[caption id="attachment_15765" align="alignnone" width="425"] From left: Outgoing CFB Halifax Base Commander Capt(N) Chris Sutherland, RAdm John Newton, and incoming Base Commander Capt(N) Paul Forget sign documents at the Change of Command ceremony held at HMCS Scotian on March 31. Photo by Cpl Tony Chand/Fis Halifax[/caption]Ryan Melanson, Trident Staff ~CFB Halifax welcomed a new Base Commander March 31, with senior leaders from across Formation Halifax, as well as representatives from local government, Halifax Regional Police, and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency gathering at HMCS Scotian for the official Change of Command ceremony.Command of the base was transferred from Capt(N) Chris Sutherland to new Base Commander, Capt(N) Paul Forget, who most recently served as Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) Chief of Staff.Capt(N) Sutherland is posted to Ottawa as the career manager for senior officers.In an emotional final address to the men and women of CFB Halifax, Capt(N) Sutherland spoke of the hardship of saying goodbye.“I remember how difficult it was when I gave up command of HMCS Montreal, it was very hard to say goodbye to 200 people who I really cared for. But today I have to say goodbye to many, many more,” he said.The outgoing Base Commander was also presented gifts at the ceremony, including a plaque from the Navy League of Canada for his support to the Sea Cadet program, as well as a framed Ottawa Senators jersey from the presidents of each base mess committee.RAdm John Newton, Commander MARLANT and Joint Task Force Atlantic, lauded Capt(N) Sutherland for excelling in a difficult and demanding role.“He had a responsibility to ensure we’re a good neighbour to the city,” RAdm Newton said.“The work of the base commander is not easy, and it’s tough to say goodbye to someone who so gracefully did the job.”Capt(N) Forget called it an honour to be...

[caption id="attachment_15761" align="alignnone" width="425"] The 2017 CF-188 Hornet aircraft Demonstration Jet during its official unveiling at Hangar 7, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, April 4. Photo by Corporal Bryan Carter, 4 Wing[/caption]DND ~The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) unveiled the CF-18 Demonstration Jet for its 2017 season last Wednesday to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.The unveiling ceremony took place at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, where the jet has been hosted for the past few weeks.Captain Matthew Kutryk, the 2017 Demonstration Pilot, as well as the technicians and support staff attended, along with local dignitaries and military members.The unveiling gave everyone a chance to see the 2017 paint scheme, which has the aircraft fully-painted with a red and white design incorporating the Canada 150 logo.The logo is composed of a series of diamonds, or “celebratory gems”, arranged in the shape of the iconic maple leaf. The four diamonds at the base represent the four original provinces that formed Confederation in 1867: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Additional diamonds extend out from the base to create nine more points. Together, they symbolize Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.On the left wing, the timespan of Confederation is shown with the year of Confederation, 1867, and the 150th anniversary year – 2017. The right wing bears the official name of the celebration – “Canada 150”. All aspects of the design come together to create a truly unique and fitting tribute to this important year in Canada’s history.Painting the 2017 Demonstra­tion jet has been a team effort between 3 Wing, which provided the jet and technicians to bring the design concept to life, and 4 Wing, which provided hangar space and support throughout the painting.Throughout the year, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces will support the Government of...

In this episode, we provide the relocation essentials for CAF members posted to a new position, preview the trailer for a new documentary featuring Operation PROVISION, and highlight Exercise NOREX 17.

