[caption id="attachment_17838" align="alignnone" width="450"] HMCS St. John’s crewmembers line the rails as the ship departs Halifax on Operation Reassurance.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~Family and friends watched as HMCS  St. John’s, covered in a thin layer of fresh snow, left the jetty Jan. 16 on its six-month deployment.HMCS St. John’s left for the Mediterranean Sea on Operation Reassurance, the Canadian Armed Forces’ contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.“Today is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by the crew of HMCS St. John’s,” said Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), who was on hand to see the ship off. “In fact, not only did they have to prepare for this deployment, but in the fall they were our go-to ship to head down south to help out after the devastation that was wreaked by hurricanes in the Caribbean area. And I think this, in very real terms, shows the flexibility of sea power.”Speaking directly to the families, RAdm Baines underlined the importance of both training and deterrence to the mission.“It’s very important that all of our nations be able to operate together if and when required in the future,” he said. “St. John’s is a very high-end contribution to Op Reassurance.”St. John’s, under the command of Commander Gord Noseworthy, will be part of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), one of NATO’s maritime immediate reaction forces.Prior to sailing, Cdr Noseworthy commented that the past eight months have been extremely busy for crew members as they prepared for the mission.“We have already sailed thousands of miles and spent many weeks away from home in preparation for our upcoming deployment,” he said. “Now that day is upon us. We are all extremely excited to get underway as we set sail east to represent...

[caption id="attachment_17862" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo credit: DND[/caption]The Imjin Classic 2018 was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of the Korean War and pay homage to the competitive spirit of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Jan. 19, 2018

Operation Reassurance and Bravo Zulu to Junior Ranger Nova Gull.

[caption id="attachment_17835" align="alignnone" width="450"] Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Hart, Commander 1 Dental Detachment Unit Esquimalt, talks teeth with Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, as Jinky Apayo, a Certified Dental Assistant, prepares for the Admiral’s checkup. The checkup was part of RAdm McDonald’s work with the dental unit after it secured his services in the “You’re the Boss” auction in support of the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign. Photo credit: Rodney Venis, Base Public Affairs[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Rear-Admiral Art McDonald made a career move earlier this month when he temporarily left his command at Maritime Forces Pacific to become a “Dental Care Program Clerk For a Day”.The Admiral was “won” in the “You’re The Boss” special auction by the Dental Unit, with monies raised going to the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC.)He ventured over to the 1 Dental Unit Detachment Esquimalt, located at the base hospital on Colville Road, Jan. 12, taking up his post as dental clerk under supervision of Darla Gibbins.“It’s a tough job and her work is twice as hard as mine,” said RAdm McDonald as he sent out emails to command teams to ensure their ships/units are dentally fit, and also to individual members to schedule their annual checkups.“Our readiness in the Royal Canadian Navy starts with looking after the health of our people and our Dental Detachment is a key component of that.”As he drafted a reminder letter on a computer, he noted one of the biggest challenges of his new job was tracking down patients attached to the fleet who had switched units or moved between ship to shore. As patients arrived in the lobby for their checkups, they were surprised to see a new person in the receptionist’s chair.Gibbins marvelled at the Admiral’s professional telephone demeanour and his typing speed.“He’s doing great,”...

PSP ~As of Jan. 22, Personnel Support Programs (PSP) will no longer be accepting drop-in participants for FORCE testing.FORCE testing, unlike other CAF Fitness Evaluations, is not conducive to allowing drop-ins due to the evaluation protocol. Rest times set by FORCE testing protocol are stretched when there are more people than what PSP can accommodate, leading to unfair advantages and disadvantages across the board. In addition to this, PSP bases staffing levels off of the number of registered participants, and struggles to accommodate large influxes of drop-ins.Each unit should have their own FORCE Test Coordinator, who takes on the role of booking members, and PSP encourages units to have a 2IC for this tasking.Should a unit need to set up an IC or 2IC with access, they can contact PSP at either 250-363-4485 or 250-363-4412.If a member is deploying and there are no open test spaces available, the unit is to contact the PSP Fitness Coordinator, Alyssa Jesson, at 250-363-4495. These circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the member/unit will be required to show the appropriate documentation (DAG sheet) in order to process the request. If people have any questions, or would like a copy of the memo, please contact Fitness Coordinator Alyssa Jesson: alyssa.jesson@forces.gc.ca.

