[caption id="attachment_14562" align="alignnone" width="400"] Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, Formation Chief Petty Officer, ready for the ceremonial puck drop between Adam Brooks, Captain of the Regina Pats, and Ryan Gagnon, Captain of the Victoria Royals, at centre ice.[/caption]The Western Hockey League Major Junior Victoria Royals hockey team held their Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Nov. 19 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in a game against the Regina Pats. Special commemorative jerseys worn by the Royals during the game were auctioned off at the end to raise funds for the Poppy Fund, Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), and Victoria Royals Education & Scholarship Fund.

In this episode, we catch up with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Urban Search and Rescue team, hear how the Royal Military College of Canada is training in support of Operation HONOUR initiatives, cover the Halifax International Security Forum, and highlight the Quality Engineering Test Establishment team’s 2015 Flight Safety Award.

[caption id="attachment_14527" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Corporal Kenneth Galbraith[/caption]The crew of HMCS Fredericton form on the flight deck as the ship departs Havana, Cuba on Nov. 22.

[caption id="attachment_14555" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lisa deWit poses for a photo with RAdm William Truelove, Commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (Washington) and Canadian Defence Attache, following her address at the Girls Can Do Event.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Lisa deWit got an uplifting surprise in the form of long, loud applause following her speech on empowering women at the Girls Can Do event held in Washington, D.C.’s historic Warner Theatre.“I remember the cheers from the audience roared right back on stage at me, letting me know those in attendance genuinely appreciated my message,” said deWit, from Formation Review. “After the presentation, during a meet-and-greet, there were hugs and kisses from total strangers, people wanting photos, and I even had requests for autographs.”Girls Can Do is a U.S.-based non-profit that hosts events internationally with an emphasis on inspiring girls to be possibility thinkers. The event allows young women to engage, connect and share their struggles and accomplishments with others.During deWit’s 10-minute oration, she talked about growing up on Wet’suwet’en First Nations territory in northern B.C.  She emphasized the importance of how young women can “eliminate fear of perceived failure” in their lives and begin to see themselves as “matriarchs in training.”deWit, also the  Civilian Regional Co-Chair for the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group, was the only Canadian invited to speak at the event, which included Krishanti Vignarajah, Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama; hip-hop recording artist and former bassist for Beyoncé, Divinity Roxx; and the founder and designer of the anti-bullying software application Sit With Us, 16-year-old Natalie Hampton.deWit extended a special invitation to former Maritime Forces Pacific commander Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, now Commander of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (Washington) and Canadian Defence Attaché, and his wife Brenda Truelove. RAdm Truelove, who worked with deWit and the DAAG for several years before his departure from Esquimalt in 2015, described her address as “passionate and inspirational” and congratulated her afterwards.“Dressed in First Nations regalia with brilliant red colours, Lisa confidently took...

[caption id="attachment_14524" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by 12 Wing Imaging Services[/caption]Members of the Royal Canadian Navy prepare for arrival into Curaçao, aboard HMCS Kingston, deployed in support of Operation Caribbe, Nov. 14.

Lt(N) Ellie Aminaie, HMCS Ottawa ~Three weeks ago, family members and friends of the crew of HMCS Ottawa were invited to experience a day in the life of a sailor at sea.The day sail was well-attended by 200 friends and family members, including Honorary Captain Derek Turner who is a notable Second World War veteran.During this rare opportunity, guests experienced the ship manoeuvring at high speeds, a man overboard recovery, a diver deployment and recovery by a CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and an overall tour with stations throughout the ship.Upon exiting the harbour, the Captain brought the ship to full speed ahead on both gas turbines and guests were urged to hold on to something as the ship accelerated quickly through the water. The ship’s rudder was then moved from 30 degrees to port and over to 30 degrees to starboard in order to demonstrate the turning radius of the ship, and how much the ship heels over during high speed manoeuvres.Guests also experienced how quickly the ship stops when full speed astern is ordered on both engines.Upon completion of the high speed manoeuvring serial, the ship’s training dummy Oscar was thrown in the ocean and the ship’s rescue stations organization closed up to rescue him. The ship’s zodiac was launched and Oscar was quickly brought back onboard for medical care.The ship’s divers had an opportunity to display their training and skills through a helicopter deployment demonstration where they jumped off a CH-124 Sea King into the frigid waters of Constance Bank wearing their full diver gear, and were recovered by the helicopter moments later.Another engaging aspect of the day sail was the shipboard tour stations throughout the ship. While touring the ship, guests were given a chance to don bunker gear worn by firefighters, and handle a charged firefighting...

