In this episode, we discuss Exercise Maple Flag, and highlight a Bravo Zulu straight from the Chief of the Defence Staff.

[caption id="attachment_12936" align="alignnone" width="300"] Family, friends and VIPs bade farewell to HMCS Charlottetown as it pulled away from the jetty and headed overseas for a six-month deployment. Photo by: Master Seaman Peter Reed Formation Imaging Services Halifax[/caption]HMCS Charlottetown departed from Halifax June 27 as the designated forward deployed ship of the Royal Canadian Navy, replacing HMCS Fredericton in that role.Fredericton has been employed on Operation Reassurance since January 2016.Charlottetown will provide Canada the flexibility to execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations in support of allied efforts in the region, including surveillance and monitoring, regional defence, diplomatic engagement, and capacity building.The ship’s mission will be the third to employ one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Enhanced Naval Boarding Parties, a specialized team that is capable of executing a full range of maritime interdiction operations.Charlottetown’s last international deployment was in 2012, when the ship served on Operation Metric, Canada’s support to enhanced security in the eastern Mediterranean region, and Operation Artemis, Canada’s support to counterterrorism and maritime security in the Red  Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean.

[caption id="attachment_12908" align="alignnone" width="200"] LCdr Steve Shute, Other Government Department Liaison Officer.[/caption]SLt MJ Cserhazi, MARPAC PAO ~British Columbia’s unique geography and tectonic positioning means it is not a question of if, but when the next major earthquake disaster will strike.Other Government Department Liaison Officer (OGD LO), LCdr Steve Shute, and 17 Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) counterparts, are the keys the province will use to unlock the military’s emergency tool box when it turns to Joint Task Force Pacific (JTF(P)) for help. LCdr Shute’s efforts help JTF(P) build stronger ties and relationships with B.C.’s provincial emergency organizations, which are ultimately responsible for any kind of response to natural or man-made disasters within the province.“My position creates a bridge between the province and the CAF that is designed to quickly respond to the need for assistance from the province,” says LCdr Shute.He helps provincial emergency managers understand the unique resources available from the CAF, and advises them on how those resources might be best suited to assist during an emergency response.His role, and the support role of JTF(P), was recently tested during Exercise Staunch Maple.From June 7-10, JTF(P) provided simulated emergency assistance to the Province of British Columbia during the exercise, which was nested within BC’s Exercise Coastal Response.“Being prepared to deal with the immediate aftermath of an earthquake is a shared responsibility. Everyone needs to be prepared, from the individual to the highest level of government. That is where the OGD LO plays a role,” he says.His timely advice to JTF(P)’s provincial partners allows civilian authorities to better understand and make requests through a formalized process known as a Request for Assistance (RFA).“An RFA is the formal document that requests a desired effect for assistance from the province to the federal family, which is where the CAF is often uniquely prepared...

[caption id="attachment_12905" align="alignnone" width="300"] D.A.R.E. participants act out a skit for the rest of the group.[/caption]Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~ Students from École John Stubbs Memorial School were given the tools to say no to drugs through a unique year-long program taught by Military Police Officer, Leading Seaman Andree Noye.The 75 students from Grades five and six graduated the D.A.R.E. anti-drug program in collaboration with Organic CBD Nugs  on June 14 in a special assembly held in the school’s auditorium. As the students filed into the room they high-fived the program’s mascot Daren, a life-sized lion.“It was an exciting year as a D.A.R.E. instructor, and as a leader of such an integral program to the children,” says LS Noye, who began teaching the program in October 2015. “Watching the kids graduate today was amazing.”D.A.R.E. stands for Define, Analyze, React, and Examine, which represents a series a decision-making for children to discourage the use of drugs and alcohol. The program is managed by the D.A.R.E. BC Society,  a Canadian charity that seeks to empower children with the critical thinking and life skills necessary to choose a drug-free life.Principal Stephanie Hedley-Smith congratulated the crowd of students and parents, before the students took to the stage, eager to show off what they had learned in the program. A handful of students read essays on their experience of the program, while others read poetry, presented skits, and one group of students played a rap video they acted in and produced.Subjects students explored ranged from peer pressure to refusing cigarettes and alcohol. Their performances reflected issues LS Noye explored with the students in their classrooms through the use of creative writing and drama.“We learned in D.A.R.E that drugs and alcohol affect thousands of people a year,” says Eddy Giusti-Tubbi, 11. “It just takes one bad decision...

