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[caption id="attachment_20655" align="alignnone" width="591"] HMCS Regina’s crew poses with over 3,000 kilograms of narcotics seized from a dhow on April 15 during Operation Artemis in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~HMCS Regina and crew completed a second sizable drug bust following the seizure of approximately 3,000 kilograms of hashish of the coast of Oman.The Canadian warship is participating in Operation Artemis and the Canadian Armed Forces Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, part of an international counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean involving the combined maritime forces of 33 nations. The latest seizure unfolded April 15 after a suspicious fishing vessel was spotted in an area of the Indian Ocean known as the Hash Highway.“We had some intelligence that we might need to go closer to the Yemeni coast,” said Commander Jacob French, Commanding Officer. “So we took off at high speed towards that direction, and saw a dhow that matched the description we received. We tried to hail the dhow, but the vessel didn’t respond. As a result, we deployed our Naval Tactical Operations Group to board and investigate further.”The Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) boarded the dhow (a local fishing vessel) and found 150 bags of hashish. The narcotics were transferred to Regina where they were subsequently destroyed. “I am extremely proud of the hard work of our ship’s company and we remain ready to continue our mission with the Combined Maritime Forces Coalition,” said Cdr French. “Our efforts are ensuring the funding from illegal narcotics is staying out of the hands of criminal and terrorist organizations.” Regina’s efforts are being assisted by Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix, “who is playing a vital role in Canadian naval operations by providing us with endurance,” said Commander French. “Asterix is...

[caption id="attachment_20652" align="alignnone" width="591"] A crew member from HMCS Whitehorse rescues sea turtles trapped in netting in the Pacific Ocean during Operation Caribbe. Photo by Op Caribbe Imagery Technician[/caption]Captain Annie Morin, Public Affairs Officer on Operation Caribbe ~While deployed on Operation Caribbe, HMC Ships Yellowknife and Whitehorse were able to save seven sea turtles from a dire situation on four separate occasions over the first two days of April. On routine patrol in their respective areas, the bridge teams in both ships spotted tangles of debris on the water’s surface before realizing it was sea turtles caught in fishing net and used plastic bottles.Debris is regularly investigated as it could be bales of drugs jettisoned by smugglers. With each ship’s respective Commanding Officer’s permission, the crews were sent out in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat to examine the floating mass. Determined to save them, the team cut away the netting until they were free; gently releasing them back into the ocean. Yellowknife and Whitehorse are currently deployed on Operation Caribbe in the Pacific Ocean, Canada’s contribution to Operation Martillo, a U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South operation responsible for conducting interagency and international detection and monitoring operations and facilitating the interdiction of illicit trafficking.

[caption id="attachment_20649" align="alignnone" width="592"] HMCS Regina’s Naval Tactical Operations Group boards a dhow during Operation Artemis.[/caption]Lt(N) Linda Coleman, CTF 150 Public Affairs Officer ~Canada is a member of CMF and has been contributing to CTF 150 since the beginning of the partnership in 2001.Last week, Canada handed over command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) to Pakistan, completing Canada’s fourth command of this multinational counter-terrorism Task Force.Commodore Darren Garnier, Royal Canadian Navy, relinquished command April 11 to Commodore Alveer Ahmed Noor of the Pakistan Navy during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. The ceremony was presided over by Vice-Admiral James Malloy, USN, Commander Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Through maritime security operations, regional engagements, and capacity building activities, CTF 150 and coalition partners work to deter and deny terrorist organizations any benefits from employing the high seas for smuggling illicit cargo including narcotics, UN embargoed weapons, and Somalian charcoal.Profits from drug trafficking in the region are a known source of funding for terrorists and criminal networks. This represents a common threat to the security and prosperity of the region. Member countries that contributed to CTF 150 success during this rotation include Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all working together in direct support in pursuit of CMF goals.Canada-led Task Force successThe Canada-led Task Force, supported by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), completed a highly successful tour by directing 18 boardings from our coalition partners, and seizing and destroying over 33,000 kg of illegal narcotics, with a regional wholesale value of over $41 million (USD). This marks the second largest volume of illegal narcotics seized in CTF 150 history. Notably, in December 2018, Royal Navy warship HMS Dragon broke a record when the ship conducted the largest drug haul in CMF...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two advisory groups of the Bay Street Armoury have made a formal request to rename the National Historic Site in honour of General Sir Arthur Currie. The name-change application was submitted to the federal government branch responsible for name changes to federal buildings, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in late March. The application came from members of the 5th B.C. Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Foundation and The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Board of Regimental Trustees. Retired Brigadier-General Mike Heppell, a member of the regimental trustees, is spearheading the call to rename the armoury and says he is doing his best to inform the community about the reasoning behind the name change. “The thinking behind our motion is to have such a unique and historic building named after a prominent military leader synonymous with Victoria, instead of being named after a street,” said Heppell. “Currie was a local reserve military commander who went off to the First World War, was appointed to command large formations, had a very analytical mind and never lost a battle.”Currie rose through the ranks during his military career, starting out as a pre-war reservist gunner in the Canadian militia in 1897 while he worked as both a teacher and businessman. Commissioned as an officer in 1900, he commanded the newly-created 50th Regiment Gordon Highlanders in 1913 and was later appointed Commander of the 2nd Canadian Brigade when war broke out in Europe. Ironically, it was Currie himself who was opposed to the construction of the armoury while he was Commanding Officer, 5th (BC) Artillery Regiment; instead, he wanted a much larger facility than what had been proposed.  The two pre-war regiments commanded by Currie, 5th (BC) Brigade and 50th Gordon Highlanders, are a part of the lineage of the...

