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[caption id="attachment_35465" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor First Class (S1) Corwin Nemeth (left), a member of the Raven Indigenous Program’s general duties team, and S1 David Inglangasuk a weapons instructor with this year’s program. Photo: Anna Muselius, NTG Public Affairs[/caption] NTG Public Affairs  —  Summer training is about challenging yourself and making lifelong memories! Staff and instructors have been ramping up their preparations over the last few weeks to welcome this year’s Raven recruits. Raven is one of a series of Indigenous summer programs offered across the country by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and is the only program with a naval focus. It provides Indigenous peoples an opportunity to experience military life and explore career possibilities within the CAF. Raven 2024 officially started on July 9 and wraps up on Aug. 19 with a graduation parade at Work Point. HMCS Venture is facilitating Raven on behalf of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). One of the highlights of the summer will be a day sail on HMCS Regina in August. Captain Joel Unruh is the officer in charge of Raven and is supported by Sergeant (Sgt) Scott Hennessey along with instructors and staff from across the CAF who come from a diverse set of backgrounds. Sgt Hennessey is an Army reservist whose family comes from the Songhees Nation and considers Victoria home. “I want to ensure that people know it’s okay to be proud of who they are, and that they will be safe and accepted,” says Sgt Hennessey. “I wish I had known about the Raven program when I enrolled in the CAF. It would have been a great way to kick start my personal and professional journey.” During the first few days of Raven, recruits participate in a cultural experience that takes place away from the Base and is lead...

[caption id="attachment_35465" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Le matelot de première classe (Mat1) Corwin Nemeth (à gauche), membre de l’équipe des tâches générales du programme indigène Raven, et le Mat1 David Inglangasuk instructeur en maniement des armes dans le cadre du programme de cette année. Photo : Anna Muselius, NTG Public Affairs[/caption] NTG Public Affairs  —  L’entraînement estival permet de se mettre au défi et de se créer des souvenirs inoubliables ! Le personnel et les instructeurs ont intensifié leurs préparatifs au cours des dernières semaines pour accueillir les recrues Raven de cette année. Raven est l’un des programmes d’été destinés aux autochtones proposés par les Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) dans l’ensemble du pays et le seul à être axé sur la marine. Il permet aux peuples autochtones de faire l’expérience de la vie militaire et d’explorer les possibilités de carrière au sein des FAC. Le programme Raven 2024 a officiellement débuté le 9 juillet et se terminera le 19 août par un défilé de remise des diplômes à Work Point. Le NCSM Venture facilite le déroulement de Raven au nom de la Marine royale canadienne (MRC). L’un des points forts de l’été sera une journée de navigation à bord du NCSM Regina en août. Le capitaine Joel Unruh est l’officier responsable de Raven et il est appuyé par le sergent (Sgt) Scott Hennessey ainsi que par des instructeurs et du personnel provenant de toute la FAC et ayant des antécédents diversifiés. Le sergent Hennessey est un réserviste de l’armée dont la famille est originaire de la nation Songhees et considère Victoria comme sa patrie. “Je veux m’assurer que les gens savent qu’il est normal d’être fiers de ce qu’ils sont, et qu’ils seront en sécurité et acceptés”, déclare le sergent Hennessey. “J’aurais aimé connaître le programme Raven lorsque je me suis inscrite...

[caption id="attachment_35455" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Venture Instructor Lt(N) Richard Rowe proudly shows off his Bridge Watchkeepers Jacket during his NWO III Kootenay class at Workpoint, July 8. Photo: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  More than 30 years may have passed since his days as a young sailor but Lieutenant (Navy) Richard Rowe and his faded Green Navy Flight Jacket are back at square one. Lt(N) Rowe proudly wore his jacket in the early 1990s as a Bridge Watchkeeper aboard Restigouche-class destroyer HMCS Kootenay. Today, the jacket is a cherished piece of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) seldom-worn memorabilia for the 57-year-old Naval Warfare Officer-turned-instructor. On July 8, Lt(N) Rowe, a Division Instructor at HMCS Venture, wore the jacket on the first day of the course he leads, titled Kootenay NWO III. “This really brings things full circle for me, being able to wear this jacket in front of today’s students and reflect on my time aboard the vessel when I was also just starting out in the Navy,” said Lt(N) Rowe. Lt(N) Rowe believes his job teaching the NWO III Kootenay program marks the first time that a course instructor taught a class named for a ship they sailed. The NWO III coursing is the first chance students get to begin developing as officers and learn core skills of a Watchkeeping Officer. The 16 weeks of study include fundamentals of coastal navigation, rules of the road, tides, astronomic and meteorology, radar theory, navigation, marine engineering, collision regulations, naval history and Officer of the Watch maneuvers.     Part of the course also consists of five weeks in simulators and two weeks at sea in Orca-class vessels. Former members of Kootenay, Captain (ret’d) Murray ‘Sandy’ Bellows, who served as Lt(N) Rowe’s Executive Officer aboard Kootenay, and Commander (ret’d) Dave Kyle, his Commanding Officer, will be the students’ mentors during their studies on Venture’s bridge simulators. Lt(N) Rowe admits he rarely brings the jacket out of the back of his...