[caption id="attachment_12902" align="alignnone" width="300"] Nijmegen marchers and their commanding officers complete their 10-kilometre march at Work Point, June 20.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Two officers joined the Nijmegen marching team to experience what it’s like to walk in full gear, even for a few kilometres.Lt(N) Greg Oickle, Executive Officer of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), marched alongside unit member LS Sara MacAleese for eight kilometres from Work Point to Saxe Point Park and back.“I haven’t marched like this since basic training, so my biggest challenge was not stepping on people’s toes, and staying in step with the group,” said Lt(N) Oickle. “This is a fantastic opportunity for her; she’s really committed to it and I’m more than happy to be supporting her on this march.”Team leader, Lt(N) Marianne Knai says it’s important to have superior officers see for themselves just what they are supporting when they authorize time away from the regular job.“We wouldn’t be able to participate in Nijmegen without the support of our chain of command,” she says.Experiencing a march makes it easier to explain the hardship, says LS MacAleese.“It’s hard to explain to your superiors about the event and what we actually do, so it’s nice to have someone from the unit come out and see the results of our training, and how we have been investing all this time away from work,” said Ls MacAleese.Capt Keil Monette-Saillant, Deputy Engineering Officer from Real Property Operations, paired up with the team’s second in charge WO Kevin Legg. He said the experience brought back some good memories. That’s because Capt Monette-Saillant is a former Nijmegen marcher and participated with the Royal Military College team six years ago.He said he had no hesitation granting WO Legg’s request to participate in the march for the second time.“It was really easy for me to...

[caption id="attachment_12899" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naden Athletic Centre[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff writer ~Three buildings at CFB Esquimalt will be part of a revamped Department of National Defence initiative designed to reduce energy consumption costs while using the savings to pay for upgrades.Officials from DND announced June 6 that the base will be one of seven across Canada chosen for the re-launch of its Energy Performance Contract Program.Nelles Block, Naden Recreation Centre and Wurtele Arena have been selected by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Environment (ADMIE) as initial sites for the program.Now it’s up to private energy service companies, who have solutions to substantially reduce heating costs, to come up with a plan and submit that proposal to ADMIE.“Greenhouse gas reduction is the main reason why we are doing this, and we really want to leave a mark,” says Sebastian Labelle, Director of Portfolio Innovation in ADMIE. “We are likely going to pick private companies who can offer us a bigger bang for our buck. It’s all about supporting the mission of the DND and reducing our energy costs will allow us to better spend the money in other areas.”DND spends more than $170 million annually on energy for infrastructure. Add to this, more than half the federal government’s greenhouse emissions come from military infrastructure, says Labelle. When the first seven contracts are awarded and then completed, ADMIE anticipates $7 million to $14 million in annual savings and a reduction target of 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses over the life of the project.Once the proposals are approved in late 2016, the private firms and their contractors will carry out retrofit projects at no cost to the taxpayer and limited risk to the Crown. They are expected to invest between $5 million and $25 million per project, and will be repaid over...

[caption id="attachment_12896" align="alignnone" width="300"] “Flares of Grandeur” by MCpl Michael Bastien[/caption]Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~ Images from a select few Canadian Armed Forces photographers’ cache of work is currently on display at the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence at 22 Wing North Bay, Ontario.Included in the “Artists in CADPAT” exhibit is imagery from MARPAC Imaging Technicians Master Corporal Michael Bastien, Sergeant Angela Abbey, and Master Corporal Brent Kenny.“I was pretty excited when I found out one of my photographs was selected,” says MCpl Bastien. “It is a rewarding feeling to know this picture will hang in the museum with multiple people taking the time to look at it.MCpl Bastien’s “Flares of Grandeur,” taken two years ago while on board HMCS Regina, captures a Sea King helicopter setting off flares during a practice to deflect missiles. Enemy missiles will target objects giving off heat signature in the sky, such as aircraft. By deploying flares, the helicopter can successfully deflect an incoming missile, he explains.“The first time I captured the photograph, the setting wasn’t exactly right and the weather wasn’t appealing,” says MCpl Bastien. “On my third try I almost missed the shot, but by some stroke of luck the settings on the camera were just right and I took it with perfect timing.”He chose that photo for its contrast and clarity – difficult aspects to obtain in military photographs.“Things happen very fast in the military, so you only have a matter of seconds to capture what is going on,” he says. “No one will do it twice for you. It’s a hit or miss.”In Sgt Abbey’s 2002 photograph, “Take a load off,” a stone archway of a compound in Afghanistan frames a Canadian soldier providing rear security during a military operation. Similar to MCpl Bastien’s experience photographing the military, Sgt Abbey...