[caption id="attachment_20615" align="alignnone" width="593"] Right to left: MBdr Lefave, Gnr Kostenchuck, Gnr Hammond, Bdr Pashe, Gnr Lacsamana, MBdr Ribeiro, Bdr Pizunski, MWO Lenius, LT Burrell, Cpl Gagnon, Sgt Gingras, MBdr Hilbich, Bdr Delongchamp, Bdr Rockwell, Gnr Timm, Gnr Hall, and Bdr Ferguson.[/caption]Ashley Materi, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs ~Operation Palaci, the combined military and Parks Canada effort to keep Roger’s Pass open during the winter, has come to a close.This year, members of the 17 Royal Canadian Artillery fired 400 rounds from 16 gun positions that marked 134 different avalanche paths and approximately 270 artillery targets. “I’m very proud of the troop for the work that they have done,” said Lieutenant Jermaine Burrell, troop commander. “This was a great learning opportunity for junior artillery officers in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.” The avalanche control program required two rotations of approximately 17 Royal Canadian Artillery members, 12 Parks Canada avalanche forecasters and technicians, and visitor safety staff, two Parks Canada Law Enforcement Officers, and Parks Canada highway staff. Each day, approximately 3,000 vehicles make the journey through Rogers Pass in B.C., connecting Canadians and visitors to the cold-weather splendours offered in Glacier National Park and beyond. This historic travel corridor through the Columbia Mountains receives, on average, 10 meters (32.5 feet) of snow at tree line each year. Road conditions can quickly become treacherous in inclement weather, and avalanches that reach the Trans-Canada Highway create chokepoints for thousands of vehicles and dozens of freight trains. In partnership with Parks Canada, military gunners from all over Canada come together during Operation Palaci to conduct avalanche control using C3 105mm Howitzers with meticulously planned artillery strikes. Running annually since 1961, it is the longest-running Canadian Forces operation, domestic or expeditionary, in Canadian history.“The operation is vital in keeping one of...

[caption id="attachment_20612" align="alignnone" width="593"] Lisa Church, Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Esquimalt Community Engagement Manager, drops a beverage container into the new Bottle Depot community donation bin at the CANEX convenience store in Colwood. Proceeds from donations will go to support the MFRC’s deployment programs. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~It’s big, its blue and it needs some bottles and cans from you.A new community donation bin for returnable beverage containers at the CANEX Expressmart in Colwood has been established to benefit the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).Recycling firm The Bottle Depot donated a bin and has agreed to collect and sort the drink containers on behalf of the MFRC, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to the non-profit organization’s Deployment Respite Childcare.“It is wonderful to be involved in this latest project with the MFRC because Bottle Depot is all about connecting with the community and that is what are always striving to do,” said Kelly Gorman, Operations Manager at Bottle Depot.Each bin holds approximately 1,000 beverage containers, which she said can be worth approximately $100.Lisa Church, MFRC Community Engagement Manager, says the unique fundraising initiative couldn’t have happened without the help of CANEX Esquimalt manager Sara Johnson.“This is a wonderful community partnership that will assist the MFRC with desperately needed cash to help run its deployment programs,” said Church.For more information about the MFRC, its programs and how to donate visit their website at esquimaltmfrc.com. Plus don’t forget to drop off your recyclables!

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Over 200 military acoustics experts from across Canada converged on CFB Esquimalt last week for the 2019 Maritime Acoustics Symposium. The biannual symposium is traditionally held at CFB Halifax, but this year saw the first-ever shift to the west coast with Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC) hosting the event at dockyard’s Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) headquarters April 8 to 12. Introductory remarks were made by Commodore Angus Topshee, Commander CANFLTPAC.This year’s symposium theme was Regeneration of Anti-Submarine Warfare Through Reconnection, with the week’s discussions including all components that comprise Anti-Submarine Warfare. Approximately 25 presenters spoke to the group and led discussions on various topics.Event organizer, Chief Petty Officer Second Class Line Laurendeau, Staff Officer Underwater Warfare CANFLTPAC, says a key area the symposium focussed on was ways Sonar operators and other military members can better assimilate with the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. “Personnel focussed on acoustics in Canada’s military normally work within their own separate silos, so this reconnection through the symposium enables us to better understand how our ships and sub-surface vessels work with our new helicopters and properly use sensors and acoustics equipment,” said CPO2 Laurendeau. Formation Chief, and former Sonar Operator, Chief Petty Officer First Class David Steeves led the second day of the symposium with a discussion about the fleet and the importance of acoustic-based intelligence gathering. The week-long event also included a little fun and friendly competition. Sonar Operators from HMC Ships Winnipeg, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, HMC Submarines Victoria and Chicoutimi, MARPAC, and Canadian Joint Operations Command participated in the Petty Officer Gailand Guptill Memorial Competition. The competition was led by PO1 Champion and took place at Naval Fleet School Pacific. It featured three tests to evaluate sonar operators’ capabilities in acoustics analysis, submarine detection and tracking, weapons systems and trade cohesion, awarding prizes...

