[caption id="attachment_18618" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Paul Pendergast, Canadian Joint Operations Command PAO ~HMC Ships Whitehorse and Edmonton had a busy two weeks on Operation Caribbe, making three drug busts during that short time. The ships assisted the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in seizing approximately 2,011 kilograms of cocaine and disrupting another estimated 845 kg, for a total of some 2,856 kg of cocaine that was prevented from reaching the streets of North America.March 24On March 24, Whitehorse helped the USCG seize about 30 kg and disrupt an estimated 845 kg of cocaine. This event took place in international waters in the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central America.A maritime patrol aircraft operating with Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) spotted a suspicious vessel during a routine patrol. Whitehorse was tasked to stop the panga-style fishing vessel. It launched its rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), each with members of the embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET).The suspected smugglers on the panga-style vessel jettisoned approximately 875 kg of cocaine overboard and fled the scene. One of the RHIBs picked up a 30 kg bale of cocaine before joining the other RHIB in chasing the panga.April 3Stepping up to the plate on April 3, Edmonton assisted the USCG to seize about 461 kg of cocaine in international waters in the eastern Pacific off the coast of Central America.An aircraft operating with JIATF-S spotted a suspicious vessel, and Edmonton was tasked to intercept it. When the ship was close enough, the Commanding Officer ordered the launch of their RHIBs with Edmonton crew and members of USCG LEDET onboard. They approached the panga-style vessel, which surrendered without chase. The USCG LEDET quickly boarded the suspected smuggler’s vessel and subsequently found 23 bales of cocaine weighing about 461 kg. The LEDET detained four crew members.“I...

[caption id="attachment_18567" align="alignnone" width="582"] Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Remembrance Day Ceremony onboard HMNZS TE KAHA. Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Lt(N) Melissa Kia, MARPAC PAO ~At 10 a.m. on April 24, the crew from HMNZS Te Kaha bowed their heads as silence fell and the ensign was lowered. Together with members from Maritime Forces Pacific they acknowledged ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day), a national remembrance of lives lost during the First World War, in particular at the battle for ANZAC Cove on Gallipoli in 1915. The warship is alongside a jetty in HMC Dockyard at CFB Esquimalt, awaiting major maintenance at the shipyard across the harbour.A similar solemn ceremony also took place in their homeland and in Australia on the other side of the world.     The service was conducted in both Mauri and English - a reminder of the deep relationship New Zealand shares with its First Nations. Accompanying, Commander Steve Lenik, Commander of Te Kaha, as he laid a wreath at the foot of a cross on the deck was Captain (Navy) Clive Butler. “The importance of allies cannot be overstated today as we stand with the Royal Canadian Navy, just as we stood with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment all those years ago,” said Cdr Lenik. “We are all brothers and sisters in arms who know the importance of the law and order it takes for us all to live in peace and freedom.” As the last note from the bugler subsided, the New Zealand crew laid their poppies at the base of the wreath, marking the end of the service.Stay connected, follow Lookout Navy News:Facebook: LookoutNewspaperNavyNewsTwitter: @Lookout_newsInstagram: LookoutNavyNews 

[caption id="attachment_18615" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Edmonton conducts a towing approach with HMCS Whitehorse while sailing in the eastern Pacific Ocean during Operation Caribbe, April 25.

[caption id="attachment_18612" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]A member of the U.S. Coast Guard works with crewmembers from HMCS Edmonton during Operation Caribbe in the eastern Pacific Ocean, April 24.

[caption id="attachment_18608" align="alignnone" width="580"] Photo by Cpl Tony Chand, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]RCN members on board HMCS St. John’s perform a night-time Replenishment At Sea with United States Naval Ship William McLean during Exercise Joint Warrior as part of Operation Reassurance, April 27.

[caption id="attachment_18605" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Crewmembers on board HMCS Edmonton signal a U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopter while conducting training during Operation Caribbe in the eastern Pacific Ocean, April 24.

[caption id="attachment_18602" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]LCdr Mike Erwin, Guard Commander, accompanies LGov Austin as she inspects the Guard of Honour, April 24.