[caption id="attachment_35455" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Le Ltv Richard Rowe, instructeur du NCSM Venture, montre fièrement sa veste de gardien de pont lors de son cours sur l’ONO III Kootenay à Workpoint, le 8 juillet. Photo : Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper : Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper[/caption] Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef —  Plus de 30 ans se sont écoulés depuis l’époque où il était un jeune marin, mais le lieutenant de vaisseau Richard Rowe et son blouson de vol vert délavé de la marine sont de retour à la case départ. Le lieutenant de vaisseau Richard Rowe portait fièrement sa veste au début des années 1990, alors qu’il était gardien de passerelle à bord du destroyer de classe Restigouche, le NCSM Kootenay. Aujourd’hui, la veste est un souvenir de la Marine royale canadienne (MRC) que cet officier de guerre navale de 57 ans devenu instructeur chérit et porte rarement. Le 8 juillet, le Ltv Rowe, instructeur de division au NCSM Venture, a porté la veste le premier jour du cours qu’il dirige, intitulé Kootenay NWO III. “Cela me permet de boucler la boucle, de porter cette veste devant les étudiants d’aujourd’hui et de me remémorer le temps que j’ai passé à bord du navire, alors que je commençais à peine ma carrière dans la Marine“, a déclaré le Ltv Rowe.   Le Ltv Rowe croit que c’est la première fois qu’un instructeur donne un cours portant le nom d’un navire sur lequel il a navigué, dans le cadre du programme NWO III Kootenay. Le cours NWO III est la première occasion pour les étudiants de commencer à se développer en tant qu’officiers et d’acquérir les compétences de base d’un officier de quart. Les 16 semaines de cours comprennent les principes fondamentaux de la navigation côtière, les règles de route, les marées, l’astronomie et la...

Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — Sandra Witt est responsable des relations avec les autochtones au sein de la Formation sécurité et environnement (FSE) des Forces maritimes du Pacifique (FMAR(P)). Il s’agit d’un poste entièrement nouveau créé en janvier au sein [...]

[caption id="attachment_35449" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sandra Witt, Formation Safety and Environment Indigenous Relations Officer.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  — Sandra Witt is the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Formation Safety and Environment (FSE) Indigenous Relations Officer. Her job is an entirely new position created in January within MARPAC’s FSE unit. The Indigenous Relations Officer acts as a liaison between Indigenous communities potentially affected by military operations on the water and senior leadership at the Base. As a member of Canada’s Public Service, her job involves understanding the impacts of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Department of National Defence (DND) activities to Indigenous communities on the water including vessels, weaponry, sonar, and impacts on marine life. There are several DND properties located in close proximity or adjacent to First Nations communities, many of which have traditional territories that extend into the marine waters where the navy operates and trains. As an official representative for FSE, Witt also advises members of the RCN on the implementation of policy involving Indigenous communities.  With this in mind, the Lookout asked Witt five questions about her new job. What is the key purpose of your new position with FSE? Developing better relationships, standardized procedures for engagement and communication with First Nations communities. Of great importance is to understand how the RCN affects these relationships through operations on the water including vessel operations and where we are sailing, conducting exercises or doing on-the-water training. This could also involve aircraft flights, explosives or weaponry testing and training, and engine activity. There is also a lot of focus on situations where marine mammals are involved, in particular, Orcas. Coordinating communication and decision-making with all branches and departments of the RCN and DND is crucial so that we are all on the same page. Another key to the job is to...

[caption id="attachment_35444" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Some of the items the Explosive Ordnance teams discovered while investigating a cache of munitions at a residential site in Mission, B.C. Photos supplied.[/caption] A/SLt Alexandra Cortes Munoz, MARPAC Public Affairs  —  Another successful operation for the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) was carried out as two Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams concluded a complex multiple-day callout alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Mission, B.C., on June 19. Responding to a report of unexploded ordnance discovered at a residential site, the highly trained teams swiftly mobilized to ensure the safety and security of the community. Initially prompted by a call regarding a single grenade, the EOD teams arrived at the scene prepared for routine disposal procedures. However, as further intelligence revealed the magnitude of the ordnance cache totaling 970 individual pieces, a rapid escalation in response was required and additional support was dispatched. “This was by far the largest cache of munitions and ordnance I have responded to in recent memory,” said Master Sailor (MS) Charlie Chamberlain, Lead Operator of the call. The collaboration between the EOD teams and the RCMP was essential throughout the operation. Working in close coordination, they meticulously identified, secured, and safely disposed of each ordnance item, strictly adhering to established safety protocols to mitigate risks to both personnel and the surrounding community. “Our EOD teams respond to about a hundred of these types of incidents each year across British Columbia. They do great work disposing of dangerous explosive ordnance found by the public,” said EOD Officer Lieutenant (Navy) Jesse Deason. Operations such as these demonstrate the capability and professionalism of FDU(P) as well as the critical role of collaboration between military, federal and civilian agencies in emergency response scenarios. MS Chamberlain advises the public not to keep munitions or explosives, as they pose a significant risk to personnel and public safety. “If you discover any explosives, please do not handle or move them. Contact us immediately,” he says. For...

Ens 2 Alexandra Cortes Munoz, Affaires publiques des FMAR(P) — Une autre opération réussie pour l’Unité de plongée de la Flotte (Pacifique) (FDU(P)) a été menée lorsque deux équipes de neutralisation des explosifs et munitions (NEDEX) ont conclu une intervention [...]