[caption id="attachment_20605" align="alignnone" width="593"] Ordinary Seaman Logan J. Hunder[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A young sailor says he is pleasantly surprised with the reaction, sales, and the hopefully uproarious laughter being generated by his first-ever novel.Ordinary Seaman Logan J. Hunder works as a Naval Communicator aboard HMCS Vancouver, and is also the author of Witches Be Crazy, a quirky paperback novel that has developed a cult following. It is best described as one-part fantasy and two-parts comedy. He says his book is a deliberate Murphy’s Law-style comedic attack on the classic medieval quest story where everything can and will go wrong.He began writing Witches Be Crazy in 2014 after completing a degree in Criminal Justice at Camosun College. After its release in 2015, OS Hunder has been attracting a loyal following and receiving mostly favourable reviews. He also admits he never anticipated his writing would ever be published. “The book was my first attempt at a real writing project, and I wasn’t sure if anything was going to come of it. When I was in college, I was completely focused on my studies and by the end I was sick of the rigid structure of academic papers, so I eventually turned to creative writing as an outlet. I thought I would just put my writing in a binder and show it to the odd friend and that was about it.”Before putting his novel into storage, OS Hunder decided to shop it around with the hope of finding an agent and publisher. He did. The book was released last summer by San Francisco-based Skyhorse Publishing. His farcical fantasy novel has already surpassed sales of 2,500 copies and is now going into its second printing. The story takes place in the mythical Kingdom of Jenair and focuses on a king who has fallen ill...

[caption id="attachment_20602" align="alignnone" width="591"] From left: Master Seaman Mark Sebulsky, Master Corporal Derek Scott, Corporal Chantale Robichaud and Leading Seaman Jessica Armstrong transport the first load of seized hashish to the ship’s flight deck. Photo by MCpl PJ Letourneau, CF Combat Camera[/caption]Lt(N) Rob Davenport, HMCS Weapons Officer ~On April 7, Regina boarded an unregistered dhow (local fishing vessel) in the Arabian Sea sailing on the “Hash Highway” – a known smuggling route in the Indian Ocean. The boarding led to Regina’s first drug bust of Operation Artemis 2019, seizing more than 2,500 kilograms of hashish. By intercepting the drugs at their source, Regina is reducing the flow of illegal narcotics and money into the hands of organized crime and terrorist groups. Regina, working under Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, is operating in the Arabian Sea as part of a 33-nation coalition known as Combined Maritime Forces. The mission: counter-terrorism and maritime security operations aimed at intercepting the smuggling of illicit goods, including narcotics, which fund terrorist networks. The illegal narcotics flow from the Makran Coast to Yemen and Africa, some of which are eventually destined for Europe and North America. At first glance, seizing and destroying drugs appears to accomplish the objective; however, the situation in the Indian Ocean is far more complicated. The people who transport these illegal narcotics are not evil actors of organized crime or terrorists. They don’t resist being boarded, nor do they interfere with the boarding team during a search of the vessel. The crew are typically fishermen, taking a lucrative opportunity to transport cargo to support their families due to poverty and instability in their home regions.Although it’s imperative for ships under the command of CTF 150 to stop the flow of illicit narcotics and money through the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, it...

[caption id="attachment_20590" align="alignnone" width="592"] Private (Retired) Tanner Wilson gets some practice in on the driving range at Bear Mountain Golf Club during a Soldier On Golf Camp, April 2. Wilson did two tours in Afghanistan and says the sport of golf has been essential to his recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Inclement weather didn’t thwart a group of ill and injured military members from hitting the links at Bear Mountain last week; they soldiered on.Twelve veterans and currently ­serving military members from Western Canada were in the midst of a four-day Soldier On golf camp in Victoria, April 2 to 5. Four area golf clubs (Victoria Golf and Country Club, Bear Mountain Golf Club, Highland Pacific Golf and Uplands Golf Club) graciously waved their green fees and provided free instruction from their golf pros during the camp. The Soldier On program is run by the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group with a mandate to encourage participants to use sport for recovery and lead active, physically fit lives. It’s a concept that Master Corporal (Retired) Michael Feyko fully believes in. He broke multiple bones below his waist after a parachuting accident in Edmonton in 1997. He was medically released from the military in 2001 and says he turned to golf for recovery. Today, Feyko is a teaching professional with the PGA of Canada and works with Soldier On participants at their golf camps. “I can relate to them and they can learn the game of golf from someone who was in the same situation as them,” says Feyko. “I can tell them what to expect, what the next bump is or what the next road block is going to be, and how to keep going even when you feel like you can’t.”Corporal (Retired)...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new Victoria microbrewery that supports veterans’ programs is launching its second beer, a blonde ale whose name and logo celebrates a British naval ship. The new brew comes on the heels of a month-long Name that Beer and Design a Logo contest by V2V Black Hops Brewing. The brewery’s Graeme Hafey announced the new Kolsch-style summer ale will be called The Brig Blonde Ale. Micheal Bevans, a resident from Cardston, Alberta, came up with the winning name for the new beer. His black and gold sleeve design features one of England’s brig-style ships used by the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Hafey and two V2V co-workers judged 20 entries and chose Bevans’ name and design to be the most appealing.V2V launched its first beer Victory Ale in November 2018, an English Bitter-style ale that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the armistice of the First World War, and the brave Canadians who fought and died there. This time, Hafey says, he wanted to employ a naval theme as a dedication to the Royal Canadian Navy. He was impressed by the more than 20 entries, many of which came from CFB Esquimalt civilian staff and military personnel. Bevans received the $150 cash prize for his winning entry. He donated his winnings to Steve Critchley, the owner of Can Praxis, an Alberta-based charitable organization that uses horseback riding and equine engagement to help military, veterans and first responders and their partners suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental trauma injuries. V2V Black Hops Brewing recently announced a brewing production partnership with Spinnakers Brew Pub, which will now produce his craft beer in small batches. Victory Ale is currently available in Cascadia Liquor Stores, Four Mile Liquor Store and the Tudor House Liquor Store. Victory Ale draft is...