[caption id="attachment_14521" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Weapon proficiency training takes place on the flight deck of HMCS Charlottetown during Operation Reassurance in the Mediterranean Sea, Oct. 29.

[caption id="attachment_14500" align="alignnone" width="400"] LS Sydney Huyghe[/caption]Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA ~When a sailor from HMCS Chippawa spoke at a high school in Winnipeg three years ago about life in the naval reserves, one student saw a way to make some money over the summer to help pay for university.Fast forward three years, and that student, now LS Sydney Huyghe, is thousands of nautical miles away from home on a great adventure with HMCS Vancouver.Vancouver is on WestPloy 16, which is an opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with partner navies in the Asia-Pacific.As a naval communicator, LS Huyghe is responsible for establishing and maintaining communications with national and allied networks, an essential element of mission coordination. It is also her department’s responsibility to advise the ship’s command on tactical signalling and ship maneuvering, as well as encoding and decoding signals.“Sailing in Vancouver is a huge opportunity for me to sail and complete some of my training package,” she says. “It is also an incredible opportunity to travel to some amazing places.”Since joining the warship in September, she has visited Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Before she returns home in December, she will also visit Fiji and Hawaii. Not bad for her first deployment.Although she’s been adjusting well to life at sea, she admits it can be challenging. Shift work leaves limited time for sleep. She says it’s the support of her crew mates that has helped her stay positive and meet the demands of a busy sailing schedule.Work and play is also mixed with charitable activities. In Singapore she joined 20 other crew members at a school at the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, playing and singing with students. In Vietnam, she helped paint buildings at a shelter for homeless...

[caption id="attachment_14518" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Brandon and HMCS Edmonton sail in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during Operation Caribbe on Oct. 29.

[caption id="attachment_14496" align="alignnone" width="200"] Order of Military Merit[/caption]Bart Armstrong, canadianmedalofhonor.com ~Last week the best of the best arrived at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to be recognized and awarded for their services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada, and the world. There were 46 in all, men and women, both commissioned and non-commissioned, and coming from Newfoundland across to British Columbia.Only one tenth of one per cent of the total population of the CAF gets the honour to make that trip. However, these members stood in front of their Commander in Chief, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on Nov. 10.He presented each with the Order of Military Merit, each being recognized for meritorious service and dedication to duty. Most were inducted into the Order for the first time, but eight recipients were promoted from the Member level to that of Officer. Two received an even higher promotion, to that of Commander. Each would thus be authorized to use the Post Nominal initials of MMM, OMM or CMM, depending on ranking in the Order.MARPAC members know the name Rear Admiral William Truelove. His command here on the West Coast came to an end a few years ago when a new posting took him to the Canadian Embassy at Washington, D.C., where he now commands the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff. His promotion within the Order now has him wearing the Order of Military Merit insignia with the rank of Commander around his neck.Fleet School’s CPO2 Dave McAlpine was also honoured with induction into the Order at the Member level, as was CPO2 Dave Wilson from Sea Training (Pacific.)“You are dedicated professionals who inspire others to achieve excellence in all you do. Never underestimate the power of your example no matter what your particular role; you are all leaders,...

