News

[caption id="attachment_18370" align="alignnone" width="575"] Cdr Michele Tessier, Margaret and Alyson Brooke, and Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic Cmdre Craig Skjerpen.[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~Commander Michele Tessier has been undergoing training to prepare her for the unique challenges of working in the Arctic as Commanding Officer of HMCS Margaret Brooke, the second Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel.The ship’s name is in honour of LCdr Margaret M. Brooke who survived the sinking of the ferry SS Caribou after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Newfoundland in October 1942. She and a colleague, Sub-Lieutenant Agnes Wilkie, clung to ropes on an overturned lifeboat until hypothermia caused Wilkie to lose consciousness. LCdr Brooke held onto the lifeboat with one hand and her unconscious friend with the other until daybreak when, despite her best efforts, a wave pulled SLt Wilkie away. For her selfless act, LCdr Brooke was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire.“We want to make sure that LCdr Margaret Brooke’s story continues on and lives with the ship and that we are able to pay homage to her, not just in the naming of the ship, but as we go places in Canada, we can talk about what kind of a person she was and why the ship has her name,” said Cdr Tessier. Recently she spent a few days in and around Saskatoon visiting places of importance to LCdr Margaret Brooke’s life.Cdr Tessier spoke to the crew of HMCS Unicorn, the reserve unit LCdr Margaret Brooke joined in 1942, about her experiences in the Arctic and the opportunities for them in the future. “I told them what my impressions of the Arctic were, the beauty of it, the danger of it, the fragility of it, and what kind of impact we...

[caption id="attachment_18363" align="alignnone" width="575"] The Chief Cook of HMCS Whitehorse serves perogies and sausage to the crew. Photo by Lt (N) Paul Pendergast, Canadian Joint Operations Command Public Affairs Officer[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Operation Caribbe Public Affairs Officer ~There is an old saying that an army marches on its stomach, and that also is true for the navy. The daily routine of life at sea for the crews onboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Edmonton and Whitehorse revolves around the galley and meal times.Both ships are deployed on Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to an international operation to stop illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, money, and people.The Chief Cook of Whitehorse, who cannot be identified for operational security reasons, is keenly aware of the critical role he plays in maintaining morale among the 48 members of the crew.“When people come to the steam line for their meal, you can see their face light up if the food is good, and that puts them in a good mood to carry out their duties for the rest of the day,” said the Chief Cook.To get that positive reaction, it starts at the beginning with ordering good quality ingredients, inspecting the food carefully on arrival, and storing it properly in the ship’s coolers to maintain inventory control. “I developed the menu specifically for our crew size, to ensure there is a variety of nutritious and interesting items so people do not get bored with the food,” he adds.Galley staff in Whitehorse like to “take it up a notch”. They provide fresh baking daily, including bread, scones, and desserts such as banana bread or cheesecake. A favorite of the crew is the smoothies that are made daily from fresh fruit. “It is the little things that make a difference,” said the Chief Cook. “Like cooking fresh bacon...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Team Canada - Invictus Games 2018 is coming to CFB Esquimalt to begin training for this year’s international competition for ill and injured soldiers and veterans.The training camp, April 8 to 14, involves approximately 40 athletes, three head coaches and several volunteer coaches. It’s all in preparation for the fourth edition of the Games in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 20 to 27, which will feature current and former military athletes from 18 nations competing in 11 sports.The Naden Athletic Centre will serve as the main training venue for powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, cycling, and sitting volleyball camps. The Canadian Forces Sailing Association will host the sailing training camp; archery training will be held at the Victoria Bowman Outdoor Range, and Oak bay Secondary High School is the venue for track and field.Out-of-town athletes and coaches will be housed at Work Point barracks. Peter Lawless, Victoria lawyer and Canadian Olympic Committee Vice President, is returning to head coach duties this year. He is one of 12 coaches on the team.There will be no returning athletes on Canada’s team as in previous years. A complete shuffling of the deck is a conscious effort to give others a chance to experience the power of the Games. “It’s a remarkable journey; there are lots of ups and downs, and as you move closer to the games the team cohesion builds and their individual confidence increases,” said Petty Officer First Class Joe Kiraly, Team Canada manager. “For the athletes who were not selected for the team, Soldier On remains committed to finding opportunities for them.” Golf and tennis have been dropped from this year’s competition, but sailing has been added. Lieutenant Commander Chris Maier, CFSA Commodore, says volunteers from the CFSA and the Victoria Disabled Sailing Association will combine...

[caption id="attachment_18355" align="alignnone" width="575"] Crewmembers from HMCS Vancouver were busy last week filling the ship’s stores in preparation for their departure. Photo by SLt M.X. Dery, MARPAC PAO[/caption]Lt(N) Tony Wright, HMCS Vancouver PAO ~After a long Easter weekend with family and friends, HMCS Vancouver and crew deployed for Operation Projection Indo-Asia Pacific.This is a three-month patrol in the Western Pacific that will be followed by Vancouver’s participation in the 2018 Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC), the world’s largest naval exercise.Vancouver will visit Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and Fiji in order to demonstrate Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) operational capabilities, and the flexibility to contribute to a range of requirements: support to international missions, strengthening relationships with allies and partners, and responding to humanitarian or security related incidents in the Indo-Asia Pacific, if required. The mission will also demonstrate the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to project naval influence and support Government of Canada objectives in this region. Canada is a Pacific nation and Op Projection Indo-Asia Pacific is another example of Canada’s commitment to support stability in the region.“The RCN offers options to government to effectively engage in parts of the world where our country has economic and security interests, and we are a very flexible resource,” says Cdr Christopher Nucci, Vancouver’s Commanding Officer. “As Vancouver has experienced first-hand in the past, although ships set sail expecting to complete a certain set of tasks, we can end up doing something completely different within our spectrum of capabilities if the need arises.”In 2016, Vancouver deployed to the Western Pacific and was scheduled to participate in the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) fleet review. That port visit quickly turned into a humanitarian mission after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Kaikoura region. A task group that included units from Australia, Canada, and the United...

