News

[caption id="attachment_19219" align="alignnone" width="591"] Her Majesty's Canadian Ship REGINA's CH-124 Sea King helicopter deploys flares during a routine flight operation in the Indian Ocean on August 14, 2014. Photo by Cpl Michael Bastien, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] LCol Travis Chapman - 443 (MH) Squadron Commanding OfficerDesigned in the late 1950s and procured by Canada through a dynamic acquisition program in the early 1960s, the CH124 Sea King helicopter has served Canadians with distinction since May 24, 1963. Such longevity, combined with avionics and mission system upgrades and the utility of a medium lift helicopter, has created a legacy that ignites passion spanning multiple generations unlike any other Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) asset.    To pay tribute to the history of Canada’s esteemed maritime helicopter (MH), Maj Trevor Cadeau, 443 Squadron Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Officer, initiated a project with technical and operational staff at Director Aerospace Equipment Program Management (Maritime) and 1 Canadian Air Division, in December 2017. He sought the necessary approvals to change CH12417’s modern livery to one that recalled a bygone era. The requested paint scheme was inspired by the original Royal Canadian Navy livery from 1963, and previously applied in 2010 to commemorate the Canadian Naval Centennial.  The success of the latest livery project can be traced to a large team of personnel within Patricia Bay, Shearwater, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. Of course, once painted, it had to be reassembled for its cross-country ferry.Not only does the special paint herald the Sea King’s history and exceptional contributions to RCN and RCAF operations over the last 55 years, but the project presented an uncommon professional development opportunity for many Aircraft Structures technicians. Those involved were able to exercise their own painting skill sets, as well as use the new paint booth in the 12 AMS hangar in Shearwater, NS. In addition to CH12417, team members...

[caption id="attachment_19215" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by Leading Seaman David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Candidates for Raven Basic Military Qualification wait for the Swearing-In Ceremony at the Naval Officer Training Centre, July 5. The six-week Raven Aboriginal Youth Employment Program is an outreach program designed to build bridges into the Aboriginal communities in Canada, and to make Aboriginal youth aware of potential military or civilian careers with the Department of National Defence. Commander Julian Elbourne, Commanding Officer of Naval Training School (Pacific), conducts the Swearing-In Ceremony.

[caption id="attachment_19211" align="alignnone" width="591"] Lt(N) Sean Milley, NCdt Carrie Magannon, NCdt Katie Hembruff practice tacking and gybing while underway to Comox on June 13. Photo by CPO1 Michael Vincelette.[/caption] OS Cedrick Delisle - ContributorI decided to join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) a little over a year ago. I did so out of a desire to find a new work environment where collaboration, teamwork, learning and healthy living were at the forefront. A year later, I am still baffled by the vast amount of opportunities made available to me. One that encompasses so many aspects of what I was looking for and surpassed my expectations is the RCN Sail.RCN Sail is the navy’s sail training program, built around the simple premise of learning to navigate on a sailboat. It is a great way for sailors to familiarize themselves with seamanship, leadership and teamwork while developing good work ethic and learning a great deal. Surrounded by ISPA (International Sail and Power Association) qualified instructors and using structured course material, students learn a range of skills, from basic competency as a crewmember to coastal and offshore navigation.At it’s core, the program uses two identical CS36 sailboats for the practical aspect of training, STV Tuna and STV Goldcrest, the latter of which I had the opportunity to call home for the last two weeks. During a sail training trip that spoke to the spirit of the program, plus the navy’s values as I perceive them, I experienced the many ways this program helps prepare sailors for the rest of their career within the fleet.We left Esquimalt harbour and over a few days navigated towards Comox, sailing through the Gulf Islands, and stopping in many ports along the way. This gave each student a chance to practice the skills learned prior to the trip, and get firsthand experience applying these skills while STV Goldcrest sailed to its destination and back. We sailed in various wind and sea conditions and appreciated how weather and current affected our...

[caption id="attachment_19204" align="alignnone" width="591"] From left to right: LS Daniel D’Sa, CPO2 Yannick Gagné, CPO2 Yves Ouellet and LS Mike Hodgson pose with Joe Lescene’s Harley-Davidson at the Military Police National Motorcylcle Relay start July 7 in front of the Naden Drill Shed. Photo courtesy of SLt Louis Pierre Gosselin/BPAO[/caption]SLt Louis-Pierre Gosselin - Base PA OJTWhen Joe Lescene, a long-time supporter of the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay, died in a tragic accident last year, his friends made sure his legacy – and his bike – were honoured in the annual relay.The former Petty Officer Second Class died after he fell from a cliff while on vacation in Oregon last September. The loss was a blow not only to his friends and family, but to the Relay, an event that helps raise money for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children. In recognition of this tragedy and his contribution to the Military Police National Motorcycle Relay, his friends CPO2 Yannick Gagné, CPO2 Yves Ouellet, LS Daniel D’Sa and LS Mike Hodgson decided to honour him during the Vancouver Island portion. They renamed it the Joe Lescene Memorial Ride.“He was a great friend and someone you could count on,” said CPO2 Gagné in front of the Naden Drill Shed before kicking off the Joe Lescene Memorial Ride Saturday July 7.CPO2 Gagné mustered what he called the ‘guts’ to call Lescene’s family and ask if he could use Lescene’s bike in the ride.That is how he arrived on July 7 under an overcast sky in the parking lot beside the Drill Shed, riding the flaming-orange Harley-Davidson of his late friend.A further tribute was built by Master Seaman Philip Thorsteinson, helped by LS Hodgson, in the form of a memorial box made of shedua, a special West African wood, resistant to the passing of...