[caption id="attachment_15757" align="alignnone" width="425"] Lt(N) Emily Wood competes in the Women’s 400-metre freestyle at the 2017 Canadian Armed Forces National Swimming Championships in Unionville, Ont., March 26. Photo by Aviator Rachael Allen, CFB Borden Imagery[/caption]Peter Mallett Staff Writer ~Four athletes from CFB Esquimalt claimed eight gold medals and three silver medals at the Canadian Armed Forces Swimming Nationals held in Unionville, Ont. March 24 to 27.SLt Nicholas Lightbody of Base Information Services led the way for the Pacific Region Team with five gold medals and one silver medal. Top finishes were in the 200 metre Individual Medley, 100m Breaststroke, 400m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle competitions, while finishing second in the 100m Backstroke all in the Mens Open Category.“I’m pleased with the first-place finishes but not my overall times, which I thought were stronger the last time I competed at the nationals,” said SLt Lightbody.Last year, he was unable to compete in the swimming nationals because he was posted to HMCS Ottawa. But in 2015 he captured six gold medals in the same competition.He says training for the Canadian Armed Forces Triathlon nationals in July  hurt his overall swimming performance despite the impressive medal haul.SLt Lightbody was one of four swimmers from the base who attended the event held in conjunction with the Ontario Masters Swimming Championships at the Markham Pan Am Pool. He noted the Pacific Region were clear underdogs, facing regional opponents with much larger teams.“It was great to see the results pay off for the team after all the hard work we did in preparation. Considering we had one of the smaller contingents at the competition we came away with a good chunk of the medals,” said SLt Lightbody.Lt(N) Emily Wood of HMCS Malahat continued her winning ways with gold medals in the 200m Individual Medley...

Canada and the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 9-12 April 1917, a 149-page resource about the historic battle and those who fought in it, is available for free in e-book format.The e-book version of the work, which was originally authored by Brereton Greenhous and Dr. Stephen Harris, includes additional content by Department of National Defence historian Jean Martin. This vivid recollection of the experiences of Canadian soldiers in France is available for download in both official languages.The book may be used as an educational resource for those interested in learning more about this most significant period in our military history.You can find the e-book here: www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/his/docs/Vimy_e.pdf

[caption id="attachment_15751" align="alignnone" width="550"] Team Canada athletes gather for a group photo as they kick off their training camp at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, April 3, ahead of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Canada’s 2017 Invictus games athletes converged in Victoria last week for a training camp.Dressed in their black track suits and red Team Canada jerseys, approximately 90 current and former ill or injured military members filed off three Canadian Armed Forces buses April 3 to attend the kickoff at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE).They were then joined by coaches and support staff for an official welcoming in the main auditorium.“You are incredible athletes and human beings,” said Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, who spoke on behalf of RAdm Art McDonald. “Your courage and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Our commitment to you this week is to help provide you with a first-class training experience.”More words of encouragement came from Michael Burns, CEO of Invictus Games Toronto 2017; Canadian Olympic Committee Vice President and 2016 Invictus Coach Peter Lawless; and PISE CEO Robert Bettauer.Athletes are training for Invictus Games Toronto 2017, to be held Sept. 23 to 30. More than 550 competitors from 17 nations will participate in 12 adaptive sports: archery, athletics, cycling, golf, powerlifting, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis and a (Land Rover) driving challenge.Founded by Prince Harry, the Games have been gaining in popularity after the inaugural 2014 Games in London, England, and last year’s event in Orlando, Florida.Canada’s 2017 athletes were housed in CFB Esquimalt’s Work Point barracks for the duration of their stay. They also used the Naden Athletic Centre gymnasium for training and fitness evaluation.On the afternoon of April 5, Minister of National Defence...

[caption id="attachment_15745" align="alignnone" width="450"] LCdr Nicholas Marasco proposes to Stacey Brine on C Jetty.[/caption] Will Chaster, MARPAC PA ~ Proposals can occur in many different ways and places. From mountain tops to scuba dives, and anything in-between; the ways in which one can pop “the question” are endless. Last week that uniqueness unfolded in dockyard. As Stacey Brine stood at Duntze Head to watch HMCS Chicoutimi sail by, bringing home her boyfriend LCdr Nicholas Marasco after a deployment at sea, she saw an unusual sight. A line of submariners stood on the submarine’s surfaced hull holding up signs that spelled “Will you marry me?” Waiting in the wings to hear the response was Lt(N) John Pischedda. When she said “yes” he hollered to those waiting by the port flag halyard to raise the signal flags spelling out the affirmative response. “I knew something was up,” said Stacey “He’s got a really bad poker face.” When Chicoutimi came alongside C jetty, an eager, grinning LCdr Marasco climbed the gangway and dropped to one knee, in his hands, the traditional box with diamond ring. As the couple embraced the crowd of submariners and onlookers cheered. The two have known each other since age nine and have always kept in touch. “Things just went from there,” says Stacey. Now the couple are reviewing the calendar to pick a date for their wedding It may include a signal flag or two.