[caption id="attachment_18330" align="alignnone" width="581"] Leading Seaman Matthew Billard of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) undergoes training for a new surface-supplied diving system at his unit’s headquarters in Colwood, March 10. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new, light-weight surface-supplied diving system will increase operational diving capability during deployments and exercises for Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU) Clearance Divers. The Ultra Lightweight Surface Supply Diving System, manufactured by Swedish-based respirator manufacturer Interspiro, is also being acquired by FDU (Atlantic), the Canadian Army divers, and Search and Rescue divers. The new lighter and modern equipment supplies breathing gas and vital two-way communication between the surface and diver while conducting dives to a maximum of 54 meters (175 feet).Divers, including Lieutenant-Commander Rick Kappel, the unit’s Commanding Officer, ­trialled the system last month in Esquimalt Harbour.LCdr Kappel noted that, among other operational advantages, the ultra-lightweight diving system will make diving from small boats in an operational environment safer and more effective. “Another significant advantage of having this lighter and modern equipment is what takes place above the water while divers are diving,” he said. “Clearance Divers often do their jobs in cold and hostile conditions, with boats rocking back and forth. This streamlined equipment will make these dives easer from a setup perspective, safer from a diver support perspective, and will also help save backs while moving the tanks and gear in and out of boats and vehicles. We are often prone to back injuries when going back and forth from land to water because we are carrying bulky, heavy, sometimes awkward gear, while keeping balance all at the same time.”LCdr Kappel and nine other divers participated in the three-day training course designed to qualify FDU(P) divers on the equipment. He conducted the diving system safety test and dawned the gear, and entered...

[caption id="attachment_18326" align="alignnone" width="581"] Left: Students from Esquimalt High School make some last-minute repairs to their robot ‘Spike’ before a quarter final match. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two employees from CFB Esquimalt are now believers in the FIRST Robotics Competition’s (FRC) power to inspire high school students about careers in science and technology. Earlier this month Mimi Cahill, a Federal Student Work Experience Program employee with Base Information Services, and Petty Officer Second Class Victor Haines, a Weapons Engineer at Fleet Maintenance Facility, volunteered to help in the first B.C. Regional Championship. The robo-sport competition took place March 15 and 16 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena, and challenged teams of 10 or more high school students to build from scratch, in just six weeks, a five-foot tall, 68 kilogram robot, and then enter it in a skill-testing competition.Cahill, who is studying Applied Computer Science at Dalhousie University, says a high school student’s experience with FIRST could be a career or life-changer.“The hands-on experience and work to build robots can inspire a lot more than looking at code or a formula in a text book,” said Cahill. “Whether these students end up in STEM [Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics] based fields, this experience may inspire them to a career path they may never before have considered.”This year’s regional competition involved 30 B.C. teams from across the province, and guest teams from further afield in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, California and Mexico. There are 160 regional competitions around the world with about 3,000 teams, with the ultimate goal to qualify for the FIRST world championship event.No ‘I’ In Team PO2 Haines ensured competitors were complying with the competition’s official rule book, and says teamwork was crucial to succeeding.“They not only have to build the robot but they also must build a team and work with each other,” said PO2 Haines. “I really enjoyed seeing how young students can build that camaraderie that I have learned to develop in the military. That...

[caption id="attachment_18322" align="alignnone" width="580"] Left: Two members conduct small boat operations from HMCS Whitehorse. Right: A crew member from HMCS Edmonton fires a C8 rifle on the ship’s fo’c’sle during Operation Caribbe in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Photos by MARPAC Public Affairs[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Canadian Joint Operations Command Public Affairs Officer ~As Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Whitehorse and Edmonton slipped all lines and proceeded to sea from San Diego, California, Feb. 26, there was a palpable sense of seriousness among both crews. As they exited the harbour, they turned south to begin their two-month deployment on Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to an international operation to stop illicit trafficking of LA drug detox, weapons, money and people.The eastern Pacific Ocean is a huge body of water, stretching for thousands of kilometers along the coast of South and Central America, and up to North America. It is along this maritime highway that drugs have been making their way onto the streets of Canada and the United States.Since the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) began participating in Operation Caribbe in 2006, they have contributed to the seizure of more than 83 tonnes of cocaine, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In 2017 alone, the CAF helped the U.S. Coast Guard seize or disrupt over 11.5 metric tonnes of cocaine.Those are drugs that are not reaching our streets and causing harm to our people. There is also a disruptive effect, where it becomes more difficult for criminal organizations to conduct their business.For the crew of HMCS Whitehorse, deploying on this operation is the culmination of an intense period of planning and preparation. In October 2017, the crew of HMCS Brandon conducted a hull transfer to HMCS Whitehorse, which had just completed a six-month docking work period of planned maintenance, painting, and the installation of new equipment.Then began the process of bringing the ship and crew to the level of proficiency required for this type of deployment. That is achieved through a tiered readiness program,...

