[caption id="attachment_14147" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]A member of HMCS Charlottetown’s Air Crew looks on as Greek Navy Frigate Spetsai (F453) (bottom), HMCS Charlottetown (top) and Italian Navy Frigate Virginio Fasan (F591) (middle) pass by during Operation Reassurance Sept. 15.

[caption id="attachment_14128" align="alignnone" width="400"] Royal Canadian Navy sailor Leading Seaman Josh Adams, of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific, prepares to dispose of unexploded projectiles found underwater near White Beach in the Solomon Islands during Operation Render Safe.[/caption]Canadian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists in the Solomon IslandsCpl M. Doran and Capt A. Rosendahl, Australian Defence Forces ~Canadian clearance divers shared skills and knowledge with New Zealand sailors while they were attached to Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Manawanui during Operation Render Safe in the Solomon Islands Sept. 7 to Oct. 7.The operation aimed to reduce the hazards of explosive remnants of war and enhance safety across the Southwest Pacific.Canadian Dive Team Lead, Petty Officer Second Class David Cheeseman of Fleet Diving Unit - Atlantic, said his team conducted explosive ordnance disposal with Australian and New Zealand military forces and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.“We’ve been very successful in discovering unexploded ordnance below the waterline while on HMNZS Manawanui and disposing of it,” he said. “Last week we found six 100-pound air-dropped bombs and another 50 unexploded projectiles. Some were just lying on the sea bed, which meant we could move them to a safer area to blow them, but a few were embedded so we blew them in location.”PO2 Cheeseman said Operation Render Safe was important because it gave the local communities a safer environment to live in.“It’s fantastic to get out and do our job as clearance divers and know we are making the areas around the Solomon Islands safer for the population,” he said. “Especially for the younger children who may not know what these remnants of war are and may injure or kill themselves.”There have been 12 islanders killed by explosive remnants of war in the past decade either by finding ordnance accidently or by trying to make...

[caption id="attachment_14144" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Crewmembers from HMCS Charlottetown participate in Damage Control Olympics, a competition in which teams race to complete tasks in the least possible time, during Operation Reassurance Sept. 22.

[caption id="attachment_14123" align="alignnone" width="400"] Left to right: Chief Petty Officer First Class Goulding and Commander Matthews present a cheque for $5,011.10 on behalf of HMCS Regina to the Chris Knox Foundation. Photos by Brent Fisher[/caption]SLt Mike Harris, HMCS Regina ~Potato harvesting, veterans visit, and a home-opener hockey game, these are some of the activity highlights 15 HMCS Regina crew members took part in during their namesake city visit from Sept. 22 to 27.At the Club du Souvenir at École St Andrew, crew members attended a swearing-in ceremony and then surprised students with a visit from ship mascot Gunner the Gopher, as well as the unfurling of the world’s largest Saskatchewan Roughriders flag.The Roughriders also invited the ship’s representatives to be guests at one of their games, which included the crew marching onto the field prior to the national anthem.The Regina Pats, a Western Hockey League (WHL) team having a century-old affiliation with the military, also hosted the crew. Sailors attended the team’s home opener where Commander Colin Matthews, Regina’s Commanding Officer, dropped the puck to commence their first home game of the season.During a meet and greet at HMCS Queen with members of the unit and Friends of the Navy, Cdr Matthews presented a cheque for more than $5,000 to the Chris Knox Foundation as a sign of the ship’s commitment to the charity and their support of the sick children and youth in the city.Regina holds a strong connection to past military members who have given so much for this country; so crew members spent time getting to know some of the city’s distinguished veterans. They visited the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre to listen to vivid stories from seniors, and were given a lesson in crib by members of the veterans program.They were also given an exclusive tour of the...

[caption id="attachment_14141" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]A crewmember onboard HMCS Charlottetown raises the Jack during the Colours ceremony during Operation Reassurance Oct. 6.

