior an officer, she confidently provided sound advice to Flag and senior officers resulting in successful media engagements. Lt Dubeau served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Warfare Officer from 2010 to 2012, but then...

[caption id="attachment_24211" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Members of Pacific Football Club gather for a group photo with reservists from 39 Brigade Group following a training session at Albert Head Cadet Training Centre on July 30. Photo by Drew Shaw, 39 Canadian Brigade Group[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members from the Pacific Football Club stopped by Albert Head Training Centre to brighten the spirits of quarantined reservists. Approximately 90 army reservists from 39 Canadian Brigade Group have made Albert Head their temporary home as they undertake their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) Course. Two players and two staff members from the professional soccer team added something different to the soldier’s regular physical training routine. Retired central defender turned coach, Ryan McCurdy was assisted by Pacific FC development prospect Jordan de Graaf to lead 60 reservists through two separate, one-hour workout sessions. Reservists then broke into six teams for a series of six-a-side soccer games. “The smiles on the faces of the participants became a clear indication of the success of the activity,” said Lt Drew Shaw, 39 Signal Regiment, who helped organize the event. “Some reservists had never played soccer or participated in any organized sports, while others were obviously experienced footballers.”Because the reservists have been self-isolating together, only the Pacific FC visitors and course instructors, who don’t live at the training centre, wore protective masks and physically distanced. “It was hard work out there and the coach [Ryan] really made us sweat,” said Pte Aidan Kozubal. “Along the way, a couple of my course mates really surprised me with their [soccer] skills.” The Albert Head training session came approximately a week ahead of the team’s departure for the East Coast and restart of play. Pacific FC will participate in the 2020 Canadian Premier League Championship tournament in Prince Edward Island, which starts Aug. 13. The...

[caption id="attachment_24208" align="aligncenter" width="594"] A/SLt Forry on the deck of HMCS Yellowknife during its cold move in July.[/caption]A/SLt Donald Den, HMCS Malahat Public Affairs Officer ~Seven naval reservists from HMCS Malahat were on board HMCS Yellowknife for two days in mid-July to help the ship’s cold move to Point Hope Shipyard. A cold move takes place when a ship is transported via tugs without the use of its own propulsion system or engines. Yellowknife was taken to the shipyard for a standard maintenance and upgrade cycle“It was a great chance for some of our newer sailors to get some experience with ship life,” said Able Seaman (AB) Emma Stewart.The naval reservists also put into practice the COVID-19 shipboard Standard Operating Procedures they recently learned. “Malahat’s sailors continue to gain experience and training while assisting the fleet, even during the pandemic,” said Lieutenant-Commander Andrew Janes, Malahat’s Executive Officer. “This comes from the great individual initiatives of our sailors that seek and deliver on the opportunities while maintaining safe practices.”Working alongside the Malahat sailors were those from HMCS Edmonton, and civilian staff on board Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessels (CFAV) Glendale and Glendyne, both tugs. The original cold move was planned for July 13; however, when Yellowknife reached Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge, it was unable to raise due to maintenance issues, so the move had to be rescheduled to July 16. “Despite it taking two attempts, morale amongst all the sailors was high,” says AB Stewart. “Lots of people were excited to be back working on a ship, so it was a good experience.”––––

HMCS Windsor comes out of refit from the submarine shed (D294) at CFB Halifax dockyard, and is lowered into the waters of Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, on Aug. 7.Photos by Master Corporal Anthony Laviolette, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician 

[caption id="attachment_24193" align="aligncenter" width="593"] John Horton[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Renowned marine artist John Horton has been appointed to the Order of British Columbia. In an announcement on Aug. 3, Chancellor of the Order, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin named Horton as one of this year’s 13 recipients. The 84-year-old resident of Tsawwassen, B.C., has produced over 1,500 paintings including commissioned works featuring Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessels and sailors. Horton said being named to the Order came as a complete surprise.“It was very humbling because I am joining such a wonderful group of people who have done some incredible things. There have been so many other people who have helped inspire me and my art throughout my career and the navy is a huge part of that, from Admirals to Able Seaman.”Horton says his email in-box was flooded with hundred of congratulatory emails after he was named to the Order, including one from Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie and former Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, VAdm (Retired) Ron Lloyd. This year, 160 British Columbians were nominated for the award, the province’s highest form of recognition. A total of 460 people have been appointed to the Order of B.C in its 31-year history. This year’s recipients were selected by a seven-member independent advisory council. “Your many contributions have enriched the lives of British Columbians and helped make our province and even better place,” read the proclamation by B.C. Premier John Horgan, which accompanies the award.Artist is bornBorn in England, Horton attended Poole & Bournemouth Schools of Art when he was 16 in the years following the Second World War. In 1966, he and his family moved to Vancouver, B.C., where he opened his own practice as an architectural artist.After more than half a century of painting oil on canvass, Horton has an impressive catalogue...

