News

From the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge to the spirited Invictus Games, here is our 2017 Year In Review.View it here (PDF): bit.ly/2CI1GX9

It is with great sadness that the family of Graham Bruce Smith announce his unexpected passing on Dec. 28, 2017, at the age 54.Forever remembered by his wife of 27 years Jennifer, and sons Ryan (Jennifer) and Conner, grandson Calaeo, brother Carl (Elaine) and family, and brother-laws Steven and Joseph Pospolita and their families.After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Environmental Science, Graham joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as an officer in which he served for two years before being posted to the Base Construction Engineering Group of CFB Esquimalt to develop the environmental program.Accepting a position as the RCN Environmental Officer in 1997, Graham moved his family to Ottawa for a period of 18 months before returning to the West Coast to take on the role of Formation Safety and Environment Officer for CFB Esquimalt.In this position he successfully put together a team of professionals that developed and implemented an overall environmental and safety program for the Formation and its operations.Under his leadership, these programs received both national attention and recognition.In the latter part of his career Graham ventured into a new area of First Nations relationship building. It is here that he truly excelled; using his natural ability to talk from the heart, along with his sense of humour, to build a relationship of trust between the navy and many of the local First Nations of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.Graham was formally recognized several times during his illustrious career for his contributions and dedication to his profession with the Federal Government. These included:2012  Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work within the Department of National Defence;2016  Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) for work in Indigenous relationships; and2017  Deputy Minister Unsung Hero Award citing his leadership and compassion as being instrumental for forging...

Andrea Lam, Health Promotion Esquimalt ~The holiday season is a time to reflect on the year we’ve had, to reconnect with good friends and family, and to recalibrate by relaxing and doing what makes us happy.But for many the holidays can bring up mixed emotions, especially for those who are spending the first holiday season without a loved one, or struggling with the temptations and over indulgences that come with holiday festivities, or the stress and anxiety of holiday pressures and expectations. Here are a few ways to help live in the green this holiday season:Remember the Low Risk Drinking GuidelinesGo out and have fun, but keep the low risk drinking guidelines in mind.For these guidelines, “a drink” means:Beer 12 ounces – 5% alcohol contentCider/cooler 12 ounces – 5% alcohol contentWine 5 ounces – 12% alcohol contentDistilled alcohol 1.5 ounces – 40% alcohol contentFor women:10 drinks a week with no more than 2 drinks a day most days.For men:15 drinks a week with no more than 3 drinks a day most daysManage your holiday stressLet’s face it, the holidays can be stressful. Crowded malls, last minute shopping, living up to familial expectations and traditions, cooking, cleaning, entertaining – the list goes on. The holidays are also a very social season, which can cause a lot of anxiety and be somewhat overwhelming at times. So try out these tips for managing your holiday stress.Relaxation techniquesPracticing daily meditation or breathing awareness can relieve chronic stress and realign your outlook in a more positive way. Good breathing habits alone can improve your psychological and physical well-beingSet realistic goalsLearning to say no is essential for some people. The holidays are often filled with invitations for parties and gatherings, so asses your schedule and identify tasks or activities you can or should let go. Don’t automatically...

[caption id="attachment_17718" align="alignnone" width="580"] Left photo: Chief Petty Officer First Class Michael Miller, centre, is promoted to his current rank by Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and CPO1 Miller’s wife Toni. Right photo: CPO1 Simon Lepage, centre, is promoted to his current rank by Commodore Steve Waddell, right, Director General Naval Strategic Readiness, and Command Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Michel Vigneault.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~The substantial experience and perspective of two Chief Petty Officers First Class recently appointed to newly created senior positions, will assist in the continuing transformation of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as it prepares for the future fleet.CPO1 Simon Lepage has taken on a senior appointment with the Directorate of Naval Strategic Readiness in Ottawa, while CPO1 Michael Miller will work with the Naval Personnel and Training Group (NPTG) in Esquimalt.“The new appointments were made owing to the significance of the portfolios they represent,” says Commodore Steve Waddell, Director General Naval Strategic Readiness (DGNSR). “They will figure prominently throughout our continuing transformation.”CPO1 Lepage will complement the efforts of DGNSR for the RCN personnel policy.“With the embodiment of ‘People First, Mission Always’ in the RCN’s Strategic Plan, CPO1 Lepage is fundamental to the succession planning work necessary to ensure our cadre of senior non-commissioned officers are developed and assigned institutional opportunities where they can best contribute,” explains Cmdre Waddell.CPO1 Miller, he adds, will work alongside Commander NPTG, Captain(Navy) Martin Drews, as they lead “a significant change agenda to completely overhaul and modernize the navy’s individual and occupation training system.”CPO1 Lepage, who has over 35 years service in the RCN in a variety of leadership positions, says he is honoured to take the new senior appointment and plans to provide institutional guidance with respect to the future employment of the RCN CPO1 corps. He...