[caption id="attachment_14119" align="alignnone" width="400"] Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd met with submariners, members of the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton, and Babcock Canada during a town hall in dockyard’s Submarine Shore Office, Sept. 30. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd thanked submariners and support staff at Maritime Forces Pacific for their efforts getting HMCS Chicoutimi operationally ready during his visit to CFB Esquimalt.The 35th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy addressed submariners and members of Fleet Maintenance Facility and Babcock Canada at the Submarine Shore Office in dockyard on the morning of Sept. 30.“I’m looking forward to Chicoutimi ramping up and deploying,” said VAdm Lloyd. “You and all Canadians should be very proud of what this submarine can do, and what a great job each and every one of you has been doing to get her operational again.”In his opening remarks VAdm Lloyd fondly recalled his days in Esquimalt, between March 2009 and July 2010, when he was Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. He was promoted to his current rank as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy June 23, replacing Vice-Admiral Mark Norman who moved on to become Vice Chief of Defence Staff.Following his address he held a mini town hall fielding questions from the audience.After his meeting with the submariners, VAdm Lloyd attended the Depart With Dignity Ceremony at the Wardroom for VAdm Robert Davidson.

[caption id="attachment_14138" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]The Enhanced Naval Boarding Party from HMCS Charlottetown transits in a in rigid hull inflatable boat to motor vessel Smit Yare as the ship’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter provides cover during Exercise Joint Warrior Oct. 12.

Base Operations ~Get ready to “drop, cover and hold on” during the Great British Columbia Shakeout on Oct. 20.Everyone in Maritime Forces Pacific, whether civilian or military, will participate in Exercise Shakeout.At 10:20 a.m. people can expect to see flash messages, mass emails and hear the Mass Notification System (MNS) announcing the exercise start.Once the alarm is sent, everyone will drop, cover, and hold on as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds.DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and;HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.Do not run to another room, just to get under a table. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.Earthquakes occur without warning and may be so violent you cannot run or crawl; you will most likely be knocked to the ground, so protect yourself.After 60 seconds everyone will evacuate their workplace and muster at the designated muster area for each building, bringing their personal emergency kits with them. From there, the most senior leader will assume control, and lead all assembled personnel to the applicable Disaster Response Boxes (E-Boxes).Once at the E-Box you will be split into groups based on First Aid qualifications and whether you have taken the four-day Basic Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Course. The Base USAR Team will provide a brief on the roles and responsibilities and will have some minor tasks for you to perform specific to each E-Box location.“This is an excellent time to ask questions and find out how you can help during an emergency by performing activities...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Victoria Hyundai has chosen the Defence Team of CFB Esquimalt as the latest recipient of a car giveaway contest.DND employees – civilian and military – are able to enter the draw to win a new Hyundai Accent. The contest closes Sept. 9, 2017, so there is plenty of time for everyone to enter.Those entering need to have valid military or DND ID, be the age of majority at the time of legal entry, and be a legal resident of Victoria, B.C.Victoria Hyundai Manager Jeremy Truong said the excitement level around the contest has been growing in recent days. The car has been showcased at the Industrial Supplier Trade Show and Formation Fun Day in September. It is expected to be on site at the Oct. 21 CAF National 5K Sports Day run in the Naden Drill Shed.“Our customer base has a large military presence and this is our way of saying thank you to the men and women of the local defence community,” he says. “I recently had an opportunity to attend a day sail in HMCS Ottawa where I was able to gain a greater appreciation of what our Canadian Armed Forces do for us every day, both at home and when deployed abroad.”This is his company’s third car giveaway to Victoria-based DND members in the past four years. The idea for the giveaway was born in 2012 when former Victoria Hyundai owner Steve Munro, a retired artilleryman, decided he wanted to do something special for DND members.To register for the contest visit the special Victoria Hyundai contest website www.victoriahyundaidnd.com or watch for the specially wrapped car at base events.

News ReleaseThe JAG Asks the Public for Input on Canada’s Court Martial SystemOctober 11, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed ForcesThe Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) Judge Advocate General (JAG) is launching consultations with Canadians as part of the ongoing comprehensive review of the court martial system.As directed by the JAG, Major-General Blaise Cathcart, Q.C., the purpose of the review is to conduct a legal and policy analysis of the CAF’s court martial system. In addition to consulting with Canadians, including soldiers, sailors, and aviators, the Review Team will engage with stakeholders such as victims’ rights advocates, academia, and international experts. This is in an effort to ensure the CAF’s court martial system is effective, efficient, and aligns with Canadian values and the rule of law, all the while serving the particular needs of the CAF.From October 11 to November 7, 2016, all interested Canadians are invited to participate and share their views with the team conducting the Court Martial Comprehensive Review.Canadians have three ways that they can join the discussions:Fill out the Comment Form: Court Martial Comprehensive Review – Public ConsultationsSend an email: JAG-Consultations@forces.gc.caMail comments: Office of the Judge Advocate General – Court Martial Comprehensive Review Team, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2QUOTE“The launch of these consultations with Canadians marks an important milestone for the Court Martial Comprehensive Review. By engaging with and listening to what Canadians have to say, we hope to make our world-class military justice system even better.”– Colonel Rob Holman, Deputy Judge Advocate General for Military Justice and Director General, Court Martial Comprehensive Review Team