[caption id="attachment_24186" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Divers from HMCS Malahat enjoyed ideal dive conditions near the breakwater off Ogden Point.[/caption]A/SLt Donald Den, HMCS Malahat Public Affairs Officer ~Saturday July 18 marked the first time naval reserve divers from HMCS Malahat were able to conduct a boat dive since the outbreak of COVID-19.Blessed with beautiful clear weather and calm seas off the Breakwater at Ogden Point, 12 divers got into the water to maintain their proficiency. Canadian Armed Forces regulations dictate divers in the Royal Canadian Navy must be both current (dive at least once every 90 days) and proficient (participate in at least six cycles in a 90-day period) in their skills. However, the pandemic delayed the training by almost two months.Divers prepared leading up to this open-water excursion with practice dives off the jetty by the unit. The COVID-19 factor also meant additional safety protocols and sanitization.“Everything needs to be sanitized, the diving gear, the regulators, the boats, everything,” said CPO2 Sean Ratz, Malahat Dive Officer. “It is a lot more to think about for sure; we are still able to function, it’s just a bit more complicated.”Once on the boat, they were not able to maintain appropriate social distance, so everyone on board, including the divers, wore face masks until they donned their dive masks. “The morale was great on the day of the dive,” Chief Ratz notes, pleased with how the team responded. “Everyone worked hard, and, in the end, everyone was just happy to get back in the water.”––––

2Lt Justin Leong, Base Administration ~A Red Seal Chef is at the helm of Nelles Block Galley.Petty Officer First Class Raymond Charles Ferguson, 48, is the mess’s kitchen manager. The accreditation means he is an expert in cooking through his superior skills and knowledge as a chef. PO1 Ferguson joined the navy 14 years ago via direct entry for the cook trade. But the road before that was one many prominent chefs know too well – the bottom of the rung. He started as a pot washer and food prep person at McKelvies Seafood Restaurant in Halifax, NS. As luck would have it, he was called to the line to assist the head chef. As the orders came in, he required no instruction and proceeded to produce dish after dish. The chef realized he had been quietly observing the cooks at work, absorbing their skills. Seeing such talent bubbling to the surface, restaurant owner Robert McKelvies paid for Ferguson’s culinary schooling. Once certified, he eventually became Chef De Partie of Elements Restaurant at the Westin Nova Scotia Hotel.It was a  TV ad for military careers that piqued his interest to sign up, and soon he was rising the ranks in the military.As Kitchen Manager, he ensures the galley is adequately staffed to meet all food service requirements daily, as well as ensuring food safety procedures are met, especially during COVID-19. He manages a team of 40 people, a mix of both civilian workers and military cooks.PO1 Ferguson has been a part of several deployments and joint operations, with the most recent one being with HMCS St. John’s on Operation Reassurance.“It is very challenging for a cook especially at sea during heavy sea states,” he says. “Working with sharp knives, around hot liquids, and trying to stay upright on your feet at the...