[caption id="attachment_35435" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sailor 2nd Class Trey Pennington, military cook-in-training, prepares dishes for his Confirmation Dinner.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — With taste buds tantalized and the rave reviews almost unanimous, a Cook-in-training has served up another finger-licking Confirmation Dinner. After completing a key component of his on-the-job training, Sailor 2nd Class (S2) Trey Pennington of HMCS Yellowknife is happy about the prospects of soon becoming a certified, full-fledged Cook. S2 Pennington was cool as a cucumber while working over a hot grill, serving up a four-course meal for eight hungry guests at the Venture Galley on the afternoon of June 27. The Confirmation Dinner was part of his Rank Qualification (RQ) testing with the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre (CFLTC). “I wasn’t nervous at all while preparing this meal; the testing went fairly smoothly and it was great to get so many compliments afterwards,” said S2 Pennington. The dinner menu included corn bread, vegetable soup, spinach and cranberry, and almond salad in balsamic and shallot dressing, slow oven-baked BBQ ribs, shaken garlic potatoes topped with chives, grilled corn medley, and chocolate chip banana bread. “The trickiest part of preparing this meal was making sure the ribs had a good amount of flavour and weren’t too dry, so it was important to keep layering on the BBQ sauce and making sure there was some liquid in the bottom of the pan,” he said. The invited dinner guests included three of his Yellowknife shipmates, three members of the Lookout Newspaper and his two assessors from Base Foods. “It was an incredible meal from start to finish, with great portion sizes and the flavour of everything just was awesome,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Adrian Jack, Coxswain of HMCS Yellowknife. “Now I can feel at ease knowing the ship’s company and I will be well-taken care of when we depart on Operation Caribbe later this year.” “What really stood out for me was the sweet and savory salad dressing he prepared...

[caption id="attachment_35435" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Le matelot de 2e classe Trey Pennington, cuisinier militaire en formation, prépare des plats pour son dîner de confirmation.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — Les papilles gustatives sont en éveil et les commentaires élogieux sont presque unanimes : un cuisinier en formation a servi un autre dîner de confirmation savoureux. Après avoir terminé un élément clé de sa formation en cours d’emploi, le matelot de 2e classe (Mat2) Trey Pennington, du NCSM Yellowknife, est heureux à l’idée de devenir bientôt un cuisinier certifié à part entière. Le matelot de 2e classe Trey Pennington n’avait pas froid aux yeux lorsqu’il travaillait sur un gril chaud et servait un repas de quatre plats à huit invités affamés à la Venture Galley, dans l’après-midi du 27 juin. Le dîner de confirmation faisait partie de son test de qualification de grade (QR) avec le Centre de formation en logistique des Forces canadiennes (CFLTC). “Je n’étais pas du tout nerveux en préparant ce repas ; le test s’est déroulé sans problème et j’ai été ravi de recevoir autant de compliments par la suite “, a déclaré le Sgt Pennington. Le menu du dîner comprenait du pain de maïs, une soupe aux légumes, une salade d’épinards, de canneberges et d’amandes avec une vinaigrette au balsamique et à l’échalote, des côtes BBQ cuites lentement au four, des pommes de terre à l’ail garnies de ciboulette, un pot-pourri de maïs grillé et du pain aux bananes et aux pépites de chocolat. “La partie la plus délicate de la préparation de ce repas a été de s’assurer que les côtes avaient une bonne quantité de saveur et n’étaient pas trop sèches, il était donc important de continuer à étaler la sauce barbecue et de s’assurer qu’il y avait un peu de liquide dans le...

[caption id="attachment_35413" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sheena Finkbiner, Lt(N) Lindsey Bookham and Malia Copley strike a pose with PSP staff while wearing pride colours ahead of warmups. Photos: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper.  [/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  Military members and civilian staff who ran June’s Formation 5K race did so with pride.    Over 200 runners set off from Y-Jetty at 8:30 a.m. on June 28, running a loop through the streets at Naden and Dockyard in the Victoria Pride Week themed event. While organizers from Personnel Support Programs (PSP) handed out rainbow pride flags along with water and snacks during warmups at the starters table, a handful of participants went a step further and donned rainbow-coloured attire to celebrate the occasion.   Among the most colourful of runners in the crowd was Lieutenant (Navy) Lindsey Bookham of the PSP Fitness Cell. She took part in the run dressed in rainbow-coloured costume alongside two of her civilian friends, Malia ‘Chastity’ Copley and Sheena ‘Charlie Chapstick’ Finkbiner, also in colourful costume and makeup. All three perform in drag shows with local dance studio Passion and Performance and each said they jumped at the chance to wear costume for the Formation 5K.   “Having a pride-themed run is a very visible way to promote and celebrate pride,” said Lt(N) Bookham who goes by the stage name ‘Java the Butt’. Copley shared in the sentiment, adding that it’s ‘very cool’ the military is showing such great support and promoting pride.   Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, was also among the participants.   “The Defence Team is really a cross-section of Canadian society, and our mission is all about celebrating and encouraging diversity within the formation. It’s great to have Pride Week celebrations as part of this popular athletic event,” said Capt(N) Whiteside.   Organizers say the Pride theme component was an effort to promote inclusivity and support Pride initiatives taking place for Victoria Pride Week (June 27 to July 7), says Kiana Deland,...

Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — Les membres des forces armées et du personnel civil qui ont participé à la course de 5 km du mois de juin l’ont fait avec fierté. Plus de 200 coureurs se sont élancés de Y-Jetty à 8 h 30 le 28 juin, parcourant une boucle dans les rues de Naden et de Dockyard, dans le cadre de l’événement organisé [...]

[caption id="attachment_35400" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain (Navy) Mark O’Donohue, Commodore David Mazur and Commander Sam Patchell sign off on documents to confirm the Change of Appointment for Commander Patchell as Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, June 25. Photos: Master Sailor Valerie LeClair.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  The Pacific Fleet has a new Deputy Commander to assist Commodore (Cmdre) David Mazur in the business of leading its ships and shore units.   Commander (Cdr) Sam Patchell succeeded Captain (Navy) Mark O’Donohue in a Change of Appointment Ceremony for Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC) on June 25.    “I look forward to doing the best as your Deputy Commander; Sir, I have the watch,” said Cdr Patchell after he, Cmdre Mazur and Capt(N) O’Donohue made the appointment official.   The job of CANFLTPAC Deputy Commander includes advising and assisting the Commodore while enhancing fleet readiness and sustainability of all surface assets and shore units, including Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) and the Naval Tactical Operations Group.   During his address, Cmdre Mazur thanked Capt(N) O’Donohue for his diligence and excellent work during his two-year posting at the job. Both men emphasized how managing the fleet had become more difficult under their watch, chiefly due to the impact of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Royal Canadian Navy’s personnel challenges.   “Despite the personnel and technical challenges faced by the Pacific Fleet over the past two years, I am proud to report our ships and shore-based units successfully completed all their assigned missions and tasks,” said Capt(N) O’Donohue. “I am continually amazed by the perseverance, resilience, hard work and dedication of the extraordinary men and women who crew our ships and units.”   Capt(N) O’Donohue will soon retire after completing 25 years of service.   Before taking on the role of Deputy Commander, Capt(N) O’Donohue commanded HMCS Calgary from July 2020 to April 2022. During this time, he received a Chief of Defence Staff Unit Commendation for successfully executing maritime...

[caption id="attachment_35400" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Le Capitaine de vaisseau Mark O’Donohue, le Commodore David Mazur et le Capitaine de frégate Sam Patchell signent les documents confirmant le changement de nomination du Capitaine de frégate Patchell au poste de commandant adjoint de la Flotte canadienne du Pacifique, le 25 juin. Photos : Matelot-chef Valerie LeClair.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef  —  La Flotte du Pacifique a un nouveau commandant adjoint pour aider le Commodore (Cmdre) David Mazur à diriger ses navires et ses unités à terre.   Le Capitaine de frégate Sam Patchell a succédé au Capitaine de vaisseau Mark O’Donohue lors d’une cérémonie de changement de nomination au poste de commandant adjoint de la Flotte canadienne du Pacifique (CANFLTPAC), le 25 juin.   “J’ai hâte de faire de mon mieux en tant que commandant adjoint ; monsieur, j’ai la garde”, a déclaré le Capf Patchell après que lui-même, le Cmdre Mazur et le Captv O’Donohue eurent officialisé la nomination.   Le commandant adjoint de CANFLTPAC a pour mission de conseiller et d’assister le commodore tout en améliorant l’état de préparation de la flotte et la viabilité de tous les moyens de surface et des unités à terre, y compris l’unité de plongée de la flotte (Pacifique) et le groupe d’opérations tactiques de la marine.   Dans son discours, le Cmdre Mazur a remercié le Capitaine de vaisseau O’Donohue pour sa diligence et son excellent travail au cours des deux années qu’il a passées à ce poste. Les deux hommes ont souligné à quel point la gestion de la flotte était devenue plus difficile sous leur gouverne, principalement en raison de l’impact des restrictions pendant la pandémie COVID-19 et des défis en matière de personnel de la Marine royale canadienne.   “Malgré les difficultés d’ordre personnel et technique auxquelles la flotte du...

[caption id="attachment_35392" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Craig Newman, outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) of Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point, Colonel Guillaume Arciuette, Commander Canadian Material Support Group, and LCdr Chantal Woolley, incoming CO, attend a Change of Command Ceremony at CFAP Rocky Point.[/caption] Kate Bandura, Lookout Editor  —  In a milestone ceremony on June 25, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Chantal Woolley made history as she became the first female commanding officer (CO) of Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point.   She takes over from LCdr Craig Newman, who led the depot for the past three years. The change of command ceremony marked the continuation of CFAD Rocky Point’s proud 70-year history of providing ammunition and explosives support to the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).   LCdr Woolley brings a unique perspective to the role: having previously served at Rocky Point, she returns with both familiarity and fresh vision. In her remarks, she expressed excitement about returning to the depot.   “It truly is an honor and a privilege to be the commanding officer of a unit which has great history and a lot of wisdom,” LCdr Woolley said. “It’s a great responsibility for which I’m grateful, and for the trust bestowed in me.”   The event marked not just a leadership transition, but also highlighted the evolving face of Canada’s military logistics and support operations. LCdr Woolley’s appointment is part of a broader shift in ammunition depot leadership across Canada: by summer’s end, women will command three of the country’s four ammunition depots, a milestone LCdr Woolley noted with pride.   The ceremony underscored the vital, yet often overlooked, role of ammunition depots. In his farewell address, LCdr Newman reflected on his tenure as the depot supported fleet operations worldwide. “Giving as much as I did to the unit for them to succeed in whatever they’re working on – that’s what I’m most proud of,” said LCdr Newman.   He noted key accomplishments included support to Ukraine,...