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sixteen members of Fleet Diving Unit Pacific (FDU(P)) will represent the Canadian Armed Forces at Operation Clear Horizon 16 in the Republic of Korea this week.The Oct. 11 to 23 multi-national training mission is the first exercise of its kind led by South Korea, and is focussed on mine countermeasure operations. It also will highlight Canada’s ongoing efforts to contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia.Divers and ships from the United States, Philippines, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand will also participate.A key part of the Fleet Diving Unit team’s efforts will be to provide other participating nations with mine countermeasure training such as explosive ordnance disposal, underwater detonation and pouncer operations, which involves the deployment of divers from helicopters into the sea.“It’s really an opportunity to work jointly, and collaborate with other participating nations on what types of equipment and technology they use. It is also an opportunity to show them how we work with ours,” said CPO2 Alex MacNeish a clearance diver and FDU(P)’s Operations Chief.During the 12-day exercise, FDU (P) divers will employ the use of two made-in-Canada high tech gadgets: the Shark Marine and Canadian Clearance Diver Apparatus re-breather used specifically for mine countermeasure operations.“Essentially it’s an under-water breather designed for the military to work in an environment that may have underwater mines,” explained CPO2 MacNeish. “The idea behind the technology is for divers to move more silently and quietly through the water by reducing sound. It also gives off a low-magnetic acoustic signature that is safer for the diver in these situations.”The Shark Marine underwater navigator is a hand-held electronic device used by divers to detect objects on the seabed floor. It aids divers in an underwater environment with limited visibility.During the opening days of Clear Horizon 2016 three members of...

This week in Defence Team News, we tell you why you should sign up for the Veterans’ Week Speaker’s Program.

[caption id="attachment_14101" align="alignnone" width="400"] Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s Commanding Officer Bill Noon (left), and Parks Canada’s Ryan Harris (second from left), show the side-scan sonar image of the wreck to Marc-André Bernier (third from left), Jonathan Moore (fourth from left), and Chief Officer Rich Marriott (at far right). Photo by Theresa Nichols, Fisheries and Oceans Canada[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Four prominent players in the ground-breaking discovery of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition of 1846 are setting sail for the Victoria’s Maritime Museum this week to tell their story.Bill Noon, captain of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Ship Sir Wilfred Laurier, under Parks Canada’s lead, played a key role in the August 2014 discovery of HMS Erebus, Sir John Franklin’s ship, and recently helped to identify Franklin’s second vessel HMS Terror off the coast of King William Island. He will be part of the presentation “Mysteries of HMS Erebus” at Victoria’s Maritime Museum, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.Noon, a 35-year CCG veteran, describes himself as a life-long maritime history buff. He compared his involvement in the discoveries as “winning the history lotto.” He rates the initial Erebus discovery, the focus of the presentation, as incredible.“For me it was an exciting and defining moment in both my life and career,” said Noon, who recalls the moment in 2014 when he was informed by Parks Canada officials about the discovery of Erebus. “I’ll never forget the moment in my captain’s quarter’s when they showed me the side-scan sonar imagery from the ocean floor. It may just look like a computer enhanced image but for me it was a super-dramatic, ground breaking image because that was the moment we finally had actual proof of one of the lost vessels.”The presentation will be hosted by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Paul Watson.The evening also includes Parks Canada lead archeologist and diver Ryan Harris, and renowned author David C. Woodman who wrote “Unravelling the Franklin Mystery”.Noon says their discussion will shed much-needed light on the...

[caption id="attachment_14093" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Italian Navy Frigate Fasan manoeuvres into position off of HMCS Charlottetown’s port beam during Op Reassurance Sept. 21.

[caption id="attachment_14090" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Crewmembers from HMCS Charlottetown participate in Damage Control Olympics, a competition in which teams race to complete damage control tasks in the least possible time, during Op Reassurance Sept. 22.