[caption id="attachment_19198" align="alignnone" width="591"] Commander Dave Mangin of the Canadian Submarine Force takes a break from paddling his kayak during an Outward Bound event near Grand Manan, New Brunswick in June 2014. Top right: Cdr Mangin hikes the Columbia Ice Fields during an Outward Bound expedition in August 2012.[/caption]Peter Mallett - Staff WriterA senior commander with the Canadian Submarine Force will fulfill his dream this summer of paddling the waters of the far north’s South Nahanni River.Commander Mike Mangin, Deputy Commander Operations of the Canadian Submarine Force, will be part of Outward Bound Canada’s 10-day canoe expedition on the scenic, but fast-moving river in the Northwest Territories. The expedition is part of Outward Bound Canada’s Reach Beyond Fundraising Expeditions, which are a unique opportunity for people to achieve a personal aspiration while making a difference.“Paddling the Nahanni River has been a life-long goal of mine and now that I’m getting close to the dates the excitement is mounting,” said Cdr Mangin.After two days of preparation for the trip in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., the 12-person team, including two guides, will fly to Virginia Falls and set off in canoes on Aug. 5. They plan to arrive at their destination at Nahanni Butte on Aug. 14 after covering a distance of approximately 240 kilometres. The fast-moving, white water course features several rapids and will take them through the Nahanni National Park Reserve and past the majestic Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains.Cdr Mangin, 50, began his career with Canada’s navy in 1991, and in his current job plans submarine operations and scheduling. His busy work schedule inhibited him from taking part in Outward Bound’s canoe training camp in the spring. He also confesses to be a rookie paddler with limited experience in a canoe. Learning the mechanics and strokes of a canoeist is his biggest...

[caption id="attachment_19193" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by Diana Battung, Happy Bee Events and Studios[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry - MARPAC PAFor the second year in a row, Mrs. Vancouver Island BC has been won by a military spouse.On July 2, Jane Vermeulen, Mrs. Vancouver Island BC 2017 and wife of Lt(N) Miklos Kovacs, crowned her friend, Jenn Sheffield, as Mrs. Vancouver Island BC 2018.Vermeulen knows her friend will do well in the role and was thrilled to be the one to crown her. The pageant is something she suggests for all women.“It is a little bit outside our ordinary lives,” said Vermeulen. “I work as a vet and I have two children, so it is either scrubs or jeans, so wearing a gown for a night is great.”A veteran of pageantry, having been crowned Miss Cape Breton in the 90s, Sheffield, wife of LCdr Robin Sheffield, was convinced by Vermeulen to compete and is pleased with her results in the provincial the Miss BC pageant, and how pageantry has evolved; throughout the weekend, there were workshops on leadership, healthy living, empowering women and even self-defence.“It is less about women’s bodies,” she said. “It’s now more about our skills, our minds, what we think, and our platforms, which to me is the beautiful piece.”Open to women from 14 to 54, the Miss BC pageant focuses heavily on charity and personal expression, with the breakdown of the competition being sportswear, evening gown, a private interview with the judging panel and a public on-stage interview in the final showcase.The goal is to help women create and promote a charitable platform. For Sheffield, her platform is one of deep significance.“I’m developing a free yoga program for women and girls who have gone through sexual violence and are survivors,” she said. “I’m a survivor myself and so I feel...

[caption id="attachment_19187" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photo by LS Sisi Xu, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]By Lt(N) Paul Pendergast - Maritime Forces Pacific PASailors from HMCS Calgary once again donned their Smithbilt hats at the 2018 Calgary Stampede.Twenty-eight Calgary sailors participated in the 10-day event as part of an annual namesake city visit and were joined by the National Band of the Naval Reserve, as well as personnel from the Naval Security Team, Naval Tactical Operations Group, Canadian Forces Fleet School (Esquimalt), Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and HMCS Tecumseh.This year marked the 106th edition of the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,’ and officially kicked off when the navy led the military contingent in the Stampede Parade. Thousands of Calgarians lining the streets stood and cheered enthusiastically when the sailors and soldiers passed by.On the Stampede grounds, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was joined by members from the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force at the Canadian Armed Forces display.The crew of Calgary made a stop at the Foothills Medical Centre to donate $3,350 from their charity fund to the Calgary Health Trust in support of the Burn Unit.Calgary raises money for the Trust and other charities through various activities, including 50/50 draws, barbecues and their Cowboy Up event, which brings Calgarians and friends of the crew on board to meet the Calgary crew and experience a day on the ship.Money donated by Calgary in previous years has been used for purchasing priority equipment, staff education and research for the Burn Unit. “The Calgary Stampede attracts in excess of 1.2 million visitors to the grounds,” said Commander Blair Saltel, Commanding Officer of Calgary. “That provides the RCN an occasion to inform Canadians and visitors from abroad on our capabilities and accomplishments. Furthermore, it gives my exceptional sailors the chance to excite potential recruits about the opportunities...