[caption id="attachment_15715" align="alignnone" width="425"] LS William Hull[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~One of the most generous givers of blood admits he cringes each time he sees a needle being cocked to penetrate his flesh, and that he doesn’t like the sight of his own blood.But that hasn’t stopped LS William Hull, a 50-year-old Naval Communicator with Base Information Services, from rolling up his sleeve and offering up a pint. On April 10, at the Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess, he will make his 474th donation to the Canadian Blood Services.“I totally hate it, every single time the needle goes in I look away and grit my teeth,” he says. “But I realize every time I give blood I am getting the chance to help someone, to save their life, or give them badly needed medical attention.”To give blood many people need to overcome needle phobia. LS Hull vividly remembers the first time he gave blood in 1984; he was 18 years old at the Canadian Red Cross on Wicklow Street in St. John’s, Nfld.“The first time is always the most anxious,” he says. “It can be overcome, and like many things inhibiting our dreams and aspirations in life it’s all about overcoming your fear and realizing the good that will come out of your action.”Following that turning point, LS Hull has made 209 White Blood Donations, the traditional way of donating a pint of blood containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma at one time, and 264 Platelet Donations, a procedure that produces blood transfusions beneficial to cancer patients.Patricia Willms, Canadian Blood Services Event Coordinator, characterizes LS Hull’s donation tally as “an amazing legacy of dedication”, while Territory Manager Ann Chabert describe donation No. 474 as a “huge milestone.”Others, including BIS Branch Petty Officer, CPO1 Darrel Downey also...

[caption id="attachment_15712" align="alignnone" width="450"] Rob Larman and Tiffany Ross lay a rose at the grave of Curley Christian (inset) to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and pay tribute to the war amputee veterans who started The War Amps.[/caption]War Amps ~The Battle of Vimy Ridge may have been 100 years ago, but it continues to have modern-day lessons for amputees like Rob Larman and Tiffany Ross of Toronto.Larman, who lost his leg at the age of 14 when friends dared him to jump a train, now directs The War Amps PLAYSAFE Program, while Tiffany Ross, 10, was born a left arm amputee and is now a member of the The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program.To mark the Vimy anniversary, they laid a rose at the grave of Ethelbert “Curley” Christian at Toronto’s Prospect Cemetery, in honour of the remarkable sacrifice Christian made at Vimy that continues to inspire young amputees today.Christian lost all four limbs in the Vimy Battle and is believed to be the only quadruple amputee to have survived the First World War. Despite his grievous injuries, he became a leading member of the newly established War Amputations of Canada and even returned to the battlefield for the dedication of the Vimy Memorial in 1936.“Curley Christian passed away in 1954, but he continues to have a legendary status in The War Amps for how he overcame his amputations, particularly at a time when disability was very much a hidden and taboo subject,” says Larman.He adds that laying a rose at Christian’s grave on behalf of The War Amps is both a way to honour him as a tremendous role model for amputees, and to put a face to the many Canadian soldiers who lost limbs at Vimy Ridge.“These young men showed great bravery,...

[caption id="attachment_15735" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Crew members from HMCS Winnipeg hold a line that tethers the ship to the US Navy Ship Guadalupe during a Refuelling at Sea, March 28.

The family of Petty Officer First Class Wesley Gerald Derhak are profoundly saddened to announce his sudden and tragic demise on the 23th of March, 2017, while on vacation in Cuba.Wesley was a funny and fun-filled guy who lived his life to the fullest always seeking out his next adventure. He had a heart of gold and wasn’t ashamed or afraid to offer assistance to anyone who needed a helping hand, an attentive ear or a soft shoulder.He was truly loved and admired by his immediate, extended and military families, friends and co-workers, which is evident by the demonstration of positive messages of condolence through Facebook and other personal missives.He was deeply loved by his siblings and cherished favourite Uncle/Great-Uncle to his many nieces and nephews; he always took the time to maintain a connection with them through an email, a text or a quick call.Wesley was also a dedicated, loyal and courageous Airman/Soldier/Sailor with the Canadian Armed Forces. His long career began in October 1984 and was unique in that he proudly wore all three environmental uniforms while serving with the Regular Force as a Steward (Air Force/ Navy) and as a Land Communications Information Systems Technician with the Army Primary Reserve Force.He proudly served at Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters (MARPAC HQ) and Canadian Forces Fleet School (CFFS) in Esquimalt, B.C.; in HMC Ships Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Protecteur, Cowichan, Preserver, NCSM Skeena; at Canadian Forces Bases Calgary, Cold Lake, Halifax and Esquimalt; 1 Service Battalion Calgary, 741 Communications Squadron Victoria, B.C.; and Royal Roads Military College Victoria, B.C.Wesley is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving daughters Mellisa Derhak, Natasha Reardon and Sierra Moriaty; his mother Marilyn Derhak (Guelph, ON); pre-deceased by his father Morley Derhak (1999); and siblings Karl Derhak (Sharron) (Aylesford, NS), Romaine (Keith Rowe)...