[caption id="attachment_14072" align="alignnone" width="400"] PO1 Jonathan Sorensen leads his team in the tug-of-war competition. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~The soggy conditions didn’t seem to faze members of the new Naval Fleet School Pacific who cheered, high-fived and bonded during their unit’s annual Sports Day on Sept. 23.The cool temperatures and light showers persisted for most of the day as approximately 400 personnel took to “the great outdoors” to compete in golf, soccer, ball hockey, softball, basketball, beach volleyball, tug-of-war and wild play tree trekking (zip line) competitions at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in Colwood.“The summer saw a lot of changes to the unit and it took a lot of hard work by many people, so this day was a much needed release for everyone and a way to come together as a big campus,” said Cdr Todd Bonnar, NFS(P) Commanding Officer.Cdr Bonnar was referring to the recent implementation of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Future Naval Training System (FNTS) that saw the reconfiguration of Fleet School Esquimalt and the Naval Officer Training Centre VENTURE into NFS(P). Despite the logistical challenges of the transformation, and the sports day’s weather, Cdr Bonnar said he was impressed with the turnout and that it was an indication of the “can-do” attitude of students and staff.OS Kendra Fitz-Gerald, a combat training student studying to become a sonar operator, said she was really looking forward to the event and getting out on the baseball field with her classmates.“It gets everyone together and out of the workplace setting for a day and is certainly a morale booster for us all,” she said.LS Josh Bear, who is studying to become a marine engineer, said the event was therapeutic and a good way to beat the stress of studying.“It gives you a complete...

[caption id="attachment_14087" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown (bottom left) conducts a four ship Replenishment at Sea (RAS) during Op Reassurance Sept. 21.

[caption id="attachment_14069" align="alignnone" width="400"] Members of HMCS Winnipeg prepare to berth alongside Broadway Pier, San Diego, California, on Sept. 10, during the ship’s visit to the city for Fleet Week. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]SLt Christopher House, HMCS Winnipeg ~For six days this month, the crew of HMCS Winnipeg enjoyed the fun and festivities of Fleet Week San Diego.This celebration of the navy’s culture, history, and community is the city’s largest maritime event and provides a wonderful opportunity for the sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy to form new bonds and strengthen old ones with their American allies.The week alongside at the B Street Pier near downtown San Diego allowed the crew to take advantage of the city’s warm weather and many attractions, while also engaging in some community service work and attending Fleet Week ceremonial functions.Much of the crew took time to explore the city’s renowned Gas Lamp district, eating at many restaurants, and even going to see a Padres baseball game.While some ventured off to visit one or more of the famous beaches in the area, others enjoyed the live music, food trucks, and numerous shops that were on the street right beside the pier.The USS Midway Museum and San Diego Zoo were also popular attractions, and in the spirit of Fleet Week, were giving free admission to all RCN sailors in uniform. A few deserving enlisted personnel were also able to enjoy an appreciative luncheon at SeaWorld San Diego.Community service and volunteer work were also a large part of Fleet Week events. Not only did Winnipeg conduct tours of the ship for the public each day, some personnel went out into the greater San Diego area to help out around the city. Ten sailors took part in a Groundwork Project, creating a .25 acre...

[caption id="attachment_14084" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Chris Ringius, Formation Imaging Services Halifax[/caption]HMCS Fredericton enters St. John’s Harbour after Exercise Cutlass Fury Sept. 23.

[caption id="attachment_14066" align="alignnone" width="400"] One important lesson before sailing is knowing how to right an overturned sail boat. This was part of the Soldier On sail training experience.[/caption]WO M.Eric Venema, Soldier On ~Who the heck is Bob? What is he doing overboard?These were all thoughts going through the minds of eight serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from western Canada as they attempted their man overboard drills.Luckily “Bob” was a floating apparatus to simulate a person that had fallen overboard.Participants from Vancouver Island, the British Columbia interior, Alberta, and Manitoba earned a level 2 certification in sailboat operations during the five-day sailing camp held at Canadian Forces Sailing Association (CFSA) in Esquimalt from Sept. 7 to 12.Soldier On is a Canadian Armed Forces program that supports serving members and veterans to overcome their physical or mental health illness or injury through physical activity and sport. The program is a highly visible and integral component of the Department of National Defence’s commitment and priority towards providing a comprehensive approach to care for ill and injured members.Soldier On supplies members with equipment and coaches to meet their needs.They also provide members with a safe environment to challenge themselves, and to get inspired in ways they may not have thought possible. This re-introduction to an active lifestyle provides the member with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence in their abilities, and meet peers with similar challenges. Many ill and injured members credit Soldier On with helping them adapt to their new normal, and in realizing their full potential to “Soldier On” in their existing military career or in their new civilian life.Through the hard work of the CFSA in Esquimalt, and with the understanding of the association members, all of the attendees were put through their paces starting...