    NEWS RELEASEPacific Fleet Warship Conducts Maritime Security PatrolsJune 28, 2016 - Esquimalt, B.C. - National Defence / Royal Canadian NavyHer Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Whitehorse departed its home port of Esquimalt yesterday to conduct maritime security patrols along Canada's Pacific coast throughout the month of July.During its deployment, which will consist of sovereignty and presence patrols, HMCS Whitehorse will also visit several ports along the west coast of British Columbia and on Vancouver Island. Surveillance and presence along Canada's coastal regions ensures CAF situational awareness in its areas of operations (AOR). Maintaining situational awareness of Canada's domains and coastal approaches contributes to the defence of Canada and Canadian sovereignty.QUOTE"Maritime security patrols are a primary role performed by your Kingston-Class Ships in ensuring the protection and security of Canadians while also allowing for your warships and sailors to visit our coastal communities. These patrols are also essential tools to keep your Pacific sailors 'Ready Aye Ready' as they provide a range of diverse training opportunities."Captain (N) J. Clarke, Commander Maritime Operations Group FourQUICK FACTS· The Royal Canadian Navy has both domestic and international roles. At home, maritime defence and security is the Navy's first priority, helping ensure that Canada's maritime approaches are effectively monitored and protected.· Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) tracks all ships in the designated area of responsibility and defends the unimpeded use of the seas - protecting the right of innocent passage to lawful commerce. The maritime security provided by MARPAC is vital to Canada's physical and economic safety as a maritime nation bounded by three of the world's oceans.· Maritime Security Patrols falls under Operation LIMPID which is the routine domestic surveillance of Canadian air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains as well as presence in Canada's aerial, maritime and land approaches. These activities seek to detect, deter,...

    NEWS RELEASEHMCS Charlottetown deploys for employment overseasJune 27, 2016 - Halifax, Nova Scotia - National Defence / Royal Canadian NavyHer Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown departed from Halifax today as the designated forward deployed ship of the Royal Canadian Navy, replacing HMCS Fredericton in that role. HMCS Fredericton has been employed on Operation REASSURANCE since January 2016.QUOTES"Our modernized Halifax-class frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities and a team of highly trained, professional sailors that will integrate seamlessly with their NATO counterparts to ensure mission success with every challenge they face."Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy"It is an honour to be here and bid farewell to the dedicated sailors on board HMCS Charlottetown that are departing today. Our defence community commends this team and their loved ones for the sacrifices that they are making to support this mission and we are here to support those that remain here at home. Fair winds and following seas to the Command Team and crew of HMCS Charlottetown."Commodore Craig Baines, Commander of Canadian Fleet AtlanticQUICK FACTS· HMCS Charlottetown is the fifth Royal Canadian Navy ship and the third modernized Halifax-class frigate. The ship will provide Canada the flexibility to execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations in support of allied efforts in the region, including surveillance and monitoring, regional defence, diplomatic engagement, and capacity building.· HMCS Charlottetown completed the Halifax-class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) program in June 2014, and is ready to deploy in support of Government of Canada objectives. The program provided the ship with a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system upgrade, upgraded communications and missiles, as well as a new Integrated Platform Management System.· The ship's mission will be the third to employ one of the Royal Canadian Navy's...