[caption id="attachment_14493" align="alignnone" width="400"] Brad Gable (center right), the Director of Contract Sales for Sysco, presents a cheque for $750 to the Commander of MARPAC/JTF (P), Rear Admiral Art McDonald (left), Base Administrative Officer Commander Jeanne Lessard (center left), and Base Commander Captain (Navy) Steven Waddell (right), during the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign fundraising Pancake Breakfast at the Chief’s & Petty Officers’ Mess, Nov. 16. Photos by MCpl Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The Royal Canadian Legion’s mission statement of “acting in service to Canada’s communities” is now coming in loud and clear on the new sound system at Rockheights Middle School.Over $6,300 in charitable funding from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Esquimalt Dockyard Branch #172 was used to purchase a new state-of-the-art sound system for the Esquimalt public school’s gymnasium and auditorium.During a Nov. 2 ceremony students and staff thanked Branch #172 Manager Doug Grant and 1st Vice President Jim MacMillan-Murphy for the donation, and gave a demonstration of the new system and its wireless microphone and hands-free blue tooth capabilities.“It makes me proud to be a principal at a school in Esquimalt where we know we can come together to build positive relationships like this one in our community,” said Principal Maryanne Trofimuk.The new sound system will be used to play music during concerts for its music program, for gym classes and dances, and as a public address system when the school hosts assemblies, guest speakers, parent-student orientation, and sporting events.Trofimuk and Grade 7 teacher Sanjiv Galhon said the previous sound system was antiquated and sounded terrible. It used a plug-in microphone that would constantly cut out and deliver ear-wrenching feedback noises. Galhon who teaches physical education classes at the school says the Legion’s generosity has helped the school build a new alliance.“Our students have just...

[caption id="attachment_14514" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell[/caption]Crewmembers of HMCS Charlottetown prepare to recover the ship’s Zodiac as they conduct a man-overboard drill during Operation Reassurance Nov. 16.

Capt Graeme Kaine, 39 CBG Public Affairs ~Recipients of the Memorial Cross who live in British Columbia now have a new commemorative licence plate.At a ceremony, held at the Beatty Street Drill Hall in Vancouver on Nov.10, Ron McCully was the first Memorial Cross recipient to receive the special plate.“This new licence plate is meaningful for my family, as this pays tribute to my son, Corporal Matthew McCully,” he said. “Thank you to the B.C. government and ICBC for developing and producing this new licence plate for those of us who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”The Memorial Cross is an award that has been granted since 1919 to loved ones of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who have died in service or whose death was attributed to their service. It is granted by the Government of Canada and is often referred to as the Silver Cross. In the past, it had only been given to mothers and widows, but recent changes now allow CAF personnel to designate up to three Memorial Cross recipients.Besides British Columbia, Saskatchewan is the only other province that currently offers a Memorial Cross plate.“The Canadian Armed Forces are delighted and humbled that the Government of British Columbia has decided to honour those who have died as a result of their military service to Canada, and the sacrifice of their loved ones who were left behind in such a meaningful way,” said Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. “This Memorial Cross licence plate will be a daily reminder of the sacrifices members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families make for their country, and I welcome this thoughtful initiative.”The licence plate features purple letters on a white background, with the Memorial Cross symbol on the left and the Canadian...

News ReleaseNovember 21, 2016 – Esquimalt – National Defence / Canadian Armed ForcesCFB Esquimalt Service Member Injured in Industrial AccidentA service member of CFB Esquimalt was rushed to hospital this morning following an industrial accident at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.Military officials have notified the member’s next of kin of the accident and are working to support the member and family during this difficult time. A crisis team was also deployed to the squadron to assist members of the unit.There were no other personnel involved in the accident and the Base Commander ordered an immediate investigation into the situation. No details on the accident will be released while the investigation is ongoing.QUOTES“Our sympathies and prayers are with the member and the family and I can assure them that the Canadian Armed Forces is committed to providing all the necessary support to the member and family during this exceptionally difficult time.”– Captain (Navy) Steven Waddell, Base CommanderQUICK FACTSThe member is currently being treated in hospital for serious injuries.A full investigation into the incident was ordered by the Base Commander and no details will be provided while the investigation is ongoing.A crisis team was deployed to 443 Squadron to support those who played a role in assisting the victim and to anyone else that requires assistance during this difficult time.