Marianne Prigly, ADM(PA) ~The Canadian edition of the Invictus Games held in Toronto in September brought athletes, their families, and friends to Toronto from around the world.Athletes, who were able, brought their service dogs to support them during this exciting, but also potentially stressful event. However, those making the journey from countries as far away as New Zealand had to leave their support dogs at home.Enter the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Toronto Pack. During the week of the Games, they provided therapy dogs of all sizes and breeds to help athletes who were without the support of their own service dogs.“We’re doing four-hour shifts with our dogs, and the athletes are really enjoying interacting with the dogs,” said Christine, handler of Dexter, a Cavalier/Brittany Spaniel, during the Games.The dogs and their handlers spent hours boosting spirits at the Toronto Sheraton, which served as the Athletes’ Village during the Games.Christine also explained the difference between service and therapy dogs.“A service dog is specially trained to assist its owner with a specific condition, like post-traumatic stress disorder, whereas therapy dogs are selected for their calm and patient dispositions and provide comfort simply by their presence and interaction with people.”When not working at a special event such as the Invictus Games, St. John Ambulance therapy dogs provide comfort and companionship to people in the community. Seniors, sick children, palliative care patients, and the physically or mentally challenged have all enjoyed regular visits from therapy dogs and their handlers.

[caption id="attachment_17712" align="alignnone" width="450"] LCdrs Victoria and Chris Devita. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~They have made history as a navy couple commanding the same warship, but to Lieutenant-Commanders Chris and Victoria Devita balancing their busy careers in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with a happy family life remains their prime objective.Victoria commanded HMCS Glace Bay for two years from 2013 to 2015, and her husband Chris took command of the same ship in early August.They were recently told by navy historians this is the first time married partners commanded the same warship.The couple lives in Bedford, N.S., with their two children Kassandra and Alexander. They are a typical busy navy family and do not find it unusual, or even significant, that they can command a warship in counter-drug operations at sea on one day, and be watching their children dance or play soccer the next day.In fact, Victoria was at sea for more than half of the 24 months she spent as Glace Bay’s Commanding Officer, taking part in the full range of naval operations, from fisheries patrols to international exercises, to tracking vessels of interest. When she took over the ship her children were nine and 11 years old.“At that age, both kids understood the significance of the jobs that Chris and I hold, and were supportive in my taking the command,” Victoria says.She adds that in order to be successful at balancing work and family priorities, several support networks are needed, including military, extended family, and community.“First, our career managers understood the significance of our situation,” she explains. “With this understanding, both the Regular Force career manager and the Reserve career manager tried their best to have only one of us at sea at a time, but this was not always...

[caption id="attachment_17709" align="alignnone" width="450"] LS Kris Winther practices squats with his daughter Francesca Sabrina near his home in Sooke. On Dec. 20 LS Winther will attempt to break the world record for consecutive squats in a fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital. Photo by Fabiola Gavidia[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~This week, Leading Seaman Kris Winther is working his leg and back muscles in support of the BC Children’s Hospital.On Dec. 20, in the gymnasium of Victoria’s Delta Hotel by Marriot or on the grounds if the weather is good, the 36-year-old member of Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) will attempt a world record 6,000 consecutive squats in three hours. The current world record for consecutive squats is 5,135.When the clock strikes noon, he will begin the process of repeatedly bending his knees to a right angle and returning to an upright position over and over again in a benefit for the children’s hospital.LS Winther’s efforts are all about raising $30,000 in financial support and awareness of the province’s only full-service, acute-care hospital that serves the medical needs of more than one million children.“I’m also doing this for my three-year-old daughter. She is healthy, but I don’t know what I would do if anything bad ever happened to her,” he says.LS Winther is currently posted to JPSU because he’s transitioning out of the military.  For the first seven years of his 11-year military career he was a member of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and saw two deployments to Afghanistan. For the next four years he was a boatswain with the Royal Canadian Navy.At some point in 2018 he will officially conclude his military career, and he believes his fundraiser is a great way to end it.To prepare for the ambitious goal, he has been doing those “death by squats” as he...

[caption id="attachment_17675" align="alignnone" width="560"] Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd and his family: wife Deborah, daughter Grace, and son Taylor. Photo by MCpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]With the holiday season just around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole Defence Team for all the perseverance and dedication you have displayed over the past year.While I have only been Base Commander for a few short months, I know how hard all of you work and believe that your efforts deserve to be recognized. As 2017 comes to a close, it is important that you take pride in all that you have accomplished and look forward to what 2018 has to offer.Today, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is engaged in a number of projects to make the base more flexible and efficient for years to come. Included among our endeavours is the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project, which not only ensures that our harbour will be cleaner and healthier for future generations, but is also uncovering a number of historical artifacts. These items tie us to those who came before and ensure that we will never forget their service or sacrifices.Alongside this is the replacement of A and B jetties and the ongoing construction at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton. All of this means that CFB Esquimalt will remain a busy place for the next several years, while guaranteeing us that we will have the tools and infrastructure necessary to support the fleet far into the foreseeable future.With all of the work going on inside our base, it is important to acknowledge all the effort that has gone into strengthening ties with the community outside our fences. I am proud of how members from so many different units and organizations come together to participate in events including everything from the Victoria Pride Parade to the Defence Team Appreciation Night.Of special note is all the volunteering that so many of you do, be it with a local sports team or...

