[caption id="attachment_20054" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]A view of downtown Victoria as seen from a Sea King Helicopter, Nov. 27. The helicopter has now officially retired from the Canadian Armed Forces.

[caption id="attachment_20049" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by Cpl Brandon James Liddy, CF Combat Camera[/caption]Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander, and Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, chat during the unloading of seized narcotics on Dec. 7 in San Diego California during Op CARIBBE. 

[caption id="attachment_20046" align="alignnone" width="590"] Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Leading Seaman Christopher Albin prepares to fire the .50 calibre machine gun during a weapons practice onboard HMCS Calgary during Operation Projection, in the Pacific Ocean Dec. 4, 2018.

[caption id="attachment_20025" align="alignnone" width="587"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A new rewards program is giving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members added incentive to do well on their mandatory fitness and operational readiness test.On Jan. 1 the FORCE Rewards Program was rolled out at military bases across Canada, enabling military personnel a chance to receive prizes and special recognition for registering high scores in their FORCE (Fitness for Operational Requirements Canadian Armed Forces Employment) test. All Regular Force and Class B Reservists are eligible to participate in the rewards program. Alyssa Jesson, a Personnel Support Programs Fitness coordinator who works at the Naden Athletic Centre, thinks the rewards program will be a motivating factor to improved fitness. “I think it was definitely time for some sort of rewards [system] to come into play,” said Jesson. “I am excited that in the coming weeks PSP staff will be seeing members coming through the front doors of our athletic facilities already wearing their FORCE Rewards gear.”After completion of their FORCE Evaluation test the results of members are plotted on their FORCE Fitness Profile and placed in one of four classification categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. That placing is based on their performance in comparison to how others of the same age and gender score on the test. Those who place in the top three categories receive the following prizes: Silver, high-performance t-shirt; Gold, high-performance hoodie; Platinum: high performance hoodie, certificate of recognition, and a pin to be worn on dress uniform (not CADPAT). The Force Rewards Program was developed in consultation with members in uniform, and relies on scientific evidence about what motivates people. Over 15,000 questionnaires and seven focus groups were undertaken to determine what motivates CAF members. The findings demonstrated that rewards provide a sense of accomplishment for...

[caption id="attachment_20014" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Corner Brook on Arctic patrol during Operation Nanook in 2007. Photo by Cplc Blake Rodgers[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~HMCS Corner Brook will become the first of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) four Victoria-class submarines to be equipped with a new modern mast system.The hunter-killer submarine is currently stationed in the purpose-built repair facility dock at Victoria Shipyards as workers from Babcock Canada install the L3 Calzoni Universal Modular Mast (UMM). The system, similar to the one fitted in U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarines was acquired under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.Masts are vital to the functioning of any submarine. In Canada’s diesel-powered subs they provide air supply, communications, radar, and periscope capability. Lieutenant-Commander Darryl Gervis, RCN Deputy Director Submarine Combat Systems, says the new technology puts Canada’s submarine program on a new course. “This is a game changer,” said LCdr Gervis, referring to the current technological shortfall for Canadian subs, which is the lack of a reliable high-speed satellite data link.“What the Universal Modular Mast [when coupled with the Protected Military Satellite Communication PMSC antenna] will do is provide near real-time high-speed [antenna] communications with the shore. This will allow for improved picture and video transmission, and quicker transmission of messages, and therefore reduce counter-detection opportunities as the submarine will spend less time with its mast out of the water.” The new equipment will also include the ability to  “plug-and-play” a Communications Intercept Suite antenna that will provide the class that capability. This is because the Universal Modular Mast has two multi-purpose ports – like data ports on a computer. This will enable other antennas and intelligence-gathering equipment to be swapped in and out to better suit the needs of a specific deployment or changing technology. Here in Esquimalt, Deputy Commander - Operations of Canadian Submarine Force, Commander Mike Mangin is encouraged by the upgrade and says the Universal Modular Mast with Protected Military Satellite Communication will bring Canadian submarine communications capabilities into the modern era.“It...

