[caption id="attachment_14851" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance addresses HMCS Charlottetown’s ship’s company during Operation Reassurance, Dec. 19.

[caption id="attachment_14817" align="alignnone" width="400"] Rear-Admiral Art McDonald salutes Brandon as the ship sails by to come alongside in HMC Dockyard. Photo by LS Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMC Ships Edmonton and Brandon returned home after an Operation Caribbe deployment Dec. 16. Brandon and Edmonton seized and disrupted narcotics during the deployment. Operation Caribbe is the Canadian Armed Forces’ recurring participation in the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational organized crime in the Caribbean basin and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

[caption id="attachment_14848" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance shakes hands with Commander Andrew Hingston, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown during Operation Reassurance, Dec. 19.

JanuaryHMCS Vancouver visits its namesake city, giving students and business leaders a guided tour of the vessel after completion of its Halifax-class modernization life extension upgrades.DND announces the modernized, centralized Phoenix payroll system will be rolled out in February  with an expected completion in the Spring for all 102 federal departments.The crew of HMCS Winnipeg receives NATO Article 5 medal for service in support of Operation Reassurance.Six Second World War veterans are awarded France’s Legion of Honour medal for their role in the liberation of France.The Tritons men’s hockey team advances to the CAF National Championship after a 2-0 series sweep of the Comox Totems in their regional qualifier.FebruaryChief of the Defence Staff, General Johnathan Vance, announces the release of the Canadian Armed Forces progress report on inappropriate sexual behaviour. He implements a Code of Conduct as part of Operation Honour initiatives.Former RCN supply ship HMCS Protecteur is towed from Esquimalt Harbour, bound for its final destination at a scrapyard in Port Mersey, N.S.The 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait is recognized with a commemorative ceremony at the Naden Drill Shed. Several past and currently-serving Gulf War veterans take part in the event.During the annual Health and Wellness Expo, representatives from the United Way of Greater Victoria accept a $448,000 cheque for funds raised through the 2015 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).HMCS Winnipeg returns to Esquimalt after an eight-and-half month deployment on Operations Reassurance and Caribbe.MarchAssociate Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada, Kent Hehr, attends a ceremony on A Jetty unveiling the new remote naval weapons stations to be installed in Halifax Class ships.The crew of HMCS Ottawa and over 400 other MARPAC personnel participate in SMASHEX 2016, a simulated search and rescue operation involving a submarine.Goaltender PO2 Ken Simoneau of Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt puts on a show for fans at Colwood’s Q-Centre during the Heroes Hockey Challenge. Unfortunately, his team of military veterans lost the match against a squad of Canucks Alumni including...

[caption id="attachment_14792" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan speaks to the crew of HMCS Charlottetown during ceremonial divisions while alongside in Souda Bay Crete, Greece during Operation Reassurance, Dec. 17.

[caption id="attachment_14788" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Chris Gray, MDN[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown flies her Battle Ensign as she sails west in the Mediterranean Sea during Operation Reassurance, Dec. 23.

[caption id="attachment_14762" align="alignnone" width="500"] Left photo: Pte Rick Milne (right) in 1985 at CFB Wainwright. Right photo: OS Milne receives his Cold War Medal from Commander David Coulombe, Commanding Officer of Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) on Dec. 7.[/caption]OS Rick Milne was recently presented the Special Service Medal NATO/Otan bar by Cdr David Coulombe. OS Milne earned the medal when he served in Lahr 1985-86 when he was serving with the Canadian Army as an ELM 431 LEME Electro-Mechanical Technician; however, he didn’t receive the medal until after he joined the Royal Canadian Navy.At 19, then Pte Milne, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as an ELM 431 LEME Electro-Mechanical Technician in the Army. He was first posted to Special Service Force 2 Service Battalion at CFB Petawawa from 1979-1981. In 1982, he was posted to 1 Canadian Brigade Group 1 Service Battalion at CFB Calgary as a Fire Control Systems (electronic) 432 EME Technician. He remained there until 1985.He was sent to 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Lahr Germany in early July 1985. This was during the height of the Cold War when Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were busy creating the SALT treaty. At the same time, the Beirut bombings of the US Embassy had just happened, which brought Lahr to a high state of readiness. Cpl Milne served there proudly until the spring of 1986, when he left military service. He was never presented his SSM Nato/Otan medal upon release.