As part of Canada’s new defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada announced an enhanced income tax relief measure for all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who deploy on named, international missions.I am happy to advise that all arrangements are now in place to make this initiative a reality for members of the CAF on these named missions.What this means in practical terms is that soon you will no longer have to pay income tax while deployed on named international operations. Here’s how it will work:  CAF members who deployed outside of Canada on a named international operational mission since Jan. 1, 2017, are eligible for income tax relief.  This means they will be refunded the income tax they paid during the period of their deployment via their 2017 income tax submission to CRA. For those deploying after Jan. 1, 2018, the military pay system will automatically calculate the income tax to be withheld (if any).Importantly, this new measure de-links tax relief from risk levels, and raises the eligible deduction from income up to and including the maximum pay incentive level of Lieutenant Colonel (General Specification Officers – GSO).For those on missions in 2017 already eligible for tax relief, this change in pay incentive levels will also be captured through your 2017 tax return.Commander MILPERSCOM will soon be issuing a CANFORGEN to provide further technical details, and in the coming days, your respective chains of command will communicate more information on how these tax relief measures apply specifically to you.Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions - should you need further clarification.Thank you for the incredible work you do on these important operations across the globe.General Jonathan H. VanceChief of the Defence Staff

[caption id="attachment_17663" align="alignnone" width="450"] Invictus Games 2017 gold medal winner Lt(N) Krista Seguin is joined by Esquimalt Tritons’ Capt(N) Jason Boyd (right) and Comox Flyers’ MCpl Alex Coles for the ceremonial opening puck drop to commence the Men’s Pacific Region Hockey qualifier at the Wurtele Arena Dec. 4. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Esquimalt’s Old Timer’s Tritons hockey team advanced to the National Canadian Armed Forces Championship Tournament with a 2-0 series sweep of the Comox Silver Totems in Pacific region qualifying action last week.The senior Tritons opened their best-of-three series at Wurtele Arena with a 1-0 win on Dec. 4 and then eliminated their Royal Canadian Air Force rivals with a 4-1 win in Game 2 the next day.Tritons goaltender, Chief Petty Officer Second Class Ken Simoneau earned series Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours for allowing just one goal over two games.Esquimalt now moves on to face the four other regional tournament winners in the national championship tournament at CFB Borden, March 17 to 22, 2018.Esquimalt’s men’s Triton team were not as fortunate and suffered a 2-1 series defeat to 19 Wing Comox Flyers with a 4-3 Game 3 loss on Dec. 6. The Flyers took a 4-0 second-period lead by scoring three of their goals in a span of 68 seconds despite a three-goal, last-gasp rally by the Tritons late in the third period.Comox opened the series with a 4-3 win over the Tritons on Dec. 4, but Esquimalt then rallied for a 6-3 Game 2 win to force the tie breaker.Master Corporal Alex Coles, a forward with the Flyers, earned series MVP Honours.This season’s Men’s championship tournament will also be hosted by CFB Borden, March 3 to 8, 2018.

[caption id="attachment_17660" align="alignnone" width="450"] The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Major-General Christopher Coates listens intently to a caller during the 2016 NORAD Tracks Santa Event at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. Major-General Coates is director of NORAD Operations at NORAD’s bi-national headquarters at Peterson AFB. Photo by Dennis Carlyle, NORAD[/caption]The North American Aerospace Defense Command is celebrating the 62nd anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey.The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, has launched. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese.Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Apple and Google Play stores, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets! Tracking opportunities are also offered through social media on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.Starting at 2:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.Any time on Dec. 24, Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location through the NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon Alexa, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa. Bing and Cortana users can also find Santa’s location on Dec. 24.NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Larry Mohr, Senior Vice President of Commercial Services, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) (left), presented Esquimalt SISIP Financial Manager Wade Walters and members of SISIP Financial, B.C. Region, with the Commercial Services Division Award of Merit, at the CANEX Military Supply Store in Naden Dec. 4.The honour is awarded for outstanding results, member service, and reflecting core values of service excellence, teamwork, professionalism and compassion.During the ceremony, Walters congratulated his staff for their creative and successful local marketing initiatives, as well as “outside-the-box-thinking”, including establishing a scavenger hunt for members as part of an education quiz, bringing the SISIP Financial Office to individual units at the base, and building an Angry Bird game for visitors’ children to play during Family Day.“Their outstanding business results are making British Columbia one of SISIP Financials’ top markets,” said Walters.