[caption id="attachment_20011" align="alignnone" width="590"] Members of Seamless in Canada pose for a group photo at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario, on Dec. 5. Photo by Private Tori Lake, Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) Imaging Services[/caption]DND ~Canadian Armed Forces members and their families are now one step closer to experiencing a “Seamless Canada”, when they relocate across the country during the course of their careers.Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) representatives met with counterparts from all provinces and territories in Ottawa Dec. 5 and 6 to advance the Seamless Canada initiative, first initiated in the summer of 2018.DND launched Seamless Canada on June 27 to improve the coordination of relocation services across the country, when CAF members and their families move to a different province or territory. The Ottawa symposium focussed on finding ways to streamline and enhance services across governments on issues specific to CAF members and their families.CAF members are required to relocate across Canada throughout their careers. A Canadian Forces Ombudsman report released in 2013 found that relocation is a major cause of stress and strain for military families, who can expect to move three times more frequently than the average civilian over the course of a member’s career in the CAF. Specific concerns included access to healthcare, employ­ment, child care and education, which all come under provincial and territorial jurisdictions.The Ottawa roundtable discussions centred on health care, spousal employment, and education and childcare. Participants also worked on shaping the governance of the Seamless Canada framework and deciding on a strategic, long-term path to improving how military families can better transition between the provinces and territories.The Seamless Canada working group will continue meeting regularly to improve services across provinces and territories in an effort to help ease the burden placed upon CAF members...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A deployment to the Indo-Pacific region didn’t stop HMCS Calgary and the Esquimalt Lions Club from hosting the 33rd annual Children’s Christmas Party.In previous years the party was held onboard Calgary, but with the frigate deployed on Operation Projection the event was moved to the Gun Room at Work Point.With landed members from the ship and volunteers from HMCS Winnipeg sporting festive Santa hats and Lions Club members dressed as elves, they played host to a group of 25 deserving public school students from six Victoria elementary schools.“It’s an annual tradition and great to have the community engagement between the Esquimalt Lions club, local schools and the navy,” said event organizer, Petty Officer Second Class Brad Warford. “It’s great to be able to reach out to the local community and show children what we do and what the navy has to offer.”Retired Saanich Firefighter and Lions Club member Daryl Driemel began his involvement in the Christmas party when it first began back in 1985. He says participating puts a smile on his face every year because the kids really seem to “have a ball.”“That is what makes this event so special because it gives these children some free time away from class where they can experience some holiday joy,” said Driemel.The party kicked off outside of the Gun Room with fire extinguisher and fire hose drills performed by CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue. Firefighters also brought their ladder fire truck to show off to the kids and arranged for a visit by Sparky the Fire Safety Dog. Festivities then moved indoors where the children made Christmas crafts and played games before enjoying a lunch of hot dogs and chicken fingers.But the biggest surprise came at the end of the party with an appearance by Santa Claus himself....

MARPAC Public Affairs ~Can you imagine having a trade, certifications, and a well-paying job with benefits that you enjoy – all without student loans?That’s what Lachlan Palmer has. When still in high school and just 17-years-old, he applied for a student co-operative education term at Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton at CFB Esquimalt. As a successful applicant, he took part in the co-op program after graduating from high school in July and August of 2012.  He was paid for his work that summer, making him one of the few students at his age to earn an income so quickly after graduation. After completing the co-operative education at FMF, he was then offered a four-year apprenticeship program as a pipe-fitter. He began the apprenticeship that November and completed it in 2016 – obtaining his Journeyman Ticket in pipefitting. Following his appren­ticeship, he then “bridged” into full-time employment at FMF. Now at 24, he has been working with FMF for nearly seven years. He also received additional training during that time, which was all paid for by his employer, the Government of Canada. He obtained his steam-fitting/pipe-fitting and gas-fitting tickets, as well as qualifications in high pressure brazing. He is currently one of only two employees at FMF who can conduct brazing work on submarines.“I am very fortunate that my shop teacher told me about the co-op program when I was in high school, which made all of this possible.”The bonus is Palmer enjoys his job. From working on submarines to climbing ship’s masts to checking lines, to working in FMF’s new facilities, there’s never a dull moment. He enjoys playing a role in getting ships out to sea to protect our coasts through his work.His connection to ship work has also seeped into his personal life. He purchased a boat...