[caption id="attachment_20584" align="alignnone" width="593"] Left: A recovered Canadian issue Mark IV 1942 gas mask. Right: British ceramic anchovy paste jar dating to between 1830 and 1860, recovered near B Jetty.[/caption]Caitlin Craig, Formation Safety and Environment ~Over the last four years the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project has recovered a treasure trove of artifacts, the oldest of which date back to the mid-1800s. The aim of the project is to remove contaminated sediment surrounding A, B, and C jetties, as well as the ML Floats. This is performed by a large crane barge, which lifts the sediment onto a neighbouring processing barge. As the sediment is screened, archaeologists, working alongside contractors, recover artifacts as they appear.With dredging finished at A and B Jetties, and scheduled to be finishing at C Jetty and the ML Floats in April, around 2,000 artifacts have been reclaimed from the sea floor.The oldest artifacts tell a story of the Royal British Navy, before the Royal Canadian Navy was established in 1910. These include medicine bottles belonging to a ship’s physician, mess plates, and buttons from various departments ranging from the Royal Marines Light Infantry to the Royal Marine Artillery.Many more artifacts provide a glimpse into the life of a sailor in the early 1900s: numerous clay pipes show affiliations, such as with the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffalos, familial ties, such as the Isle of Man, and activities like soccer. Toiletry and hygiene bottles such as hair tonic and cologne were found in abundance. Other items remind us of more recent times, like the Second World War-era communications headset, six gas masks, and microfiche pages from 1975. Being buried in sediment, as well as surrounded by cold water, has helped preserve the artifacts – the bacteria that would normally break these materials down can’t thrive in...

[caption id="attachment_20581" align="alignnone" width="592"] LS Jefren Liu[/caption]Cpl Stuart Evans, HMCS Regina ~Leading Seaman (LS) Jefren Liu, a Naval Combat Information Operator (NCIOP) aboard HMCS Regina, is passionate about her job.The Toronto, Ontario, native says anything combat related has NCIOPs in the front row of the Operations Room. “The Commanding Officer gives authorization for weapon release in accordance with his rules of engagement based on the information we provide to him – above water warfare, surface warfare and underwater warfare,” she explains. “During peacetime sailing, we are the eyes of the ship to monitor long-range air traffic and long-range surface traffic, as well as anti-collision reporting. During a search and rescue situation, we are the link to report back to Canada regarding the exact situation report and casualty states.” When asked for any pointers to potential recruits in the trade, she said, “Attention to detail would be the key to success in this trade. This is a fighting trade. You can experience any other trades in the civilian world except for operations trades. We are the trade that pieces everything together. It requires a lot of exercises and training, but when it comes to real life scenario it’s only cooler than you thought.”

[caption id="attachment_20576" align="alignnone" width="593"] Base Commander Capt(N) Jason Boyd with Base Commander (for the day) Cole Pite.[/caption]Adam and Cole Pite ~In January, thanks to Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd’s “Defence on the Dock” initiative, my four-year-old son Cole was fortunate to be the grand prize winner to become Base Commander for the Day. Defence on the Dock was a wonderful experience for my family and the Greater Victoria community to meet many of you who serve in the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Through this initiative, I believe that we, the general public felt overwhelming pride with the professionalism, attitude, skill and friendliness that you, our ambassadors to the world demonstrated. The work you do each day impacts us not just on the global stage, but you are also a valued part of our local community.  Thank you for the work you do!As Base Commander for the Day, Cole’s incredible experience began with meeting Capt(N) Boyd and Lt(N) Riley Monsour in the Base Commander’s office, followed by a visit to the CFB Esquimalt Fire Station. Cole was greeted by Sparky the fire mascot. After an exciting tour of the hall and equipment, we were off to ­experience some of the interesting TEME operations. Cole was able to control police truck sirens, and even operate the controls of a backhoe bucket. This was a truly memorable experience for a four-year-old!We visited the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to understand how real rescue teams help people. We were then fortunate to have Cole become an honourary submariner aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi. Somehow, Cole’s experience continued to get better and better as we were toured around Esquimalt Harbour aboard the CFAV Firebrand.In the end, we met again with Capt(N) Boyd for tasty homemade chicken fingers at the Wardroom. We wish to express our sincerest appreciation for...

[caption id="attachment_20573" align="alignnone" width="593"] Lt(N) Tom Eagle explains helm orders to passengers aboard Raven 56. Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~Community RelationsThere were many firsts during Exercise Northern Reach: the first time Orca-class vessels fueled in Port Hardy, the first time they came alongside in Port McNeill, and the first time many youth in the northern Vancouver Island community met Royal Canadian Navy sailors in uniform.Approximately 500 residents came out to tour two Orcas that were open to the public over the March 30 weekend, with over 40 people getting to embark on a day sail, including the mayor of Port McNeill, Gabriele Wickstrom.“It’s a great buzz around town having you come in and I notice there are a lot of people on the docks. So, it’s great that you were well received in our community,” she said. Commodore Angus Topshee, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, sailed during a few days of the exercise, and connected with local representatives including Chief George Alfred from the Namgis First Nations in Alert Bay.“It’s always interesting to see the perspective of a small place that depends so much on the sea for their livelihood. Also, wonderful to go out on a beautiful day like this and see the incredible scenery that Canada has to offer,” said Cmdre Topshee.Along with the ships, a recruiting bus showcased careers in the Canadian Armed Forces, members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group spoke with the public, and Sonar, the Navy mascot, entertained children up and down the jetty, posing for photos and giving high-fives. At the same time in Port Hardy, LCdr Todd Kennedy visited the Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre to donate on behalf of Boomer’s Legacy knitted tuques, dolls, and blankets to assist in their parenting programs.“This particular donation is going...