[caption id="attachment_17652" align="alignnone" width="450"] LS Edward Gates gives visitors a tour of PCT 62 bridge. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A typically blustery and rainy Pacific coast winter day didn’t dampen the spirits of area students who boarded an Orca-Class patrol training boat for a day sail.Sixteen special needs and special education students, ages 11 to 13, from Victoria middle schools (Grades 6 to 8), were accompanied by five adult chaperones as they sailed the waters of Southern Vancouver Island aboard PCT 62 Moose. The Nov. 30 event was organized by the Esquimalt Lions Club.As heavy rains pelted down for most of the day, and strong winds made for choppy seas, guests were given a taste of what life is like aboard a navy training vessel.“I was really excited to be here today because some of my family members have served in the navy and it was really cool getting my own dog tags,” said a Grade six student from Dunsmuir Middle School. “I know I want to be part of the navy someday, but am not yet sure what I want to do for a job.”Activities onboard included a full guided tour of the vessel, a demonstration of its maneuverability, a man-overboard exercise, and an emergency firefighting demonstration.Lieutenant-Commander Todd Bacon, Commanding Officer of the vessel, welcomed his visitors to the bridge and showed off the ship’s instrumentation, watch operations, and the captain’s seat and helm.“It was our duty and our pleasure to have them here today,” said LCdr Bacon. “We truly enjoyed taking them out to sea and showing them what our sailors do on a daily basis. It gives the sailors onboard this patrol craft training unit an ability to showcase what we do on behalf of the Fleet and also teaches them what ‘right’...

[caption id="attachment_17649" align="alignnone" width="450"] Santa Clause hands out a present to one delighted party goer. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~There were presents to open, food, caroling and plenty of holiday cheer to go around as a group of area school children boarded HMCS Calgary for the ship’s 32nd annual Children’s Christmas Party.Approximately 25 deserving students from six area elementary schools, along with teachers and Esquimalt Lions Club volunteers, attended the Dec. 5 party aboard the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate.Festivities included a tour of warship led by Master Seaman Rene Pittet, a firefighting demonstration, Christmas cookie-decorating workshop, followed by lunch in the ship’s galley. HMCS Regina’s mascot Gunner even popped by for a visit with the children.Cdr Blair Saltel, Calgary Commanding Officer, stopped by to extend warm holiday greetings to the visitors during lunch.The party culminated with a visit from ‘Jolly Old’ Saint Nicholas himself.Santa’s surprise visit came just after lunch; as the children began to sing Christmas carols, the jingling of his sleigh bells could be heard approaching the galley. Father Christmas didn’t arrive at the party empty handed. He brought an oversized sack of presents to distribute, much to the delight of the young party goers.The Christmas Party included invitees from Macaulay, View Royal, Craigflower, George Jay, Tillicum and Vic West Elementary Schools. Retired firefighter and Lions Club member Daryl Driemel helped facilitate this year’s visit and said the goal was to provide a “safe and rewarding” experience aboard a RCN ship.“It was plain to see the party had a positive impact on the students again this year,” said Driemel. “When the kids left their schools for the bus ride to the ship they were quiet and reserved; however, we noticed a big change on the way back home as they were openly engaging...

[caption id="attachment_17640" align="alignnone" width="450"] HMS Belfast alongside in the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the background.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, RCN PAO ~The Canadian flag will fly over Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Belfast in London, England, this holiday season.HMS Belfast, a museum ship originally built as a light cruiser for the Royal Navy (RN), is permanently moored on the River Thames next to Tower Bridge and operated by the Imperial War Museum.Tim Lewin, whose late father, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Terence Thornton Lewin, was a junior officer in HMS Belfast. He proposed the Canadian flag fly at the mast of the museum ship over Christmas week to celebrate and commemorate the participation of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in the battle of North Cape for which Belfast was awarded a Battle Honour.Lewin, vice-president of the Belfast Association, has a deep interest in the Russian convoys that were undertaken during the Second World War. He has introduced a number of initiatives to raise awareness of those operations, and the close ties that existed at the time between the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Russia.According to Michael Whitby, the RCN’s senior naval historian, Canadian warships began escort duties on the Russian convoys in the autumn of 1943, but its sailors were involved before then.“In fact, hundreds of Canadians sailors served in British ships operating in the north throughout the war,” Whitby says. “Eighty Canadian sailors – about 10 per cent of each ship’s company – fought in the cruisers Belfast and Sheffield at the Battle of North Cape. In the final 18 months of the war, Canadian warships participated in more than half of the Russian convoys.”In all, 18 Canadian warships were awarded an Arctic Battle Honour for service in northern European waters during the Second World War.Lewin, recognizing this profound...

[caption id="attachment_17637" align="alignnone" width="450"] Transport and Electrical Mechanical Engineering (TEME) employee Jackson Filtness celebrated his 75th birthday Oct. 23 by driving one of his unit’s big rigs. A former truck driver for TEME and Canadian National Railways, Filtness has enjoyed 51 years of public service. He currently drives a base taxi cab. Photo by TEME[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Base Transport employee Jackson Filtness celebrated his 75th birthday doing what he likes best, hopping into a transport truck, gearing down, and going for a drive.With a combined total of 51 years of public service work, 33 years of those with Transport and Electrical Mechanical Engineering (TEME), his co-workers threw him a birthday bash to remember on Oct. 23. To celebrate the occasion and the former truck driver’s remarkable legacy, he climbed into the cab of an 18-wheeler again and geared down once again.“We had the pleasure of getting him back in a tractor trailer and a quick drive through the compound to open the celebration, which was then followed by a pizza party that was attended by about 30 employees,” said Christopher Shipway, Supervisor of TEME Special Purpose Vehicles.Filtness has worked as a base taxi driver for his unit’s Special Purpose Vehicles since 2008, but began his work for Base Transport by driving trucks, beginning in 1985. He said the birthday party was something he would never forget, and declared he was “flattered to be honoured in such a great way” by his co-workers.  Born in Vancouver but raised in Victoria, Filtness had a three-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) where he spent most of his time working as a Stoker aboard HMCS Beacon Hill.  He then joined the Canadian Coast Guard in 1963 and also worked for the Empress Hotel power plant and the Sudbury II, a deep-sea salvage tug...