[caption id="attachment_17813" align="alignnone" width="450"] Federal Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough was on hand to officiate the start of construction on the future HMCS Max Bernays, the third Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel being built for the navy. Photo by LS Dan Bard, FIS Halifax[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Irving Shipbuilding marked another milestone on the road to building Canada’s future naval fleet on Dec. 19, when officials gathered at Irving’s Marine Fabricators facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to cut the first steel to be used in construction of the future HMCS Max Bernays.Officials from Irving and senior RCN leaders were on hand, as well as Public Services and Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough.The ship will be named after Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays, a Canadian naval hero from British Columbia, known best for his time as Coxswain of HMCS Assiniboine during the Battle of the Atlantic.CPO Bernays famously manned the helm by himself under heavy fire from German submarine U-210 in August of 1942, surrounded by smoke and flames. He ordered his junior sailors to safety and sent more than 100 telegraph orders to the engine room while executing all helm orders on his own, maneuvering the ship in position to ram and sink the enemy boat after a long and extremely hard-fought operation, during which Assiniboine lost one sailor and 13 others were wounded.He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal by the British Admiralty.Each ship of this class is being named after individuals who exhibited outstanding leadership and heroic service during wartime, and CPO Bernay’s story is one that fits squarely within that criteria, making this a good opportunity for the navy to name a ship after an NCM for the first time.To mark the occasion, a group of non-commissioned sailors from various ranks and trades...

[caption id="attachment_17810" align="alignnone" width="450"] Second Lieutenant Yana Hempler[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A reservist is rallying the support of the running community around her cause: pounding the pavement to assist critically ill children.Second Lieutenant Yana Hempler, a passionate member of the fitness community who works as a Logistics Officer with 39 Service Battalion, launched her new charity Run4Dreams late last year to provide financial assistance for sick children and their families.This runner’s charity is one with a unique twist. Monies are not raised the traditional way, through pledges in a formal race.Instead, participants register, run five-kilometres on their own time, and record their results online.“In a physical race, everyone has to be in one place at one time, so it really limits the amount of people you can get involved,” said 2Lt Hempler. “In a virtual race, you get to run your own race at your own pace and time it yourself, or you can also submit your results from a local race.”In mid-October, Run4Dreams held their first-ever virtual race. It raised $400 with 32 competitors in four Canadian cities paying registration fees of $24.99 to take part.“We had good feedback on the first Run4Dreams event and we are now in the growth stage and our registration is starting to pick up,” she said. Top finishers receive recognition in the form of bragging rights and cash prizes. Great swag, as well as draw prizes such as donated athletic equipment or gift certificates and race entries to other local events are also available to random entrants, she adds.Funds raised by Run4Dreams go to support the Help Fill A Dream Foundation, a non-profit that provides financial assistance and care for children under 19 suffering from life-threatening illnesses and their families.Helping others in need is nothing new for the 27-year-old who grew up in Grande...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Pacific Fleet Club has been home to the Junior Ranks Mess for the last four decades but will be closing its doors later this year due to structural concerns.Located at the top of Lyall Street, the iconic seaside building currently serves as the primary social hub and gathering spot for over 1,200 non-commissioned sailors, soldiers and aviators. The impending closure comes following the release of an engineering report in March 2016 that revealed flaws in beams that support the ocean-side portion of the building, estimating repairs to be upwards of $8.5 million.The decision to move the club was announced in a base-wide email by Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd, Base Commander, just ahead of the holiday break.Capt(N) Boyd indicated the current building will continue to operate as the Junior Ranks Mess until its closure in late 2018, at which point Naden Building 40 will become the temporary home of the Pacific Fleet Club.“This move will be made in the interest of the safety and well-being of all club users, combined with the desire to be fiscally responsible, as the cost of repairs and maintenance to the existing facility have been found to be prohibitive,” said Capt(N) Boyd.He also noted the importance of the Pacific Fleet Club to the “morale and culture of the Canadian Armed Forces” and said options for a permanent replacement home are currently being considered.Forty-two years ago the Club opened with its spectacular view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Olympic Mountains. The venue’s two main rooms, the Okanagan Lounge and Bonaventure Room, can accommodate up to 325 guests.It has been the primary spot for junior ranks and guests to unwind after work and on weekends, and over the years it has hosted events such as town hall meetings, conferences and seminars,...