[caption id="attachment_35392" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Le Capitaine de corvette Craig Newman, commandant sortant du Dépôt de munitions des Forces canadiennes (DMFC) Rocky Point, le Colonel Guillaume Arciuette, commandant du Groupe canadien de soutien matériel, et le Capitaine de corvette Chantal Woolley, commandant entrant, assistent à une cérémonie de passation de commandement au DMFC Rocky Point.[/caption] Kate Bandura, Rédactrice en chef du Lookout  —    Lors d’une cérémonie marquante tenue le 25 juin, le Capitaine de corvette (Capc) Chantal Woolley est entrée dans l’histoire en devenant la première femme commandant (Cmdt) du Dépôt de munitions des Forces canadiennes (DMFC) Rocky Point.   Elle succède au Capitaine de corvette Craig Newman, qui a dirigé le dépôt au cours des trois dernières années. La cérémonie de passation de commandement a marqué la poursuite des 70 ans d’histoire du DMFC Rocky Point, qui est fier de fournir un soutien en matière de munitions et d’explosifs à la Marine royale canadienne et aux Forces armées canadiennes (FAC).   Le Capc Woolley apporte une perspective unique à son rôle : ayant déjà servi à Rocky Point, elle y revient à la fois avec une certaine familiarité et une vision nouvelle. Dans ses remarques, elle a exprimé son enthousiasme à l’idée de revenir au dépôt.   “C’est vraiment un honneur et un privilège d’être la commandant/commandante d’une unité qui a une grande histoire et beaucoup de sagesse”, a déclaré le Capitaine de corvette Woolley. “C’est une grande responsabilité dont je suis reconnaissant, ainsi que de la confiance qui m’a été accordée.   L’événement n’a pas seulement marqué une transition de leadership, mais a également mis en lumière l’évolution des opérations militaires de logistique et de soutien du Canada. La nomination du Capc Woolley s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une évolution plus large de la direction des dépôts de munitions...

[caption id="attachment_35383" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pascal Harel[/caption] 22nd Command Chief Petty Officer of the RCN  Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — A seasoned Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) with strong ties to the Pacific Coast bristles with optimism over his next posting as the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) senior Non-Commissioned Member. With 28 years of experience in Canada’s military, CPO1 Pascal Harel will become the 22nd Command Chief Petty Officer of the RCN following a Change of Appointment Ceremony this month in Ottawa. His new responsibilities include providing the commander of the RCN with the perspective of non-commissioned sailors and acting as a liaison with senior leadership and the RCN commander.“This is very exciting for me as I will be going back home to the RCN where I will be directly helping sailors,” said CPO1 Harel. “This is the ultimate non-commissioned position in the RCN where I influence policy to enhance the life of our sailors.”His last two postings since 2022 were at Department of National Defence (DND) headquarters in Ottawa where he worked as Director General Military Careers Chief, and most recently, Professional Conduct and Culture Command Chief for all three branches of Canada’s military. During a Change of Appointment Ceremony on July 11, he will replace CPO1 Tom Lizotte as the Navy’s Command Chief Petty Officer.CPO1 Harel already enjoys a close working relationship with CPO1 Lizotte and fully understands the importance of his new position. “I will represent the sailors and to do this effectively, I need to stay close to them and communicate and engage with them often,” said CPO1 Harel. “I will also need to understand the needs of the leadership team and Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, to effectively advise him on a sailor’s needs while also comprehending how the RCN operates at the strategic level to provide accurate and proper advice on improving conditions for sailors.”CPO1 Harel joined the Navy...

Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — Un premier maître de 1re classe chevronné ayant des liens étroits avec la côte du Pacifique se montre optimiste quant à sa prochaine affectation en tant que militaire/sous-officière supérieure de la Marine royale [...]

[caption id="attachment_35348" align="aligncenter" width="595"] (De gauche à droite) Jackson, Meghan, Nathaniel et le Commodore Matthew Coates avec le président de cérémonie, le Contre-amiral Chris Robinson. La photo est disponible sur le site de l’OTAN : Michael McWhinnie.[/caption] Par l’AP NTG  —  “C’est un événement assez rare que d’avoir l’honneur de promouvoir quelqu’un au rang de Commodore (Cmdre) au sein de notre formation”, a déclaré le Contre-amiral (Cam) Christopher Robinson, commandant des FMAR℗.Le Contre-amiral Robinson s’adressait à un petit groupe de personnel du Groupe d’entraînement naval (NTG), à la famille et aux amis du Cmdre Matthew Coates, réunis dans la salle d’armes de Work Point à l’occasion de la cérémonie de promotion du 17 juin.Le Cmdre Coates a été commandant/commandante du NTG de 2021 jusqu’à il y a quelques semaines, lorsqu’il a abandonné le commandement pour se préparer à sa prochaine affectation en tant que commandant du 2e groupe maritime permanent de l’OTAN (SNMG2).Le Cam Robinson a félicité le Cmdre Coates pour ses qualités professionnelles et a souligné que son nouveau grade reflétait une responsabilité accrue en matière de leadership institutionnel.“En regardant cette salle, je me rends compte avec humilité que tant de personnes ont contribué à mon développement professionnel au cours des dernières décennies”, a déclaré le Cmdre Coates. Il a cité plusieurs personnes par leur nom et a conclu en exprimant sa gratitude pour le soutien de sa famille.“Comme l’a dit l’amiral il y a quelques instants, je vais peut-être accéder à un emploi de rêve, mais cela a un prix”, a-t-il déclaré en regardant ses deux fils, Nathaniel et Jackson, et son épouse, le capitaine de frégate Meghan Coates. “Votre compréhension, votre résilience et votre amour sont les fondements de tout ce que je fais.Le Cam Robinson a invité les deux garçons à s’avancer pour installer le nouveau grade de leur père et, après quelques instants d’essais et d’erreurs avec la mécanique...