[caption id="attachment_17633" align="alignnone" width="450"] Commanding Officer of Joint Personnel Support Unit Pacific, Lieutenant-Commander Judith Harlock (left) is joined by Petty Officer Second Class Fiona Borland after LCdr Harlock shaved her head last December as part of Operation Chrome Dome. The fundraiser for cancer research through the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) is back again this year with LCdr Harlock agreeing to go bald if $10,000 can be raised prior to Dec. 14. Photo by JPSU Pacific/file[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Commanding Officer of Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) Pacific Region is vowing to go ‘cue-ball bald’ again as the highly popular cancer fundraiser Operation Chrome Dome returns.The initial head-shaving was a show of support and solidarity for her long-time co-worker and friend Petty Officer Second Class Fiona Borland who hatched the idea after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.“I volunteered to be shaved again as a celebration of where Fiona is in her journey,” says LCdr Harlock.Together they raised $5,300 through pledges and other donations as part of the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).The two have been co-workers and friends since first working together at the Reserve Unit HMCS Malahat more than 20 years ago. LCdr Harlock says Fiona’s experience is a great opportunity to remind people about the life-or-death benefits of early diagnosis.“There is nothing like a repeat [shaving] to reiterate the simple message to everyone ‘just get checked’ and Fiona’s positive outcome speaks volumes to that,” she says.Following chemotherapy and surgery, in August PO2 Borland was informed by her doctor that she was cancer free. Despite her recent life-affirming diagnosis, the two women haven’t given up on the Chrome Dome cause and have raised the fundraising bar even higher this year.LCdr Harlock will once again be subjected to having her hair removed by a set...

[caption id="attachment_17629" align="alignnone" width="450"] Emjay Bailey hopes to spin enough yarn to stretch from the Base Commander’s building in Naden to the Admiral’s Office in Dockyard. The yarn will then be given to a local knitting group that produces warm clothing for disadvantaged youth and the homeless.[/caption]Will Chaster, Base PA Office ~When participating in a Spin-A-Thon, it is commonplace for bikes to be involved.However, one CFB Esquimalt member will be spinning a different sort of wheel in December.Starting Dec. 1, Emjay Bailey, Base Executive Corporate Services Officer, will conduct a wool spinning Spin-A-Thon with the ultimate goal of making knitted hats, scarves and mittens for homeless and disadvantaged youth in Victoria, as well as raising funds for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).An avid knitter and wool spinner, Bailey is eager to put her skills to good use.“It’s always nice when you are able to combine your art or passion into a community service,” she says.Bailey took inspiration from the history the Royal Canadian Navy shares with knitting.“During World War Two, members of the public and the Navy League would knit items such as socks or hats for sailors deployed to the Atlantic or Arctic. This helped give them a little extra warmth and comfort on their long voyages,” she explains.She would like to spin enough wool to stretch from the Base Commander’s office all the way to Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters by the time she finishes just before Christmas.“I can spin about 50 to 100 yards of wool in an hour, so I’m optimistic I can make it,” she says.Bailey is looking for donations to help raise money in support of the NDWCC. Sponsors can pledge a flat amount or make donations by the yard or by total amount of wool spun.Once she has enough yarn, Bailey and...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new mobile software application designed to assist military members, and their spouses or parents with deployments has been launched.Developed by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), the “MFRC Deployment” app has been up and running since early October, is free to use, and downloadable from the App Store or Google Play. The software is specifically designed for use with mobile phones and tablets, and is Android and iOS (Apple) compatible, but will not work with Blackberry phones.MFRC Deployment coordinator Sandra Pinard says the new software is an effort to reach out to military members and their loved ones with a program that affords them instant information customized to their specific needs and the nature of the deployment.“To our knowledge this App is unique, the first of its kind for sailors on the West Coast,” says Pinard. “At their fingertips, people can get vital and highly-relevant information and resources.”They will officially introduce the App to its unit liaisons during a Dec. 7 training session at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC).The program was designed by Victoria-based software development firm Three Trees Technical Incorporated. Three Trees co-owner and co-founder Ben Leather says the App will have a positive impact during deployments because it was designed to be user-friendly and with simplicity in mind.“We really aimed to get technology out of the way so people who don’t consider themselves ‘tech savvy’ and aren’t always dependent on their phones will find it simple and easy to use,” says Leather.Two key features of the App are a tips section that gives users advice customized to their profile, whether they are army, air force or navy, and the nature of the deployment, and also a planning section that encourages users to complete to-dos such as creating a deployment budget, emergency...