[caption id="attachment_14081" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Chris Ringius, Formation Imaging Services, Halifax[/caption]Corporal Aaron Pottelberg (kneeling), Deck Director on HMCS Fredericton, and crew from the MH60 Seahawk fuel the helicopter during Exercise Cutlass Fury Sept. 22.

[caption id="attachment_14078" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by MCpl Pat Blanchard, CF Combat Camera[/caption]A Search and Rescue Technician jumps from a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter into a lake during the National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2016) in Yellowknife Sept. 21.

News ReleaseCanadian warships join multinational effort to stop trafficking at seaOctober 6, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed ForcesOver the next two days, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Brandon, Edmonton and Kingston are departing to participate in Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution the multinational campaign against illicit trafficking by transnational criminal organizations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean.  Operation CARIBBE is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and DND/CAF as part of Canada's broader commitment to engagement in the Americas. This annual operation directly supports the CAF's mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and our defence and security partners.QUOTES“One of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most fundamental responsibilities is protecting and maintaining maritime security at home and abroad.  We are committed to working with our partners who share our common values and goals in promoting regional stability while supressing criminal activity at sea. Operation CARIBBE builds upon and strengthens existing relationships and this is what enables our sailors to continue their success during this operation now and well into the future.”– Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific“On behalf of all the personnel in Maritime Forces Atlantic, I wish the ship's company of HMCS Kingston a safe deployment to the Caribbean Sea. This cooperation with fourteen like-minded nations to stem flows of illicit drugs on the international sea lanes is a valuable contribution to regional stability. ‎Moreover, the professionalism at sea and ashore will reinforce Canada's contributions to confidence and capacity building measures in the region. To all aboard Kingston, I know you will make us proud.”– Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces AtlanticQUICK FACTSHMCS Brandon and Edmonton depart Esquimalt, B.C. on October 6 to participate in Operation CARIBBE in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. HMCS Kingston is planned to depart Halifax on October 7 to conduct operations in the Caribbean area of operations. Following readiness training at-sea, the ships will formally...

[caption id="attachment_14062" align="alignnone" width="400"] His Royal Highness Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, inspects the Guard of Honour at the B.C. Legislature Building on the first day of his tour of Western Canada. Photo by MCpl Chris Ward, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Sixteen military families from Victoria were guests of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for a children’s tea party at Government House on Sept. 29.The Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) facilitated the intimate hour-long late morning meeting with Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children Prince George, 3, and one-year-old Princess Charlotte on the lawn of Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia’s residence.Tea and coffee was served along with sandwiches and Hors d’oeuvres, and an abundance of fun games for the children included balloon animals, bubble blowing and a puppet show.“It was a surreal experience for me and one I will remember and cherish forever, right up there with getting married and the birth of my children,” said Tracey Delisle who attended the event with her husband MS Denis Delisle, from HMCS Victoria, and their two children Addy, 3, and Parker, 4.“I’m a submariner and Prince William is the Commodore-In-Chief of the Royal Submarine Service. He made me realize that we actually had a lot in common and he was at ease during our discussion,” said MS Delisle.Meanwhile Nikki Berti and her husband LS Christopher Berti, a marine engineer with HMCS Whitehorse, had an intimate royal experience after their 19-month-old daughter Gabriella got into a brief quarrel with Prince George over a balloon animal they both had their eye on.“Gabriella went to grab the balloon and Prince George got upset, and then the Duke intervened and told him it was okay and they should share,” said Nikki Berti. “Then the Duke went and got the balloon maker...