[caption id="attachment_17756" align="alignnone" width="450"] An employee working on the scrapping of HMAS Sydney removes the bottle of whisky from its package of insulation tape after it was recovered from the main mast.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~It was a strange place to find a miniature bottle of Canadian whisky.The bottle, hand-marked April 10, 1982, was recently discovered in the forward starboard leg of the main mast of Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Sydney, a guided-missile frigate named after the state capital city of New South Wales.The frigate was one of six modified Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates ordered from 1977 onwards, and the third of four to be constructed in the United States.The Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have close ties, but it was actually an American who placed the whisky in the main mast when the ship was being built at the Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Wash., in 1982. Future crews of the ship had no idea it was there.The bottle remained hidden for 35 years until earlier this year when Sydney, decommissioned in 2015, was towed to Henderson in Western Australia to be scrapped.As part of the Sydney disposal activities, the RAN was contacted through the HMAS Sydney association that an individual from the United States who was involved in the construction of Sydney had placed a bottle of Canadian whisky wrapped in insulation tape inside the mast during construction.“I was not sure if the story was valid or if the bottle still existed 35 years later, thus have been waiting to get an opportunity to inspect,” said RAN Captain Brad Smith. “This has now been done and the story is true. I think this is a fantastic story to finish the HMAS Sydney story.”Although it is not known why the shipyard employee placed...

[caption id="attachment_17782" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Divers celebrate in the waters of Esquimalt Harbour after the conclusion of the swimming portion of their unit’s first-ever Diver Race, Dec. 13.

[caption id="attachment_17753" align="alignnone" width="485"] LCdr Judith Harlock, Joint Personnel Support Unit Commanding Officer (centre), is joined by Petty Officer Second Class Shanna Foster (left) and Sergeant Stephanie Henry after participating in Operation Chrome Dome Part II.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Three women from the Integrated Personnel Support Centre (IPSC) went under the barber’s sheers and scissors in support of cancer fundraiser Operation Chrome Dome, Part II.On Dec. 14, 2017, Lieutenant Commander Judith Harlock, Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) Commanding Officer, once again went cue-ball bald following $4,900 in pledges raised to support the BC Cancer Agency and the Gord Downie Fund For Cancer Research through the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).The inaugural head shaving in 2016 was not only a fundraiser, but also a show of support by LCdr Harlock for her co-worker Petty Officer Second Class Fiona Borland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.PO2 Borland, the organizer of the charity event, eventually went on to beat the disease by undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, but wanted to keep Chrome Dome going.Chrome Dome II had a different twist. Two other volunteers, Sergeant Stephanie Henry and PO2 Shanna Foster agreed to climb into the barber’s chair. Unlike LCdr Harlock, they opted to cut their long hair and donate it to the children’s cancer charity Wigs For Kids, which provides wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.With eyes pointed upwards towards their scalps, the pair winced and grimaced as Angela Smith of Fusion Hair Works collected their locks with a group of approximately 20 co-workers cheering them on.LCdr Harlock’s much shorter hair wasn’t long enough to be used for a wig and there was little angst from her as Smith’s clippers cut away.LCdr Harlock said she was “more than happy” to sport a more radical look again this year.“Hair grows back quickly,”...

[caption id="attachment_17779" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Divers from the Fleet Diving Unit Pacific are on their marks at the start line of the running portion of the first-ever Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) Diver Race on Dec. 13.

[caption id="attachment_17750" align="alignnone" width="485"] Photo by Parks Canada[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~High in the mountains of Rogers Pass members of the Canadian Armed Forces were having a blast over the holiday season, but not from opening presents or spending time with loved ones.Instead, 17 members of CFB Shilo’s First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) spent Christmas 2017 and New Year’s Eve high in the Selkirk Mountains of B.C.’s southern interior.There they set their sights at predetermined targets with their C3 105-mm Howitzer artillery guns as part of the annual avalanche control program in Rogers Pass.The CAF, under Operation Palaci, partner with Parks Canada to keep the 40-kilometre stretch of the Trans-Canada highway corridor safe and free from lengthy avalanche closures throughout the winter. The roadway is B.C.’s main link to the rest of Canada, and even a short closure can inflict great economic losses as the flow of goods, services and people screech to a halt.Rogers Pass is a notorious slide zone. In 1910, it was the site of an infamous avalanche that killed 62 railroad workers. The section of highway through the area passes 134 different avalanche paths.The region experiences an annual snowfall accumulation of approximately 12 metres, so the objective is to create mini slides in an effort to avoid massive buildups of snow and ice that result in more destructive, road-closing slides.Each year from November to April, in an effort to keep the traffic corridor open and safe, members of Royal Canadian Horse Artillery regiments fire away with C3 105-mm Howitzer artillery guns from 17 shooting areas, at 271 predetermined targets covering 134 slide zones.“The soldiers in Palaci must be ready to go within a minute’s notice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Captain Charles Meyers, Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP). “For them,...