[caption id="attachment_18596" align="alignnone" width="582"] Photo by LS Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Together with members from Maritime Forces Pacific, HMNZS Te Kaha acknowledged ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day), a national remembrance of lives lost during the battle for ANZAC Cove on Gallipoli in 1915 (WW1).

Peter Mallett, Staff WriterWhen Retired Commander Peter Chance, 97, addresses the room during the All-Ranks Mess Dinner at the Wardroom May 4, he will relay, through his own stories, what it was like to serve and survive the Battle of the Atlantic.Pay little heed to his age, or his 30-year career, or the rack of 14 medals on his service jacket. Rather, remember the bygone sailors, honour them, and reflect upon their service to country, and try to relate it to the service of today - that will be his message as he looks upon the crowd of young military members. The battle on the seas more than 75 years ago was the longest continuous military campaign during the Second World War. The outcome was not assured. But victory was eventually achieved; however, at a huge cost: between 1939 and 1945, 3,500 allied merchant ships and 175 Allied warships were sunk, and some 72,200 allied naval and merchant seamen lost their lives. “History was not predetermined, and the truth is the Allies were losing the war because the Germans were sinking our merchant ships and vessels faster than we were able to replenish them,” says Chance. “It was purely a question of survival. The Nazi war machine was splendidly efficient. Britain was left by itself, and if we couldn’t hold out it was going to be game over and the Nazis would be supreme.”For his part in the war, Chance served in a variety of Canadian warships including HMCS Skeena, HMCS Seacliffe, and HMCS Gatineau. They were part of Hunter-killer Groups, also known as Convoy Support Groups, which were anti-submarine warships actively deployed to attack German submarines. Sailing was dangerous business; below the surface German U-Boats were at the ready to deploy their torpedoes, and Mother Nature was merciless, battering ships...

Lt(N) Paul Pendergast,Canadian Joint Operations Command PAO ~A ship at sea on a two-month deployment is not the easiest place to stay fit.With the ship pitching and rolling in rough seas, and a busy watch schedule, the temptation is always there to enjoy an extra helping of good navy food and retire to your bunk for an hour of extra sleep during your off-watch time.The fitness coordinator in HMCS Whitehorse, who cannot be identified for security reasons, has made it his goal to improve the overall fitness level of the crew during its deployment on Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to the multinational effort to counter illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.“My main job is standing watch as a Marine Technician, ensuring all the mechanical systems on board are working properly,” said the Fitness Coordinator. “When they called for a volunteer for the secondary duty of Fitness Coordinator, I jumped at the opportunity.”Some crewmembers take advantage of port visits to go running or jogging, but at sea the limited space available requires the use of machines such as a treadmill to maintain cardio fitness.Just prior to sailing on this deployment, Whitehorse received a full suite of fitness equipment, including a treadmill, elliptical machine, rowing machine, and weights and TRX bands for resistance exercises.With all the new gear, it is no surprise that Whitehorse is one of the fittest ships in the fleet. “I would place this crew at the top of the list for fitness levels, of any ship I have sailed in over the past nine years,” said the Fitness Coordinator.Typically, fitness levels of crew members tend to decline during a deployment. Sailors are away from their organized team sports such as hockey or soccer, and the long days and nights at sea lend...

Jon Chabun, MFRC ~As of May 1, if you call the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Information Line outside of regular office hours, you will be offered new options.Callers that phone 250-363-2640 (toll free: 1-800-353-3329) will be advised to connect to the Family Information Line if they are in crisis, to the Duty Padre if they urgently need to contact a deployed military member, or to leave a message for MFRC staff if it can wait for regular office hours. This new initiative will be in effect whenever the MFRC offices are closed.  In the past, the MFRC had staff answering calls 24 hours a day.“The statistics gathered really supported this decision,” said Jackie Carlé, MFRC executive director. “We collected and analyzed data over the last 12 months and it really showed that a change was in order. Our staff recorded when they received a call and the reasons for it. The data showed that the after-hours phone service was underutilized and that it wasn’t being used for its intended purpose.“The move will give our community access to enhanced after-hours service,” said Carlé of partnering with the Family Information Line. “It will also allow us to make the best use of the funding dollars that we receive.”   The MFRC will work with staff at the Family Information Line to ensure a smooth transition. The Family Information Line offers 24-hour, confidential, bilingual counselling at no cost for military members, veterans and their families. Counsellors at the Family Information Line will be able to maintain a case load and can follow up with sessions by phone or Skype until they are referred. The MFRC will be working closely with the Chaplain team to ensure that families are well supported when they require after hours support.The MFRC has requested an automated system that will directly connect...