[caption id="attachment_20570" align="alignnone" width="592"] Able Seaman Samuel Gagnon (right) and Ordinary Seaman Zachary Bacon conduct a live-fire training exercise. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Adam Ness, HMCS Regina ~HMCS Regina has transited the Indian Ocean and is now supporting Operation Artemis, Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150, which is responsible for tracking, boarding, and interdicting the trade of narcotics and other illegal cargo being smuggled around the African coast and Middle East. A few weeks ago, Regina conducted a multi-element training with the embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter (call sign Bronco), the embedded Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG), and all levels of the ship’s defensive capabilities in one combined “day of awesome warfare gunnery”, otherwise known as Operation Big “DAWG”. These types of serials are common within the Royal Canadian Navy to ensure proficiency and maintain the ship’s combat readiness. This serial was unique as it was the first time all the deployed assets onboard Regina were used in one large layered defence exercise against a single threat: a remote-controlled target called a Hammerhead simulating a fast inshore attack craft. The day was broken down into three phases; the first being to train the bridge teams in warning operations and the use of force under the direction of NTOG. They trained in distance appreciation, the use of the bridge warning organization, and the employment of .50 calibre heavy machine gun warning shots against a fast craft threat. The second phase was the use of the Cyclone and its C-6 machine gun to deter and conduct more warning shots against the threat. The third and final phase was the biggest event of the day; the use of Regina’s main armament, the 57mm gun, to engage and ultimately stop the inbound threat. During the final run, the Hammerhead once again began to...

Pte Harry McGuire, 5th (BC) Field Regiment ~Calling all military music aficionados. The Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, is presenting its 20th Annual Spring Concert at 2 p.m. at the Dave Dunnet Theatre (in Oak Bay High School, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd., Victoria) on Sunday April 14.The Band of the 5th has been a fixture of the Victoria community since the earliest years of the city’s establishment. The oldest continually operational military band west of Thunder Bay, the Band of the 5th can trace its lineage back to the Victoria Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1864; remember, Victoria was only incorporated as a city in 1862.Today, the Band is the only army brass and reed band on Vancouver Island and currently consists of serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve and by civilian volunteer associates.The 20th Annual Spring Concert promises to be a fun and engaging afternoon of music. With compositions by Johann Strauss (Jr. and Sr.), Gustav Holst, Alfred Reed, John Williams, and many others, the adept musicians of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment will explore a variety of musical styles with graceful proficiency, under the baton of Master Warrant Officer Daniel Moses. Of course, as is always the case at the Band’s concerts, classic military marches will be featured with prominence and performed with great vigour.Admission is by donation. Proceeds will go to the Fifth BC Artillery Regiment Foundation.The Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, RCA is currently looking for new members. If you are a capable musician that is in interested in joining a band that is active within the community, you are encouraged to attend the Spring Concert and visit the Band’s website: www.5fieldband.ca.

[caption id="attachment_20532" align="alignnone" width="591"] Members of the Joint Task Force/Maritime Forces Pacific adventure hiking team. From left: LCol Sylvain Gagné, Maj David Baldwin, Maj Joe Coté, LS Gillian Good, SLt Trevor Hlynski, SLt Charles Boyes. Photo by NCdt Hlynski[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Six military members from CFB Esquimalt overcame cold temperatures, steep inclines and a dose of adversity during their recent adventure training on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast Trail.The team from Joint Task Force Pacific and Maritime Forces Pacific headquarters set out on their expedition along a portion of the 180-kilometre back-country trail on March 11. It is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail that enables hikers to make use of large 10-person huts for overnight shelter scattered in 14 locations. The aim of adventure training is to enhance physical fitness, endurance and morale, to inspire leadership, and to test individual and group abilities under challenging conditions. Five days on the Sunshine Coast Trail did not forgo that test. Adventure in Adversity As is often the case, the hike didn’t start as planned. One day before they were to leave, team leader Captain Steve Galipeau suffered a minor back injury, which meant it wouldn’t have been prudent for him to lead the group on the expedition. That opened the door for the team’s second in command, Leading Seaman Gillian Good to take charge.  She’s an experienced hiker and kayaker, and was up for the challenge, but was concerned her non-commissioned rank might be an issue. “I was the only non-officer in the group and now all of a sudden I was in charge,” she said. But she quickly learned that good character and strong team spirit were all that was needed. “Adventure training is all about expecting the unexpected and being flexible and working as a team, and despite the curve thrown to us, we still...