CFMWS ~It can be hard to know what to do when your military family has just moved, and a family member gets sick. You have barely had time to unpack, much less had time to find a new family doctor. What do you do? Do you take them to a walk-in clinic? Or maybe your new community is so small it only has an emergency room. Do you wait hours in the waiting room while you or your sick family member waits to see a doctor? And what about all those other sick people around you waiting to see the same doctor? Will you be exposed to whatever germs or illness they are facing too? Now, you and your dependents have a much better (and faster) option.This summer, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services is collaborating with Maple to provide online doctor visits to dependents of Canadian Armed Forces members living in Canada. With a few clicks, you’ll be able to access a Canadian-licensed general practitioner within minutes, not hours. It’s a safe, fast, and effective way to access routine healthcare from the comfort of your home. A smartphone, tablet or computer is needed to access the service, as well a valid CFOne card. You can also choose to communicate with Maple’s doctor by text, phone call, or video. The service is free for all serving military families. If you or your dependent need to see a virtual doctor Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and midnight (EDT), the service won’t cost you anything. To access this service, go to www.getmaple.ca/militaryfamily.  You’ll be asked to enter a valid CFOne card. If the virtual doctor consultation is for your dependent, you’ll need to use their valid CFOne number. Maple will confirm your eligibility, and, in a few minutes, you’ll be connected...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A former motorcycle cop is encouraging aspiring motorcyclists from the base to get the skills they need before embarking on their journey down the highway. Bill Laughlin has been an instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council (VISC) since his retirement from the Victoria Police Department in 2003, concluding 27 years of service as a police sergeant.“I have always been a motorcyclist and have been riding since I was 16, so when I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in teaching I knew I would really enjoy it,” says Laughlin.Each year, he and approximately 20 other ICBC-licensed instructors teach over 400 students how to be safer motorcyclists. Their efforts are focused solely on rider training and education. “All of our instructors have a passion for motorcycling. We are teaching because we want people to learn, be safe, but also have fun.”Shortly after joining VISC, Laughlin became its executive director. Today the 66 year old spends most of his days working as an administrator with the end goal to equip novice riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a motorcycle safely. VISC offers weekday classes at its Western Speedway training centre in Langford; on the weekend training moves to the grounds of Interurban’s Camosun College. Students train on one of VISC’s 11 well-maintained training bikes, and later in their instruction, 16 street-ready motorcycles as they move towards certification.  Helmets are also provided, but other gear such as proper protective clothing is not. Laughlin says VISC has trained several members of Victoria’s military community in past years and is convinced many of them buy into the philosophy of doing things right, getting the proper training, and learning the fundamentals before taking on any potentially dangerous activity. You need to get your skills right before...

[caption id="attachment_24172" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Mark WatsonCommissionaires Chief of Staff[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A retired Commodore of the Royal Canadian Navy is the new leader of an organization that provides security services to public and private sector clients including Canada’s military bases.Mark Watson is the new Commissionaires Chief of Staff. He replaces Captain (Retired) Harry Harsch, who served for five years with the non-profit, self-funded organization.“I hope my military and business experience will prove to be an asset to improve our institution’s effectiveness and efficiency,” said Watson. “To that end, I look forward to working with the various boards, management teams, and commissionaires across Canada.” Commissionaires is Canada’s premier security provider and the largest employer of retired Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and RCMP veterans. Coast to coast, they employ more than 22,000 people. Services range from professional guarding to by-law enforcement to digital fingerprinting, criminal and employee background checks that one can also get a check online, and security training. “Commissionaires is a truly unique Canadian institution serving veterans and the community for nearly 100 years,” says Watson. Col (Retired) Chris Lythgo, Commissionaires National Board Chair, describes his new colleague as “an accomplished leader” with a proven track record of success who possesses a “wealth of knowledge and skills” from over three decades of service to the CAF and Department of National Defence.He also noted that Watson should be a familiar face to many military personnel with the Commissionaires, having held a variety of senior appointments over a period of 36 years.Some of his more high-profile posts include Logistics Officer, African Union Mission in Sudan (2005); Director Maritime Material Operation Support and J4 Canada Command; member of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council; CEO Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) 2012 to 2016; and Director General Compensation and Benefits (2016 to...

[caption id="attachment_24169" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Base Commander, Capt(N) Sam Sader gets behind the wheel of a unique 1968 Beaumont Convertible. He was joined by Base Chief, CPO1 Al Darragh and Rex Landis of Habitat for Humanity Kamloops. Landis was in town July 28 to help promote a raffle for the classic car that is being used as a fundraiser for the non-profit to support veterans. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Base Commander, Captain(N) Sam Sader slid behind the wheel of a $102,500 vintage Pontiac Beaumont convertible last week in support of a fundraising drive for veterans. The 1968 eye-catching plum red classic car was brought to Victoria from the mainland by Rex Landis, a former navy officer and now Donations and Procurement Donations Co-ordinator for the Kamloops branch of Habitat For Humanity.The restored car is the winning prize for this year’s Habitat For Humanity car raffle. Proceeds from ticket sales will support a few veteran-centric initiatives.“I would like to win this car, it’s beautiful but the cause is even more beautiful,” said Capt(N) Sader. “It is so remarkable that we have former service members like Rex giving their time and energy to assist something that is so fundamentally critical to our veterans and seniors, which is affordable housing.”Landis towed the car in a large trailer to Victoria to ensure a safe trip. During his week-long visit, he showcased it in Langley, Sidney, Saanich, Shawnigan Lake, Victoria, and Powell River to raise awareness of the raffle.Given the car’s beauty factor and the cause of the auction, he hasn’t needed a sales pitch to convince people to buy one of the 50,000 raffle tickets. “The response to the car and what we are doing has been amazing from everyone I have spoken with. I also have encountered many veterans and...