The Command Chief and I have been strong proponents of diversity and inclusiveness in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and we will continue to promote these values as your command team.I expect that all RCN members will take note of last week’s apology from Prime Minister Trudeau and the subsequent message from General Vance to the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2) communities for the persecutions they have faced under Canadian law, including as members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and the Public Service.Every sailor courageous enough to have served in the RCN, facing the harshness of the sea while dealing with the persecutions brought upon by policies that forced them to hide their sexual orientation for fear of repercussion from not only their peers, but their chains of command as well, merits to be commended.The Command Chief and I are extremely proud to be able to call these brave men and women shipmates, and it is with renewed vigour that the leadership of the RCN pledges to continue to uphold the standards where our sailors can serve proudly without fear and with honour.The leadership of our proud institution remains committed to preventing discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, on and off duty, in and out of uniform, at sea and ashore, and at home or abroad. We stand together, adhering to the RCN Code of Conduct built upon our core values: Duty, Integrity, Loyalty, and Courage.The RCN’s diversity and inclusiveness is a source of strength. We stand together with our LGBTQ2 shipmates Ready to Help, Ready to Lead, and Ready to Fight.M.F.R. Lloyd, CMM, CDVice-Admiral Commander RCN

James Vassallo, CFB Esquimalt PA Officer ~All Sergeant (Retired) Rob Sneath wanted was an early morning skate and a chance to be on the same ice as some of hockey’s greatest names. A simple request those grizzled NHLers surely thought, a sly grin about their lips: ‘Hey, kid, why not? Strap ‘em on and get out here’.“He was organizing things as part of PSP for the NHL old-timers tour in Halifax,” recounts Master Warrant Officer Paul MacQueen. “He was so good and they [NHLers] were so impressed with his skills, they asked him to play that night.”Sneath did four more dates with the NHL Oldtimers on the East Coast. The next year he did it again, becoming a fixture in a countless number of these kinds of celebrity charity games over the years.It’s a miraculous story perhaps, unless you knew Sneath and his athletic ability.In 24 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as a Boatswain, PERI and ACS Technician, he played in 21 consecutive Canadian Forces National Hockey Championships from 1987-2007. He won 22 CAF national medals and 35 CAF regional medals in five sports. He was named an All-Star 23 times and was honoured with countless MVP awards. Just a month ago he was inducted into Canadian Armed Forces Sports Hall of Fame.To the shock and great sorrow of many, Sneath passed away suddenly Nov. 27 at the age of 52 after a long battle with cancer. Given his reputation, it was no surprise that organizers of Oldtimers celebrity hockey tournaments, his old team the Clarenville Ford Caribous where he played in 2008/09, Olympic gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser, friends, teammates, his Personnel Support programs (PSP) co-workers and military family all acknowledged what kind of an athletic phenom he was.Over the last week he’s been repeatedly called the best...

[caption id="attachment_17594" align="alignnone" width="450"] Capt Mike Evans’ team competes on a Beneteau 40.7 sailboat during the China Cup International Regatta 2017.[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~One of Formation Halifax’s top sport sailors is back from testing his racing skills overseas against some of the best in the world.Capt Mike Evans, a Weapons Tactics Analyst at Trinity, led a 12-person crew in a Beneteau 40.7 sailboat through the China Cup International Regatta 2017, a four-day racing event in and around Hong Kong from Oct. 26-29 that saw more than 1,500 sailors from 40 different countries compete in a series of inshore races.This year was the event’s 11th installment, and the fourth year for Capt Evans, who sails representing Sail Canada and the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Club.The regatta has grown each year to the point where it now takes over a part of the city with a festival-like atmosphere, attracts sailing’s top professionals and brings in plenty of big-money sponsors.“It’s truly a spectacle, and you pinch yourself that you get the chance to be there in the middle of it,” said Capt Evans, who assembled a civilian team of eight Canadians from various yacht clubs, along with other sailors from Germany, New Zealand and China, to take on the difficult races.His team finished 17th in a field of 30 in the Beneteau 40.7 fleet category, in which each team competes in an identical sailboat to allow the sailors to race on equal terms.Finishing 17th was far from a disappointment for the crew. In a field packed with professionals, including the winners of this year’s America’s Cup race in Bermuda, the team finished ahead of all the other non-professional crews in the fleet, earning a trophy for top amateur performance.With only two days practice as a team before the races began, with the...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue are opening their garage doors to provide holiday cheer and free refreshments to members of the DND community ahead of next weekend’s Celebration of Lights Parade.Firefighters will serve up hot chocolate, apple cider, and shortbread cookies at the fire hall on Esquimalt Road Sunday, Dec. 3, between 5 and 7 p.m., in conjunction with Esquimalt’s annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and will proceed easterly along Esquimalt Rd., from Canteen Rd. to the Archie Browning Sports centre.Organized by the Township of Esquimalt, the parade features dozens of trucks and vehicles from area businesses and community organizations that are all adorned with festive lights and decorations.Fire and Rescue staff will be busy this week decorating one of their bright red fire trucks to take part in the parade. The parade also includes a contest for Best Decorated Vehicle, which the base firefighters won in 2015 after adorning their vehicle with over 1,000 Christmas lights. This year’s event will also include musical performances by jazz and blues singer Maureen Washington and the Rock Heights Middle School Choir, and a special appearance by Santa Clause.Those attending the parade are asked to bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to local food banks.For further details about the parade, visit the event webpage http://esquimaltlights.ca