[caption id="attachment_14758" align="alignnone" width="500"] Competitors in the Canadian Forces Pacific Region Badminton qualifier (left) and the Pacific Region Squash qualifier (right) gather for team photos upon completion of their matches at Naden Athletic Centre. Photo credit PSP Staff[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Badminton and squash players from CFB Esquimalt will be well represented at the Canadian Forces Nationals in the New Year after prevailing in Pacific Region qualifying action from Dec. 5 to 7.In badminton regionals at the Naden Athletic Centre, top-ranked PO1 William Crocker prevailed in the men’s open age category, followed by PO2 Nathan Allen (second), Sgt Noah Eckenswiller (third), and PO1 Lee Westwood (fourth). All four men advanced to the Canadian Forces National Badminton and Squash Championships being held Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 at CFB Borden.MS Stephan Girard advanced in the Masters category with a first place finish. PO1 Andrzej Buczynski took second place and will represent Esquimalt in the Senior Men’s division. Capt Jillian Doiron advanced in the women’s category after placing second in the tournament.In regional Squash qualifying play, CPO2 Tim King secured the number two spot, followed by PO1 Keith Parsons in third and LCdr Jon Audy in fourth. LS Raymond Lendt was the Over-45 placement winner. All four will also advance to nationals.

RCAF Public Affairs ~CH-147 D-model Chinook helicopters have become historical artefacts after the last two in Canadian inventory were delivered to two museums in Ontario.Aircraft 147201 arrived at 8 Wing Trenton on Nov. 17. It will be re-assembled and painted, and put on display at Trenton’s National Air Force Museum of Canada.Aircraft 147206 arrived at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa on Nov. 18. It will be re-assembled, refinished and put on display as a gate guard outside 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.The value of the D-model Chinook helicopters was clearly highlighted by Canadian operational experience in Afghanistan, with six employed as part of Canada’s Air Wing in Kandahar. These aircraft were purchased from the United States in 2009 to provide an interim capability for the Canadian Armed Forces.Throughout their two-and-a-half years in Afghanistan, RCAF CH-147D Chinook helicopters provided yeoman service, significantly reducing the threat to deployed Canadian Army soldiers by reducing the requirement for ground transport. With their capability to lift large amounts of cargo and numbers of passengers in the high elevations and temperatures in Afghanistan, the Chinooks’ support was always in big demand.These workhorse helicopters helped to save lives in Afghanistan every day, and contributed significantly to mission success.CH-147D Chinook operations in Afghanistan were not without risk. Two Canadian Chinooks were lost in Afghanistan. The first was downed by insurgent fire near forward operating Base Masum Ghar on August 5, 2010, and the second rolled over on landing in dusty conditions while conducting a night air assault mission on May 16, 2011.Canada’s Chinook historyCanada’s eight CH-147C Chinook helicopters were flown from 1974 until 1991, primarily by 447 Transport Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton and 450 Transport Helicopter Squadron in Ottawa. 447 Squadron was disbanded in July 1991 and 450 Squadron in Ottawa became 450 Composite Helicopter Squadron (later 450 Tactical Helicopter...

[caption id="attachment_14749" align="alignnone" width="450"] Winnipeg sailors in the Santa Claus parade with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ mascots.[/caption]“Winnipeg? You’re going there in November?!” This was the phrase heard most often by 10 members of HMCS Winnipeg who were selected to attend the ship’s Namesake City visit to Winnipeg, Manitoba.Surprisingly, the attendees enjoyed sunny weather with unseasonably warm temperatures in the high teens for most of the visit.The sailors, led by Logistics Officer, Lt(N) Michelle Baranowski, and Coxswain, CPO1 Sylvain Jaquemot, had an action-packed five days in the Manitoba capital.Highlights of the week included a visit to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. There, the team met Speaker of the House, the Honourable Myrna Driedger. The team also met with Member of the Legislative Assembly Jon Reyes, who is Manitoba’s Special Envoy for Military Affairs. Reyes has a special connection to HMCS Winnipeg. He served on board as a Naval Combat Information Operator from 1994-1999.Another visit was to Winnipeg City Hall, where Mayor, Brian Bowman presented the sailors with a beautiful framed painting of children playing pond hockey.On Remembrance Day, Winnipeg’s ­sailors attended a ceremony at HMCS Chippawa, the Naval Reserve Division in Winnipeg. Some of Winnipeg’s sailors formed the Colour Party for the ceremony.After the ceremony, the representatives from Winnipeg made their way to Deer Lodge Centre, a hospital specializing in the treatment of veterans. The sailors participated in their Remembrance Day ceremony as well and talked with a few of the veterans.The week culminated with Winnipeg’s sailors taking part in the city’s famous Santa Claus parade.