“Dear Warrior, From Alex: Feel better soon.” Those simple words scrawled in purple marker on a folded sheet were handed to Captain Casey Balden during the first Team Canada Invictus training camp. The note accompanied a cheque for $24; the money Alex received from guests to her sixth birthday party. When her parents asked what she wanted to do with the money, she answered give it to Canada’s wounded warriors. Alex’s parents are not military, nor do they have any direct connection to the Canadian Armed Forces, so they were unsure of where she heard about the cause, and how to go about making the donation. Peter Lawless, Team Canada Invictus Head Coach, heard about the donation from his colleague, Alex’s mother, and coordinated a visit to the recent training camp in Victoria. During the visit, Alex presented her note and cheque to Capt Balden, who accepted it on behalf of the Invictus Team.The Invictus movement began four years ago in London as a way to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. Since their inception, the Games have steadily grown in size and awareness. The 2017 games were held in Toronto, where they captured the nation’s hearts. The next games will take place in Sydney, Australia, this October, with 40 athletes representing Canada on the international stage. The first training camp took place at CFB Esquimalt, and other locations around Victoria from April 9-13. The team will continue training throughout the year, coming together for a second camp at the end of July in Halifax, before departing for the games.Stay connected, follow Lookout Navy News:Facebook: LookoutNewspaperNavyNewsTwitter: @Lookout_newsInstagram: LookoutNavyNews 

[caption id="attachment_18516" align="alignnone" width="586"] Carmen Collins and Chris Roy with their tribute to Humboldt.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A sheet metal worker from the Fleet Maintenance Facility did some quick stickhandling to create a unique tribute to the Humboldt Broncos.Chris Roy, sheet metal journeyman, says he and his co-workers, like countless Canadians, were grief stricken by the fatal bus crash that killed 16 and injured 13 Humboldt Broncos hockey team members.“I thought FMF should do something unique to show our support and solidarity with the people of Humboldt,” said Roy. “The hockey community has always supported Canada’s defence team, so it was a small gesture to show Humboldt that we are thinking about them.”Roy, a lifelong recreational hockey player and skilled tradesman, created a symbolic hockey stick holder as a monument to the outpouring of support.“The idea came to me because of the social media coverage showing people leaving their sticks out on their porch for Humboldt.”After getting approval from his supervisor, Roy moved from concept to finished project within 24 hours. He worked on his own time, after hours, to have it ready in time for Jersey Day on April 12, the day employees at the base wore their hockey jerseys to work.His creation is made of 16-gauge stainless steel and other scrap metal parts he found in waste bins in his shop, and his own personal hockey stick.  A giant laser cutter in the metal shop did the lion’s share of the work and was used to fabricate the dominant feature of the stick holder, a giant Humboldt Broncos logo as its base. Roy says he then affixed a black metallic backing to the bottom of the base to help make the silver-coloured logo stand out.He received assistance from FMF’s graphics shop for the logo design, while nightshift powder coaters...

[caption id="attachment_18513" align="alignnone" width="580"] Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~After nearly three months away from home in the balmy West African climate, the crews of HMC Ships Summerside and Kingston were reintroduced to Halifax-style weather as they came alongside Jetty NC on April 17.Heavy rain and 60 kilometer an hour wind gusts made for a cold and wet return. But that didn’t douse anyone’s spirits as families, children and even a few excited pets reunited with the sailors, bringing an end to Operation Projection West Africa.The mission was described as a strategic engagement meant to support capacity building and foster relationships with partner navies. It also was to engage at the community level, visiting and helping out with manual labour tasks at schools, daycares and other locations in multiple countries, including Cape Verde, Senegal, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin and Ghana.The ships sailed from their final port of call in Madeira in early April and arrived in Halifax about nine days later.“It was an incredible experience, different than anything I’ve done before, but I still can’t describe how good it feels to be home. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time now,” said SLt Joannie Martin-Labelle, one of the first off Kingston, who was greeted with kisses from both her boyfriend, Lt(N) Sebastien Williamson, and her puppy Merlin.The at-sea portion of Op Projection, which included the U.S.-led Obangame Express exercise from March 22-27, saw Kingston and Summerside, along with Dutch and Belgian partners, lead exercises with the Navies of Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.While the Canadian ships served as a platform for exercises mainly focused on building capacity for the West African personnel, LCdr Matthew Woodburn, Kingston’s Commanding Officer, described an exchange of cultures, ideas and best practices that was...