[caption id="attachment_35348" align="aligncenter" width="595"] (L-R) Jackson, Meghan, Nathaniel and Commodore Matthew Coates with presiding officer Rear-Admiral Chris Robinson. Photo: Michael McWhinnie.[/caption] By NTG PA  —  “This is a fairly uncommon event, to have the honour of promoting someone to the rank of Commodore (Cmdre) within our Formation,” said Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Christopher Robinson, Commander MARPAC.RAdm Robinson was addressing a small gathering of Naval Training Group (NTG) personnel, family, and friends of Cmdre Matthew Coates who were gathered at Work Point’s Gun Room for his promotion ceremony on June 17.Cmdre Coates served as NTG’s Commanding Officer from 2021 until a few weeks ago when he relinquished command to prepare for his next assignment as Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2).RAdm Robinson commended Cmdre Coates for his professional attributes and underscored how his new rank reflected a deepening responsibility for institutional leadership.“As I look around this room, I am humbled by the realization of how so many people contributed to my professional growth over the past decades,” said Cmdre Coates. He recognized several people by name and concluded by expressing gratitude for his family’s support. “As the Admiral stated moments ago, I may be moving on to a dream job but that also comes at a cost,” he said while looking to his two sons Nathaniel and Jackson, and wife Commander Meghan Coates. “Your understanding, resilience and your love are the foundation that supports everything I do.”RAdm Robinson invited the two boys to come forward to install their father’s new rank and after a few moments of trial and error with the mechanics of the shoulder boards, the former captain officially became Commodore Matthew Coates. Based in the Mediterranean Sea, SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command. The Government of Canada recently announced the departure from Halifax of HMCS Charlottetown who will join and assume flagship duties for SNMG2 as part of Operation REASSURANCE for...

Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — L’énigme non résolue d’une photo historique, un moment poignant de l’histoire de l’arsenal il y a 110 ans, a hypnotisé le commissionnaire Gary Restell. La photo en noir et blanc a été prise le 23 août 1914. Elle montre un défilé de centaines de jeunes [...]

[caption id="attachment_35340" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Commissionaire Gary Restell examines a photograph from 1914 depicting a march of Canadian soldiers and sailors through Dockyard at the archives of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Photos: Peter Mallett/Lookout Newspaper.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  The unsolved riddle of a historic photo, a poignant moment in Dockyard history 110 years ago, mesmerized Commissionaire Gary Restell.The black and white photo was taken on Aug. 23, 1914. It shows a parade of hundreds of young Canadian soldiers and sailors marching up Esquimalt Road, days before some of them departed to the battlefields of Europe.“The photo represents Victoria’s contribution to the Great War overseas and is just dripping with military history,” explains Restell. “It depicts the first wave of volunteers making final preparations before heading to the front.”The 78-year-old retired sales and marketing professional has worked at the Naden and Dockyard Gates as a security guard for the past ten years and is fascinated with the rich military history of CFB Esquimalt.There were no details on the public record to answer the riddle of why, when and where the soldiers were marching when he first spied the photo. This stoked Restell’s curiosity and just like a detective working on an unsolved caper, with magnifying glass in hand, he began to look more closely at the details and identifiers in the photo.“Little did I know what I had gotten myself into and I gradually became a full-time library and research sleuth because of this curiosity,” he says.Restell eventually found himself spending endless hours of his spare time studying online archives of local newspapers and other sources, asking questions of local historians at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, Esquimalt’s archives and the Royal BC Museum. In the end, his sleuthing and persistence paid off.Facts RevealedThrough his investigation, Restell uncovered that the photo was taken on Sunday, Aug. 23, 1914, and involved soldiers of the 88th Victoria Fusiliers, Band of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, and Royal Canadian Artillery CGA, who were headed to Valcartier, Que., before heading to the front lines in Europe....