On a beautiful navy day off Royal Roads, the ship’s company of HMCS Calgary gathered on the flight deck for the Change of Command Ceremony between outgoing Commanding Officer, Commander Alex Barlow, and the Incoming Commanding Officer, Commander Mark O’Donohue. The July 22 ceremony was presided over by Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, Commodore Angus Topshee, who was accompanied by the Fleet Chief Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer First Class Sylvain Jaquemot.Commander Barlow assumed command of Calgary in January after relinquishing Command of HMCS Ottawa, having completed a successful deployment to the Far East.During his time in command, he guided Calgary through a busy and tumultuous time beginning with an emergency dry docking, several phases of operations team training, and undocking. This was followed by an additional pre-deployment readiness sail and Calgary’s eventual 50-day commitment to TGEX 20-1 in support of Operation Laser. Although the outbreak of COVID-19 prevented Calgary from deploying on Operation Projection as scheduled, Cdr Barlow guided his crew through many challenges with his outstanding leadership and unwavering direction to Calgary’s crew when it was needed most. Although he will be missed by the entire ship’s company as Captain, he takes with him all of Calgary’s best wishes for his future endeavours. From 2016 to 2018, Cdr O’Donohue assumed the duties of Executive Officer in HMC Ships Fredericton and Toronto, participating in multiple exercises and trials, sailing to Central and South America, as well as the Canadian Great Lakes. Upon completion of his Executive Officer tour, he joined the Maritime Component Commander staff in Halifax, overseeing and supporting ships deployed on named operations.In his new role as Commanding Officer of HMCS Calgary, he will oversee the ship’s tiered readiness program in order to prepare the ship and crew for their upcoming deployment to the Far East and the...

[caption id="attachment_24159" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Cmdre Richard Feltham, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, far left, salutes HMCS Toronto as it departs Halifax July 25. To his right is the Honourable Arthur LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Photo by MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~As HMCS Toronto departed Halifax on July 25 for a six-month deployment on Operation Reassurance, there was plenty of chatter about the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and how that will impact the crew and the mission.For LS Gabrielle Garant-Grenon, however, it was best to focus on the positives. The Sonar Operator said she was excited to head to sea and gain more experience during her second major deployment. While the pandemic has had an impact, it hasn’t changed everything, she added.“Obviously, there would normally be a lot more people on the jetty to see us leave, but in other regards, this deployment isn’t so different. Once we leave the wall, this is like any other mission; we just have to do our jobs, focus, and work hard as a team.”That hard work began months ago as the ship ramped up its readiness level ahead of deploying and intensified in June when crew came back aboard – and remained aboard – quarantined away from their families for 40 days prior to departing. Before that, they had to conduct planning from home during the height of the pandemic in the spring.Cmdre Richard Feltham, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, said Toronto has set an excellent example of carrying out their responsibilities in the face of obstacles that are unprecedented for a modern navy.“I can’t explain how proud I am of what this ship has done. To achieve this high state of readiness in a pandemic environment, and overcome the obstacles as they have, is tremendous.”This is the third time Toronto...

[caption id="attachment_24154" align="aligncenter" width="594"] HMCS Fredericton arrives in Halifax Harbour July 28 after a lengthy deployment on Operation Reassurance ROTO 12.Photo by Leading Seaman Bryan Underwood, CAF Imagery Technician[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~After 141 days at sea that brought unexpected difficulties and tragedy, HMCS Fredericton and crew were finally reunited with their families, friends, and colleagues when they arrived back in Halifax July 28.“We all know we’re returning to a very different world than when we left Halifax six months ago, but I can’t tell you how great it is to be back on Canadian soil,” said Commander Blair Brown to a small crowd at HMC Dockyard, and to thousands who watched online to see the ship come alongside. Rather than having a crowd of family members waiting as sailors disembarked, the crew was bussed to Windsor Park to reunite with loved ones in a way that complies with physical distancing guidelines.Before reaching shore, the ship was met at sea by Gen Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff,  and Harjitt Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, who spoke with the crew to privately thank them for their work under exceptionally difficult circumstances.On April 29, Fredericton’s CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, code named Stalker 22, crashed during operations off the coast of Greece, with six CAF members losing their lives – Capt Brenden Ian MacDonald, Capt Kevin Hagen, Capt Maxime Miron-Morin, MCpl Matthew Cousins, SLt Abbigail Cowbrough, and SLt Matthew Pyke. Despite the loss of their friends and shipmates, the crew carried on with their mission through a COVID-19 environment that made it impossible to get rest away from the ship while in port or to travel home on leave.“Our role in Operation Reassurance was vital, and our ship’s company displayed tremendous resilience, a positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to that mission,” said Cdr...

SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PAO ~The journey to Dr. Bonnie Henry becoming a household name in B.C. and across the rest of Canada began decades ago as the child of a military family. She still has the stereotypical answer to the question, “Where are you from?”“I was born in Fredericton when my father was posted to CFB Gagetown, but I consider Charlottetown my hometown,” she says, because her father was a Major with the Lord Strathcona's Horse, Canadian Army. “We moved around a lot.”She grew up in towns across Canada and abroad - from Charlottetown to Calgary to Saint John’s and even as far away as the Netherlands. But it was summer employment with the Naval Reserves as a Naval Warfare Officer, then known as a Naval Control of Shipping officer, that would lead her to B.C., and eventually to Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia managing COVID-19, the first woman to hold that position.   An interest in medicine led her to Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While completing her medical degree, she decided to follow her father’s path and join the Canadian Armed Forces. “Being an armoured corps officer, he was sorely disappointed when I joined the navy,” she quips. The military, always in need of medical staff, paid for the last two years of her degree.Like her current position, back in the 1990s she was a female rarity in the medical, navy, and diving world. She spent almost 10 years showcasing how woman can excel in the military domain. During her service, she was a ship’s diver, flight surgeon, and medical diver. Each of those roles required special training that exposed her to physical and mental stressors.“They were all physically demanding and intellectually stimulating,” she says. “I really enjoyed the physical part as well...

[caption id="attachment_24142" align="aligncenter" width="593"] HMCS Regina sails out of Esquimalt Harbour.Photo by Master Corporal Andre Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]DND ~The first group of Canadian military participants in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020 began their transit to the waters off the Hawaiian archipelago last Friday when the crew of HMCS Regina set sail from CFB Esquimalt. The second warship comprising Canada’s maritime task group, HMCS Winnipeg, departed Sunday, Aug. 2 and will join Regina at sea.  Both warships will be augmented by Cyclone air detachments from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.“Our very ability to participate in this exercise during a period of restricted international travel demonstrates the inherent flexibility of maritime forces,” said Captain (Navy) Scott Robinson, Canadian Task Group Commander. “We look forward to working alongside allies and partners to foster trust while strengthening our operational capabilities.”In order to address health and safety concerns posed by the current global pandemic, U.S. Navy organizers have redesigned this year’s exercise to focus exclusively on the maritime element.Hosted biennially by U.S. Navy in and around the Hawaiian Islands, RIMPAC is one of the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise.  Canada has participated in every RIMPAC since it began in 1971.  RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th edition and is scheduled from Aug. 17 to 31.“Canadians recognize our security and prosperity are increasingly affected by events across the Asia-Pacific,” said Commodore Angus Topshee, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. “Our longstanding participation in RIMPAC reflects our commitment to developing constructive multilateral partnerships in order to promote peace and security in the region.”––––Edited Aug 4, 2020HMCS Regina, HMCS Winnipeg along with Cyclone Helicopters BRONCO and REBEL will be sailing and flying past Victoria and Esquimalt Lagoon on Thursday Aug 6th between 4:30 and 5:30pm. Main viewing points will be:Clover Point (approx. 4:45pm)Ogden Point (approx. 5:00pm)Saxe Point (approx. 5:05pm)Esquimalt Lagoon (approx....