[caption id="attachment_17588" align="alignnone" width="450"] Members of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) and Naval Reserve Division Malahat listen to a safety brief prior to an amphibious landing. Photos by Second Lieutenant Cameron Park[/caption] Second Lieutenant Cameron Park The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) ~The waters near Nanoose Bay at the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) on Vancouver Island were the site of Exercise Scottish Crown over the Nov. 4 to 5 weekend.Soldiers from the Canadian Army Reserve and the Naval Reserve of the Royal Canadian Navy practiced a variety of skills, including assault boat landings, familiarization rides in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), and the conduct of a patrol.With rehearsals complete, a tactical exercise saw a land force use assault boats, crewed by 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, to land and secure a beach head. RHIBs from Naval Reserve Division Malahat monitored the movement of the boats for safety.After the landing, foot patrols were conducted throughout the night by soldiers from the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), supported by medics from 11 (Victoria) Field Ambulance.In the morning, with patrols completed, the land force was extracted from the beach by the assault boats to conclude the exercise. To ensure effective radio communications were in place, soldiers from 39 Signals Regiment operated a command post and a radio rebroadcast station throughout the exercise.

[caption id="attachment_17585" align="alignnone" width="450"] Crewmembers from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Moncton mark the drug bundles seized by US Coast Guard members on Nov.11 during Operation Caribbe. Photo by 12 Wing Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Editor’s Note: For operational security reasons, military members deployed on Operation Caribbe cannot be identified.When HMCS Nanaimo contributed to the seizure of approximately 480 kilograms of cocaine last month in the eastern Pacific it marked a successful operational moment that was months in the making.While the high-profile drug bust went down in a matter of hours and got most of the attention, it was the coordinated international effort and several weeks of training that is the real achievement, says the ships’ commanding officer.    “Successful boardings and interdictions are rarely the actions of a single unit or ship; instead, there are aircraft, shore agencies, and other sea consorts that are all critical to the successful capture of illicit product,” he says. “The operation stands as an excellent example of international cooperation and coordination.”The Kingston-class warship and its crew are participating in Operation Caribbe, Canada’s component in a United States-led, anti-drug trafficking operation known as Operation Martillo.Also embarked in Nanaimo are members of United States Coast Guard (USCG) law enforcement detachment (LEDET).How it all went downJust before midnight on Oct. 30, Nanaimo received a dispatch from a Maritime Patrol Aircraft that directed them to their target, a small Panga-style fishing boat. The minor warship then pursued and brought the Panga to a halt. The two vessels remained stopped in the water until the U.S. Coast Guard’s law enforcement detachment received permission to board the vessel.“Many people think an event like this plays out like a Tom Clancy novel and it’s a kinetic thing done very quickly, but it is not,” says the Commanding Officer. “Once you identify a...

[caption id="attachment_17582" align="alignnone" width="550"] The surviving crew members of HMCS Kootenay pose for a group photo during the Commemorative Ceremony held at Damage Control Training Facility Kootenay on Oct. 23. Photo by LS Trent Galbraith, Formation Imaging Service[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~Former crewmembers of HMCS Kootenay, along with family, friends, and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) personnel, gathered at Damage Control Training Facility (DCTF) Kootenay at CFB Halifax on Oct. 23 to mark 48 years to the day since the tragic explosion on the ship that killed nine sailors and wounded many more.It was just after 8 a.m. on Oct. 23, 1969, as Kootenay was traversing the English Channel with a task group on the way back to Canada, when a full-speed engine trial led to the starboard gearbox overheating and exploding, filling the engine room and beyond with fire, oil and toxic smoke.In addition to the nine who perished, seven instantly and two more as a result of smoke inhalation soon after, 53 crewmembers were injured, many developing lifelong chronic issues.The explosion is considered the worst peacetime disaster in RCN history, and the story is well known both for the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of the crew, as well as for the myriad advancements in safety and damage control that were spawned in its aftermath.For the surviving crew, many of whom attended the ceremony in Purcell’s Cove, the weight of the tragedy is still felt, and some still have difficulty talking about the traumatic events that took place on the ship.Patty Robichaud said her father Rob Robichaud, who died in 2014, never spoke about the events on board Kootenay when she was growing up. He didn’t open up to his family about his role in the disaster until much later in life, when his granddaughter approached him for help with...