[caption id="attachment_18333" align="alignnone" width="579"] From left, Wally Buckoski of PSP Halifax and Paul Hollingsworth of TSN look on as CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie hoists the Mini Grey Cup during his town hall event in Halifax on February 23. Photo by Mike Dembeck, CFL.CA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~As rumours swirl about the possibility of a Canadian Football League franchise coming to the Halifax area, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie stopped in the city Feb. 23 for a town-hall style event with local fans.While the CFL’s Grey Cup has been the ultimate prize in Canadian football since 1909, Ambrosie wasn’t getting away from Halifax without an introduction to CFB Halifax’s own football tradition.At the start of the event at the Westin Nova Scotian hotel, Ambrosie was presented with the Mini Grey Cup, the trophy awarded after the annual match between the Fleet Club Slackers and Wardroom Officers, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019.Wally Buckoski of Personnel Support Programs Halifax, who works as the sports stores technician at the Shearwater gym, said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring the storied military trophy to the event. But he didn’t expect it to become part of the show.“I just showed up at the hotel with the Mini Grey Cup, but I didn’t realize it would be so popular. It was a very cool moment.”He found himself a seat near the front of the room, and once the cameras were rolling, event emcee Paul Hollingsworth of TSN invited him to bring the cup on stage to introduce it to the Commissioner and take a few photos.The CFL’s top executive donned an Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) football jersey and hoisted the Mini Grey Cup above his head on stage for the TV cameras, and continued wearing the jersey for the entirety of the...

A/SLt Brandon Khuu, Naval Reserves ~The Annapolis division of Naval Warfare Officers have recently completed a dynamic Phase Four of training at Naval Fleet School Pacific – Venture Division.After spending three weeks at sea, and conducting a mini task group exercise on board Orca-Class Patrol vessels Wolf and Orca, sailors learned to be flexible with the planning and execution of tasks and exercises, all while standing bridge watches, and consolidating their naval concepts and skills learned to date.The work was fast paced and hands-on for the students who assisted the Canadian Coast Guard in response to a reported fuel spill in the Strait of Georgia. The two patrol craft embarked members of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) hovercraft Moytel to survey the coasts and shorelines of several Gulf Islands for signs of fuel, with no such indications found.The students also participated in two helicopter hoist operations with a United States Coast Guard helicopter from Port Angeles, and with RCAF 443 MH Squadron out of Patricia Bay, furthering their knowledge and capability of working alongside other government and allied departments.Training at sea allowed students to sail to Constance Bank and act as a platform for simulated mass casualties in support of a training event for HMCS Calgary, and later conducted pilotage to Desolation Sound, and anchorage in Teakerne Arm, which included an overnight maritime security patrol in the Strait of Georgia and the southern Gulf Islands.Sailing in late February and early March also added the complexity of Pacific Coast winter storm weather.Coping with the ever-changing environment, the students deftly adapted to last minute alterations into passages and channels to avoid predicted weather, which involved the immediate re-planning of routes, destinations and scheduled tasks.Thanks to the Patrol Craft Training Unit, the students enjoyed a fast-paced three weeks at sea, full of great events,...

[caption id="attachment_18311" align="alignnone" width="575"] The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette receives the Royal Salute from Guard Commander LCdr Mike Erwin in front of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings March 20.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18312" align="alignnone" width="575"] The Governor General of Canada inspects the Guard of Honour comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members from Maritime Forces Pacific.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18313" align="alignnone" width="575"] The Governor General of Canada greets members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.[/caption]––Photos by LS Victoria Ioganov, MARPAC Imaging Services

[caption id="attachment_18308" align="alignnone" width="575"] The crew of HMCS Chicoutimi prepare to disembark in Yokosuna, Japan, while deployed on Poseidon Cutlass 17. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian G. Reynolds/Released[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Chicoutimi has piled up a lot of firsts on its lengthy deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.It’s the first time a Victoria-class submarine has deployed from the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to the region; been deployed for so long – nearly 200 days; participated in the previously bilateral Annualex with the U.S. Navy (USN) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF); and made port visits to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, and Guam.It’s also the first time a Victoria-class submarine has undertaken a large-scale deployed maintenance activity conducted by personnel from Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) and Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) in Japanese ports – all while Super Typhoon Lan raged around them.“It has been a phenomenally successful deployment,” says Captain (Navy) Chris Robinson, Commander of the Canadian Submarine Force.Chicoutimi, under the command of Commander Stephane Ouellet, left its home base in Esquimalt, B.C., in early September last year. Its simply stated mission was to “support Canada’s global engagement strategy through strategic partnerships, port visits and operational interactions.”But it has been anything but simple. Over the course of several months, Chicoutimi conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; carried out seven interactions with the USN, JMSDF, the French Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force; operated with more than 20 surface ships and 50 aircraft; and conducted more than 180 hours of submarine-on-submarine engagements.The success of this hectic tempo is a testament to the crew, according to Capt(N) Robinson, who says they worked hard and overcame challenges prior to deploying. In particular he mentions the unexpected...

[caption id="attachment_18305" align="alignnone" width="575"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Holding homemade banners and signs, family and friends of HMCS Chicoutimi crewmembers waited anxiously for the submarine to appear in Esquimalt Harbour March 21, sail past Duntze Head, and come alongside A Jetty. After that it was tears, cheers and heartfelt hugs as families were reunited, ending the historic deployment of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) submarine.The uplifting music from the Naden Band added to the excitement and emotion. Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, described the homecoming as a “payday” and “return on investment”, not only for the RCN but also the families of the sailors. “You can see the love, you can see the pride, and you can see the sense of accomplishment in the faces of the sailors that came off the sub,” said RAdm McDonald. “This has been a far-reaching, long, successful, and very historic deployment. What this means is we have a great tool in our toolbox that has gone places and is proven.”The Victoria-class submarine and its crew of 59 left Esquimalt mid-September 2017 on a 197-day deployment, its first ever in the Asia-Pacific, and the first major RCN submarine deployment to the region in nearly 50 years. The mission also marked the longest deployment of a Victoria-class submarine to date. First across the brow was Master Seaman John Beaton who was selected in an on-board lottery to give the traditional first kiss at the homecoming to his wife Cendra Beaton. With his young daughter Ariana and son Xavier in the full embrace during the kiss, a large cheer and “hurrah” went up from the crowd. “It was a long deployment and it’s so good to be reunited with Cendra and the kids who seemed to have grown so much since I...

The Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre’s (MFRC) search for a new executive director is complete.Jackie Carlé is the new executive director at the centre. She had been acting as interim executive director for the organization since June of 2017 and was selected as the successful candidate after a detailed hiring process.She has worked in support of military families for over two decades including eight years with Military Family Services, and has been with the Esquimalt MFRC since 2014 as the community engagement manager. She has over 20 years’ experience working in non-profit organizations such as Victoria’s Cool Aid Society and Ottawa’s The Mission Homeless Shelter. We chatted with MFRC Board Chair Samantha Krzywonos and the new Executive Director Jackie Carlé about the news. What was the reason behind the timing of the hiring? Krzywonos: I think there were a couple of factors in play for our board of directors. First, we had a long-time executive director here for many years and we wanted a chance to pause, think and make an informed decision on a new executive director. Second, we didn’t get a clear picture of what was happening with the MFRC governance review until the fall and we wanted that information before proceeding.  Finally, we wanted to be able to gather meaningful input from staff and we used that information to find the right person. What were the results of the governance review? Carlé: MFRC board members and executive directors met in late-September and voted on their top options for governance. The choices were to continue with the current non-profit structure, make some minor enhancements, or to adopt a partnership model. As of right now, the final decision is still under review but we know the options under consideration. What made Jackie the right person for the job? Krzywonos: There are a lot...

[caption id="attachment_18277" align="alignnone" width="575"] Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, greets Commander Steve Lenik, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Te Kaha, on F Jetty Colwood March 6. Photo by Leading Seaman Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~HMNZS Te Kaha arrived in Esquimalt Harbour March 5 to undergo a midlife refit at Seaspan Shipyard, a project that, including post-upgrade testing, will have the Anzac-class frigate operating around CFB Esquimalt well into 2019. While most of the crew will fly home in six weeks, 20 will remain behind, housed on base, in order to effect work on the ship until mid-summer when fresh New Zealand sailors replace them.Leading Marine Technician (propulsion) (LMT(P)) Marc Cooper and Able Stores Accounting (ASA) Kendra Young will work in Esquimalt until late July, which gives them time to explore Canada during their time off.While both are well travelled, in large part due to their navy careers, this is their first time in Canada.“Been to America a few times,” says LMT(P) Cooper, listing several states he visited en route to a European vacation. “I’ve done like 40 countries now.”So far, most on the ship have stayed in the local area, figuring out how to get around using public transportation, and planning out a long-term transportation solution. “We need to make getting around easier,” says ASA Young, discussing the possibility of pooling resources with shipmates to buy a car.LMT(P) Cooper remarked that while Canada is much larger than New Zealand, British Columbia shares similarities to their homeland. “The terrain here is pretty similar to New Zealand,” says ASA Young.The sailors recently enjoyed the outdoors.“I did the Mount Finlayson walk at Goldstream Park,” says ASA Young, remarking the group expected to get to the top a lot sooner.The main attraction is undoubtedly snowboarding, before all...

Captain Marie-Michèle Siu, CFB Cold Lake ~The Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment in Cold Lake, Alta., is highlighting Major Catherine Blais – the first and only military female test pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).Over the past 50 years, more than a hundred pilots have been hand-picked to work at the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment. Maj Blais is one such person. As a versatile pilot, she has flown over 2,700 hours on military and civilian aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary wing, such as the CT-114 Tutor, CT-156 Harvard II, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-149 Cormorant.“My favorite is the UH-60 Blackhawk because it’s an icon of military aviation and it is truly built for its mission. Plus, I liked flying it at Test Pilot School,” she said. In addition to her flying experience, Maj Blais holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in aerospace engineering from l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. She is also a licensed professional engineer in Alberta.In 2003, Maj Blais enrolled in the CAF because of opportunities that appealed to her sense of adventure. She wanted to use her engineering degrees in a non-traditional way, and “couldn’t bear to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life”, she explains.She was first posted as an instructor at the 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Moose Jaw, Sask. In August 2010, she was deployed to Afghanistan to fly the CH-146 Griffon in support of army operations. Following her deployment, she was selected to be a test pilot in the CAF, and was posted to the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment upon her graduation in December 2013. She says the highlight of her career to date is her time at the United States Naval Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland.Her typical day as a test pilot consists of flying for half a day, and supporting other projects such as test planning, reporting, participating in review boards, and attending engineering meetings. When she is executing a test...

[caption id="attachment_18266" align="alignnone" width="575"] HMCS Sackville has been hoisted from the water and wheeled into the submarine shed at HMC Dockyard where it is undergoing repair work over the next three months. Photo by Sandy McClearn, CNMT Trustee[/caption]Ryan Melanson Trident Staff ~For the first time since 2008 Canada’s oldest warship, HMCS Sackville, has been hoisted on the Syncrolift at HMC Dockyard Halifax and moved inside the submarine shed. It will spend the next several months there undergoing repair work with boilers, and other equipments delivered to doorstep from heatingwise.co.uk.The Flower-class Corvette was tugged from its winter dockyard berth and brought up from the water on Feb. 11 for an initial cleaning of the 77-year-old hull, and then transfered to the shed. Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Scott personnel have begun the process of sandblasting, sonic testing, and other steps to determine the exact extent of work needed on the ship.It has been 10 years since its last docking, and trustees with the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (CNMT), the non-profit organization that owns Sackville, were uncertain about the integrity of the ship’s underwater hull. While it continued to serve as a floating museum dedicated to the legacy of those who served at sea during the Battle of the Atlantic, it has been unable to do its annual committal of ashes service on Battle of the Atlantic Sunday since 2014. The federal government is funding the $3.5 million repairs to make it sea worthy again.“Navy headquarters has really gone to bat for us to achieve what’s been achieved so far, and we’re very appreciative,” said Commander (Retired) Jim Reddy, CNMT chair, and ship commanding officer. Every six years since the 1980s, FMF has done a quick refit that involved sandblasting and checking the integrity of the steel. This latest docking period will be more...