[caption id="attachment_24113" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Lt(N) Stephen Tomlinson of Naval Fleet School Pacific poses with a copy of his new book 'Onward'.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A newly released book documenting the inspirational battle of a Royal Canadian Sailor and his triumph over cancer is now available in paperback. Onward traces the agonizing, life-and-death struggle of former HMCS Calgary Navigation Officer Lieutenant (Navy) Stephen Tomlinson endured with testicular cancer was released in June. Self-published by Island Blue Printing, the 6x9 soft cover is available by direct ordering through Lt(N) Tomlinson. “The main idea behind Onward is that hope is stronger than fear,” said Lt(N) Tomlinson.During his journey battling cancer, Lt(N) Tomlinson endured 350 hours of chemotherapy, 11 radiation treatments, a seizure, and five surgeries following his initial diagnosis in 2017. The experience he says produced multiple points of total despair and desperation where he had almost given up all hope of survival. “I had come to the point of accepting where life was going south on me and I was given a one-in-ten shot at survival by my doctor,” he said in a previous interview.Miraculously, he went on to beat the cancer after it has spread to his brain, lymph nodes, and lungs. A surgical procedure to remove a plum-sized tumour from his brain was a success but Lt(N) Tomlinson says the fight forever changed his life and the man he is. Now cancer free, Lt(N) Tomlinson has returned to duty with the RCN where he works as an instructor at Naval Fleet School Pacific’s Venture Division. Lt(N) Tomlinson said that one of the things that inspired him most to write Onward was because there were so few books published on testicular cancer and those who have survived it. “There was 16-feet of shelving dedicated to other forms of cancer, and especially breast and...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A Persian Gulf War veteran is reaching out to his comrades in arms to ensure they are properly honoured. Master Corporal (ret’d) Harold Davis of Cobble Hill, B.C. is founder and president of the Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada (PGVC) and also a proud recipient of the Kuwait Liberation Medal. The medal is awarded to current and former military members from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia who served in the first Persian Gulf War from Aug. 2 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991. The 60-year-old says many Gulf War veterans who are eligible for the honour are unaware it exists. “I want to make sure every Canadian who served in the war is recognized for their efforts that helped liberate the Middle Eastern nation following its unsuccessful annexation by Iraq. “A lot of people who are so deserving of this medal have yet to receive them,” explained Davis. “The Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada wants to make certain that everyone who is eligible receives one and hopefully in person.”The former Royal Canadian Air Force Weapons Technician was posted to HMCS Athabaskan during the war. These days he’s been busy working with Kuwait’s ambassador to Canada, Reem Al Khaled, to make sure those deserving are properly honoured. “Khaled was a young girl when Iraq invaded Kuwait and she says she remembers what happened in her country,” said Davis. “She fully understands the importance of honouring those who helped liberate her country.” The medal was first issued in 1994 and is awarded in five different classes, determined by military rank and each medal differs slightly. Its obverse bears Kuwait’s coat of arms consisting of a shield of the flag design in colour, superimposed by a falcon with wings displayed. The falcon supports a disk containing a sailing ship with the full name of the state written at the top of the disk. Canadian recipients are only permitted to wear the medal on the right breast...

[caption id="attachment_24104" align="aligncenter" width="595"] A/SLt Anjad Aliak, a naval reservist with HMCS Donnaconna, gets a bearing of other ships while aboard Patrol Craft Training Vessel Cougar on July 22. A/SLt Aliak was conducting Officer of the Watch manoeuvers on the Victoria waterfront as part of his Naval Warfare Officer Phase 3 Training. Photo by Lt(N) Tom Eagle, PCTU.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~July has been a busy month for members of the Patrol Craft Training Unit (PCTU) and their Orca-class vessels who are making a cautious return to regular sails.The RCN’s eight Patrol-Craft Training vessels are used to instruct personnel from Naval Fleet School (Pacific) and support fleet training. In recent months their regular training operations were curtailed due to COVID-19, but last week saw a return of five Orcas as part of a four-phase restart of the Naval Training System (NTS) initiated by fleet school earlier this month.During April and May the Orca-class vessels had taken part in Operation LASER, the navy’s COVID-19 isolation at-sea mitigation measures. Those sails occurred prior to May 22, with rotating Orca-class vessels over a five-week period. Since that point though, the ships and their crews have been alongside for nearly two consecutive months.  The lack of sea time has posed some unique challenges says Lieutenant-Commander Colin Dudeck, Group Technical Officer, Coastal Forces Pacific.“If you don’t sail on a regular basis you start to gradually get out of practice – knowledge of the machinery plant fades and reactions to technical issues or emergencies can take longer,” said LCdr Dudeck. “There is also no substitute for running a ship at sea because going to sea also helps our Orca-class engineers to identify any problems or degradation that might not be apparent when the ships and its company are alongside.”Between July 20 to 29, training vessels Moose 62,...