[caption id="attachment_14744" align="alignnone" width="400"] Crew members from HMCS Charlottetown spread some holiday cheer by helping to clean the grounds of an orphanage in Chania, Greece, during Operation Reassurance. Photos by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imagery Services[/caption]Lt(N) Benoit Plante, HMCS Charlottetown ~On Dec. 10, sailors from HMCS Charlottetown brought some Christmas cheer to an orphanage in Chania, Greece.Supported by the ship’s logistics department, Charlottetown’s Padre, Lt(N) Haupi Tombing arranged for a visit from Santa Claus and some manual labour by 35 crew members.“The ship’s company was really excited with the project. The sign-up sheet filled quickly and we even had to refuse some people as we didn’t have enough space to bring everyone on the bus,” said Lt (N) Tombing.After some research, the padre found a group called Young People of Chania. This organization operates orphanages in Chania, Greece, both for boys and girls separately. One of these is an orphanage for boys called Branch of Protecting Children.“Following a discussion with the director, we went to the boys’ orphanage. Currently, they have 31 boys living there,” said Padre Tombing. “The main goal of the organization is to provide shelter, education and guidance so that the boys can finish high school or college and stand on their own feet.”The crew members did an astounding amount of work in and around the large playground in the backyard of the orphanage. They repainted the basketball net support structures and guard rails around the stairs, repaired broken bicycles, picked up a large amount of garbage on the ground, and did some landscaping and gardening.Following the manual work, everyone gathered inside the orphanage for Christmas carols. A few minutes later, Santa arrived and all of the children received gifts.“That was a great day. It was Christmas in true Canadian spirit: Giving! We achieved a large amount...

[caption id="attachment_14741" align="alignnone" width="400"] Families react to the return of HMCS Vancouver. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~After six months at sea, holiday cheer and heart-felt embraces warmed the spirits of HMCS Vancouver sailors and their families in a homecoming last Wednesday.Temperatures hovered near the freezing mark and a brisk northerly wind greeted the Halifax-Class frigate as it pulled alongside. Still, family members smiled eagerly as they waited to welcome their loved ones home.The ship came alongside A Jetty at 10 a.m. where the ship’s company was greeted by a cheering crowd of 250 friends, family and co-workers who waved, blew kisses and held their welcome home banners high.“There is no better time than when a ship comes alongside after a long deployment and this moment is just perfect for the [holiday] season,” remarked Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, as he stood on the jetty beside Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon moments before the sailors disembarked.“When I look around and see all the families and sailors who have made big sacrifices and they are reunited, it warms my heart.”Moments after the ship docked, Cpl John Jamieson of 443 Squadron was bestowed the honour of the navy’s traditional First Kiss and proceeded with a lengthy embrace with his fiancée Racheal Wilkie. Cpl Jamieson’s name was randomly selected in a raffle with the rest of the ship’s company and said he bought 12 tickets to give him better odds of winning the draw.  He said he was likely the first aviator ever to ever be chosen for the First Kiss aboard an RCN ship.“This is the best Christmas present ever,” declared Wilkie as the two embraced and the crowd cheered.“The cold weather has nothing to do with us kissing for so long, it was because...

[caption id="attachment_14780" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown conducts a RAS with Greek Navy ship Axios during Exercise Naias in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 15.