[caption id="attachment_18260" align="alignnone" width="579"] LCdr Matt Woodburn, ship’s commanding officer, talks about the Canadian Navy’s role in the world.[/caption]Lt(N) Linda Coleman, MARLANT PAO ~When HMC Ships Kingston and Summerside began preparations for their deployment to West Africa, word spread that the ships were offering to transport donations to African schools in need. Donations poured in from all over Halifax, including École Beaubassin, a local elementary school in Bedford, Halifax. One teacher was particularly passionate about donating because her husband, Lt(N) Guillaume Desjardins, is the Operations Officer in Summerside.“When my wife Janie heard we were collecting donations for some French-speaking African countries, she thought this would be a great opportunity to get her school involved; French school to French school,” said Lt(N) Desjardins. The school found math, science, and French books from its collection to donate. The school also used their Facebook page to reach out to their community as a donation drive, which proved to be a success. Parents and students added to the donation pile, with students even donating some of their favourite reading books. In the end, École Beaubassin donated over 2,000 French books for Kingston and Summerside to transport to West Africa. On Feb. 22, the ships’ company delivered the items, along with toys, blankets, toiletries, first aid supplies and clothes to Diaraf Falla Paye, a French school in Dakar, Senegal. “We don’t often have this opportunity to give donations by hand and see the direct impact it has to those receiving it. This is great; you know exactly where your donations are going. It’s also great to make relationships and hopefully we’ll be back next year,” said Lt(N) Desjardins.Military members spent the day at the school, conducting repairs to desks, doors, plumbing, and removing large stones from the yard, making it a safer environment for the kids...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~It's game-on and lights out for two military residences in CFB Esquimalt.Residents of Bernay’s Block N123 and N124 are competing to see which one can use the least power during this year’s Earth Hour. The contest, organized by the Energy and Engineering branch of Real Property Operations (Pacific), goes well beyond the light bulb. Residents will have their power consumption tracked during the March 24 Earth Hour between the hours of 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. The building that consumes the least power within the hour will be declared the winner. Kim Arklie, a Mechanical Engineering student from the University of Victoria, developed this year’s contest as part of her duties during a four-month cooperative education placement at RPOps.“The reaction to the contest itself has been favourable and throughout the planning process everyone I have worked with has been very supportive of this initiative,” said Arklie. “During my work-study placement I have also met people at the base who are highly interested and motivated in saving energy.” A key factor in making the contest work was the same number of residents, approximately 250 in each building, and thus nearly identical power needs. Plus residents have a great deal of personal control on how much power they consume and which appliances, electronic equipment, and other devices they can switch off. Derek Knudsen, Technical Advisor (Energy Management) for Defence Construction Canada, worked with Arklie on this year’s contest. In past years he has helped organize similar energy-reduction competitions at Naval Fleet School Pacific and between two Transport Electrical and Maintenance Engineering (TEME) buildings at Work Point. He says on average past contests have seen five to eight per cent reductions in hourly power consumption, but this year’s contest in Naden has the potential to see much greater reductions, noting that most...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Staff at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMFCB) are playing a central role in a new educational program linking Aboriginal students to employment opportunities in Victoria’s ship repair industry. The Ship Repair Entry Level Training Program recently concluded a successful program launch in early February with the graduation of 16 participants drawn from the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society, 19 South Vancouver Island nations, and three Aboriginal Friendship Centres. The three-month program is part of the Aboriginal Marine Training and Employment Partnership and is offered through the Coast Salish Employment Training Society and the Camosun Coastal Centre, formerly known as IMTARC, the Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre, with the goal of providing certified training that leads to employment.Michelle Traore, Manager of Camosun Coastal Centre, says the Ship Repair Entry Level Training Program allows students to learn the necessary skills to work in the ship repair industry, such as safety procedures, environmental awareness, technical know-how and problem-solving skills, geared to specific marine sector situations. FMF CB and other industry partners, including Seaspan Victoria Shipyard and Point Hope Shipyard, provided facility tours, guest speakers and real work experience. “The program is invaluable when it comes to training and linking Indigenous students with employment opportunities,” says Traore. “Industry support is key to the success of this program and it really brings the learning they have done in the classroom to life.”The program was launched in November 2017 with the in-class component of the course conducted at the Camosun Coastal Centre. Instructors in the program include former FMF CB employees Dan Deringer, Ron Holmes, Brian Harris and Rob Reid. During their time at the dockyard ship repair unit, students shadowed tradespeople for five days. Ian Baxter, FMF Group 2 and Apprenticeship Manager, says the experience was an opportunity to...

Cpl Dustin Renz, MP Unit Esquimalt ~The Military Police has increased ticketing of distracted drivers throughout the month of March, which is designated Distracted Driving Month.The fine for using an electronic device while driving is $368 and four penalty points, making first-time offenders liable for $543 in charges.With additional tickets, the cost of penalty points increases exponentially – a second ticket could cost an extra $2,000 in administrative penalties alone.Receiving multiple tickets for using an electronic device while driving is considered a “high-risk offence”. As a consequence of this, the offender’s driving record is subject to review and ICBC may issue a driving prohibition.The B.C. Motor Vehicle Act restricts the use of hand-held telephones, email or texting capable devices, GPS, data computing devices, hand-held audio players, hand microphones, and televisions. Wearing headphones while driving is also illegal unless it is strictly used for hands-free communications, is placed only in one ear, and is placed there prior to the vehicle being placed in motion.The Motor Vehicle Act further defines “use” as holding the device in a position which it may be used, operating one or more of its functions, communicating orally by means of the device or watching the screen of the device. The only time telephones are permitted is if it is within easy reach, not being held in hand, if it is voice activated, or if it requires only one touch to initiate or end a call. This does not apply to class 7 “L” or “N” drivers who are, at all times, prohibited from operating any electronic devices while driving.Military Police are authorized to issue tickets under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act, reportable to ICBC. The Military Police are conducting plain clothes distracted driving enforcement and employ the use of spotting scopes capable of observing distracted drivers at...