[caption id="attachment_18508" align="alignnone" width="579"] Capt(N) Jeff Hamiliton, Commander 5th Maritime Operations Group, presides over a Change of Command ceremony April 16, as LCdr Drew Foran (right) takes over HMCS Oriole from LCdr Mike Wills (left). Photo by Cpl J.W.S. Houck, FIS[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~The Royal Canadian Navy’s oldest commissioned vessel, tall ship HMCS Oriole, had an exceptionally busy and successful program through 2017. Under the command of LCdr Mike Wills, Oriole made the marathon 16,000 kilometre sail from Esquimalt to Halifax, including stops at 10 Canadian cities as part of the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.Through that period, the ship cycled through more than 300 crewmembers, took 400 sea cadets and hundreds of other visitors for day sails, and while alongside, routinely welcomed more than 1,000 visitors on board each day. While transiting between ports, sailors dealt with 60 knot winds, four to six metre waves, multiple ripped sails, and a host of other technical difficulties.Yet through it all, the six-month program was carried out without any major setbacks, no shortages of supplies, and no injuries worse than a sprained ankle.“This is the result of the senior members of the crew, who overcame everything that was sent their way, and for that I’ll be forever grateful,” said LCdr Wills, who handed over command of the ship to incoming Commanding Officer, LCdr Drew Foran at a ceremony in the Juno Tower Bridge, Halifax, April 16.Oriole is currently undergoing a major refit at the Lunenburg shipyard, including a full revamp of wiring and electrical systems and removal and refinishing of both masts, to prepare the ship for the summer and beyond. Earlier work was also completed on the West Coast by SNC-Lavalin, to bring the ship up to standards that were needed to carry out the extended sail to Halifax. It wasn’t...

[caption id="attachment_18493" align="alignnone" width="584"] Dr. Richard and Jane Nuttall, parents of the late Lt Andrew Nuttall who died in 2009 from an IED in Kandahar. Photo by SLt M.X. Déry[/caption]SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC PA ~Despite the wind and cold, members of the Greater Victoria Afghanistan Memorial Project (GVAMP) Society unveiled two interpretive panels at the Memorial site at the corner of Quadra and Courtenay on Wednesday April  11 with the help of the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.“It is truly an honour to be here,” said LGov Guichon at the unveiling, happy to see the project wrap up in such a positive way. “It allows young people to come here and learn the story of that particular war,” she added.The two panels add an educational aspect to the site. The first panel, Canada in Afghanistan, focusses on Canada’s humanitarian contribution in Afghanistan, including the increase in teachers, improved access to health care, and the advancement of women’s rights. The panel includes a quote from the late Lieutenant Andrew Nuttall on why he deployed to Afghanistan: “I’m going to be helping the Afghan people.”Lieutenant Andrew Nuttall was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device in 2009 in Kandahar; he is survived by his parents, Dr. Richard Nuttall and Jane Nuttall, who still live in Victoria.To Dr. Richard Nuttall, the Memorial and the new panels hold a special significance. “It means a great deal,” he said. “These interpretive signs show what Canada’s contribution was.”At the centre of the first panel is the full colour image of Corporal Michael McCauley and an Afghan child, which became the centrepiece of the Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria as silhouettes carved forever into the granite.“The image of the soldier and the child, it epitomises what we were there for,” said John Azar, a GVAMP board...