[caption id="attachment_15732" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Winnipeg and Ottawa prepare to leave Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, March 27.

[caption id="attachment_15706" align="alignnone" width="425"] Captain Zweng with her bike at Victoria’s Inner Harbour. She is leading a team of 20 Victoria-based cyclists in the Wounded Warriors Canada’s Battlefield Bike Ride. Photo by Jimmy Tran[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A team of 20 Victoria-based cyclists are supporting Wounded Warriors Canada with an April 9 Spin-O-Thon. The stationary ride fundraiser is part of the larger Wounded Warriors’ Battlefield Bike Ride from June 9 to 17, which will take the cyclists on a tour of Europe’s famous First World War battle sites.But before their trip across the pond riders must raise $4,000 each in support of the non-profit organization that assists former and current soldiers and emergency service workers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and operational stress injuries.The Spin-O-Thon runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Uptown Shopping Centre’s Central Plaza. Taking turns, cyclists will keep their stationary wheels spinning for eight hours while counting on the goodwill of shoppers and passers-by to help them meet their fundraising target.Spin-O-Thon organizer Captain Jacqueline Zweng says the monies raised for this fundraising initiative go directly to Wounded Warriors Canada; the riders pay for the costs of their cycling tour.This year’s Battlefield Bike Ride will involve 150 military and civilian cyclists from across Canada converging for a 600-kilometre cycling tour through some of France and Belgium’s most famous battlefields, including Flanders Fields, The Somme, and Ypres Salient, with the conclusion at Vimy Ridge.Capt Zweng says most of the riders on her team, including herself, have a personal stake in making sure Wounded Warriors is supported in their mission.“PTSD and mental illness effects every single person in the military in some form, and the first responder’s community,” she says. “Everyone can relate to the issues of depression, anxiety or know someone who is suffering.”For her...

[caption id="attachment_15729" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]A boatswain from HMCS Saskatoon positions himself to practice coming alongside the ship in a rigid hulled inflatable boat during Operation Caribbe, March 27.

[caption id="attachment_15696" align="alignnone" width="550"] General Jon Vance (right), Chief of the Defence Staff, and Rear-Admiral Art McDonald (left), Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, take a moment for a quick photo Monday, March 27 in the Admiral’s office. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Esquimalt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15698" align="alignnone" width="550"] General Vance salutes the Colour Party (right) before inspecting the Guard of Honour at Duntze Head. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Esquimalt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15699" align="alignnone" width="550"] General Vance is welcomed to the base by Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, MARPAC Chief Petty Officer. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Esquimalt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15700" align="alignnone" width="550"] Master Seaman Edwards receives a CDS coin for her support to Naval Training System transformation from General Vance. CDS coins are presented by the Chief of the Defence Staff to members for demonstrating hard work and outstanding contribution to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Esquimalt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15702" align="alignnone" width="550"] General Vance talks about policy change in the Canadian Armed Forces during a town hall at the Pacific Fleet Club. Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Esquimalt[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_15726" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]The CAF Chief of Defence Staff, General Jon Vance, talks about modern warfare issues faced by the CAF and allied forces, CFB Esquimalt, March 27.