[caption id="attachment_20529" align="alignnone" width="593"] HeroWork volunteers gather for a group photograph after completing a Radical Renovation at the Mustard Seed Food Bank in October 2018. Photo by Terri Kott, HeroWork[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two sailors were recognized by local charity HeroWork for their outstanding volunteer efforts.Master Seaman Jean-Luc Larocque and Lieutenant Commander Mai Guo were honoured with a Golden Hammer Award in HeroWork’s March 13 awards ceremony at the Sticky Wicket pub in downtown Victoria. They both received awards for their on ongoing hard work and dedication, including the charitable organization’s latest Radical Renovation of the Mustard Seed Food Bank last fall. MS Larocque began volunteering for the charity five years ago and has worked on five renovation projects. “Volunteering and offering my time to the community is a normal thing for me. So, I was really surprised and wasn’t expecting to receive any formal recognition for this work,” said MS Larocque. He began his volunteer work over 20 years ago when he joined the volunteer fire department in his hometown Gatineau, Que. In 2006, he was given Gatineau’s volunteer firefighter of the year award and volunteer of the year award.Lieutenant (Navy) Colin Dudeck accepted a Golden Hammer on behalf of CFB Esquimalt and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ charity Boomer’s Legacy. Lt(N) Dudeck has volunteered on many projects and has been the charity’s Base Liaison, helping bring on board countless sailors to the renovation projects. Paul Latour, HeroWork founder and CEO, congratulated the sailors for their work. The renovation projects have always relied on a strong showing from military and civilian volunteers from CFB Esquimalt and the “impactful” financial support from Boomer’s Legacy, he said. “It’s been an honour to work with our military on many charity renovations who have been an integral part of HeroWork’s success. Our community is...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Hockey players from HMCS Ottawa played their best game against a familiar foe and claimed this year’s Cock of the Walk hockey title.Ottawa scored a 4-3 overtime win over defending champion Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) in the tournament’s final game, and compiled a perfect 6-0 record in the four-day tournament, played March 18 to 21 at Wurtele Arena. The winning goal was scored by Lieutenant (Navy) Edric Lim less than a minute into the five-minute overtime period. FDU(P) opened up a 2-0 first period lead before Ottawa rallied for the victory, avenging a loss to the same opponents in last year’s title game.After the final buzzer sounded, Ottawa players flooded the ice to celebrate the victory and hoist the Cock of The Walk trophy. At the centre of the scrum of cheers and high fives was Ottawa goaltender Leading Seaman Matt Nicolle. LS Nicolle noted that he and his teammates defeated an opponent that represents a unit synonymous with exceptional physical fitness.“It takes a great deal of commitment to take on the Fleet Diving Unit and win, because they will always have you beat in terms of conditioning,” said LS Nicolle. “We won because of a combination of hard work, talent, and team chemistry, as many our players play together for the CFB Esquimalt Tritons that recently won the CAF Regionals and were CAF Nationals finalists.”In round robin play, Ottawa came up with wins over HMCS Calgary, Base Information Services, FDU(P) and Naval Fleet School Pacific, followed by a semi-final victory over HMCS Winnipeg.Organized by Personnel Support Programs, the intention of the year-long multi-sport competition is to enhance fun and fitness with friendly athletic competition between the base’s units.  Participation in Cock of the Walk is open to both Regular Force and currently on contract Reservists, with...

[caption id="attachment_20523" align="alignnone" width="591"] Base librarian Sheryl Irwin[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Base librarian Sheryl Irwin is about to turn the page to the next chapter of her life story, retirement. On April 17, Irwin will officially end her 35-year career in Canada’s public service. She will say goodbye to her co-workers and friends with a small farewell lunch at a local restaurant. “I had a definite passion and am so grateful to do this job,” said Irwin. “I am especially thankful to the person who hired me and gave me the chance to do this job. I loved every minute of it.”Two weeks before Irwin’s departure, the Base library will close its doors for good. The library, which occupies Naden’s building 12, and three other structures located in the immediate vicinity are being transferred from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Public Services and Procurement Canada. Irwin, 57, had worked for the Federal Government prior to becoming the librarian, mostly performing secretarial and clerical duties at various military installations across the country and once in Baden, Germany.  She took on the job of head librarian in 2001. “I didn’t actually get my librarian’s diploma until after I got the job at the Base library,” she says. “My boss in Base Administration encouraged me to look into schooling and said that DND would reimburse me when I passed the course.”Being a divorced, single mom kept busy with work and raising two children, full-time attendance at a post-secondary institution was impossible. So, Irwin did the next best thing and enrolled in an online course, obtaining her qualification over four years through the Nova Scotia Community College. Over the years, she has prided herself on promoting the library and keeping its collection relevant and perhaps even a little bit eclectic. She notes that...

[caption id="attachment_20520" align="alignnone" width="591"] CFB Esquimalt hosted the 2019 Warrior Games training camp from March 25 to 29. Photo by Lyndon Goveas, CFMWS[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Veterans and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members from across the country descended on sports venues at CFB Esquimalt and across the city, March 25 to 29, for the 2019 Warrior Games training camp. They are preparing to represent Canada at the U.S. Department of Defense Warrior Games from June 21 to 30 in Tampa, Florida. Even before their competition begins, the 40 injured and ill athletes are already declaring victory. “This year’s Warrior Games training camp in Victoria was an overwhelming success,” said Team Canada’s Support Manager, Joe Kiraly, who works for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ Soldier On Program. “The base leadership and the entire community came together to support this team of ill and injured athletes, who realize they can recover through sport.”The international multi-sport competition is similar to the Invictus Games in spirit and features 14 sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, athletics (track and field), wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and golf.Athletes got some high-profile encouragement from Canadian wheelchair and Paralympic athlete Michelle Stillwell. She stopped by the Naden Athletc Centre for a pep talk and to play wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby with Team Canada members.

[caption id="attachment_20517" align="alignnone" width="591"] Dockyard worker Jeremy Chow takes a selfie with his wife Evelyn (left), his two daughters Jayla and Maile, and the family cat Piku. Chow is currently battling leukemia and so far has had no luck in his search for a potentially life-saving stem cell donation.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The family of a dockyard worker recently diagnosed with leukemia is searching for a potentially life-saving stem cell donation. Jeremy Chow, a 42-year-old shipwright joiner from Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in November 2018. Because Chow is of mixed race - Chinese and English - he and his family have had no luck finding a donor through national and world-wide donor registries. Positive stem cell matches are determined through inherited ancestral tissue types and other genetic markers. But there is a significant race-based unevenness in the donor list worldwide. Approximately 70 per cent are Caucasian, 16 per cent are Asian, and an even smaller percentage are mixed race. “A donor could come from anyone, anywhere. We have been actively searching the registries, but nothing is coming up as a match yet,” said Evelyn Chow, Jeremy’s wife.While Jeremy was wrapping up chemotherapy at a Vancouver hospital last week, Evelyn and Jeremy’s friends and co-workers were busy spreading the word about his situation. “We could never have imagined this was going to happen to Jeremy and that there was such a shortage,” said Evelyn. “The effort now is not only to help Jeremy find a donor, but also to raise alarm bells about the shortage in an effort to help others who are in a similar situation.” Last week, Evelyn attended a stem cell donor clinic at the University of British Columbia in hopes of finding a match. Evelyn along with her family and friends,...