SLt M.X. Déry - ContributorIn this series of commentaries on bicycle safety, I want to address issues that cyclists face every day from motorists, pedestrians and even other cyclists. Most of what I will write about has happened to me personally and are things that constantly grind my gears. I’ll be speaking with subject matter experts to back up my complaints and perhaps after I have vented my spleen, cycling to work will be safer for everyone.First off, I have been riding a bicycle for three decades now. It has been my main mode of transportation for most of my life; I didn’t bother getting a driver’s licence until I was 30 years old.For the last three years, I have been riding my motor-assisted cycle (MAC) to work and before you complain that it is not a real bicycle, allow me to explain what a MAC is, practically and legally.Practically it means that it can provide extra force while riding, but even my 350 watt hub motor is not enough to get me up the hill outside the dockyard gate without me doing most of the work. On a flat surface, once I’ve got it moving, it can accelerate up to 32kph, the maximum allowed in B.C. according to the Motor Vehicle Act. Legally, the motor must be electric, be no more than 500 watts, must cut out at 32kph and there must be functional pedals attached. If it meets all these requirements, the MAC does not require a licence, insurance or plates, unlike a Limited Speed Motorcycle (LSM), which requires all of the above. Electric scooters therefore walk a thin line between MAC and LSM. They are sold in B.C. with detachable pedals, speed limiters than can be turned off and motors that are advertised as 500+W. Recently a fellow...

Darlene Blakley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~One of the first sailors to re-enrol through the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Skilled Re-Enrolment Initiative is happy to be back in uniform.“There were a lot of things I missed throughout my time away from the navy,” says Leading Seaman Steve Auchu. “I am looking forward to catching up with friends and sailing with them again.”Due to attrition rates in recent years, certain Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) occupations have become stressed due to the lack of personnel. As a result, the RCN decided to reach out to former sailors in certain occupations, including the Naval Combat Information Operator, Naval Electronic Sensor Operator, Sonar Operator, Naval Communicator, Weapons Engineering Technician and Marine Technician occupations to invite them to re-enrol into the Regular Force in their former occupation and rank.LS Auchu, a Naval Electronic Sensor Operator, decided to take the RCN up on the offer. He re-enrolled June 7 and now works in HMCS Halifax.He is well acquainted with the work, as he served in three warships, St. John’s, Toronto and Ville de Québec, and was deployed on Operation Caribbe and to the Middle East.He missed the camaraderie of the military most of all. “There is no organization that emphasizes teamwork like the Canadian Armed Forces, and working together through adversity helps build some of those lifelong bonds.”Other big factors in deciding to re-enrol were the pension and benefits. “It’s nearly impossible to compare the care and future planning provided by the Canadian Armed Forces. I wanted to ensure I could provide for my family now and in the long term.”Having been employed both as a sailor and as a civilian, LS Auchu has learned the difference between the two. “The biggest difference is the rigid structure and daily use of the chain of command in the...

[caption id="attachment_19104" align="alignnone" width="591"] Graham Dixon-MacCallum (left) and Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Onieu, Base Commander (right), release the first burrowing owl into the CFB Suffield National Wildlife Area on May 3 as part of a new head-starting project to help this endangered species. Photo by Warrant Officer Derrick Steeves[/caption]Jocelyn Antonovitch, CFB Suffield Public Affairs ~The tiny Burrowing Owl, weighing a little more than a baseball and standing as high as a pigeon, is a rare sight at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield.“People who are not from the Great Plains region of North America do not know they exist and find it amazing that owls nest underground,” said Graham Dixon-MacCallum, Conservation Research Associate, Calgary Zoo.Despite their name, Burrowing Owls do not make a burrow on their own, but instead occupy those that have been abandoned by burrowing mammals, and make modifications where needed.CFB Suffield joined forces with the Calgary Zoo, and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on a head-starting project to improve the survival rate of the endangered Burrowing Owl.The head-starting project takes a few owlets, raises them in captivity over the winter in the Calgary Zoo’s offsite Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre, and allows them to grow large enough to be released as breeding adults.ECCC and Calgary Zoo scientists want to test the theory that increasing the owls’ first-year survival may in turn reduce the rate of population decline in Canada.“They are not on their last legs, but their population is steadily declining. They are becoming more and more rare,” said Troy Wellicome, Senior Species at Risk Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, ECCC. “If we did nothing for 20 years, it is debatable if they would still be around in Canada.”The Calgary Zoo and ECCC returned four pairs of owls to the CFB Suffield National Wildlife Area this spring, where they had been captured...

[caption id="attachment_19099" align="alignnone" width="591"] SLt Nimmi Augustine, Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~By the time SLt Nimmi Augustine packs her bags this fall and heads off to the University of Toronto, she will have one amazing story to tell. One that involves a little glitz, a little glamour, and touches on her Master’s Degree in Global Affairs. The junior Marine Systems Engineering Officer is vying to become the next Miss Universe Canada, with the pageant set to start Aug. 16. Her goal is to showcase her belief of inclusivity and acceptance of all communities, part of her global affairs philosophy. “There is more than one avenue to your ultimate goal,” said SLt Augustine of the contest. “I feel this is another piece where I can at least try to reach people.”Before she can glide across the stage at the John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, representing British Columbia in the preliminary and final competitions, she must first fulfill her role as a contestant by learning the many pageant skills. To prepare, she has dashed over from Vancouver Island to Vancouver once a month since February for pageant workshops. “They teach you everything from walking to speaking to the public,” said SLt Augustine. “One thing Canada does very uniquely in our pageants is we have a charity piece portion where we have to host a charity event.”She’s dived right into this component and planned a July 27 dance workshop entitled “The Secret Language: Charity Partner Dancing Workshop and Social” where dance instructors from Victoria will teach the foundations of partner dancing and communication. “The instructors are coming from all different styles. The lessons and activities can be used in all forms of dancing.”She believes there are no gender roles in dancing because, with good communication,...