Do you live in DND housing and did you receive great service from an employee of the Housing Service Centre (HSC) at CFB Esquimalt? The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) wants to know about it. The Stars of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency program aims to recognize its front line employees for outstanding customer service. Awards are given to three employees and one Housing Service Centre every year. Occupants are invited to nominate Housing Service Centre employees who have provided excellent customer service at any of our locations across Canada.Nominating someone is easy and only takes a few minutes by submitting a nomination form online. You can submit a nomination throughout the year until Dec. 31, 2018. This year’s StarThis year’s “Star HSC” winner was HSC Esquimalt. The HSC was recognized in March by an occupant for having provided exceptional and compassionate service in responding to a request for accommodation due to special needs. The manner in which HSC Esquimalt responded to the occupant’s needs and provided a workable solution was greatly appreciated by the occupant. The occupant was kept updated throughout the entire process and the accommodation solution, which contributed greatly to the quality of life for the occupant. The solution was delivered in a timely and effective manner. More information about the recognition program and the nomination form can be found on CFHA’s website.Stay connected, follow Lookout Navy News:Facebook: LookoutNewspaperNavyNewsTwitter: @Lookout_newsInstagram: LookoutNavyNews 

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The learning curve was steep but making the grade was highly rewarding said Ordinary Seaman Jason Steele, a member of the first graduating class of the newly created Marine Technicians (MARTECH) trade. Last Monday, the young sailor accepted his Certificate of Military Achievement for the Marine Technician RQOS, a Basic Maintainer Course and the first Rank Qualification Course for the trade, from Commodore Buck Zwick, Commanding Officer of Canadian Fleet Pacific.Two very proud members of his family – father Master Corporal (Retired) Tim Steele and grandfather Warrant Officer (Retired) Phil Steele – looked on. Twenty-three sailors graduated from the course in the Naden Drill Shed, with family and friends in attendance to mark this historic celebration. The new trade is an amalgamation of the Hull Technician, Marine Engineer and Electrical Technician. “This course was 10 months long and it took tremendous dedication, hard work and teamwork to be successful,” said Cmdre Zwick. “Students and instructors approached this challenge with an open mind and will meet the requirements of the fleet by being well-trained and well-rounded Marine Technicians. For you [the students], this course will be the first step in a career of learning and application of technical expertise that is critical for the future success of the navy.”There was little time for celebration; most graduates were posted to ships and units within days after the ceremony.OS Steele was singled out by the Commodore for representing the third generation of Steele family members in Canada’s military.“It felt really great to have my father and grandfather here today,” said OS Steele who had previously been trained as a Hull Technician. “It was certainly a sharp learning curve, and the biggest challenge was becoming familiar with all of the new subject matter.”Petty Officer First Class Mike Trahan, Senior Instructor of Naval...

[caption id="attachment_18478" align="alignnone" width="584"] Photo by Lyndon Goveas, CFMWS[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff WriterCanada’s Invictus athletes made CFB Esquimalt their temporary home last week for a five-day training camp in preparation for this year’s Games in Australia. The Naden Athletic Centre became the primary training venue for 40 athletes, coaches and support staff, who were housed in Work Point Barracks during their stay. Invictus Games 2018 Sydney is the fourth edition of the multi-sport athletic competition that features current and former military athletes competing in 11 adaptive sports. Team Canada Chef de Mission, Brigadier-General Mark Misener, Commanding Officer of the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU), was joined by Team Canada, Head Coach and Canadian Olympic Committee Vice President Peter Lawless to greet the athletes at an April 8 kickoff ceremony held at Work Point’s Collier Theatre on the eve of the camp. “I would like to thank CFB Esquimalt for welcoming us for a second year, and providing outstanding support to our Invictus competitors,” said BGen Misener. “This first training camp of 2018 is incredibly important, not only for physical training but getting to know each other and coming together as a team.”The training camp was the first opportunity for the 40 Team Canada athletes to get acquainted with their teammates, coaches and support staff, and also to receive vital information about the Games. Diverse Voices This year’s athletes seemed unified in their belief that the Games are the perfect medicine to combat their wide-ranging physical and mental injuries.Captain Casey Balden, an infantry officer with Joint Task Force Pacific, will compete in sitting volleyball, and athletics. The 35-year-old from Vancouver was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) several years after his deployments to Afghanistan.On Aug. 22, 2006, he was platoon commander with Task Force 3-06 when his convoy of Light Armoured Vehicles and...