[caption id="attachment_20476" align="alignnone" width="591"] Bosun Brock directs cadets Cassandra and Hunter as they prepare to come alongside in Victoria Harbour on the deck of S.A.L.T.S. schooner Pacific Swift. Photo by Christa Brunt[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A group of 57 Sea Cadets from across Canada set a course for fun and adventure earlier this month aboard two tall ships. The heritage vessels are built and operated by the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) of Victoria. The aspiring mariners, all between the ages of 13 and 25 representing nine of Canada’s 10 provinces, took part in SALTS’s first deployment of 2019. The two schooners, the Pacific Grace and Pacific Swift, returned to Ship Point Pier on March 15 after five days at sea and a voyage that took the cadets through the Gulf Islands and back. As the ship entered Victoria’s Inner harbour under fair skies, Sea Cadets could be heard cheering and singing while several were spotted climbing the rigging one last time.SALTS Executive Director Loren Hagerty says the heritage tall ships provide an ideal platform for youth mentorship at sea, and provide them a confidence boost and sense of wellbeing. “Every young person on board has to fully participate and engage in order for the ship to go anywhere,” said Hagerty. “The result is growth in relational skills, teamwork, work ethic and the satisfaction of accomplishing something significant together.”Each ship normally has a crew compliment of five who are accompanied by up to 31 trainees. While aboard, cadet trainees had the opportunity to handle sails, take the helm, climb the rigging, and take part in night-time anchor watch along with many other activities of shipboard life. Each year 1,700 young people are given an opportunity to learn how to sail, grow relational skills and develop work ethic in five to...

[caption id="attachment_20473" align="alignnone" width="591"] Commodore Topshee and his staff pose as OTTAWA enters Pearl Harbor.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~HMCS Ottawa has returned to Esquimalt after successful completion of a training exercise involving torpedo fire with vessels of the United States Navy (USN), and support to the Canadian Navy’s Operation Projection. The Halifax-class frigate and its crew of 220 completed a month-long deployment on March 4 that included participation in a USN Submarine Commander’s Course (SCC), Feb. 20 to 22, off the coast of Hawaii. Ottawa sailed to Hawaii Feb. 6 with HMCS Regina and Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix. During their transit to Pearl Harbor, Ottawa served as the command platform for the initial task group under the leadership of Canadian Fleet Pacific Commanding Officer, Commodore Angus Topshee. In Hawaii, they supported Regina’s and Asterix’s Operation Projection mission by working with partner navies and conducting key leadership engagements to enhance military cooperation and partnerships in support of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. Before taking part in the Submarine Commander’s Course, Ottawa was required to complete a Torpedo Readiness Inspection under the guidance of Sea Training Pacific (ST(P)). While on board, ST(P) staff helped the ship’s crew fulfil its Assisted Ship Readiness Training that included internal emergency response to fires and floods. Ottawa Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Tyson Bergmann said, “With the help of Sea Training Pacific, Ottawa’s crew sharpened their skills and learned critical lessons that will be valuable moving forward, and I am proud of our capable and competent crew.” The USN Submarine Commander’s Course saw Ottawa engaged in exchange of torpedo fire between the ship and USN submarines. The exercise torpedoes fired by Ottawa allowed the ship to conduct real-world training safely with other units as these torpedoes did not contain a payload and were unarmed. “Ottawa was...

Peter Fuerbringer, Regional Cadet Support Unit Pacific ~Sea Cadets from Alberta and British Columbia took to the high seas aboard HMCS Calgary for a five-day experience off the southern shores of Vancouver Island. The cadets, many of whom hail from HMCS Calgary’s namesake city, earned the experience to become part of the crew thanks to a unique aspect of the Cadet Program that opens up opportunities to interact with active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Cadets were able to join the ship in Victoria and take part in training exercises such as man overboard, fire suppression, navigation, officer of the watch, high speed maneuvers and onboard landings with the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Cyclone helicopter.“I thought it was super cool to become part of the crew for a little bit and see the ship in action,” said Cadet Tyler Knowless from Sidney, B.C. “There is so much teamwork that happens during the drills, and it was great to be treated like part of the team by so many people we look up to.” According to the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Blair Saltel, having cadets on board has been a top priority since he took command in 2016. “HMC ships are busy when we put to sea, but some missions allow for opportunities to show the Canadian public what the RCN does and what life at sea in a warship is like, while allowing my sailors to develop their own skills.”In 2018, his team and the cadet organization managed to bring 89 cadets to sea over a series of five-day periods. “I hope Calgary’s program will allow for something similar, starting with this past sail. Working with the cadet organization showed me how impressive and solution-focused they are to get great kids to experience great things.”