[caption id="attachment_18238" align="alignnone" width="575"] The team representing HMCS Whitehorse donates their $250 prize to the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society.[/caption]A/SLt Anne Desgagné, HMCS Yellowknife ~Lieutenant-Commander Donald Thompson-Greiff, Commanding Officer HMCS Yellowknife, and a compliment of five personnel from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Yellowknife and Saskatoon, have just returned from the Yukon after spending a few days in the beautiful City of Whitehorse.Members of these two ship’s crews were visiting the Wilderness City from Feb. 22 to 26 on behalf of HMCS Whitehorse (currently deployed on Operation Caribbe) in order to strengthen the bond between the ship and its namesake city.Sailors donned all the layers of clothing they could to keep warm and took part in the annual Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival. The festival is a mid-winter event that coincides with Yukon Heritage Day as a means to celebrate the Yukon’s bold history and culture, and bring some color and warmth to the colder season with a celebration of gold-rush style entertainment.Can Can dancers, knight fights, queen crowning and a variety of lumberjack-themed competitions kept the spirits of the six sailors up in spite of the chilly weather.Part of the team visited with Mayor Don Curtis and other members of the city council, while the rest of the group answered questions from Whitehorse citizens and visitors, and talked about their experience in the navy.The contingent also participated in the “Community Challenge” of the Sourdough festival. Their efforts, particularly during a riveting tug-of-war competition, afforded them second place, just ahead of the Joint Task Force (North) team who were also present for the weekend. The prize was a $250 cheque, which was donated to the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society the next morning on behalf of HMCS Whitehorse.On Sunday morning, the team was invited to breakfast by Ione Christensen, former Mayor of Whitehorse, Commissioner...

[caption id="attachment_18234" align="alignnone" width="575"] HMS Protector crew members pay an informal visit to Argentinean Antarctic Base San Martin while on patrol in the Antarctic. Protector is currently conducting the third work package of its Ice Patrol season.[/caption]Lt(N) Rhys Davies, Bridge Watch-Keeper ~The Regulus program, initiated in 2010, has seen more than 150 sailors glean international experience sailing with Canada’s partners around the world.As part of this program, I am currently deployed with the Royal Navy as a Bridge Watch-Keeper in HMS Protector in the South Atlantic and Antarctic Ocean.I joined the ship in October 2017 in the Falkland Islands, and soon set to sea on what was the first of five work packages of the austral summer.First to complete was the Platform Endorsement process that, like in the Royal Canadian Navy, earns an Officer of the Watch, the Captain’s trust, and allows the officer to hold Charge of the Captain’s ship.After a security and sovereignty patrol to South Georgia and the South Shetland Islands, not to mention some survey work for the United Kingdom Hydrography Office, Protector returned to the Falklands.The ship was just on the point of departure when news reached us of the tragic sinking of ARA San Juan, an Argentine submarine.Protector immediately proceeded north, making preparations en route, and joined in the search.We remained on station, using the multi-beam sonar to scan a substantial area.After a quick resupply and crew change, we returned on task until released by Argentina just prior to Christmas.After a brief Christmas aboard, including a visit to Stanley’s Boxing Day horseraces, two thirds of the ship’s company returned and made preparations for work package three.HMS Protector operates a three watch rotation; red, blue, and white watches alternate in conjunction with the work packages. The crew are flown in and out from Protector’s port...

[caption id="attachment_18231" align="alignnone" width="575"] For nearly a decade, the snake pit of the gunroom has been known as “TK’s”, dedicated to Lt(N) Cameron Tkachuk. Lt(N) Tkachuk succumbed to cancer on Aug. 31, 2008. Team Onward posed in front of the print of naval artist John Horton presented to the Gunroom on his behalf. Pictured here: Lt(N) Adam Thomson, Lt(N) Cass van Benthem Jutting, Lt(N) Sean Milley and Lt(N) Stephen Tomlinson. Photo by SLt Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~When we last spoke to HMCS Calgary’s Team Onward, who were raising money for the B.C. Cancer Foundation’s Lose the Booze campaign, they had barely broken $3,000.From a modest initial goal of $2,000, Onward constantly had to revise their goal in order to keep the online donation counter from reading 100 per cent.“We picked $10,000 as a ‘We probably wouldn’t get there but we didn’t want it to cap at 100 per cent’ goal,” said Lt(N) Stephen Tomlinson, one of three team leaders for Team Onward, with all three battling cancer.But after a February without alcohol, the team’s final tally was $12,262.35, becoming the top Lose the Booze fundraising team in British Columbia. With their contribution, the event enjoyed their best fundraising year with an increase of over 30 per cent from last year.“We got outstanding support from friends and family, and the Formation as a whole,” said Lt(N) Tomlinson.The team worked hard on getting the word out and to tell their stories about their experiences with cancer, even taking to social media, despite an underlying dislike for the platforms.“I joke a lot about social media,” said Lt(N) Stephen Tomlinson. “I actually activated my Twitter account for the first time in six years.”Lt(N) Sean Milley says support from the chain of command helped a lot, and that the navy was onboard because...