[caption id="attachment_14055" align="alignnone" width="400"] Cmdre Buck Zwick addresses Vancouver crew members on the flight deck Sept. 14, prior to the ship sailing for Australia.[/caption]SLt Deason, HMCS Vancouver ~HMCS Vancouver has just concluded another leg of its journey across the Asia-Pacific region with Kakadu.Upon completion of RIMPAC, Vancouver continued on to Guam, meeting up with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Ship (JMSDS) Fuyuzuki before continuing the transit west for Darwin, Australia, in order to participate in Kakadu.With 19 nations participating this year, Kakadu is Australia’s largest international maritime exercise.Vancouver and JMSDS Fuyuzuki arrived together off Darwin following a replenishment at sea exercise with Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Success, Australia’s battle tanker.After refuelling, Vancouver came alongside briefly to embark stores prior to proceeding to anchor as final plans and preparations for the exercise were made.While at anchor, liberty boats shuttled crew members into town to stretch their legs and enjoy the local tourist attractions. Notably, Vancouver participated in the Kakadu sports day event, winning the volleyball and squash titles.Kakadu is named after Australia’s vast northern national park, known internationally for its saltwater crocodiles and rugged terrain.The 12-day biennial exercise, which began in 1993, aims to build and strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability through a series of graduated training activities, live weapon firings, and structured tactical free play periods.Kakadu enables the Royal Australian Navy and regional maritime forces to engage in unique multinational maritime training activities, ranging from constabulary and surveillance scenarios to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment.Participating ships and aircraft conducted training exercises including anti-submarine warfare, close quarters manoeuvres, flight operations, and main armament shoots along Australia’s northern shores.Upon completion of the exercise, Vancouver returned to Darwin for a rest and maintenance period, where members of the ship’s crew had the opportunity to repair, re-focus and prepare for the next phase of...

[caption id="attachment_14046" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of the Auxiliary Fleet gather for a group photo at Dockyard, Sept. 28, prior to their 70th Anniversary celebration. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Members of the Canadian Forces Auxiliary Fleet (Esquimalt) received congratulations, high praise and sweet birthday cake during their unit’s 70th anniversary celebration on Sept 28.Following a barbecue at the Work Point Gunroom, Rear-Admiral Art McDonald kicked off the lunchtime event’s awards ceremony by noting the vital importance of the Auxiliary Fleet in Maritime Forces Pacific’s day-to-day operations.“In my time in the navy I’ve had 10 years of operating out of this harbor, and I’ve had the chance to see the fantastic work you are doing day-in and day-out. What you have been doing collectively as a unit over 70 years is amazing; it has enabled RCN [Royal Canadian Navy] operations over that time.”The Auxiliary Fleet is an operational support branch of the navy that is responsible for port management, ship assist, coastal towing, fuelling operations, moorings, defence research, and environmental response and training.Incoming Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch Commanding Officer, Cdr Andy Muir said recognizing the Auxiliary Fleet for its work is something most sailors feel strongly about.  “This is a day for the entire base to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of the Auxiliary Fleet,” said Cdr Muir. “They are the personnel who get our ships out to sea; they are the unsung heroes, the men and women who are there 24/7 to support RCN operations.”During his address, Doug Kimmett noted the 70th anniversary event should have taken place in 2015, but the unit was so busy with port operations the ceremony was put off until this year.  The Auxiliary Fleet was founded in 1945 and has seen sweeping changes since, both in its size and...

[caption id="attachment_14051" align="alignnone" width="400"] HCapt(N) Mandy Farmer inspects a member of Alpha Platoon during Base Divisions. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Eight months ago, Accent Inns President and CEO Mandy Farmer, 43, was aboard a Harbour Air flight high above CFB Esquimalt when she peered out of the plane’s starboard window and had a revelation.“I looked at the massive, amazing piece of property below and I was drawing a big blank,” says the Royal Canadian Navy’s newest Honorary Captain. “My family has been living in Victoria for three generations, I’m passionate about Victoria, but I’m looking down at this base and saying to myself this is really the heart of the city and I don’t know much about it.”About an hour later she received a phone call from the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific’s office asking if she was interested in the role of Honorary Captain where she would serve as an ambassador for the base in the community. The notion of being connected to the navy was of interest, and she readily said yes to the query. About six months later, during a summer camping trip in Powell River, came the phone call she had hoped for.  The navy informed her she had been selected to fill the role vacated by HCapt(N) (Ret’d) Cedric Steele.“I was thrilled, overjoyed and to be honest I was also very nervous because I want to do a good job,” she says.By all indications doing a good job is the norm for HCapt(N) Farmer. In 2008, she took the reins of the family-run business from her father. In 2015, Accent Inns and her company’s other holding, retro-themed Hotel Zed, employed a staff of over 200, had revenues of more than $20 million and saw a 34 per cent revenue...

[caption id="attachment_13977" align="alignnone" width="560"] Photo by Cpl Blaine Sewell, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter takes off for an aerial sortie while the ship conducts Officer of the Watch manoeuvres during Op Reassurance Aug. 25.