[caption id="attachment_15693" align="alignnone" width="425"] The main drill hall at the Bay Street Armoury during the building’s 100 Anniversary celebrations in November 2015. Photos by John Azar[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Military Reserve units of Vancouver Island will cap off tributes to the 100th Anniversary of The Battle Vimy Ridge with an April 9 open house at the historic Bay Street Armoury.The Open House runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public. It will pay tribute to the Island’s reserve units: The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) and the 5th (BC) Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery, 11 (Victoria) Field Ambulance, 39 Service Battalion, and 39 Signal Regiment, plus local cadet units.LCol Stephen Sawyer, Vimy 100 Open House Co-Chair and Commanding Officer Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s), says the event is family-themed and helps the Canadian Armed Forces educate and build stronger ties with the community.“Many people who drive down Blanshard Street or Bay Street see our Armoury, which looks like a castle, but nobody really knows what’s inside,” says LCol Sawyer. “We love having the opportunity to open up the doors and have an open house that commemorates one of the most significant moments in Canadian history. It is an excellent way for reservists on Vancouver Island to connect with the community.”Inspired by a military “Then and Now” theme, the Open House will include displays by military units and over 35 local museums, archives and history and heritage groups, a tea party featuring costumes and dress of the day, demonstrations, and performances from three military bands, and other musicians taking part in commemorative music programs throughout the day.At 12:30 p.m., there will be a brief ceremony for the arrival of Guest of Honour Brigadier General (Ret’d) J.E.L. Gollner.“Our event really speaks to the major impact the First World...

In this episode, Vimy 100, a new Veterans’ Education and Training Benefit, and much more!

[caption id="attachment_15723" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Group photo of Primary Leadership Qualification Course 0052, CFB Esquimalt, March 13.

[caption id="attachment_15690" align="alignnone" width="450"] A Nation Soars Producer Tim Joyce of Sound Venture Production (left) and Canadian comedian/actor Dan Aykroyd, who worked as an English narrator on the three-part documentary series that highlights the work of the Vimy Flight Group and the role of aviators in The Battle of Vimy Ridge. Photo credit: A Nation Soars[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~On April 9, when five First World War replica aircraft soar high above Vimy Ridge marking the centennial of the famous battle, a Canadian film crew will be there to document the moment.Ottawa producer/filmmaker Tim Joyce of Sound Venture Productions and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society are behind a Department of Canadian Heritage sponsored trilogy of films commemorating the largely unheralded contribution Canadian aviators played in the Allies’ victory in the First World War.As the replica Nieuport 11 biplanes fly over the battle site tiny GoPro cameras affixed to the wings, cockpits and helmets of the pilots will provide what Joyce calls “spectacular coverage of the event.” They will also capture the fly-over from great vantage points on the ground at the actual ceremony site.This, along with footage captured with the pilots throughout the Vimy 100 week, will be the final scenes for their third documentary entitled Flight Path of Heroes, which is targeted for release November 2017 on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).The A Nation Soars trilogy showcases the bravery of Canadian pilots and soldiers who fought in France. The final episode will present the history side to the story, along with a chronology of the commemorative squadron Vimy Flight, who will show off their magnificent flying machines to a crowd of over 20,000.“A Nation Soars and all its parts is by far the most ambitious project I have ever worked on, and filming the final documentary at this...

[caption id="attachment_15680" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment conducts simulated boarding drills in rigid hulled inflatable boats with HMCS Saskatoon during Operation Caribbe, Mar. 8.

DND ~The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence laid to rest Second World War airman Sergeant Wilfred Lawson of the Royal Air Force at the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery on March 16.The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) assisted in the identification of this missing British airman when his remains were found three years ago.Sergeant Lawson was killed the night of Jan. 27-28, 1944, when his Lancaster II bomber, LL721 from 426 Squadron, was shot down near Berlin. Six other crew members were with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Three of them survived and were taken prisoner; two died and were buried in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. The remaining two crew members (Sergeant Lawson and RCAF Pilot Officer Alfred Carlson) were declared missing.On Aug. 16, 2014, parts of the bomber were recovered in Germany, with the remains of one crew member, believed to be Sergeant Lawson. When DNA testing with one of Sergeant Lawson’s descendants proved inconclusive, DND offered to arrange a test with a descendant of Pilot Officer Carlson. The result excluded him as a match, allowing for the positive identification of Sergeant Lawson’s remains. As a result, he could be laid to rest with a name by his unit.The families of both Sergeant Lawson and Pilot Officer Carlson were invited to attend the funeral service.