[caption id="attachment_14732" align="alignnone" width="400"] Commander Sylvain Belair with Ottawa Senators mascot Spartacat.[/caption]Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie, HMCS Ottawa ~In late November four sailors from HMCS Ottawa spent a week in Ottawa, Ontario, for a Namesake City Visit. Their eventful program included visiting youth groups, seniors and navy veterans; volunteering at charities; and making official visits. Ottawa’s 20th anniversary was highlighted throughout the visit.Upon their arrival in Ottawa, the sailors – Commander (Cdr) Sylvain Belair, Captain of Ottawa; Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Alden Darragh, Coxswain; Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Ellie Aminaie, Information Warfare Officer; and Able Seaman (AB) Tyler Gallant, Hull Technician – had to hurry to their first engagement with the 3rd Orleans Scout Troop, which the ship sponsors. They spent an evening with the scout troop participating in a team-building activity and doing a question and answer session with the scouts.With little opportunity to recover from jet lag, the next morning was an early one spent at Elgin Street Public School where the Ottawa team gave a presentation to children in Grades 3 to 6 in the school gym. The students had plenty of questions, ranging from the hardest decision the ship’s captain had to make to whether we have muffins onboard ships.The follow-on engagement was a visit to the ship’s official charity, The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, where they enjoyed afternoon tea with the navy veterans at the centre. They listened to wartime stories and made a large charitable donation collected through fundraising by the ship’s crew.“The residents thoroughly enjoy it when the HMCS Ottawa crew pay a visit to the centre each year,” said the centre’s director.“The PRVHC greatly appreciates the fundraising efforts made by the ship’s crew as the funds go toward caring for our deserving military veterans.”Next up was an evening with Royal Canadian...

[caption id="attachment_14777" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Naden Band Christmas Concert at the Royal Theatre Dec. 7.

[caption id="attachment_14729" align="alignnone" width="400"] Sailors from the People’s Liberation Army stand at attention as they prepare for inspection in front of missile frigate Yancheng. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Chinese naval fleet showed off three of its modern war ships during a five-day goodwill visit to Victoria Dec. 15 to 19.Supply Ship Taihu (889) and guided-missile frigates Daqing (576) and Yancheng (546) were open to the public during their five-day stay at Ogden Point.As they approached Victoria, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Task Group was escorted into Canadian waters by HMCS Winnipeg on the evening of Dec. 14 and was then met off the Victoria waterfront by an ORCA patrol vessel and HMCS Chicoutimi.Under bright blue skies the following morning, the ships hoisted the flags of both Canada and China to their mainmasts during an official welcoming.Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Huang Xinjian, Deputy Commander of the PLA North China Sea Fleet and Commanding Officer of the visiting Chinese naval fleet, and RAdm Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) made brief addresses during the ceremony. They both emphasized the importance of international co-operation and security on the high seas to an audience of approximately 300 people, which included military members, representatives from the Chinese-Canadian community and the general public.“As Pacific countries, our navies have a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” said RAdm McDonald. “I look forward to engaging with the senior leadership and sailors over the next few days as they enjoy Victoria’s friendly hospitality.”As part of that hospitality, PLA members enjoyed a tour of the Naval Officer Training Centre, Damage Control School and HMCS Calgary on Dec. 16.In addition to welcoming the public aboard one of their ships, the Chinese contingent also played host as RAdm Huang Xinjiang held a deck...

[caption id="attachment_14773" align="alignnone" width="630"] Photo by Cpl André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Naden Band Christmas Concert at the Royal Theatre Dec. 7.

All the best to you and yours during the holiday season!

[caption id="attachment_14770" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Crew members from HMCS Charlottetown stand at attention while the ship makes a Replenishment at Sea approach with Greek Navy ship Axios during Exercise Naias Dec. 15.