[caption id="attachment_20002" align="alignnone" width="589"] Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, for the day, Aiden Anderson, along with his sister Courtney Holland and mother Isabella Anderson, experienced army equipment during their visit to Le Régiment de Hull (RCAC), in Gatineau, Quebec, on Dec. 13. Photo by Jay Rankin, Canadian Army Public Affairs[/caption]Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs ~The Canadian Army appointed its first-ever Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel: a 15-year-old from London, Ontario.However, the appointment was for just one day; the youth in question, Aiden Anderson, who now has memories to last a lifetime.That day, Dec. 13, 2018, was just one of five Aiden spent in the Nation’s Capital with the help of Make-a-Wish Canada, which grants the wishes of children suffering from critical illnesses.Though he has been healthy for several years, Aiden was born with a congenital heart defect that has kept him in hospital frequently in the past and required four surgeries over his lifetime.Aiden, a student at London’s Sir Frederick Banting High School, with a keen interest in politics and military history, wished to experience a day in the life of the Prime Minister. His experiences included sitting in on Question Period and hosting a press conference just as the PM would.In addition to learning about the Prime Minister’s role, he was able to cross another wish off his list by spending quality time experiencing the military way of life up close with the army.His day with the army began with a gathering at which the Army Commander, Lieutenant-General Jean Marc Lanthier, was briefed by other senior leaders at the Army Headquarters in Ottawa.Officers around the table introduced themselves to Aiden, who was uniformed in CADPAT, and explained their respective roles. CADPAT, which stands for Canadian Army Disruptive Pattern, is the army’s distinctive, disruptive camouflage pattern.“Your courage, your resilience, your drive, and your quality as a person...

Peter Mallett Staff Writer ~Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is getting ready to score on a Victoria Grizzlies power play. The Junior ‘A’ hockey club recently announced a new partnership that will see the community-based non-profit as the sole beneficiary of fundraising efforts for its Military Appreciation Night on Jan. 25 game against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The club is offering reduced ticket prices of $10 for all military and DND employees with $5 from every ticket sold for the game going to the MFRC. Tickets can be purchased through their website and the box office at the Q-Centre in Colwood. When purchasing through the website choose military/senior rate for the discount. The new partnership and other fundraising initiatives surrounding the game were finalized after discussions between MFRC Community Engagement Manager Lisa Church and Grizzlies President Lance Black.“It’s wonderful that the club is reaching out like this to both the MFRC and the military community. Their level of support is very impressive and heartwarming to see,” said Church.Church noted there are other ways her organization will benefit from the event including being the beneficiaries of the team’s traditional game-night 50/50 draw. Grizzlies players will also wear specially designed uniforms for the game, which will be auctioned off to the highest bidders following the game. The black and gold jersey was created by the team’s graphic designer Ty Didmon and features a navy frigate on the front. The MFRC will give one lucky registered youth hockey player, under the age of 18, a chance to participate in opening-game warmups with the Grizzlies. Interested players can fill out an application form available at the MFRC’s headquarters on Signal Hill or the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC) until Jan. 17. The lucky winner will be announced on Jan. 21. The Naden Band will also...

[caption id="attachment_19994" align="alignnone" width="580"] Best Griswold Tree, Canadian Forces Health Services Centre (Pacific): (Left) Terri Yuen, Sgt Shauna Karnes, Base Commander, Capt(N) Jason Boyd, and Capt Kelsie Morrison.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Three base units headed into the 2018 holiday season with bragging rights and prizes following the judging of the annual Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. This year’s winning entries were Best Festive Tree, Fleet Maintenance Facility; Best Griswold Tree, Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Pacific; and Best Charlie Brown Tree, Naval Development Training Centre. Decorating of the pre-lit artificial trees began Nov. 26 and were completed by Dec. 7. Winners were announced on Dec. 12 after judging by Skate and Swim with Santa attendees.Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd was on hand to congratulate the winners at the Naden Athletic Centre and Wurtele Arena on Dec. 13. $200 gift cards were each awarded for the Most Festive Tree and Best Griswold Tree; $100 gift card was awarded for the Best Charlie Brown Tree.

[caption id="attachment_19969" align="alignnone" width="591"] Capt(N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander, and Family[/caption]Celebrate the Joy As the crunch of the holiday season begins in earnest and the demands of shopping, decorating, and entertaining can bog us down in the heavy business of good cheer, it’s easy to lose sight of one word that makes this time of year so magical: Joy.It’s the refrain of a classic Christmas song: “Joy to the World.” It’s on the faces and in the smiles of our sailors seeing the shores of home for the first time after long journeys keeping this country safe and making it proud. And it’s in the eyes and heart of a child racing to open presents on Christmas day - though perhaps not so much for parents confronted by a much too early morning after a few too many egg nogs. We in the military have a fondness for Latin, and joy comes from gaudere - to rejoice, to celebrate, to feel jubilation and delight. And while it is a gaudy, tinselly word, I don’t think it strains credulity to say I have had plenty to rejoice about during this past year as Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt. I am constantly delighted and filled with pride by the professionalism, dedication to duty and continued excellence of the civilian and military members of the Defence Team at CFB Esquimalt and Maritime Forces Pacific. We are all blessed by the strong, flourishing relationships the Base enjoys with its friends, partners and neighbours, be they First Nations, the Township of Esquimalt, and the other municipalities of Vancouver Island, the province, or organizations such as HealthPartners and the Goldstream Food Bank. And I can say without reservation I still take immense satisfaction and pleasure serving you all and this great country as an officer of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces.Part of the joy of this time of year is in abundance - the heaps of love, excitement, food, gifts, and holiday spirits, both...