[caption id="attachment_18227" align="alignnone" width="575"] On dry land: Army cook Corporal Patrick Espanola of 19 Mission Support Squadron prepares fish for lunch in the kitchen of 19 Wing Comox. In the deep: Cpl Espanola at about 45 feet (14 metres) below sea level off the coast of British Columbia with the Logistics Branch special 50th anniversary flag. Photos by Corporal Curtis Coles, 19 Mission Support Squadron and member, Pacific Divers SCUBA Club[/caption] Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Martin, Director Public Affairs Planning (Operations) ~A Canadian Army cook stationed at 19 Wing Comox has made history by being the first to dive to a depth of nearly 60 feet, or about 18 metres below sea level, with the Logistics Branch 50th Anniversary Flag and Pennant.Corporal Patrick Espanola of 19 Mission Support Squadron made the salt-water dive in Tayee Cove, Nanoose, B.C., on Feb. 19 with the safety assistance of fellow members of the Pacific Divers SCUBA Club.“To me, this Flag is building connections from here to the farthest coast,” said Cpl Espanola. “It shows how we support each other and we rely on teamwork.”Cpl Espanola and his friends made the 30-minute dive under chilly temperatures.“We wore dry-suits and dove to about 55 feet [17 metres] below the surface. The visibility wasn’t very good so we came back to about 35 to 45 feet [11 to 14 metres] for the photographs.”He has been a cook in 19 Wing Comox since 2015. Along with his dive club membership, he has held executive membership in the Wing’s Auto Club and Woodworking Club, is the food representative at the Junior Ranks Mess, is a bartender for all three messes at the Wing, and if that wasn’t enough, he is a member of the Ground Search and Rescue Team in the Comox Valley.The 50th Anniversary Flag Relay has already visited...

[caption id="attachment_18224" align="alignnone" width="575"] Members of NRU Asterix line the rails of the ship prior to the ceremony welcoming MV Asterix to the Atlantic Fleet March 6. Photos by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~While alongside at HMC Dockyard in Halifax, Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship MV Asterix formally joined Canadian Fleet Atlantic during a ceremony inside the ship’s hangar March 6.The former commercial container vessel was stripped down and converted by Davie Shipbuilding in Quebec to meet the navy’s supply ship needs.“I believe we are making naval history today,” said LCdr Jason Walsh, Commanding Officer, Naval Replenishment Unit Asterix, the unit that operates on board the ship alongside a civilian crew employed by Federal Fleet Services. “In addition to the robust capabilities and tremendous support that Asterix brings to the fleet and to the navy, the arrival of the ship also marks a new era of teamwork and cohesion between the RCN and the civilian mariners, who’ll be essential to ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of this vessel.”Representatives from Davie and Federal Fleet Services were on hand for the welcoming, along with General Richard Steele, Director ADM(Mat), and a number of MLAs and MPs, including Ontario MP Cheryl Gallant, Vice Chair, Standing Parliamentary Committee on National Defence.For navy representation, senior Maritime Forces Atlantic leaders were joined by VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and RCN Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Michel Vigneault, along with Honorary Naval Captains Fred George and Tom Paddon.Ceremonial aspects of the day included the presentation of the ship’s bell and the breaking of the Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel Jack.CPO2 (Retired) Debbie Eisan, an elder with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, also provided smudging in the hangar at the onset of the event.Federal Fleet Services CEO Spencer Fraser described the...

[caption id="attachment_18220" align="alignnone" width="575"] Photo by Rodney Venis, BPA Office[/caption]Capt Jenn Jackson, BPAO ~International Women’s Day turned into an eye-opening experience for 17 local businesswomen and community leaders when they embarked in HMCS Nanaimo last Thursday for a day sailing and interacting with female Canadian Armed Forces members.The event was championed by Mandy Farmer, CEO Accent Inns and CFB Esquimalt’s Honorary Navy Captain, and coordinated through Maritime Forces Pacific headquarters and the Defence Women’s Advisory Organization.For most guests, this was the first time stepping on to a Royal Canadian Navy warship, and interacting with male and female sailors.As this was a women-centric sail, the focus was on female sailors and their stories.“I thought I knew about the Forces before I came today, but it turns out I didn’t,” said Sherri Bell, President, Camosun College. “I had no idea of the full diversity of employment opportunities available within one career in the military. My vision and understanding of the Forces has been expanded monumentally. It is a huge opportunity for education and experience in so many ways.”Uniting female business leaders and influencers with the navy, with an eye on increasing awareness of the base that is hidden out of sight in Esquimalt, was HCapt(N) Farmer’s goal.“I was amazed by the conversations we had today with women who serve. All of them were open and honest and had so many unique experiences. I saw a lot of stereotypes break today, and everyone was positively surprised by what they learned,” she said.Dispelling myths about military service was revealed through frank conversations.“I was surprised by how down-to-earth everyone is and how normal their lives are,” said Suzanne Bradbury, owner of Fort Properties and President of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. “They do everyday stuff; their lives include more than just the military. They have...

[caption id="attachment_18172" align="alignnone" width="600"] Left: Chris Schreyer, millwright apprentice at Fleet Maintenance Facility, gets guidance from journeyman machinist and marine mechanic Mike Cato while making repairs to a Padeye. The device is used by Canadian warships for replenishment at sea.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Apprentices are set to become the next generation of highly skilled tradespeople at Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton.They are young and well trained, and ready to fill the vacancies left by retiring employees in the ship repair unit over the coming years. A path to employment for program enrollees is carved over four years with both hands-on and vocational training, ending with a trade certification. Program enrolment at FMF will dramatically increase in the next two years to meet the demand for new workers in 15 trades. Richard Turnbull, Weapons Shop and Underwater Weapons Work Centre manager, says he’s been telling everyone with an interest in becoming part of their workforce to enroll because the hiring rate for apprentices to full-time employment is almost 95 per cent. Speaking knowledgably as a former apprentice of 1989, he says mentoring from seasoned tradespeople is vital in developing the next wave of employees.   “It’s really an effort to transfer knowledge from an experienced workforce that won’t be working here forever and will soon be moving on to retirement,” said Turnbull. “We need to bring people in here fairly quickly and apprentices are a huge part of that.”President of the Apprentice Association Shawn Fiset, also a Millwright Apprentice in his third year, says FMF’s focus is on quality, not quantity, of work completed by apprentices.“One of the huge advantages over many private sector outlets is you are given the time to learn and are not just a body to accomplish a task,” he says. “They want to make sure people who...