[caption id="attachment_14487" align="alignnone" width="400"] HMCS Summerside conducts Unmanned Aircraft System trials at sea, on Oct. 25. Photo by Master Seaman Ronnie Kinnie, Formation Imaging Services Halifax[/caption]DND ~Historically, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has been actively pursuing, on a very modest and experimental basis, a number of remote technology applications in each of the three maritime domains: air, surface, and sub-surface.In terms of the undersea domain, the navy has operated everything from side scan sonars to remotely operated vehicles, and continues to actively participate in the development of these technologies.The RCN was also active in the 1990s in developing remotely controlled surface targets and those investments are now reaping real benefits for Canadian industry.In recent years, the RCN had great success operating the Scan Eagle from deployed frigates by leveraging a contractual mechanism that was put in place by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support our forces in Afghanistan.Between 2012 and 2014, the combined organic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability resident in Halifax-class frigates along with the embarked Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) allowed the RCN to play a prominent role in expeditionary operations. Through cueing, detection, surveillance, and reporting from the shipborne Scan Eagle UAS, over nine metric tons of illegal drugs were intercepted by HMC Ships Charlottetown, Toronto, and Regina.It proved to be an incredibly versatile and important extension of the ship’s sensors and embarked aircraft. It also allowed the RCN to learn valuable lessons on how to employ this capability, how to integrate into the maritime and littoral battle space, and how to operate in conjunction with an embarked maritime helicopter. It is a great force multiplier for a single ship or for a Naval Task Group.Disruptive TechnologyAs technologies mature and evolve, the RCN is anticipating the gradual introduction of remotely piloted vehicles in all three maritime dimensions....

[caption id="attachment_14484" align="alignnone" width="400"] Commander Clive Butler, Commanding Officer of HMCS Vancouver, speaks with Flight-Lieutenant Glen Blay in Kaikoura, New Zealand on Nov. 17 before a meeting with other nations to determine how to assist New Zealanders and Kaikoura following the Nov. 14 massive earthquake. Photo by LS Sergej Krivenka, HMCS Vancouver[/caption]DND ~HMCS Vancouver is assisting the people of New Zealand affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the South Island on Nov. 14.Vancouver was in the vicinity of Auckland, NZ, at the time of the earthquake preparing for a goodwill visit to celebrate the 75th anniversary of New Zealand’s Naval Forces with other allied naval forces.The ship, with its embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment, will be a key asset in evacuating persons from the affected area, and assisting in the transport of emergency supplies into the area as the majority of roads and rail lines have been severed.“HMCS Vancouver’s rapid shift from training and naval operations to assisting earthquake victims in New Zealand is testament to the professionalism and capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy,” said General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.In the evening of Nov. 14 Vancouver began transiting towards the area worst affected as part of a multinational Task Group of warships. The ship arrived last Thursday off the coastal town of Kaikoura, South Island, ready to commence operations.Vancouver will conduct emergency humanitarian operations in order to minimize human suffering. The ship carries basic Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief supplies onboard that may be used in post-disaster efforts if needed. These basic supplies include first aid kits, tents, generators, blankets, chainsaws and hand tools. The ship’s company stands ready to support the operation as it develops.

[caption id="attachment_14471" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown’s ship’s company performs Colours in Toulon, France during Operation Reassurance Oct. 29.

[caption id="attachment_14422" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lieutenant-Commander Mike Baker, legal advisor to HMCS Charlottetown command team.[/caption]Lt(N) Benoit Plante, Maritime Task Force Public Affairs Officer ~As HMCS Charlottetown prepares to transit the Strait of Gibraltar, the Bridge is getting crowded. There are the usual personnel on the Bridge, such as the Helmsman, the Naval Communicator and the Officer of the Watch.More surprisingly, there is the legal advisor to the Operation Reassurance Maritime Task Force, Lieutenant-Commander Mike Baker.The legal advisor is a Canadian Armed Forces Legal Officer deployed with the ship during Operation Reassurance. He provides legal advice on operational, international, and administrative law, military justice, and all other legal matters of particular interest to the Commander.“When we are transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, for example, the ship is passing through either Spanish or Moroccan territorial waters,” explains LCdr Baker. “So part of my job is to provide advice to the Commanding Officer on the implications of passing in those waters, and to help him determine what types of activities Charlottetown can and cannot do at any given time.”As Charlottetown is transiting back into the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic to continue with Operation Reassurance, LCdr Baker says “from a law of the sea perspective, the Mediterranean Sea is a complex legal environment, in part due to its long history and the many different states that surround it.”Therefore, he needs to advise the Commanding Officer on the general provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the primary reference for understanding maritime law. Moreover, ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea need to understand that passage between it and the Black Sea is governed by the Montreux Convention, that the Strait of Messina represents an exception to the rules about international straits, and that the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea...

[caption id="attachment_14468" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by 12 Wing Imaging Services[/caption]Crew members aboard HMCS Kingston conduct a .50 calibre defence weapon firing exercise during Operation Caribbe Nov. 8.