[caption id="attachment_19964" align="alignnone" width="591"] On the left, PO1 Marc Buzzi of Team Howlett and CPO2 Josh Barnes get set for the opening puck drop by referee CPO2 Yves Ouellet. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members of the former Hull Technician trade recently gathered for a charity hockey game, fittingly dedicated to the memory of two former co-workers who loved to play hockey. Approximately 20 sailors gathered for their 5th annual fundraiser on Dec. 6 at Wurtele Arena. It was played in honor of former Hull Tech Instructor, Chief Petty Officer First Class Mike Howlett, and former Hull Tech Petty Officer Second Class Joe Lescene. The beneficiary of the $135 funds raised for this year’s game will go to help to pay for an Autism support dog for the four-year-old daughter of Leading Seaman David Howe, from HMCS Ottawa. When the final buzzer sounded Team Howlett defeated Team Lescene 7 to 5.  But the final score didn’t really matter for the players involved said Leading Seaman Steven Parizeau, a Fire Instructor at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) Damage Control Division. “Playing this game was a good way to help another Hull Tech in need just in time for the holidays and also to remember the legacies of two Hull Techs who are no longer with us,” said LS Parizeau. CPO1 Howlett of Stephenville, Nfld., was an ardent Edmonton Oilers fans. He loved the game of hockey so much that he once had a ball hockey court built in a field next to his place of work, Colwood’s Damage Control building. His students and co-workers first organized the memorial game in memory of CPO1 Howlett back in 2014. CPO1 Howlett succumbed to pancreatic cancer in March 2010.This year organizers of the game decided to remember the legacy of PO2 Lescene. He...

[caption id="attachment_19961" align="alignnone" width="590"] Inset: Piper Donald Kennedy, 43rd Cameron Highlanders[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~As Angus Stanfield, 73, looks back on 2018, he says playing his family’s set of century-old bagpipes at this year’s Bells of Peace Ceremony will stand as one of his life’s greatest memories.The moment came at sunset, shortly after 4:39 p.m. on Nov. 11, when the Bells of Peace tolled 100 times. That’s when the Victoria man put his lips to the mouthpiece, expanded the bag to capacity, and squeezed out a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace for onlookers gathered at Fort Rodd Hill. These are no ordinary bagpipes that Stanfield plays. Made of African blackwood, real ivory, and mounted silver, these authentic Scottish bagpipes have been in his family for over 103 years. They are the same set of pipes played on the battlefield by his Grandfather, Private Donald Kennedy for Canada’s 43rd Battalion Cameron (Winnipeg) Highlanders. Pte Kennedy served Canada at the Battle of the Somme, Passchendaele, and Vimy Ridge. “So many emotions were going through my mind,” said Stanfield of playing his grandfather’s pipes. “I was thinking about my grandfather and how the pipes I was playing were right there on the battlefields in France and Belgium. I was also thinking about the 60,000 Canadians who were killed, with each ring of the bell representing 6,000 men.”Remembrance Day is normally a busy time for Stanfield, who is chairman of the B.C. Yukon Legion Foundation, Cockrell House, and the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy and Remembrance Day Committee; he is also Vice President of the Dominion Command. But he wouldn’t have missed the local Bells of Peace ceremony and the chance to honour his Grandfather. The Bells of Peace initiative was part of Canada’s recognition of the 100th anniversary of the day the Armistice. When the peace agreement...