[caption id="attachment_19094" align="alignnone" width="591"] Photos by Sgt Devin Vandes, Imagery Technician[/caption]HMCS Ottawa was in dressed ship state for a Canada Day reception at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

[caption id="attachment_19091" align="alignnone" width="590"] Change of Appointment for Base Chief, from the left: CPO1 Gino Spinelli, outgoing Base Chief; Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander, and CPO1 Ian Kelly, incoming Base Chief, sign the certificates officiating the transfer of appointment. Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Last week, when Chief Petty Officer First Class Robert ‘Gino’ Spinelli signed his name on the Base Chief Change of Appointment certificates, he marked the end of his 35-year naval career. Dozens of friends, family and co-workers gathered in the Naden Drill Shed July 4 to bid farewell to the 55-year-old and welcome his successor CPO1 Ian Kelly.“I was honoured to be selected as Base Chief in 2015 and am very fortunate to finish my career in this position,” said Chief Spinelli. “In a job like this you really can make a difference in the morale and culture by creating a positive atmosphere throughout the formation, even during difficult times. If you lead the way with a positive approach and you are consistent, you will make a difference.”Much of his career was spent on the deck of warships such as HMC Ships Kootenay, Mackenzie, Vancouver and Protecteur as a boatswain. It was on the ship’s deck, braving the elements, and tackling the often physically demanding work that he learned the importance of rules, discipline and leadership. That experience aided him as Base Chief when handing out some tough love to junior rank sailors. While discipline was always in his tool box, he much preferred to educate over punish, especially since he has walked in their shoes much of his life. A career that has spanned more than three decades is laced with stories and experiences, many in far away places, the luxury of a well-travelled sailor. Chief Spinelli easily plucks memories...

[caption id="attachment_19066" align="alignnone" width="520"] Photo courtesy: www.veterans.gc.ca[/caption]Maple Leaf ~The Veterans in the Public Service Unit (VPSU) of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is available to assist Veterans navigating Canada’s public service hiring process.Members of the Canadian Armed Forces receive education, training and leadership development. This in turn creates a pool of talented Veterans. The VPSU works with the Public Service Commission to promote the skills and experiences that Canadian Veterans offer to public service hiring managers and human resources professionals across the country.“Helping Veterans and military members transition into the federal public service is an excellent opportunity for both Veterans and the public service. VAC is an excellent employer who has allowed me the flexibility to continue to serve on a part-time basis with the Navy. In fact, the federal public service is an excellent fit for any reservist,” says Alex Grant, a member of the VPSU team, and a reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy.If you are interested in learning more about the VPSU and careers in the federal public service, please visit: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/transition/ps-hiring

[caption id="attachment_19063" align="alignnone" width="590"] STADPLEX will be closing at the end of October. After 75 years of use, the facility has reached the end of its useful life, as long-term economical repair is not feasible.[/caption]By CFB Halifax ~After 75 years as a health and physical fitness hub for local military members, their families and the community, CFB Halifax’s Stadacona Fitness, Sports and Recreation Centre (STADPLEX) will permanently close its doors by Oct. 31. The facility has reached the end of its useful life and, although currently safe for occupancy, is now beyond long-term economical repair. Personnel Support Programs (PSP) staff is working to ensure STADPLEX programming and services remain available to the Defence community until the closure. The 12 Wing Shearwater Fitness and Sports Centre will remain operational seven days a week, open to Defence Team members, veterans and members of the public who possess memberships. The Fleet (HMC Dockyard) Fitness Centre will see its hours extended to accommodate members of the Defence community who frequent the facility for PT classes, programs and day-to-day use.The closure of STADPLEX will happen in phases, with the closure of the pool and squash courts taking place first. The official dates of closure for these two facilities have not yet been determined, but notice will be given to members and community groups as the dates are confirmed.A project proposal for the replacement of STADPLEX is in early stages of development and is expected to take several years to deliver. This long-term solution will come with full support and commitment from leadership and will ensure the Defence community is able to enjoy vital health and physical fitness services for years to come. For the latest updates and information including a list of FAQs, please visit the PSP website.

[caption id="attachment_19060" align="alignnone" width="591"] From left: RAdm Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, LS Kenneth Squibb, LS Steven Auchu, and Formation Chief, CPO1 Pierre Auger at the re-enrollment ceremony at CFRC Halifax on June 7. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been making an extra effort to bring recently retired sailors back to the organization, and the first two to take advantage of this Skilled Re-enrollment Initiative have now made it official.LS Kenneth Squibb and LS Steven Auchu, both Naval Electronic Sensor Operators (NESOPs) with sailing experience, who each retired from the navy less than two years ago, will be back putting their skills to use with the fleet. They participated in a re-enrollment and enrollment ceremony alongside new recruits at CFRC Halifax on June 7.The Skilled Re-enrollment initiative is a result of growing attrition rates that have put stress on some navy occupations. Letters have been sent to identified members from trades such as NESOP, Naval Combat Information Operator, Sonar Operator, Naval Communicator and Marine Technician, to invite them to re-enroll but keep their former rank and occupation.RAdm Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, presided over the ceremony in order to welcome the two sailors back into the fold, as well as welcome the new recruits. The main goal of the initiative is to ensure those who recently left the organization are aware the door remains open should they wish to restart their military career. “Today we’ve re-enrolled two NESOPS, and these two individuals have important skills that are, quite frankly, needed on the ships right now, so we’re very happy to have them,” said RAdm Baines. LS Squibb said the extra push from the Skilled Re-Enrollment Initiative, which can include a recruiting allowance in some cases, was a factor in...