[caption id="attachment_15677" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by LS Ogle Henry[/caption]A ground crew member signals a Turkish Sea Hawk Helicopter prior to its departure onboard HMCS St. John’s during Operation REASSURANCE.

[caption id="attachment_15651" align="alignnone" width="550"] Members of HMCS Winnipeg carry out helicopter drills with crewmembers from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa are on a six-month deployment to the Indo-Asian Pacific Region for Poseidon Cutlass 17. The deployment includes numerous opportunities to exercise with regional partner navies at sea, as well as take part in key events and engagements in ports across the region.

[caption id="attachment_15674" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Leading Seaman Ogle Henry[/caption]Boatswain AB Kyle Hutchinson operates the .50 Calibre Heavy Machine Gun during a warning shot exercise onboard HMCS St. John’s during Operation Reassurance, Mar. 21.

[caption id="attachment_15648" align="alignnone" width="425"] Vancouver Island Racing Series 2016 champion Antony Zegers, from the Canadian Forces Sailing Association, with his 25-foot sailboat Ducati. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~One of the Canadian Forces Sailing Association’s (CFSA) most successful competitive sailors is 40-year-old Antony Zegers, a former researcher with Defence Research and Development Canada.As skipper of Team Ducati, Zegers and his four teammates claimed first place in last year’s Vancouver Island Racing Series (VIRS) involving approximately 200 teams sailing in a series of regattas and races held throughout the calendar year, including the cornerstone event, the Swiftsure International Yacht Race.Team Ducati was one three teams from CFSA to finish in the top five. Plus CFSA captured the VIRS Best Team Trophy awarded to the club with the best overall point total.“I felt very proud and appreciative of the whole team. We had a good crew and lots of people worked together to do it, so winning was a very satisfying experience,” says Zegers. “The whole process of competing in the regatta series is highly rewarding, interesting and a true challenge because sailing is something you are constantly trying to improve on.”Club members involved in the racing series were honoured during the CFSA annual awards banquet in February.The other two top finishers were Team Jaguar skippered by MS Clayton Mills who tallied 84 points to finish third, and Team Pitoraq led by Graham Heath who finished in fifth place.Zegers grew up in Kingston, ON, and learned to sail from his father Tony, a former competitive sailor who once tried out for the 1976 Montreal Olympics.Zegers said he drifted away from sailing in his early 20s after education and work took up most of his time. Then in 2006, when his work took him to CFB Esquimalt, he reconnected with...

[caption id="attachment_15671" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]United States Coast Guard Cutter ALERT sails in formation behind HMCS Saskatoon during the North American Maritime Security Initiative Pacific Exercise, Mar. 3.

[caption id="attachment_15642" align="alignnone" width="425"] Captain Brent Handy, an RCAF pilot from 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, will fly Bill O’Reilly’s Nieuport IIs in the historic flypast during the main ceremony at Vimy Ridge next month. Photo by Major Dave Wood[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~At the moment when five replica First World War planes make a symbolic pass over Vimy Ridge Memorial April 9, Major (Retired) Paul O'Reilly says he will be choking back tears.The fly over is part of the Veterans Affairs Canada-led ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and retired military pilots and one from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will be in the cockpit.Two Sopwith Pups, four Nieuport 11s, and one SE5 were placed into a CC-177 Globemaster III and flown to France March 15. The Sopwith Pup replicas, built by Canadian Museum of Flight volunteers along with air cadets from 746 Lightening Hawk Squadron at Langley, British Columbia, will be used for static displays.One of those Nieuports belongs to O'Reilly. The single seat French fighter plane is affectionately nicknamed Bébé by French pilots, but re-dubbed Pokey by O'Reilly. With careful precision the planes were loaded into the belly of the massive transport aircraft as proud owners closely watched.“My wife Nancy could see I was really getting choked up because it was like seeing a dream come to fruition and realizing this was actually happening. Attending the ceremony will be a far more emotional moment for me,” says O’Reilly.The 69-year-old Brentwood Bay resident enjoyed a 34-year military career as a Sea King pilot with the RCAF, and later as a flight instructor. He also worked at CFB Esquimalt from 1995 to 1999 in an administrative position with the Maritime Air Group Detachment (Pacific).“After I retired from the military I mistakenly thought...