[caption id="attachment_19958" align="alignnone" width="591"] Ordinary Seaman Kathryn Struthers (left) and Leading Seaman Chrystal Lavigne (right), Naval Communicators, stand watch on HMCS Calgary’s bridge during Operation Projection.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~HMCS Calgary returns to its home port of Esquimalt on Dec. 18 after five months in the Asia-Pacific region strengthening Canada’s relationships with nations in the area.The Royal Canadian Navy frigate and its crew of 236 left Esquimalt Harbour July 30 for Operation Projection, which formally began Aug. 20. Calgary will be one of three warships returning to the base that day; HMCS Edmonton and HMCS Nanaimo will return from Operation Caribbe, the Canadian Armed Forces contribution to the elimination of illegal trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean by organized crime.Lastly, making its way to Victoria for the first time will be the navy’s interim supply ship Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, which will come alongside at Ogden Point terminal. As Calgary plots a course for home, the ship’s commanding officer, Cdr Blair Saltel says he and the ship’s company have a great sense of pride with the completion of another successful mission. “I believe we strengthened relationships for follow-on ships to continue, bolstered trust in Canadian capabilities and interest in the region, and represented our namesake city in an exciting area of the world. I am proud of what we have accomplished and thankful to the families that supported us from home and the ‘Military Family’ who will welcome us home.”By the time Calgary sailors cross the brow and into the arms of friends and family, they will have transited over 23,000 nautical miles, visited five countries, operated with 15 navies and participated in three multi-national exercises.Also high on its list of operational accomplishments is becoming the first Canadian warship to conduct operations in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2375...

[caption id="attachment_19955" align="alignnone" width="591"] HMCS Vancouver’s last ever land on and take off of a Sea King. Photo by LS Dustin York[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Heartfelt tributes flowed freely during the official Sea King helicopter retirement parade Dec. 1, when the military and DND community bade farewell to the longest serving aircraft in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Inside the hangar at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Pat Bay, more than 500 people gathered to witness the historic send-off.“To our magnificent Sea King, though you were an inanimate object, you were a living presence in the lives of so many of us in the navy and air force; we will certainly miss you,” said Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander of the RCAF, to the crowd. “I see all of the people here today that have worked on the Sea King, many of whom spent 20, 30 or more years around the aircraft. It really was the catalyst for the mission, and for the friendships and bonds we established within the air force and with our navy teammates.” When Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Deputy Commander of the RCN, stepped to the podium, he also noted the partnership between the two environments that was forged by the aircraft and its role with navy warships. The former Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific said that over the years, from the Cold War era to present-day operations, the Sea King served an integral part in naval deployments. “Today is the day we retire a stalwart workhorse and celebrate how it provided the foundation for continued naval-aviation success in a navy-air force industry partnership,” said RAdm McDonald. “The Sea King was more than just a helicopter; since its introduction in the 1960s it fundamentally changed the nature of naval operations worldwide.” When the Sea King was procured in...

[caption id="attachment_19948" align="alignnone" width="591"] PO1 Trevor Linfoot[/caption]Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Trevor Linfoot enrolled in the Regular Force in 1999 as a Cook, briefly, until realizing that the hospitality aspect of the Steward trade was more suited to him. He has served onboard HMC Ships Protecteur, Algonquin, Calgary and Winnipeg, as well as completing a tour as a Flight Steward with 437 Squadron based out of Trenton, ON. He also worked as a Senior Instructor at Naval Fleet School Pacific and is currently the Coxswain of HMCS Nanaimo.PO1 Linfoot is the first Steward to be appointed Coxswain of a Kingston-Class Vessel on the west coast. He hopes that other Stewards will be granted the same opportunity, as it has great potential for professional development and preparation for senior appointments. “Onboard a Kingston-Class ship, the coxswain is responsible for personnel management, sleeping quarter allocation, morale, and discipline. Further to this, I am the Ship’s Office; dealing with leave passes, pay and posting issues, and managing correspondences,” explains PO1 Linfoot.Kingston-Class crewing can be challenging as personnel frequently move from one ship to the other within a short period of time. The Coxswain often acts as a sounding board for the Commanding Officer when trying to keep the 33-personnel crew as constant as possible. HMCS Nanaimo and HMCS Edmonton from Esquimalt, HMCS Moncton from Halifax and two CP-140 Aurora aircrafts are currently taking part in Operation Caribbe, the Canadian contribution to the U.S.-led Operation Martillo. The goal of the mission is to intercept and disrupt the shipment of drugs from Central America to Canada and the United States of America. “Caribbe is an important operation to which the Royal Canadian Navy contributes. The ability to integrate with our American partners (in the form of a Law Enforcement Detachment from...