[caption id="attachment_18168" align="alignnone" width="600"] Lieutenant (Navy) Eric Dignard, Division Commander, Venture Division, Naval Fleet School (Pacific); and Commander Jeanne Lessard, President Mess Committee, stand with Vice-Admiral (Retired) Nigel Brodeur and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Charles Boyes in the Gun Room at Work Point.[/caption] SLt M.X. Déry,  MARPAC PAVice-Admiral (Retired) Nigel Brodeur donated beer steins from the early part of his naval career to the Naval Fleet School Pacific’s Gunroom Feb. 23 in hopes of inspiring the Royal Canadian Navy’s future leaders.Lt(N) Eric Dingnard, Venture Division Commander at Naval Fleet School (Pacific), introduced VAdm (Ret’d) Brodeur by affirming that the Brodeur family “are of great significance to the Royal Canadian Navy.”The Admiral’s grandfather, Louis-Philippe Brodeur, introduced legislation to create the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) while he was Minister of the Naval Service. His father, Rear-Admiral Victor Brodeur, served in the RCN through both world wars.VAdm (Ret’d) Nigel Brodeur, followed in his father’s footsteps and served from 1952 until he retired in 1987.“These mugs, I hope they be put to good use,” he said to a host of Acting Sub-Lieutenants currently undergoing their Naval Warfare Officer courses. “I hope they will give you an indication of the starting out, from lieutenant to captain…Learn all you can. Learn about the sea, learn about other navies.”While some of the donated steins were departure gifts from ships VAdm (Ret’d) Brodeur served in, others were gifts from friends within the fleet.After the presentation, the Admiral spoke one-on-one with a few students, curious to know how far along they were in their training. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Travis Boyko said the steins were a great addition to the Junior Officers Mess.“I think it re-instilled some life into the Gunroom. I know a lot of people were keen on using them.”The ceramic steins will be kept on display while the pewter ones can be...

[caption id="attachment_18163" align="alignnone" width="600"] Students check out a mortar tube under the watchful eye of gunners from 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery during the Army Reserve's latest Soldier for a Day program.[/caption] Capt Jeff Manney, 39 Signal Regiment PAStudents from as far away as Campbell River gathered in Victoria Feb. 24 to see if being a soldier for a day could lead to being a real soldier.Held at the Bay Street Armoury, the Army Reserves’ popular Soldier For A Day program allowed students to check out army vehicles and communication equipment, practice their marksmanship on the small arms weapons simulator, taste military rations, take the Canadian Armed Forces fitness test, and even try their hand at a military drill.The glimpse into life as an Army Reservist must have been compelling; 20 per cent of those attending submitted an application to join.“We aimed to properly showcase the equipment, benefits and lifestyle of Army Reservists and I think it went over well,” says Capt Sean Breckenridge, the event’s coordinator. “The students were surprised at the number of opportunities available, how technical some of them are, at their similarity to many civilian jobs, and just how compatible the Reserve experience is with civilian life.” Soldier For a Day has been running in various forms since 1996.  In that time it’s emerged as one of the Army Reserves’ most effective recruiting tools, Capt Breckenridge says. “There’s so many upsides to becoming a citizen soldier that it takes a little time to soak them all in,” he says.  “We’ve found that a day-long event is ideal for showing what the Reserves is about. Those thirsting for adventure, challenge, great friends and unforgettable memories will find everything they need here.”That’s on top of the many benefits now available to Reservists, such as up to $8,000...

[caption id="attachment_18160" align="alignnone" width="600"] LS Houle Carrière, Naval Communicator, is the recipient of the Sailor of the Year.[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~Dentistry and naval communications have little in common, but according to Canadian Fleet Pacific’s 2017 Sailor of the Year, LS Rosalie Houle Carrière, the experience gained from the journey is what’s important. While she has held a dream of being a dentist since she was 12, her desire to gain work experience and travel made her join the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve in 2010 as a Naval Communicator. “The goal of being a dentist is in the back of my mind,” says LS Houle Carrière. “But that doesn’t mean the road to get there is a straight line.” The 25-year-old Québecoise, born and raised in Trois-Rivières, grew up speaking French and learned English in an immersion program; language skills she would put to use when travelling around the world in Canadian warships.As a teenager, LS Houle Carrière joined the Air Cadets, and after high school joined Naval Reserve Unit HMCS Radisson while completing her pre-university degree at Cégep Trois-rivière.With college complete, and qualified as a Naval Communicator, she joined HMCS Regina on Operation Artemis in 2013; the shift from her experience on Great Lakes deployments aboard HMCS Moncton, a maritime coastal defence vessel, to a Halifax-class frigate deployed on a major operation was jarring. “The platform is very different, the atmosphere, it is like a town floating on the water,” says LS Houle Carrière. “You might not see someone for two months; the MCDV is more familial.”That first major deployment was unexpectedly extended when Russia invaded Crimea and Canada committed Regina to Operation Reassurance.In 2016, she came to Esquimalt to serve in HMCS Whitehorse, a change that was difficult. “It is far from family,” said LS Houle Carrière,...