[caption id="attachment_14419" align="alignnone" width="400"] CH148 Cyclone crews conduct an Operational Test and Evaluation with HMCS Montréal, the first ship to support a Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility Detachment.[/caption]Captain Peter Ryan, 12 Wing Shearwater ~A CH148 Cyclone helicopter from 12 Wing Shearwater, N.S., recently conducted its first anti-submarine warfare (ASW) event with submarine HMCS Windsor off the coast of Nova Scotia.The exercise was linked to an ongoing Operational Test and Evaluation being conducted by the Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility (HOTEF) at 12 Wing Shearwater.Anti-submarine warfare is a component of underwater warfare that employs surface warships, aircraft and other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines.This was the first time a Cyclone has engaged in such activity, representing an important milestone in the evolution of this new aircraft that provides wings for the fleet, and state-of-the-art air power for the Royal Canadian Air Force.According to Major Erik Weigelin, a pilot with Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility, the Cyclone’s sonobuoy processing system was tested to detect and track Windsor using passive sonobuoys.“This system allows us to track submarines without making any active noise, thereby denying the submarine knowledge of the helicopter’s location or potentially even the fact that they are being tracked at all. Anti-submarine warfare by use of sonobuoys can be very challenging, but having Windsor as a target allowed the crews to hone our equipment and develop a solid baseline of performance for the tracking of real submarine targets,” said Maj Weigelin.When Windsor was otherwise tasked, CH148 crews employed Expendable Mobile Anti-submarine Warfare Training Targets to simulate submarine movements and noise patterns, which allowed Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility crews to further develop those tactical procedures that will be used by operational crews following CH148 release to service.“Accurate and effective initial equipment settings, in combination with...

[caption id="attachment_14465" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]HMCS Brandon patrols an area off the coast of North and Central America during Operation Caribbe Nov. 2.

[caption id="attachment_14416" align="alignnone" width="400"] Cmdre Marta Mulkins[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~When the Commander of Canada’s Naval Reserves, Commodore Marta Mulkins and her colleagues gathered for an informal breakfast on Persons Day in Ottawa last month, they reflected on the accomplishments of women in the Canadian Armed Forces.Joining her at the table were several high-ranking female military officers, including Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Major General Tammy Harris, Brigadier General Lise Bourgon, as well as Commissioner Jody Thomas of the Canadian Coast Guard.Patricia Hadju, Canada’s Federal Minster for the Status of Women, also dropped by to join them.“We decided to have an informal gathering, so it was very inspiring that she dropped by to recognize the success of women in the military,” says Cmdre Mulkins. “We are constantly looking forward, but it is nice for a moment to recognize where we have been and our accomplishments.”One such accomplishment is Persons Day - Oct. 18, 1929, the day when Lord Sankey, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, announced the decision of the five lords that women were persons. The decision forced the Canadian federal government to allow women to be appointed to the Senate or to any public office in the land. This decision paved the way for women, including those at the breakfast table.Thirty-one years ago Cmdre Mulkins joined the Naval Reserves; as the years passed by the thought of reaching one of the highest ranks was not in her sites. But like her male counterparts, good, hard work paid off with promotion after promotion.“I would say the military and the Canadian government have been ahead of the curve in both pay equity and opening opportunities to women many years ago, and helped set the tone for advancement in the rest of society,” she says. “The entire process has taught us a valuable lesson,...

[caption id="attachment_14462" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]Members of HMCS Brandon conduct force protection weapons drills aboard the ship during Operation Caribbe Nov. 9.