As the holiday season draws near, Lookout sought out the Gnaval Gnomefor his perspective on 2016 and what lies ahead.LOOKOUT (LO): Welcome back, Gnaval Gnome. How have you been?Gnaval Gnome (GG): I’ve been busier than a one-eyed cat watching gnine mouse holes!LO: You’re looking well, but is that more white I see in your beard?GG: What? White? Gno, my beard isn’t white. It’s Arctic blonde!LO: Oh, sorry, of course. So, what have you been up to?GG: Well, it may interest you to gknow that I was away at RIMPAC 16 this summer! Best RIMPAC ever!LO: And how was that?GG: It was pretty gneato! Did you gknow that RIMPAC takes place in and around Hawaii, which was originally gknown as the Sandwich Islands? Mmm, sandwiches.LO: What did you do there?GG: I was Senior Staff Officer in charge of glitter glue and balloon animals. I learned the ancient art of balloon animaling, or zooblooning as it’s gknown in the trade, from my Uncle, Zebadiah Gnome. He had to learn a marketable skill when he lost his job at the calendar factory; they said he was taking too many days off. Mind you, I think the whole calendar industry’s days are numbered.LO: Hmm, I see. I understand you’ve also taken some leave recently?GG: Oh yes! I toured around the Emerald Isle. Hut, hut, hut.LO: And why did you go to Ireland?GG: Ah. Well, I went to visit some of my leprechaun relatives, and to get some fresh air and exercise. Some of my friends said I was looking a little peaked. I said it was just my hat. But they insisted I looked run down, and also that I have a preoccupation with vengeance…well, we`ll see about that…LO: Er, yes. So what exercise did you get there?GG: I got into Gnordic Pole Walking....

[caption id="attachment_14766" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Canadian Forces Combat Camera[/caption]Guy Lafleur, five-time Stanley cup winner and NHL legend, meets with deployed personnel as part of a Canadian troop morale visit during Operation Impact in Iraq, Dec. 20.

[caption id="attachment_14714" align="alignnone" width="225"] Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell with his family, wife Shuana, and children Nate and Bekah, plus the family dog Relic, in the Wardroom lounge. Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]As Christmas and the holiday season approaches we should all take the time to slow down a little and reflect on what we have accomplished in 2016 and what lies ahead for 2017. I would like to take this opportunity express how much I truly appreciate the hard work of the entire Defence Team to provide support to ships, shore units, and personnel.This is my third year as Base Commander so I have seen first-hand the significant changes in and around the Base. I only have to look at my last two holiday messages and family photos to see how much my children have grown and to notice a few new grey hairs!I am immensely proud of the work the Base team has been able to accomplish this year, working towards and supporting the revitalization of our infrastructure - which will undoubtedly cause short term inconveniences but will bring the Dockyard into the 21st century.The harbour will be a busy place as we continue with environmental work to clean up ­historic pollution through the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project. With the first phase of dredging complete, the project will now focus on the areas around the jetties in Colwood. I wonder whether we will see any treasures or interesting artefacts in this next phase; perhaps an interesting storyline from years of our Port Boats berthed there?A new wave-attenuating breakwater in Colwood will provide us with much-needed ­flexibility at D jetty during the coming years while A and B jetties are being demolished and replaced.I am very proud that so many units came together this past summer for...

Cpl Dustin Renz, Military Police Unit Esquimalt ~The time of year is once again upon us when we find our schedules busy with holiday parties and visits with friends and family. During these occasions, gifts will be exchanged, laughs will be shared, and drinks will be enjoyed.With so much going on in the holiday season, we urge you to remember something very important: Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada estimates there are between 1,250 and 1,500 impairment-related crash deaths in Canada each year (3.4 – 4.1 deaths per day).It only takes a few minutes and a couple of extra dollars to arrange a safe ride home, and with so much at stake (lives, mobility, careers, etcetera), it is well worth it.It is a criminal offence to operate, or be in care or control of a motor vehicle whether it is in motion or not, while your ability to operate the vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs.Military Police have seen an increase in cannabis-related impaired drivers in recent months, and these matters are dealt with no differently than alcohol-related impaired drivers.If you are at fault for a death as a result of impaired driving, you will be eligible for life imprisonment.The best thing you can do to stay safe is to plan ahead. There are many options to get you home safely, such as cabs, sober friends, designated driver services, or dial-a-driver. Remind your guests and friends of these options to ensure they have a safe ride home at the end of the night.It is important to be aware that even the morning after you have consumed alcohol, you still may be over the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol takes time to be eliminated from the...