[caption id="attachment_18474" align="alignnone" width="579"] Sea Cadets work as part of the crew during the National Tall Ship Deployment on Canada’s west coast in March. Tall Ship Deployment involve 58 sea cadets from across Canada, teaching them traditional seamanship skills during the week-long experience.[/caption]Capt Cheryl Major, RCSU (P)PAO ~March was an amazing month to be a sea cadet in B.C. with no less than six unique on-water opportunities offered to cadets from around the province and the country. Sixty-four cadets from B.C., the Prairies and Ontario deployed on two Patrol Craft Training Orcas for two one-week opportunities to learn and sail with Royal Canadian Navy sailors. Cadets took on all duties aboard the ships, from engineering and navigation to man-overboard drills and piloting the zodiac recovery boat. Only 128 cadets are offered this opportunity each year.Sea cadets also sailed aboard HMCS Calgary during both March and April. Aboard Calgary they learned the inner workings of the frigate and how Canada’s warships operate at sea, at home, and abroad. Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) also hosted 57 sea cadets for a Tall Ships Deployment with SALTS (Sailing and Life training Society) ships Pacific Grace and Pacific Swift.  Aboard these ships, cadets learned classic sailing skills such as rigging, navigation, teamwork and safety. A unique opportunity with the Canadian Coast Guard afforded four sea cadets from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Captain Vancouver in Vancouver and RCSCC Amphion in Nanaimo the opportunity to complete a five-day “boot camp” that will count towards their high school work experience requirements. During their week with the Coast Guard, cadets learned about search and rescue and had the opportunity to drive Coast Guard craft. An additional five sea cadets from RCSCC Grilse in Port Moody and RCSCC Invincible in Maple Ridge sailed aboard B.C. Ferries’ Salish Raven to learn navigation and daily ship’s life activities, as well as reinforcing the skills learned at their Corps. Finally, 20 cadets competed in the National Qualifying Regatta at the Royal...

[caption id="attachment_18470" align="alignnone" width="584"] Able Seaman Alex Gauthier, a member of the Naval Security Team, stands sentry watch. Photo by Corporal Blaine Sewell, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~The safety of ships and sailors in foreign ports is top-of-mind for the flexible, scalable and dynamic team that recently deployed from Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt, B.C., to Copenhagen, Denmark.For three weeks, the Naval Security Team’s (NST) mission deployment team took over the force protection component of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s’ duty watch during the frigate’s rest and maintenance period in Copenhagen, so that more members of the ship’s company could go home for their designated break during Operation Reassurance.Op Reassurance is the Canadian Armed Forces’ contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. St. John’s began its deployment Jan.18 when it joined Standing NATO Maritime Group One, a naval force made up of ships from various allied countries that work together for a common purpose in the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. The Royal Canadian Navy’s NST provides naval reservists opportunities for real-world, expeditionary operations around the world. The training given to sailors is focused on specific operational and tactical skill sets, and is more advanced than that given during normal trade or occupation training.“It provides challenging, interesting and unique experiences providing naval effects, both on land and at sea,” says Lieutenant-Commander Jeff Chura, who took over as Commanding Officer of the NST on March 9. “This type of training and work will help re-energize the Naval Reserve by increasing not only recruiting, but also retention.”For this deployment, the team consists of 36 reservists from 18 Naval Reserve Divisions across the country, representing every military occupation. Together, the team also speaks nine different languages.LCdr Chura says...