[caption id="attachment_14413" align="alignnone" width="400"] Lieutenant-Commander Corey Gleason, Rear-Admiral John Newton and Captain (Navy) Michael Davie in Norway during staff talks.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy Public Affairs Ottawa ~The commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) first Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel has already been chosen, and work has begun to ensure everything is ready when HMCS Harry DeWolf is delivered in 2018.Lieutenant-Commander Corey Gleason, along with a small preliminary crew, are preparing for the new vessel, one of six ice-capable offshore patrol ships that will conduct sovereignty and surveillance operations in Canada’s ocean areas of interest, including in the Arctic.“It’s truly exciting to have this role as first commanding officer,” says LCdr Gleason. “The first ship in its class is always a lot of work and there’s a long road ahead – about five years between shore office work and the first operational cruise for the lead ship. We get the opportunity to pave the way for everyone else.”This is essential work as the navy prepares for a busy future in Canada’s North, says Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic.“We take note of the significant changes being felt in the environment, industry, commerce, tourism, society and culture. It is a timely development that the RCN will soon take delivery of the first Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel.”He adds that the pending arrival of these vessels inspires the RCN to undertake bolder activities in all of Canada’s ocean areas. This past summer, maritime coastal defence vessel HMCS Moncton patrolled in Hudson Bay, while its sister ship HMCS Shawinigan was far west along the Northwest Passage, creating new learning experiences for sailors in the fleet.“For several years now our crews have been increasingly busy familiarizing themselves with Arctic waterways and the communities that struggle with shifting economies, climate, and human activities,” says RAdm Newton. “We...

[caption id="attachment_14459" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs[/caption]HMCS Brandon sails along the Pacific coast of North America during Operation Caribbe Oct. 31.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The crew of HMCS Yellowknife will be heading to B.C.’s north coast later this month to investigate reports of submerged Cold-War era ordnance.The ordnance is believed to be part of a B4 weapon jettisoned by a U.S. B-36 aircraft that crashed in the vicinity of Prince Rupert on Feb. 13, 1950.  The object was recently discovered by a diver who had been searching for sea cucumbers off the shores of Pitt Island, located approximately 80 kilometres south of Prince Rupert. The diver reported the details of his find to the RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces.“Discussions with our NORTHCOM Liaison Officer have provided us with information on the disposition of the weapon at the time of the jettison and crash, including verifying that there was no radioactive material in the weapon during the failed test flight in February 1950,” said Commander Michele Tessier, Commander Coastal Forces, who indicated the object’s core likely contained lead.According to accounts by author Dirk Septer in his book Lost Nuke: The Last Flight of Bomber 075, five crew members were killed in the crash of the B-36 and 12 were rescued after an engine fire, believed to be caused by ice buildup on the wings, erupted on the plane. The crew dumped the ordnance in the ocean and then the pilot set the plane on auto pilot targeting it to crash into a remote area near Mount Kologe before he and the crew bailed out of the plane. The decision by the pilot to drop the ordnance in the ocean was made because the crew were uncertain of their proximity to populated areas and how far the plane could travel being weighted down.During their upcoming sailing program, Yellowknife will embark the civilian diver who made the find and proceed to the...

[caption id="attachment_14456" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]A sailor on board HMCS Edmonton fires the C8 service rifle during Operation Caribbe Nov. 8.

[caption id="attachment_14406" align="alignnone" width="400"] A Marine Engineering Systems Operator cleans an oil filter from a diesel alternator.[/caption]Capt Graeme Kaine, 39 CBG Public Affairs ~The Government of British Columbia announced Oct. 27 that they have expanded job-protected leave for Canadian military reserve forces in B.C. to cover leave for military training.The leave expansion was announced by Premier Christy Clark at Canadian Forces Base Comox on Vancouver Island, and by Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and Minister Responsible for Labour at HMCS Discovery, the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve base on Deadman’s Island in Stanley Park, Vancouver.Bond was joined in Vancouver by Brigadier Genernal Rob Roy MacKenzie, Chief of Staff Reserves, Canadian Forces; Colonel Dave Awalt, Commander 39 Canadian Brigade Group; Lyall Knott, QC, B.C. Chair, Canadian Forces Liaison Council, Department of National Defence; and other military reserve forces representatives.“I can’t emphasize enough how important employer support is to our Reservists,” said BGen MacKenzie. “It directly contributes to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces by helping ensure we have skilled members always available for duty.”This change will allow reservists unpaid leave from their civilian jobs for up to 20 days per year for training activities.A reservist must provide at least four weeks of notice to his/her employer. This matches the general notice requirement that already applies to reservists going on leave for active duty.The up to 20 days for training leave is per calendar year, and does not have to be consecutive.This change to expand leave for military training activities for reservists is effective immediately.“The extension of job protection for reservists, for necessary training, is a significant step in strengthening the Reserves and will contribute greatly to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve,” said Col Awalt. “As the Brigade commander for the Army Reserve in...