[caption id="attachment_19057" align="alignnone" width="591"] Joshua Paul, a videographer from the Naval Training Development Centre, and LS Sabrina Wyns. Photo by Master Seaman D. Ann Marie Aird[/caption]A combined team from the Naval Training Development Centre (Pacific) and MARPAC Imaging embarked in HMCS Calgary last week to film live action videos that will be used to support the new Marine Technician (MARTECH) training. The team managed to negotiate Calgary’s engineering spaces with their cameras and lighting equipment to capture footage that will be used to create four videos to support training for the new generation of sailors entering the fleet. Calgary’s crew enthusiastically supported filming, providing personnel as subject matter experts and on-screen actors. The Naval Training Development Centre’s mandate is to provide technology enabled learning support to the Naval Fleet Schools aimed towards modernizing naval training. They are currently developing distance learning solutions, large format printing, 3D printing, and multi-media products for classroom learning. It is through the support of units such as HMCS Calgary that the Naval Training Development Centre can achieve its mandate.

The Naval Tactical Operations Group (NTOG) is a unit within the Royal Canadian Navy that specializes in Maritime Interdiction Operations and Force Protection. NTOG is seeking self-motivated, highly professional sailors who are looking for a challenge and want to work in an operationally-focused small team environment to join its ranks. Those who want more information on how to become a Naval Tactical Operator should attend the information session held at S90 Room 317 on July 17, 10 a.m. to noon, and July 18, 1 to 3 p.m. NTOG originally stood up in June 2014 and has worked with many partner nations on a variety of operations including Operation Reassurance, Operation Edifice, and Operation Projection. To join NTOG, candidates must attend the mentally and physically challenging Assessment Center for five days for NCMs and NCOs, and seven days for Officers. Candidates from both Regular and Reserve Force personnel are recruited from across the RCN’s sea element personnel, including Naval Reserve Divisions. The next Assessment Center will run Nov. 12 to Dec. 2 and interested candidates should have their application in by Oct. 10.If a candidate is successful at the Assessment Center and is selected, he or she will be required to attend a five-month Naval Tactical Operator Course that covers advanced insertion techniques, tactical shooting, hand-to-hand combat, tactical combat casualty care, close quarters battle, rigging and rappelling, and sensitive site exploitation. After completing the course, Naval Tactical Operators have employment opportunities on deployments, expeditionary taskings and further specialized training.

[caption id="attachment_19048" align="alignnone" width="591"] A new organization, Director General Future Ship Capability, will help ensure future ships such as the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel will be introduced smoothly into service.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~A new organization designed to support the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as it receives new ships for future operations, aims to introduce them into service smoothly, and with a view to driving naval innovation.Director General Future Ship Capability (DGFSC), headed by Rear-Admiral Casper Donovan, will ensure the RCN is ready in terms of occupations, training systems, infrastructure, doctrine and tactics, and operational policies as ships are completed and turned over to the navy.DGFSC has three main components. The first is the Directorate of Naval Major Crown Projects, which includes the RCN teams assigned to the new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Joint Support Ship (JSS) and Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) projects. The second is the Directorate of New Capability Introduction (DNCI), which includes a team in Ottawa, as well as detachments in Halifax, NS, and Esquimalt, BC. The third is the Maritime Innovation Team (MIT).“DNCI is critical to ensuring the RCN is ready, in all respects, to receive new ships and is ready to introduce them into operational service,” explains RAdm Donovan. “They are focused on all things other than the ship itself, such as crewing, training, infrastructure, helicopter integration, occupational structures, tactics development and readiness standards.”MIT is a small team which works within DGFSC to ensure the RCN innovates as it introduces the future fleet.“It’s not just about new ships, it’s also about new approaches to how the navy will deliver on its future missions,” RAdm Donovan says. “This mindset requires innovation to be at the forefront of everything we do.”He adds that DGFSC is well set up to enable this innovation.“Obviously the inclusion...

ABOUT HOMECOMINGHomecoming is a celebration of Royal Roads’ past and present; it is open to alumni, ex-cadets, faculty, and staff from Royal Roads Naval, Tri-Services and Military Colleges (RRMC), and Royal Roads University to provide a dedicated weekend for coming home.   Homecoming embraces tradition, while welcoming the future. Celebrations are designed as a salute to familiar friendships, class reunions, the forging of new friendships, and paying homage to days past.   We hope you’ll join us for Homecoming 2018 to reconnect with your Royal Roads family. Both the RAdm John Charles Military Museum and the Dunsmuir Museum have undergone a major facelift and will be open for the weekend. Come enjoy these two wonderful museums.  In addition, all the special cadet brass plaques that once were on display in the Grant Block Quarterdeck of RRMC will be installed at the special Royal Roads Memorial area behind the Quarterdeck.  For this year, several ex-cadets from these special classes will be attending Homecoming 2018: 1958 - their 60th anniversary;1968 - their 50th anniversary; and1978 - their 40th anniversary.PROGRAMFriday, Sept. 7President’s Reception  6 - 9:30 p.m.Join President Allan Cahoon at the official kick-off to the Homecoming weekend. Raise a glass to old friends and new at this reception held within the historic Hatley Castle. Cash bar provided.  Dress: Business Casual  Saturday, Sept. 8Family and Friends Barbecue 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is the inaugural family barbecue to bring together ex-cadets, alumni and their families to enjoy the ambiance of Royal Roads.  There will be great food and lots of fun events for families, including face painting, croquet and dunk tank.Our campus patio holds incredible views all year long, but in September it is particularly rich, let›s gather to take in some sun while we enjoy an outdoor barbecue our family and friends can also enjoy.  Garden...