[caption id="attachment_18465" align="alignnone" width="585"] Ordinary Seaman Hachez (left) and Leading Seaman Bujold-Foisy (right), crewmembers on board HMCS Vancouver, were two of four Canadian Armed Forces members who intervened in a stabbing on March 17 in Langford B.C. The photo was taken during Operation Projection Indo-Asia Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on April 11. Photo by Master Corporal Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Four Royal Canadian Navy sailors put their life-saving skills to action on the evening of March 17 that resulted in saving the life of a civilian. After a few leisurely frames of bowling at the Langford Bowling Lanes, Ordinary Seaman Hubert Desbiens and Leading Seaman Alexandre Bujold-Foisy left the building for the parking lot, followed a few minutes later by Ordinary Seamans Christopher Hachez and Frederic Lapointe, who had stopped to pay for the games.There the sailors encountered two men in a fight. According to Westshore RCMP, it was the result of an argument that turned violent, with one man allegedly stabbing the other. The wounds were so severe a fan of blood sprayed across the pavement. Realizing the victim was in desperate straits, OS Desbiens and OS Hachez rushed to the man and started first aid. Drawing from their training, one sailor took off his sweater and wrapped it around the victim’s arm as a tourniquet. Together they put the man into the recovery position to ensure he could breathe. “The victim kind of passed out for like five seconds, and I thought: We need to do something more, there’s something else going on,’” said OS Desbiens. The two sailors did a full review of the victim’s body looking for more wounds. They discovered another one in the man’s chest.“Once we figured out he had more wounds than what we expected we started taking off our...

Capt (N) Jason Boyd, Base Commander ~Even a few days removed from the April 6 bus crash that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey community, there’s still so much heartache and shock to be felt.It’s somewhat been matched by the outpouring of support for a small hockey outpost in Saskatchewan from across Canada and the world.From millions of dollars raised in GoFundMe efforts to social media campaigns such as #PutYourSticksOut and #jerseysforhumboldt, many Canadians have helped comfort and attempted to heal a community and team that has been hurt on such a profound level.Tragedy hitting close to home is a well-worn cliché, but this horrible event has affected me in so many personal ways, and I must admit, I, like so many other Canadians, have had a very hard time dealing with this.   It hit me in my heart. In my gut. Where I was born. It struck my childhood, my memories growing up, and the game I love.Growing up playing hockey in Saskatchewan, I skated in those rinks in Humboldt, Nipawin, and countless others dotted along the Prairie. I’ve taken those long, sleepy rides on the team bus that are almost as much a rite of passage as learning to skate and getting that first stick. And, of course, I have felt the bonds and brotherhoods that form on those bus rides.We always knew when the games didn’t go our way, at least we had each other, and could escape everything else – on the bus.When I remember those days, those dreams, and the 16 people whose lives and loves were snuffed out in such a terrible, inconceivable way, along with the countless others whose world was turned upside down on April 6, I think of what the Broncos team chaplain, Pastor Sean Brandow told a vigil gathered...

Joyce Sharp, SISIP ~We’ve read about it, seen it on TV, and in our social media feeds: heart attacks, strokes and cancer are the top three illnesses afflicting Canadians, and an increasing number of people are more likely to become seriously ill in their lifetime.On a more positive note, statistics indicate the ensuing recovery is more likely as well. However, the physical and mental toll these illnesses cause is further compounded by their impact on families and overall financial wellbeing. The sad truth is health insurance cannot cover all the expenses related to a serious illness. A spouse may even need to take time off work to help at home, resulting in additional loss of income. But, there is a way to mitigate the financial strain on you and your family, should you become seriously ill, and that is with protection from the SISIP Financial Critical Illness insurance plan. This insurance provides a lump sum payment if the insured person is diagnosed with one of the covered 25 life- changing illnesses, allowing for the payment to be used anyway you like, including paying for:A mortgage;loan or line of credit;housekeeping services;home renovations or vehicle repairs;travel or transportation to medical appointments; or taking a vacation, etcetera.As a further incentive and means to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, from April 1 to June 30, 2018, SISIP Financial is offering Guaranteed Acceptance* Critical Illness insurance, with coverage available of up to $50,000. During this limited time offer, you will not need to answer any medical history or lifestyle questions, as is typically required under the standard application process, thereby saving much time and effort around paperwork usually required. The Guaranteed Acceptance is subject to pre-existing condition exclusion. This means that no benefit will be paid during the first 24 months after you purchase...