[caption id="attachment_35334" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Capitaine de vaisseau honoraire (Capv H) Jeff Topping lors d’une visite à Hamilton, Ont. Le Capitaine de vaisseau honoraire Topping a récemment été nommé ambassadeur du NCSM Prevost, l’unité de la Réserve navale de London, en Ontario. Photo : NCSM Star[/caption] Peter Mallett, Rédacteur en chef — Le tout nouveau capitaine de vaisseau honoraire (Capv H) de la Marine royale canadienne (MRC) est entré en action avec des projets inspirants visant à honorer et à célébrer l’héritage des marins de la MRC.Jeff Topping a été nommé Capv H du NCSM Prevost, London (Ontario), unité de la Réserve navale (NAVRES), lors d’une cérémonie qui s’est déroulée le 5 mars et à laquelle participait le Vice-amiral (Vam) Angus Topshee, commandant de la MRC. Aujourd’hui, il est à la tête d’un projet de conception et de construction d’un monument commémoratif de guerre national unique en son genre, soutenu par de nombreux dirigeants communautaires importants.Situé sur les rives de la Tamise à London (Ontario), le projet de mémorial de la bataille de l’Atlantique vise à inscrire les noms de 2 000 membres de la MRC, 750 aviateurs et 1 600 membres de la marine marchande qui ont perdu la vie au cours de la plus longue campagne militaire ininterrompue de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.La plupart de ces marins n’ont pas de lieu de sépulture où se recueillir, car ils ont disparu en mer, explique le Capv H Topping.“Il s’agit d’un rappel solennel des sacrifices consentis par ceux qui ont défendu notre liberté, et il est temps que le Canada leur rende hommage”, ajoute le Capitaine de vaisseau Topping.Alors que d’autres nations alliées ont créé d’importants monuments nationaux, il n’existe pas au Canada de mémorial national consacré spécifiquement à la bataille de l’Atlantique. Le Capitaine de vaisseau Topping, les partisans du projet à la section de London de l’Association navale du Canada et le NCSM Prevost prévoient d’inaugurer les...

[caption id="attachment_35334" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Honorary Captain (Navy) (HCapt(N)) Jeff Topping during a visit to Hamilton, Ont. HCapt(N) Topping was recently named to the ambassador role for HMCS Prevost, the Naval Reserve Unit of London, Ont. Photo: HMCS Star.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  The newest Honorary Captain (HCapt(N)) of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) hit the ground running with inspiring projects to honour and celebrate the legacy of RCN sailors.Jeff Topping was appointed HCapt(N) of HMCS Prevost, London, Ont., Naval Reserve Unit (NAVRES), in a March 5 ceremony involving Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee, RCN Commander. Now he spearheads a design and build project for a first-of-its kind national war memorial, supported by many significant community leaders.Located on the banks of the Thames River in London, Ont., the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial project aims to enshrine the names of 2,000 RCN members, 750 aviators and 1,600 Merchant Navy members who were lost in the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War. Most of these sailors have no gravesite to visit as they were lost at sea, HCapt(N) Topping explains.“It is intended to serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices those who secured our freedom and it’s time Canada paid tribute to them,” Capt(N)Topping says.While other allied nations have created significant national monuments sites, there is no national memorial in Canada specifically dedicated to the Battle of the Atlantic. HCapt(N) Topping, the project’s supporters at the London Branch of the Naval Association of Canada and HMCS Prevost are planning the groundbreaking in the fall, with plans to complete the project in time for the battle’s 80th anniversary in May 2025.Topping’s journey to become Honorary Captain began in 2019 when he participated in the Canadian Leaders Alongside program with NAVRES unit HMCS York. That resulted in five days at sea aboard HMCS Calgary where he learned first-hand about the hard work done by sailors aboard warships. “It was definitely not a VIP cruise, we learned about all aspects of life at sea, and I returned inspired to support our serving members to the best of our ability,” he said. Appointed by the Minister of National Defence, Honorary Captains are distinguished, well-known public, business or community leaders. They play a vital ambassadorial role for the Navy, connecting the RCN with the communities they serve. The Navy currently has 19 Honorary Captains, each bringing a unique set...

Lorraine Crinkley, Branch Environment Officer, Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch – CFB Esquimalt’s Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch (POESB) celebrated World Ocean’s Day on June 5th by completing their annual harbour and shoreline clean-up. POESB teamed up with the Esquimalt Graving Dock, Victoria Shipyards – Seaspan [...]

Lorraine Crinkley, Responsable de l’environnement, Direction des opérations portuaires et des services d’urgence — La Direction des opérations portuaires et des services d’urgence (POESB) de la BFC Esquimalt a célébré la Journée mondiale de l’océan le 5 juin en effectuant [...]

[caption id="attachment_35323" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Lieutenant (Navy) Brian Grant along with his spouse Lieutenant Mireille Grant and their children Henry and Hector all competed in the 2024 Annual Navy Run. Photos: Sergeant Malcolm Byers, MARPAC Imaging Services.[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer  —  The 18th edition of one of the most anticipated events on the CFB Esquimalt social calendar started on June 22 with the traditional starting blast of an army howitzer at the Naden Gates.Runners of all ages and experience levels, and even entire families, had cause for celebration at the finish line of this year’s Navy Run. This year’s run included 5 and 10 km races and a Kids Fun Run on the track at the Naden Athletic Centre.More than one military family from Esquimalt has made taking part in the Navy Run a long-standing family tradition. Among the 550 military and civilian participants was the family of Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Jacob Russell of HMCS Venture.“We have three generations here today because it is one of the best runs in Victoria for a family,” said SLt Russell. “It’s such a great family-friendly event to be involved in: there are no huge crowds and we get an excellent support from the race staff.”SLt Russell finished the 5km course in 22nd place in a field of 161 runners, finishing with a time of 22:52. His wife, Sailor 1st Class (S1) Laura Russell of Base Logistics (BLOG), is also a regular participant in the Navy Run; she plans on returning to the race next year as she just delivered their daughter Zoë.S1 Russell’s father, Major (ret’d) Robert Henry, walked the race with his three-year-old granddaughter Joni Russell, who participated in the Kids Fun Run earlier in the day. As his granddaughter refueled in her stroller with a bag of potato chips, Henry reflected on nearly two decades of family tradition at the Navy Run.“I started doing the race years ago when I was working for MARPAC and Naval Fleet School, and then Jacob got involved and the family began doing the race together,” said Henry. “It’s become a real tradition for us.”Henry’s son Jeffrey of the Naval Experience Program (NEP) also ran in the race.Another participating family was of Lieutenant  (Lt) Mireille Grant of Air Component Coordination Element (Pacific). She began participating in the Navy Run 15 years ago.“The Navy Run brings us closer together,” she said....