[caption id="attachment_19042" align="alignnone" width="591"] Running Through Time: MWO (Retired) Bill Cantwell’s family has run in each of the past four Navy Runs at CFB Esquimalt. From the left: Liam Cantwell, Chantelle Sinclair, Shane Cantwell, and Bill Cantwell.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Giving gifts or treating Dad to Sunday brunch are traditional ways to celebrate Father’s Day, but not for Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Bill Cantwell and his family. For the past four years, the 53-year-old, his wife Chantelle, and two of their children have made running the Navy Run their Father’s Day tradition. “To me it’s the perfect way to start Father’s Day,” said Cantwell. “We still go out for brunch after the race.” The annual road race is organized by Personnel Support Programs staff and is held on the third Sunday of June. The 2018 run featured 580 runners and a separate race for young children held near the finish line in Naden. This year Cantwell was brimming with pride at the finish line because he and both of his sons, 13-year-old Shane and 16-year-old Liam, won gold medals in their run categories, and posted in the top of their overall race fields. The family patriarch was tops in his 44 to 55 age category finishing the five-kilometre course in 22:45; he was 17th overall in the 5K, which he said was an encouraging improvement over times posted in past years. But Dad still wasn’t fast enough to beat son Shane who finished 38 seconds faster for first in his up to age 15 category, and 14th overall in a field of 222 runners. On the 10-kilometre course Liam took first overall in the 16 to 24 age category with a time of 38:23, and was third overall among 206 runners. Wife Chantelle Sinclair, who Cantwell described as the family’s most...

As the morning sky broke across the Olympic View Golf Course Monday June 25, 117 golfers set out to play 18 rounds of golf in the 5th Annual Base Commander’s Golf Tournament. The sun quickly warmed the day, but a steady breeze made golfing a little challenging. Following the last team’s play, everyone scrambled into the dining hall for a buffet steak dinner and news of who won what.Competitive Play (Individual Stroke Play): winner Matthew Campbell.4 Person Scramble Winners: Tim Christy, Erick Gestwa, Chris Kucheran, and John SmithHighest Score (aka non winners): Victor Clement, Eric Gingras, Christopher Imamshah, and Michele Schnob.Ladies Closest to the Pin: Gosia Croden, prize WestJet flight voucher.Men’s Closest to the Pin: Edward Whitmore, prize WestJet flight voucher.Women’s Longest Drive: Liz McDougall, prize $250 Golf Town gift card courtesy Camosun College.Men’s Longest Drive: Bob Auchterlonie, prize $250 Golf Town gift card courtesy Camosun College.Tournament players also got to wish the new MARPAC Commander Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie a Happy Birthday.Special thanks to the tournament sponsors Seaspan Victoria Shipyard, Babcock Canada, WestJet, Camosun College, Harris Dodge Victoria, and Hotel Grand Pacific.

By SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~“At the time, sitting in the chair, pulling the trigger, hearing the whoosh of the missiles was surreal,” said Lt(N) Sara Kucher, HMCS Calgary’s Above Water Warfare Officer. “I will remember this for a very long time.”Last week, Calgary fired three Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) as part of a live fire air defence exercise, complete with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as targets. This exercise is the culmination of months of preparation. It takes Calgary and crew one step closer to high readiness in preparation for their upcoming deployment on Operation Projection in the Asia Pacific.For Lt(N) Kucher, this was her first live fire air defence exercise in that position after 20 months in the chair, and it marks the end of her time in Calgary. She is being posted ashore after her D-level tour.“I really enjoy my job; I really enjoy working with my team, and I will miss this ship,” she said. “However, I look forward to finding something in my future career to top this.”While these types of exercises are not rare, Lt(N) Kucher said it is definitely not something that every Above Water Warfare Officer gets to do during their time in that position.Getting the warship ready for this exercise took a substantial amount of work and preparation.“Preparations started months ago,” said Lt(N) Kucher. “Both the Operations and the Combat Systems Engineering Departments worked steadily to bring Calgary from re-fit to successful completion of this exercise.”One of the major components to this type of training is communication, as members of the ship’s operations team need to quickly identify threats, determine a course of action, and attack that threat in a timely fashion.“We came together conducting training serials over the course of the last several months and improved our communications within...