[caption id="attachment_20467" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Kingston Navigating Officer Lt(N) Graham Austin discusses search-and-rescue strategies with Togolese military and government personnel on March 7. Photo by Cpl David Veldman[/caption]Lt (N) Jeff Lura, PAO Operation Projection West Africa ~On a beautiful Tuesday morning, HMC Ships Kingston and Shawinigan came alongside in Lomé, the capital city of Togo. Deployed on Operation Projection West Africa, the ships had already visited several other African countries, but the reception this time was different. Uniformed Togolese military personnel – including the commander of Togo’s largest naval base – lined the jetty. A camera crew filmed the ships as they arrived, preserving the event for posterity. The reason? No Royal Canadian Navy ship had ever visited the country.“We’re honoured to be the first Canadian warships to visit your country,” told LCdr Jeremy Samson, Kingston’s Commanding Officer, to journalists shortly after arriving. “Building and reinforcing relationships is a large part of our mission here in Africa, and we look very much forward to spending time with you.” The visit was a busy one for the ships’ crews. Hours after entering the harbour, sailors exchanged their working uniforms for gleaming whites, and welcomed members of Togo’s military, government, and community organizations on board. Representing Canada, Ambassador Heather Cameron spoke to guests of the importance of cooperation between Canada and African partners, and the strength of the Canada-Togo relationship. “Relations between Canada and Togo are founded on almost 60 years of history,” she told attendees. “Cooperation is essential in order to ensure regional maritime security, maintain international trade, and develop coastal communities.” Following the official presentations, military personnel from both nations made fast friends, posing for photos and discussing the similarities between the Canadian navy and the Marine Nationale de Togo.The next day, sailors visited L’Espace de Fraternité, a centre that welcomes...

[caption id="attachment_20464" align="alignnone" width="590"] Lt(N) Greg Morrow supervises while local teachers practice first aid at Foyer Don Bosco school in Cotonou, Benin, during Operation Projection West Africa. Photo by Cpl Angela Gore[/caption]Lt(N) Jeff Lura, PAO Operation Projection West Africa ~On the first day of March, sailors from HMC Ships Kingston and Shawinigan arrived at Foyer Don Bosco, a small school in Cotonou, Benin, nested within West Africa’s largest open-air market. Using their expertise coupled with good old “elbow grease”, they painted walls and repaired furniture in the school. Afterwards they played games with the children. On the same visit was medical officer Lt(N) Greg Morrow, but he had a different mission. He was there to teach basic first aid to a group of enthusiastic teachers. His lessons were made more important by the fact that ambulances and hospitals are not widespread in Benin; in many cases, teachers would be the only care available to an injured student. “It was a challenge,” said Lt(N) Morrow after the training. “We [in Canada] take for granted that medical care and supplies are available everywhere, but that’s not the case here. I had to really keep it simple, since these villages lack basic services and emergency response.” With the help of a translator, Lt(N) Morrow demonstrated how to deal with cuts, scrapes, fractures, and spinal injuries in a way that would be useful to the teachers after his departure. By all accounts, his instruction was well-received. “It was perfect,” said teacher Pascal Akakbo after the training. “We’re confronted with problems and injuries here all the time, so a better understanding of how to respond will do so much good. We will use this [newfound knowledge] very often.”When he’s not sharing his expertise to the far corners of the globe, Lt(N) Morrow spends his time...

[caption id="attachment_20461" align="alignnone" width="591"] Members of the HMCS Regina and NRU Asterix’s crews play a game of ball hockey during some down time during Operation Projecton on Naval Base Guam in Guam, United States Of America during Operation Projecton on March 7. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N)  Mike Harris, HMCS Regina ~Tropical heat and a backdrop of palm trees was not enough to keep hockey out of the minds of Naval Replenishment Unit (NRU) Asterix and HMCS Regina crews. With nets set up on the jetty, where the ships were tied up at Naval Base Guam, a couple games of ball hockey broke out - all part of physical training and crew cohesionWatching the game was reminiscent of kids playing ball hockey on the street, except they didn’t have to pause and drag the nets to the side as there were no cars driving by. “We should do events like this more often. Lots of people came out, everyone loved it and it’s good for the ship as a whole,” said AB Mailloux. “It was super hot but that didn’t stop people from playing.” Two games were played, with the first game being Team Deck Department from the two ships against Team Mixed Departments. It was a close game in the first half, but the diversity of the Mixed Departments led to a final score of 6-2. Due to the incredible heat and fierce competition, an intermission in the shade had to be instated before the next game. In a post-game discussion, SLt Charlebois, with his in-depth knowledge on the subject, believed the day of the game was “hotter than Tatooine and slightly muggier.”With all the players rested and hydrated, personnel picked up their sticks and shot balls around, which, in road/jetty hockey rules, means it was time to start...

[caption id="attachment_20458" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Regina’s female crew members pose for a photo to celebrate International Women's Day on the Pacific Ocean during Operation PROJECTON on March 10. Photo by Corporal Stuart Evans, Borden Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Katrina Giesbrecht, HMCS Regina ~International Women’s Day came and went onboard HMCS Regina with little fanfare. The 23 female members of Regina were busy with our respective tasks, either preparing to return to sea after a port visit, providing support to repairs on the helicopter, or standing duty. Each of us joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for different reasons, but all of us view ourselves as professional members of the CAF first, and women in the CAF second. We represent all three environments and are represented in each of the three messes.Sometimes we are asked to attend events in order to highlight the diversity in our navy; however, different doesn’t mean wrong, so we appreciate the chance to highlight our experiences to the civilian world, allied navies, and generally across the globe. When asked about being a woman in the military, LS Dana Kimoto, a member of the Operations Department, said, “I joined the navy almost eight years ago. I really had no idea what to expect as a woman in the military. I’d heard stories of how it was a boy’s club and how ‘boys will be boys’, but in my experience that hasn’t really been the case at all. I’ve found the military to be more respectful and equal than other jobs I’ve had. Being able to visit countries where women’s’ rights are not as advanced, and occasionally interacting with women in other navies, has made me appreciate the freedoms we have as woman in the Canadian military.Navy newcomer MCpl Amy Kingston was struck by the navy’s motto: “a sailor first.”“In all...