[caption id="attachment_14706" align="alignnone" width="425"] CAF Mobile App[/caption]DND ~Canadian Armed Forces members now have access to a variety of tools and services essential to CAF members, their families, and the extended defence community through a new tool, the Canadian Armed Forces Mobile Application (CAF Mobile App).The app, developed at the request of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), ensures that you will be provided with the latest useful, unclassified information about defence directly from the CDS and his command team.Want to check for housing at 3 Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton? There is a section for that.Need the latest numbers for family support? It has that, too.Want to see the latest Canadian Forces General (CANFORGEN) message? It has that.The CAF Mobile App includes plenty of other resources for members and their families, including compensation and benefits, relocation, education and training, legal, morale and welfare, OUTCAN, and contact information for Veterans Affairs.The app also makes it easy to stay current on the latest social media posts, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. You can tailor it to your needs so that you always know what is going on.Download it here: http://bit.ly/2hPOAAmThe app is available for free from the iOS, Android, and BlackBerry stores.

[caption id="attachment_14700" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imagery Services[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown’s Air crew conduct an aerial sortie in the ship’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter during Operation Reassurance Dec. 6.

[caption id="attachment_14668" align="alignnone" width="450"] OS Anna Cocquyt and LS Ashton Marlow participate in the Dancing with the Stars of 911 competition in London, ON.[/caption]Lt(N) David Lewis, HMCS Prevost PAO ~Members of HMCS Prevost, the Naval Reserve Division in London, Ontario, swapped their sea boots for dancing shoes.OS Anna Cocquyt and LS Ashton Marlow recently competed in the 7th annual Dancing With The Stars of 911 Gala event hosted by the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund. The Fund is dedicated to the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public buildings in the name of fallen law enforcement, fire, EMS and military members who have died in the line of duty.The gala event is an evening of dinner, silent auction, and dance performances by sailors, police, paramedics and communicators.The Naval Reserve mission is not only to generate trained individuals for Canadian Armed Forces operations but also to support the navy’s efforts in connecting with Canadians in our local communities. This was a great opportunity for these two young sailors to unlace their sea boots and slips on their dance shoes.OS Anna Cocquyt joined the navy this year with a deep desire to serve her country. She is training to be a boatswain. Having grown up in a small town she kept herself entertained by making up a dance or skit in the backyard with her sister. She started dancing ballet and learning gymnastics when she was little and has loved dance ever since.“I heard about the DWTS of 911 event and I jumped on the opportunity to aid in such an honourable and meaningful cause,” she said “I am always up for a challenge and willing to put myself out there for a little laugh while I’m at it.”LS Ashton Marlow is already a member of Prevost. He is a boatswain and has volunteered...

[caption id="attachment_14697" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Members of HMCS Charlottetown’s Naval Boarding Party conduct a small arms proficiency shoot during Operation Reassurance Dec. 3.

[caption id="attachment_14665" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Shipmates across the MARPAC Defence Team, as 2016 draws to a close, we all look forward to ­celebrating the holiday season with our families and friends while taking the time to reflect on our year past.As your Commander, I look back over the past year with great pride in, and admiration for, everything that you – and our Navy in general – has accomplished!Our ships have travelled far and wide to participate in operations, exercises, and visits – having been prepared and sustained by a world-class engineering effort!We have provided disaster relief to an earthquake-stricken region, stopped drug smugglers in their tracks, and forged important bonds with partner nations and allies around the globe, and especially in our Indo-Asia Pacific neighbourhood.Here at home, meanwhile, we’ve also made a difference in everything from rescues at sea and in the wilderness, to contributing in our local communities with our time – an amazing 500,000 hours annually – and money. Beyond these impressive measures of operational excellence and citizenship, the MARPAC/Naval Reserve team has stood-up the Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG) and we’re advancing the Naval Security Team (NST) proof-of-concept.Importantly, we’ve also returned Chicoutimi to sea and made her ready for a busy year ahead.Meanwhile, we’ve begun the vital work of transforming and modernizing the RCN’s individual training system and we’ve continued to make good progress in evolving the Naval Reserve so that our citizen-sailors can more conveniently make significant contributions to our One Navy’s readiness and capability. And, most importantly, notwithstanding the substantive progress we’ve already realized, we have resolved and recommitted ourselves to improving our workplace environments in order to ensure that ours is one free of inappropriate behaviours and re-categorizes us as one of the nation’s best employers.In retrospect,...