[caption id="attachment_19033" align="alignnone" width="591"] The fully assembled submarine during one of the three test launches prior to the competition.[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA Office ~This week, the University of Victoria Submarine Racing Club will compete in the fourth biennial European International Submarine Race (eISR) for the first time. The 10-person team is in Gosport, England, to race their human-powered submarine against 11 international university teams. It’s a race against the clock around a demanding underwater slalom course.Club founder, Leading Seaman Manuel Dussault-Gomez, a reservist Marine Technician, is excited to see the submarine he designed and help build go up against some formidable opponents.The UVic Submarine Racing Club came from a desire to compete, and to promote the field of marine system engineering. LS Dussault-Gomez began pre-engineering at UVic in 2012; he joined the Naval Reserves as a Marine Technician in 2013. During his QL3 course, he scoured the library for engineering books to help him design a submarine that could compete in the eISR. He found a book by the German Naval Architect Volker Bertram on practical ship hydrodynamics. “There are a number of coefficients with regards to the submarine that will reduce the drag once it is moving underwater,” said LS Dussault-Gomez. From the nose radius, the beam-to-length ratio, the max cross-section of the submarine and the tail cone radius, everything is designed for efficiency.“We did a lot of computational fluid dynamic analysis and we figured out that the boundary layer is tiny, which is ideal, and then as the flow of fluid moves downstream, the boundary layer increases and then in the back end of the submarine there is a sharp radius that we had to implement; because if not our submarine would be seven metres long.”While a longer vessel would be faster, the European race is more than just a...

Kristin Jenkins ~George Paul Haggis: Soldier. Sailor. Sportsman. Family man. Born March 15, 1925, in Port Hope, Ont.; died Feb. 28, 2018, in Belleville, Ont., of complications following an aortic rupture; aged 92.George Haggis was a blond, blue-eyed Greek descended from the handsome, athletic men of Xirokambi, a tiny village in the southern Peloponnese. Blessed with the energy and chutzpah of 10 good men, George learned early that self-reliance was the key to getting what you wanted in life. Fiercely independent, George grabbed life by the horns and held on tight for almost 93 years.At 15, George joined the Canadian army. His physical strength and confidence quickly earned him a promotion to corporal, leading men twice his age. Then his father intervened before he could be sent overseas. At 17, George joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served in the Battle of the Atlantic.After the war, George managed the family business – running the Crystal Hotel in Belleville, Ont. – by serving as bartender and bouncer. As the master of a firm handshake and a powerful right hook, George bloodied and shredded about three shirts a week in the line of duty.In 1949, George met Octavia at a boat party. The 19-year-old was a blonde beauty with a mischievous personality and a captivating laugh. After seeing her dive head first into the water, he decided to break off his engagement to another young lady. Unperturbed by the fact she was visiting from Vancouver, George persuaded his cousin, Jack, a navigator for Trans Canada Airlines, to share his employee pass.George and Octavia were married in September, 1950, and had five children: Paul, Victoria, John, Cynthia and Kathryn.In the early 1970s, George reinvented the Crystal Hotel, turning the old Ontario beer parlour into “The Chart Room.” With Octavia’s superb cooking as the...

[caption id="attachment_19007" align="alignnone" width="591"] Camille Douglas, Friends of Boomer’s Legacy BC PR/ communications, joins Christine Meyer, Senior Manager Strategic Communications, Corporate Services Division, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, on the walk/ run circuit at Camp Boomer. The pair had been working together for Boomer’s Legacy - this was their first time meeting in person. They are carrying fallen soldier bio cards. Photo by John’s Photography[/caption]CPO2 Ron Eccles, FMF Cape Breton ~“Helping Our Soldiers Help Others at Home and Abroad” is the motto of the Boomer’s Legacy Foundation named in honour of Cpl Andrew “Boomer” Eykelenboom, a medic who was killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber on Aug. 11, 2006. Andrew was committed to saving lives and helping the Afghan people realize freedom; his death was the catalyst to creating the Foundation to help men and women in uniform make a positive difference in the lives of others.Over the past 10 years, the primary fundraiser for the Foundation was the Boomer’s Ride which saw up to 100 cyclists ride over two days from CFB Comox to Victoria.  This year saw a new fundraiser with Camp Boomer that took place at the Glacier Arena outside of CFB Comox on Saturday June 16. Based on a military theme, there were numerous military displays and demonstrations open to the public, and participants had six hours to walk, run or cycle two different routes.  All participants carried or wore two “Soldier Cards” to honour a member of the CAF who has given their life in the service of their country since 2002.Maritime Forces Pacific demonstrations and displays included a small contingent from the Naden Band, 11 Field Ambulance, and Naval Reserve Divers from HMCS Malahat. Participation in the walk, run and cycling event was conducted by a combined MARPAC Team of CPO1 Michel Vincelette, Lt(N)...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Canadian Armed Forces sailing team made its return to the World Military Sailing Championship and achieved its goal of a respectable showing at the international regatta.Held June 14 to 21 at the Finnish Naval Academy near Helsinki, the competition featured more than 60 athletes from 15 countries.  Moreover, the year 2018 marks several jubilees: the 50th World Military Sailing Championships, the 70th anniversary of CISM (“Conseil International de Sport Militaire”, normally translated as International Military Sports Council), and the 100th anniversary of the Finish Navy.Team Canada failed to qualify for the elimination round, but finished seventh out of 15 teams during the round robin.  The four member team was Lieutenant (Navy) Samantha Morgan, a Marine Systems Engineer from CFB Halifax; Master Seaman Clayton Mills a Marine Technician who works aboard HMCS Calgary; Private Samuel Plamondon, a sapper from CFB Valcartier; and Canadian Air Force Captain Pierre Grignon, who works for the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) Headquarters in Ottawa.The last time Canada competed in a CISM sailing event was 2014. There were no returning members on this year’s team and both the team and the team’s manager, Lieutenant (Navy) Kevin Pallard had realistic expectations of their chances of winning the event. Everyone was focused on achieving a strong result and appeared to give the competition “a run for their money” as Lt(N) Pallard put it. Inclement weather and then a lack of wind forced organizers to postpone some of the weekend matchups before Brazil were declared champions of the competition.  Host nation Finland had a strong showing, but settled for fourth place, while Russia and Poland finished second and third respectively. The Canadian team were pleased to have placed in the top half of teams in Helsinki, and is also hoping to better their performance when they...