[caption id="attachment_17579" align="alignnone" width="450"] A/SLt Melinda Song poses with the Head of Delegation for Bhutan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Damcho Dorji, at the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference in Vancouver, Nov 15.[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA Office ~When more than 550 international delegates arrived in Vancouver for the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial earlier this month, they were greeted at the airport by Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members from across the country.Tasked as Liaison Officers, these CAF members provided one-on-one support to their assigned delegations, showcasing Canadian hospitality and helping to facilitate the successful execution of this high-profile international conference.Since August, a small team from Joint Task Force Pacific, led by Commander Blair Saltel, has been working in support of the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial, creating a detailed Liaison Officer program that included two-days of training, a transportation plan to and from the airport for delegates, and the development of a Joint Communications Operations Centre that provided 24-hour support to the Liaison Officers and their delegations.It required significant planning and effort, he says, but this behind-the-scenes support proved to be an essential part of making sure the conference ran smoothly.Meet A/SLt SongOne of the Liaison Officers was Acting Sub-Lieutenant Melinda Song, a Naval Warfare Officer with Naval Fleet School Pacific. A/SLt Song had volunteered for similar roles in the past, acting as a personal translator for Rear-Admiral Art McDonald during the Chinese Navy visit to Victoria last year, and assisting with the Pacific Command Chiefs of Defence Conference this fall. When she learned of the opportunity to assist with the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial, she jumped at the chance to once again be a Liaison Officer.“I consider it to be a great honour and privilege to have the opportunity to represent Canada, and showcase to other nations the professionalism and...

[caption id="attachment_17576" align="alignnone" width="450"] Naden Band composer and saxophonist Petty Officer Second Class Robyn Jutras (centre) is joined by fellow band members as she is presented an honorary membership in the Submariners Association of Canada (SAOC) by SAOC Canada West President, Lloyd Barnes (right) and past president Paul Hansen. The two former RCN submariners dropped by the band headquarters Nov. 21 to show their appreciation to PO2 Jutras for composing an official SAOC march entitled The Dolphin March. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Submariners old and young are going “Ahooga-Ahooga” for a new tune created in their honour by a Naden Band member.The Dolphin March was composed by Petty Officer Second Class Robyn Jutras, the band’s bassoonist, for the Submariners Association of Canada. PO2 Jutras, 35, says her creation was written with the traditional modern military march in mind. It  employs an upbeat or rapid tempo meant to match those of military members marching in step.“Ahooga is not only the sound the diving alarm (klaxon) that older submarines made but also an old submariners saying and the Association wanted that along with ‘Dive, Dive, Dive’ to be highly recognizable in the piece. So I decided to open with it in the first section,” says PO2 Jutras.The march opens with two non-traditional, classic submarine sound effects at the beginning of the piece: a ‘ping, ping’ of a sonar before transitioning to two blasts of an old submarine’s klaxon, which sounds phonetically like “Ahooga, Ahooga.”Paul Hansen, who spent nine years in the navy starting in the mid-1960s, including several years on both the HMCS Grilse and HMCS Rainbow, is past president of the Submariners Association of Canada West and the initiator of the project.  He worked closely with PO2 Jutras to explain what his group wanted for the...

[caption id="attachment_17537" align="alignnone" width="450"] Leading Seaman Glen Straarup, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), tries out the Standby Diver Over Garment during a recertification course. Photo by Master Seaman Sara MacAleese[/caption]DND ~The standby diver is an essential member of dive teams in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This individual must be fully dressed and ready to enter the water at immediate notice to assist, rescue, or recover a stricken diver.It’s imperative the standby diver remain ready, focused and cognizant of the task at hand throughout the dive. Burdened by wearing a diving ensemble that is heavy and awkward when sitting on the surface, this diver waits virtually motionless, often in cold severe weather, sometimes for several hours.The Standby Diver Over Garment provides environmental protection to the standby diver during CAF diving operations, whether they are on shore or afloat, improving their comfort, sustaining their focus, and maintaining a critical safety response.

[caption id="attachment_17534" align="alignnone" width="450"] West Coast Toastmasters members (left) Rob McDermot, Wendy Arthurs, Ian Dorge, Deidre Moran, Linda Quesnel, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Guillaume Lussier-Houle gather for their weekly meeting at Naval Fleet School Pacific. Photo by Peter Mallett[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~If you’ve ever become tongue-tied while speaking with a colleague, large audience or potential employer, the solution to your dilemma could be joining Toastmasters.The West Coast Toastmasters chapter can help you overcome those all too common stumbling speech blocks.The group meets every Thursday over the lunch hour in the Naval Fleet School Pacific Building N92 conference room.Central to the Toastmasters mandate is providing practice and training in communication skills. The benefits of membership extend past having confidence and poise while speaking, says Ian Dorge, West Coast Toastmasters Vice President of Education.“Toastmasters is really about the entire communications spectrum: listening, evaluating, impromptu speaking and presenting. If you join our group and become a member you will notice an improvement to many aspects of your communication skill set. If you are a better listener, you comprehend things better, you can answer more effectively and you can speak more effectively.”Dorge, who works as a Deputy Material Distribution Manager with Base Logistics, says the club is all about creating a warm and hospitable space where members can interact and learn as the international organization’s founder intended.Toastmasters was created in 1924 by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in the basement of a YMCA in Santa Ana, California. Smedley’s overall vision was to offer practice and training in communication and leadership skills, including the art of public speaking, presiding over meetings and promoting sociability and fellowship.Today, the organization boasts approximately 352,000 members in 13,000 clubs located in 142 countries worldwide.West Coast Toastmasters was co-founded in 2013 by current club president Wendy Arthurs. The group has a wide-ranging...