[caption id="attachment_19943" align="alignnone" width="280"] Lt(N) Cynthia Lawless, CD[/caption]Sept. 5, 1972 – Nov. 22, 2018Cyndi passed away in the company of her family after a challenging fight with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband Michael, and her three incredible children - Patrick, Brian and Erin - as well as her mother Diane (Doug) and father Stew (JulieAnne) and her siblings, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Cyndi was born in Vanderhoof (because Fort St. James did not have a hospital at the time!) and is the younger sister of Maria and older sister of Sean and Michael Coulter.After graduating from Fort St James Secondary School, she attended BCIT where she earned a structural and architectural drafting certificate.Cyndi enrolled in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program as soon as she was permitted and quickly demonstrated the leadership, interpersonal, and citizenship skills that have served her and others so well. As a cadet she was engaged in all aspects of the program and developed many strong friendships that continued throughout her life. She served in her local community and at the national summer training centre HMCS Quadra reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class.It was at Quadra that she met her husband Michael and, after marrying in 1992, they served together at RCSCC Captain Vancouver as well as HMCS Quadra.As Cyndi and Michael started a family, they moved to Victoria, which has remained home ever since. With three incredible children, Cyndi was active within her school community and served on the board of St. Patrick’s Elementary School and later volunteered at St. Andrew’s Regional High School. She was a very talented artist; it is rumoured that her husband once, at great peril to himself, had to ‘steal’ one of her artworks away from his mother-in-law’s house so he could proudly...

[caption id="attachment_19940" align="alignnone" width="590"] HMCS Victoria near Fisgard Lighthouse. Photo by Cpl Michael Bastien[/caption]Courtesy of the Maple Leaf ~The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Submarine Force has had a momentous year, marked by two highly successful simultaneous out-of-area deployments. The lengthy deployments of Her Majesty’s Canadian Submarines (HMCS) Chicoutimi and Windsor – for 197 and 133 days respectively – highlight the RCN’s ability to concurrently deploy its submarines and provide support to Canada’s allies. They also underpin the wide-reaching capability of Canada’s submarine fleet, and the professionalism and dedication of Canadian sailors.“The work that both submarines did with our closest allies ensures that our submarines are ready to provide defence in depth to Canada,” said Commander Mike Mangin, Deputy Commander of Operations for the Canadian Submarine Force. “By conducting both offensive and defensive anti-surface warfare scenarios, the crews of both boats are better prepared to fulfill this task should it ever be called upon.”Canadian submariners are well-trained and when combined with the stealth of a Victoria-class submarine, they form a formidable capability. Throughout their months-long deployments, both Windsor and Chicoutimi proved their value as instruments of power projection on the international stage and demonstrated to both allies and adversaries that Canada is a credible, reliable and effective player in the under-sea domain.Western Pacific regionIn September 2017, Chicoutimi commenced its deployment to the western Pacific, visiting Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Yokosuka and Sasebo in Japan, and Guam along the way.During its deployment, Chicoutimi took part in ANNUALEX – a bilateral training engagement between the United States Navy (USN) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force – marking the first time another nation has been invited to participate. This trip also marked the first visit by a Canadian submarine to Japan since HMCS Grilse in the late 1960s.Chicoutimi worked closely with the USN, building combined...

[caption id="attachment_19937" align="alignnone" width="588"] Kerry Vance, wife of Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance, meets with members of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre on Nov. 23. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~When Kerry Vance stopped by the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC) Nov. 23, she made it clear she was excited about the visit but encouraged everyone she met to drop the formalities.“Call me Kerry, I don’t want to hear Mrs. Vance, I want you to feel comfortable talking with me about whatever concerns you,” said Vance, wife of the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance. Vance was in town to participate in Pacific Women’s Day at Royal Roads University on Nov. 24. Ahead of that engagement, she toured the CPAC and met with members of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). She visited with children in the MFRC Daycare Centre and had a roundtable discussion with MFRC staffers. The next day she attended Pacific Women’s Day held at Royal Roads University and organized by the MFRC. The event celebrates the role of female military members, spouses and partners, mothers, DND employees and friends of the military. It featured a keynote address by popular military family lifestyle blogger Kim Mills of She is Fierce, specialty workshops, and a mix and mingle lunch. Vance said women need to take the time to think of themselves and their own needs. “Take time for yourself because in the end it will make you stronger. If you are weak, either emotionally, spiritually or physically, you won’t have the power to be effective in life.”Her unique perspective on selflessness comes from experience since Vance is both a mother and a soldier who served in the United States Army.  She retired from the...