[caption id="attachment_19000" align="alignnone" width="591"] The final cut for this year’s team was made in early June. Here’s a list of this year’s participants: Lt(N) Haley van Poorten, Team Leader; PO1 Rayon Murdock, 2IC; Cpl Rhys Murphy, medic; Capt Gary Leblanc; Lt(N) Rebecca Granham; A/SLt Ashvin Chawla; CPO2 Armand Reelick; WO Nathan Verhoog; MS Kevin Simons; LS Luke Foebe; Cpl Javier Sanchez-Bringas. Alternates: Lt(N) Mike McKenna, and A/SLt Soheil Nasira.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you frequent the Galloping Goose Trail between Sooke and Victoria you may have noticed military members wearing CADPAT and rucksacks marching in formation. The group have been marching virtually three days per week since February, logging over 700 kilometres, to prepare for a march of a lifetime - the Four Days International Marches Nijmegen. After battling the sweat and blisters of training, Maritime Forces Pacific’s Nijmegen marching team is ready to put boots on the ground in the Netherlands July 17 to 20. The 13-member team includes two alternate marchers, and will be led by Lieutenant (Navy) Haley van Poorten. The annual event, now in its 102nd year, involves four days of 40 kilometre marches through the Dutch countryside. This year’s event is expected to draw approximately 47,000 participants. “Marching long distances in military boots takes its toll on your body and everyone reacts differently, but the most common injuries are blisters on toes and heals, and repetitive stress injuries in the ankle, hip, knee and shin,” said Lt(N) Haley van Poorten. “But it is to be expected, we have a positive attitude and deal with the injuries and any of the setbacks in a smart and open way, because trying to hide them means they will just get worse.”To cope with the tedium and build camaraderie the team often sings as they march. They aren’t the only...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Esquimalt Tritons ball hockey team were crowned Canada West champions after winning four of six games at a regional qualifying tournament at CFB Wainwright. The Tritons defeated Cold Lake in the June 14 Championship game and earned a berth in this year’s Canadian Armed Forces Ball Hockey Nationals at CFB Borden, July 28 to Aug. 3. Esquimalt’s only loss in the tournament was a 2-0 decision against the finalists in preliminary round action. They also defeated Winnipeg 5-1 and Edmonton 5-3 in round robin play, while settling for a 2-2 against Moose Jaw. The Tritons then defeated Edmonton 3-1 in their semi-final game.Triton’s player-coach Master Seaman John Helpard, who works as a combat instructor with the Naval Personnel Training Group (NPTG), says most of his players are still buzzing about the big victory as they look forward to competing in the nationals.“We want the big one,” said MS Helpard. “I can tell the guys are all focused on the next tourney and I hope we can bring the trophy home.” Goaltender, Master Seaman Luke Pelletier of HMCS Edmonton earned Most Valuable Player of the Game Honours in the championship game as the Tritons took a 3-2 lead into the third period and hung on for the win.“We were on our heels for the majority of the final period but Luke stood on his head making the saves we needed to win the game,” said MS Helpard. “Every player on our team had a role to play and performed it perfectly, and it was amazing to see all the hard work pay off.”Key players in the victory included defencemen Master Seaman Pat McKarenan and Corporal Joel Roy, while Lieutenant (Navy) Braden Casper and Captain Jack Lawson were essential to the team’s goal-scoring success, said MS Helpard. MS Helpard...

[caption id="attachment_18994" align="alignnone" width="591"] Lieutenant-Commander Syrus Stogran, fleet school Division Commander, presents Christensen with well wishes from Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. Photo by MS Giovanni Onucky[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Students and fellow teachers past and present from Naval Fleet School Pacific are saying their fond farewells to beloved instructor Captain (Retired) Dave Christensen. Before his retirement last month, the 62-year-old was the only instructor at fleet school that could lecture on 14 subjects related to propulsion engineering, and the only instructor who could teach all the academic technical courses. Approximately 150 of Christensen’s friends, family and colleagues crowded into the Six Mile Pub for a May 30 retirement party, toasting an impressive teaching career that spanned five decades. “Dave is a teacher like no other,” said fellow instructor, Master Seaman Carl Leblond. “Fleet School will carry on, other instructors will follow, but no one will ever come close to replacing Dave.”It isn’t just his brilliance as a teacher of physics, electronics, propulsion engineering, and mathematics that MS Leblond and his peers rave about. He and many others describe Christensen as much more than just a “dedicated 24-7 instructor”, but also a mentor and true friend who was always willing to help well beyond the classroom walls. He offered extra help with studies to making repairs on cars free of charge at his home in Metchosin, based on the idea of “paying it forward”. “It’s the interaction with students that I am going to miss most,” said Christensen.RRMC and BeyondHis father Captain Otto (Chris) Christensen was a Danish immigrant who fought for Canada in the Second World War. So Christensen grew up on military bases at CFB Borden and Petawawa. After attending University of Victoria for one year, he entered Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) in 1974 at the age 18 as...