[caption id="attachment_35323" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Le lieutenant de vaisseau Brian Grant, son épouse le lieutenant Mireille Grant et leurs enfants Henry et Hector ont tous participé à la course annuelle de la marine 2024. Photo : Sergent Malcolm Byers, Services d’imagerie des FMAR(P)[/caption] Peter Mallett, Rédacteur du personnel  —  La 18e édition de l’un des événements les plus attendus du calendrier social de la BFC Esquimalt a débuté le 22 juin par le traditionnel coup de canon d’un obusier de l’armée aux portes Naden.Les coureurs de tous âges et de tous niveaux d’expérience, et même des familles entières, avaient de quoi se réjouir à la ligne d’arrivée de la Course de la Marine de cette année. Cette année, la course comprenait des épreuves de 5 et 10 km, ainsi qu’une course pour enfants sur la piste du centre sportif Naden.Plus d’une famille militaire d’Esquimalt a fait de la participation à la course de la marine une tradition familiale de longue date. Parmi les 550 participants militaires et civils se trouvait la famille de l’enseigne de vaisseau de première classe (Ens1) Jacob Russell du NCSM Venture.“Nous avons trois générations ici aujourd’hui parce que c’est l’une des meilleures courses à Victoria pour une famille”, a déclaré le Ens1 Russell. “C’est un événement familial auquel il est très agréable de participer : il n’y a pas de foule énorme et nous bénéficions d’un excellent soutien de la part du personnel de la course.Le Ens1 Russell a terminé le parcours de 5 km à la 22e place dans un peloton de 161 coureurs, avec un temps de 22:52. Son épouse, la matelot de 1re classe (Mat1) Laura Russell, de la base logistique (BLOG), participe également régulièrement à la course de la marine ; elle prévoit d’y revenir l’année prochaine, car elle vient d’accoucher de leur fille Zoë.Le père de Mat1 Russell, le...

NTG Public Affairs — ‘Supply and demand’ is a concept often used to understand consumer behaviour. But the model extends beyond economics and can shape a range of management decisions including those affecting the naval training system. Case in point: Naval Environmental Training Programme (NETP) courses are conducted on both [...]

[caption id="attachment_35268" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Les marins répètent les procédures d’ouverture des portes et des écoutilles.[/caption] Affaires publiques NTG  —  L’offre et la demande” est un concept souvent utilisé pour comprendre le comportement des consommateurs.Mais le modèle va au-delà de l’économie et peut influencer toute une série de décisions de gestion, y compris celles qui affectent le système de formation navale.Un exemple concret : Les cours du programme de formation à l’environnement naval (NETP) sont dispensés sur les deux côtes. Au cours des 20 dernières années, les deux installations ultramodernes de formation au contrôle des avaries de la marine (DCTF Galiano à Esquimalt et DCTF Kootenay à Halifax) ont fonctionné à pleine capacité, enseignant la lutte contre les incendies à bord des navires et le contrôle des avaries. Les qualifications sont obligatoires pour tous les marins avant d’être employés à bord des navires, et des formations de remise à niveau sont organisées périodiquement pendant le reste de leur carrière. La demande est constante et élevée, et augmente de façon prévisible pendant les mois d’été avec l’arrivée des réservistes de la marine. Des pénuries occasionnelles de personnel ou des mesures d’entretien des installations peuvent entraîner des retards.Lorsque la marine a lancé le programme d’expérience navale (NEP), il est devenu évident pour les responsables du groupe d’entraînement naval (NTG) qu’une approche nouvelle et innovante était nécessaire pour répondre à l’augmentation espérée du nombre de recrues.“Nous sommes bien appuyés par la BFC Valcartier pour l’instruction militaire générale “, explique le Maître de 1re classe (M 1) Anne Milot, coordonnatrice du PNTE de l’École de la flotte navale (Québec) (EFN(Q)). NETP de l’École de la flotte navale (Québec) (NFS(Q)). “Nous disposons du personnel nécessaire, mais nous n’avons pas l’infrastructure requise pour la lutte contre les incendies, le contrôle des inondations ou la formation à la survie en mer (modules 3 et 4 du NETP).Cependant, l’équivalent civil d’un DCTF existe juste de l’autre côté du fleuve Saint-Laurent, à proximité du NFS(Q). L’idée s’est transformée...