[caption id="attachment_19934" align="alignnone" width="590"] The Naden Band marches to Heart of Oak while practicing at the Chilean Naval Academy.[/caption]Lt(N) Melissa Kia, MARPAC PAO ~The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific is currently representing the Royal Canadian Navy in the 200th Anniversary of the Chilean Navy celebrations. The group of musicians, totalling 35 members, is presently in Renaca, where they are brushing up on their latest tunes to add to their musical program for this milestone celebration. Music is but one of the events for this group, as they have also been liaising with the Chilean Armada. The band’s official events started Nov. 24, when they were welcomed on board the Chilean frigate Almirante Blanco Encalada. They also toured the historical Naval Museum of Chile located in the hills of Valparaiso that overlooks the Fleet and Chilean Naval Base. Their second visit was to the Torquemada Air Base in Concon, where the musicians were shown some Chilean airpower. They were also treated to a view of Canadian technology at work during a demonstration of submerged helicopter escape training for Chilean pilots. Later in the week, the Naden Band was warmly welcomed by the Chilean Marines at the Aguayo Marine Base where the Chileans put on an impressive showcase of their weaponry and technical expertise. Tanks, field artillery and mountain and dive experts from the 51 Chilean Marine Brigade were on hand for the Canadian visit. The Naden Band will perform live with the Chilean Navy and the Royal Marine Band of the Royal Navy in four major events during the first week of December. Until then, they will be working on their best material and sharpest drill to be in fine form for the big events that are expected to draw thousands, and even the president of Chile and the Commander of the Royal...

[caption id="attachment_19900" align="alignnone" width="246"] Leading Seaman Mark McInnis re-enrolled in the RCN under the Skilled Re-enrolment Initiative.[/caption]RCN Public Affairs ~Leading Seaman Mark McInnis decided to re-enrol in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) after missing the camaraderie of his fellow sailors.The Naval Communicator, now working at Base Information Services in Esquimalt, B.C., had previously served two years in the navy aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec. He decided to leave due to personal reasons and returned to civilian life as a supervisor and carpenter. But he missed life in the RCN and recently returned under the Skilled Re-enrolment Initiative.LS McInnis says the feeling of camaraderie you get in the RCN is unique.“It’s something that you don’t find or come across too often in civilian life,” he says. “In the civilian world people are more self involved. In the RCN you need to work as a team to accomplish your collective goal. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment.”LS McInnis says his parents were “thrilled” when he made the decision to re-enrol.“They are very proud of me serving my country; especially my mother, whom I lost last October. She was in Maple Ridge, B.C., and being posted to Esquimalt made it easier for us to spend some special and priceless time together.” LS McInnis also missed the adventure and chance to make a difference in the world that wearing a uniform brings. He highly recommends re-enrolment to other people who have left the RCN.“There is the competitive pay, benefits and medical,” he says. “You and your family are completely taken care of. And you have the opportunity to go as far as you want if you’re willing to do the work.”Due to attrition rates in recent years, certain RCN occupations have become stressed due to the lack of personnel. As a result,...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A military family from Belmont Park have launched a fundraising campaign in hopes of getting the funds needed to pay for an autism service dog for their child.Stay-at-home mother Alexandra Howe and her husband Leading Seaman David Howe, who works as a Marine Technician aboard HMCS Ottawa, say a professionally-trained canine companion is the perfect solution to help control some of the Autism Spectral Disorder (ASD) symptoms their four-year-old daughter Anabelle experiences. But service dogs don’t come cheap. A dog professionally trained to combat symptoms of ASD will cost the Howe’s over $40,000.“We hope the service dog would be able to help console her, but also be there to save her life,” says Alexandra. ASD covers a broad range of complex disorders of brain development and can include problems with social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviours. Some of Anabelle’s other ASD symptoms include using words that don’t seem to be in context, and rocking motions. “We constantly need to be on our toes because one of Anabelle’s symptoms leads to her banging her head on the ground,” says Alexandra. “We also hope that in situations like this, the dog will be trained to get its body in the way of the ground and her head, to prevent her from becoming concussed.” Autism service dogs work with parents to protect their children from the dangers of uncontrolled and unpredictable actions.One of the most concerning symptoms is Anabelle’s desire to take off running, which a service dog could also remedy. “She doesn’t understand the concept of danger especially when it comes to cars on the roadway; trying to go out somewhere with her can honestly be scary sometimes,” says LS Howe. “When she runs, she doesn’t respond to her name or if you tell her to stop.”Despite the enormous cost,...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Soldier On is now accepting applications for the 2019 Warrior Games and 2020 Invictus Games. Both international competitions are intended to inspire ill and injured military personnel and veterans to recovery through participation in adaptive sport. Eligibility is open to those who acquired a permanent physical or mental health injury or illness as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2018.Canada will be participating in its second Warrior Games after its inaugural participation earlier this year. The tenth annual games kick off next June in Tampa, Fla. They will involve athletes from the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands competing in a variety of sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing and powerlifting.Last month, 40 Canadian athletes travelled to Australia for the Invictus Game 2018 Sydney that included 500 competitors from 18 nations competing in 11 different adaptive sports. The Fifth Invictus Games will be held in The Hague, Netherlands, in May 2020. Team Canada members will be required to attend two training camps in the months leading up to the Games. Canada’s Games teams are run by the Canadian Armed Forces Soldier On program. Since its inception in 2007 it has assisted more than 5,000 ill and injured members obtain sporting or recreational equipment, gain access to high-level training from world-class instructors and supported their participation in sports competition, and also a wide variety of structured activities from skiing to fishing to adventure expeditions. Soldier On spokesperson Lieutenant (Navy) Kelly Boyden of the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) said her staff are looking to fill approximately 40 spots on its roster for next year’s Warrior Games, while the number of roster spots for the Invictus Games is...