[caption id="attachment_17776" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Vancouver is decorated for the holiday light displays at A Jetty, Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, Dec. 22.

[caption id="attachment_17746" align="alignnone" width="450"] Leading Seaman Kris Winther set a new world record by performing 5,200 consecutive air squats over four and a half hours on Dec. 20 at Victoria’s Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. The previous record was 5,135. LS Winther, 36, accomplished the feat for his charitable organization Vets for a Cure in benefit of BC Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of Base Public Affairs[/caption]Rodney Venis, Base Public Affairs Office ~On his attempt to break the world record for consecutive air squats, Leading Seaman Kris Winther said it would end one of two ways: he would either pass out from the pain or he would finish.Turns out he did both.Five days before Christmas, the sailor embarked on his amazing feat on the grounds of the Delta Hotel.  As he approached the 3,000 mark of the joint-bending exercise, the sleeves used to protect his knees cut off circulation to his legs. His muscles seized and he started to black out. His record-setting goal of 5,135 squats appeared distant.“I was in the most pain I’ve ever been in my entire life,” said LS Winther. “I was coming in and out of consciousness and my friend had to stand behind me and keep catching me.”Even for onlookers there to witness the feat, and those cheering him on in a live stream on Facebook, it was an exercise in pain and endurance.They watched him fall repeatedly, clutching his leg, dance about, and scream in frustration. Anything to coax another squat from his agonized body.But most of the time he went down and got back up, for four-and-a-half hours, reaching 5,200 squats to set a new world record and support a charitable cause.In addition to months of training and thousands of squats leading up to his December feat, LS Winther set up...

[caption id="attachment_17773" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Ottawa is decorated for the holiday light displays at A Jetty, Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, Dec. 22.

[caption id="attachment_17743" align="alignnone" width="485"] Corporal Christopher Imamshah, from Personnel Coordination Centre, looks on as Base Commander Capt(N) Jason Boyd handles mail and hands out treats. Cpl Imamshah single-handedly secured the Base Commander with a donation to the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign’s “You’re the Boss” auction.[/caption] Base Public Affairs ~Just before Christmas, Capt(N) Jason Boyd took on a special tasking order. One carefully crafted by the folks at the Personnel Coordination Centre (PCC).Detailed in the order, written by Corporal Christopher Imamshah, the Base Commander had to ensure that fun, and plenty of it, was embedded in all his duties for the day.Not his base commander duties, but those assigned to him in the tasking order, which was part of the PCC’s winning You’re the Boss auction bid in support of the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).His day started with morning coffee, the making and delivery of it, closely followed by the most pressing task – ironing shirts.No day at PCC would be complete without mail delivery, processing of leave passes, and a few financial transactions, all done with a big smile, the passing out of candy, and gushing about the greatness of the Corporal.“Cpl Imamshah has purchased me for the forenoon and I got the easy job of talking about how awesome he is,” said the Base Commander as he offered up a tray of chocolates.Cpl Imamshah also added a few unique taskings, ones that required dexterity and creativity:  the rearranging of tiny letters on an office stamp to spell out “L. Wilkins, LCdr” and composing a West Coast-style haiku on any subject.Hockey makes me smileWarms my heart despite the coldTired but contentTo round off his tasking Capt(N) Boyd donned a chef apron and grilled up hamburgers and hot dogs for the unit’s NDWCC barbecue.Other unusual assignmentsOn the same...

[caption id="attachment_17768" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]LS Sean Guiney, a cook onboard HMCS Nanaimo, shares a hug with his girlfriend Kristen Folk after the ship was arrived alongside, returning from an Operation Caribbe deployment on Dec. 15.

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

[caption id="attachment_17764" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Nanaimo comes alongside as it returns from an Operation Caribbe deployment, Dec. 15.

[caption id="attachment_17759" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS Victoria Ioganov, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Commodore Jeff Zwick salutes HMCS Nanaimo as it returns from an Operation Caribbe deployment on Dec. 15.

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...