[caption id="attachment_18438" align="alignnone" width="579"] Photos courtesy HMCS Calgary[/caption]SLt Juliana Currie, HMCS Calgary ~HMCS Calgary is conducting a challenging program on the road to high readiness and an international deployment. A key activity for Calgary occurred March 28 when the crew welcomed family and friends on board for a day sail. In total, 150 guests experienced firsthand what their loved ones do day-to-day while at sea conducting degaussing trials. The day started with guests trying their hand at firefighting and damage control, as well as interacting with displays from the boarding party and ship’s team divers. Guests were also given a tour of the ship including: the operations room, bridge, and machinery control room, where they were shown basic navigation, and the fighting organization of an HMC Ship at sea. After a break for lunch, guests were treated to a visit from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. The helicopter had one of Calgary’s ship’s team divers on board, OS Mitchel Kathol from the deck department, who displayed his courage by jumping from the helicopter 10 feet above the water. The demonstration was exciting to all guests onboard, and many eagerly waved at the helicopter roaring by. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for the support provided by our sailor’s families and friends,” said Commander Blair Saltel, Calgary’s Commanding Officer. “Having opportunities like this to display what we do when we go to sea is incredibly important, as it reinforces the bond between a sailor and their family.” The day sail allowed Calgary crew to recognize the continued support from family and friends, especially as the ship ramps up for Operation Projection this summer.

[caption id="attachment_18433" align="alignnone" width="579"] From left: CPO1 Barry Eady, HMCS Charlottetown Coxswain; CPO1 Daniel Mercier, Fleet Chief; MS Stewart Riggs, the Atlantic Fleet’s new Sailor of the Year; Cmdre Craig Skjerpen, and Cdr Nathan Decicco, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown. Photo by Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Newspaper ~While HMCS Charlottetown was conducting a replenishment at sea in the Baltic during its recent Operation Reassurance deployment, one of the probes fell out of place, causing fuel to burst out onto the ship. The immediate action of the ship’s rapid response team, which included MS Stewart Riggs, ensured the potentially dangerous spill was contained and quickly cleaned up. “We ensured there was no injuries, because casualties are the first priority, but then we cleaned the fuel up and got the job done safely,” MS Riggs said, days after receiving the Maritime Forces Atlantic Sailor of the Year Award during a ceremony on the ship’s flight deck.Cmdre Craig Skjerpen, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, and CPO1 Daniel Mercier, Fleet Chief, made the presentation, which comes with a plaque, gift cards to Falls Lake and the CFB Halifax Curling Club, and plenty of bragging rights.The award is presented annually to a member of the Atlantic Fleet who consistently goes above and beyond their regular duties, such as during the Charlottetown incident, to support their ship and colleagues.With so many members of the ship’s company having excelled through 2017, particularly during Charlottetown’s six-month deployment, MS Riggs said he was surprised to be chosen, and is appreciative of the recognition.“A friend of mine, MS Amy Dumas, won this award last year, so it’s an honour to dethrone her and take the title, for now.”In addition to being a Marine Technician as his main trade and a member of the rapid response and helo crash rescue firefighting...

[caption id="attachment_18447" align="alignnone" width="579"] Photo by Guillaume Favre[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Emma Lunder, a former Sea Cadet, represented Canada in biathlon at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea and describes her experience as hitting a career bullseye.Fourteen years of training were validated when she marched with the Canadian delegation at the opening ceremony at Olympic Stadium in Pyeongchang Feb. 9. “It was absolutely incredible to walk into the stadium in a sea of red and white and surrounded by hundreds of Canadian athletes,” said Lunder. “There were so many bright lights and flashbulbs flashing everywhere, and I think it finally hit me at that moment that I was going to be racing for Canada at absolutely the highest level.” The 26 year old, who also competes on the World Cup Biathlon circuit, says her Olympic dream was sparked after joining the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps (RCSCC) in 2004.The sport is a major part of the army, sea and air cadet program with yearly regional, provincial and national competitions. It tests a person’s physical endurance through skiing long distances followed by the mental toughness that comes from shooting at a target more than 50 metres away with .22 calibre Long Rifle. Lunder says the sport was a perfect fit because of the intense physical and mental challenges. “Imagine sprinting up and down several flights of stairs before stopping abruptly and trying to thread a needle,” she said of the biathlon experience.  “The accuracy needed to hit a toonie-sized target 50 metres away is not an easy task; the key is to train your body to settle down and your mind to focus right after skiing.”Staying on target Canada’s Olympic biathlon team employs sports psychologists to help centre the athletes. Lunder focuses on key words while shooting. “An example would be...