[caption id="attachment_19894" align="alignnone" width="230"] Lt(N) Kay van Akker[/caption]MARPAC PA Office ~Lieutenant (Navy) Kay van Akker joined the Naval Reserve while going to university in 2001. Her full-time summer training to become a Naval Warfare Officer, part-time work throughout the year, and military grants provided her with sufficient income to fund her education. After exploring a civilian career, having a family and working part-time at her Naval Reserve Division, she decided to work full-time with the Royal Canadian Navy. She was selected to join the newly formed Naval Security Team (NST) as the Operations Officer for the unit’s first deployment, and subsequent appointment as NST Executive Officer.“I am fortunate to have such an interesting job that challenges and engages me. The great thing about being a Reservist is the opportunity to switch back and forth between part-time and full-time service in order to suit the needs of the navy, my family and myself.”The NST is a deployable naval team that provides land and sea-based protection for Royal Canadian Navy ships and personnel, at home and overseas. The Team deploys in support of Government of Canada missions, and is responsible for liaising with host nations, as well as providing support and intelligence in foreign ports. Due to the nature of NST’s work, Lt(N) van Akker travels around the world in her current role. Over the last year, she travelled to South Korea, Denmark, Fiji and across Canada. In her recent deployment to Fiji on Operation Projection to build partner capacity with the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN), she guided several workshops to support the RFN in their initiative to integrate women into their navy - an initiative that has now seen 26 female recruits successfully pass their first phase of naval training. “I’ve embraced this remarkable opportunity and seen a very different...

Steve Purewal, Author Duty, Honour & Izzat ~After 100 years, it is time to tell the tale of the unsung heroes of the Punjab who stood as brothers-in-arms with Canadians to make a critical contribution to Allied victories in the First World War.This story of diverse communities coming together with a common goal to make the ultimate sacrifice is presented in my book Duty, Honour & Izzat, released to ­commemorate the centennial of the Armistice. It details the contributions of Punjabis that helped win the war.War’s startArriving Sept. 26, 1914, in Marseille, France, British Punjab’s Lahore Division of pre-partition India became the first colonial force to deploy in Europe to defend liberty and freedom while millions of Europeans had yet to enlist. With the fate of the Channel Ports hanging in the balance, the Indian Expeditionary Force quickly plugged the gap in the last British line of defence before Calais. They thwarted the German advance by forcing the opposing armies to complete a series of trenches in a stalemate that would stretch south from the Flanders coast to Switzerland. After this First Battle of Ypres, the Western Front would remain more or less static for the next four years until August 1918 when the Canadians were able to punch a hole in the German line during the 100 Days offensive, which finally put the end of war within sight. Speaking after the war, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, Ferdinand Foch, identified the Indian Army as having delivered the war effort’s first decisive steps to victory; they were critical in stemming the tide of the German invasion of Belgium and France. Without their arrival in the nick of time, the port of Calais would not have been saved for a Canadian landing, the Western Front would have been breached, and...