       The 10th Annual Navy Run, Sunday June 19, had over 700 participants including close to 120 members from the community and 68 children in the Kid’s Fun Run.Also participating this year were:• Able Seaman Stan Jones, 92 years of age, who is one of our recognized and surviving veterans.• John Edwards whose father PO Jack Edwards was a survivor of the HMCS Athabaskan.• Jim Silvester who was our oldest participant and 93 years of age took part in the 5K event.Thank you to our staff team, volunteers and sponsors: Ocean98.5/Kiss FM, SISIP, Muscle Mlk Absolute Therapy, Watch It, New Balance Victoria, Milestones, Sharkzcoins, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Babcock Canada and Lookout.

[caption id="attachment_12887" align="alignnone" width="300"] Vice-Admiral Mark Norman is rowed ashore by former members of the naval staff following the Royal Canadian Navy change of command ceremony at HMCS Carleton.[/caption]Darlene Blakeley, Navy PA Ottawa ~Vice-Admiral Mark Norman was “rowed ashore” by senior naval officers after he relinquished command of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) last Thursday.In a 27-foot whaler borrowed from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps St. Lawrence in Kingston, Ont., VAdm Norman was afforded the customary courtesy extended to commanding officers leaving their ships (or shore establishments) for the last time.It was a fitting tribute to three years of service as Commander RCN when he was rowed along the shore of Dow’s Lake at HMCS Carleton, home of Ottawa’s Naval Reserve Division.“I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years in command of Canada’s navy,” VAdm Norman said. “During this time, we set an aggressive agenda to fundamentally reorient, reengineer, restructure and revitalize the RCN. Many of the headlines focused on modernizing our existing ships and preparing for the future fleet. However, at the end of the day, for me, it’s all about people. We’ve had the opportunity to modernize our culture, to reaffirm what ‘right looks like’ and to truly become ‘One Navy’, no longer defined by geography, rank, occupation or class of ship. Regular Force, Reserve Force and civilian, inside and outside the guardrails, we are now all pulling on the oars together.”VAdm Norman has been appointed Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff and will remain in Ottawa.Taking over as the new Commander RCN is Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd. He is the 35th Commander of the RCN and has served in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career, most recently as Deputy Commander RCN.“It is a great honour to take command of the RCN, relieving VAdm Norman after three...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~For the past five years Lt(N) Matthew Clark and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) have made beautiful music together. But now it’s time for the beloved conductor to make his exit from the band and head east.On July 19 the band’s commanding officer will end his posting in Esquimalt and take up a similar position with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band based out of 17 Wing, Winnipeg.“It’s really a bitter-sweet moment for me. I am looking forward to my new command, but I love this place, the musicians, and the band’s rich 75-year musical history,” says Lt (N) Clark. “There is a tendency to want to put my nails on the ground and go out kicking and screaming because it’s been such a perfect storm for me in Victoria and I’ve loved every minute of it.”He first learned of his transfer to Manitoba in December 2015. The move is part of a first-ever, nation-wide shakeup of Canadian Armed Forces band commanding officers, and is an effort to “bring something different and give a positive change” to all the bands across Canada, he explains.SLt Vincent Roy, who is currently posted to CFB Borden, will replace Lt(N) Clark as commanding officer.Of the incoming commanding officer, Lt(N) Clark says, “SLt Roy is an exceptional musician who is certain to do very well with his new job of commanding this ensemble of 35 full-time, professional musicians.”“I told him you’ve got a Lamborghini in the Naden Band and the only way it will work is if you drive it and love it,” he adds. “It may sound arrogant to say it, but he’s inheriting one of the finest wind bands in the country and I really mean that. When this band is on fire they’re untouchable...

[caption id="attachment_12834" align="alignnone" width="300"] Jan Nelms and LCdr (Retired) Bruce Nelms (right), sponsors of the Kaiyali family, helped bring the Syrian refugee family to Canada.[/caption]Rachel Lallouz , Staff Writer ~Writer’s note: This interview could not have been completed without the help of Hanadi Ponsford, translator. In light of the translation process, quotes have been edited for clarity.In mid-February Zaki and Muzna Kaiyali, along with their 10-year-old daughter Rama and five-year-old son Farouk, touched down at the Victoria International Airport. The Syrian family had made the long journey from Lebanon after fleeing Syria in 2011 and spending almost five years in limbo as refugees.The Kaiyali family spoke no English, only Arabic, and while they had left behind a familiar community they felt far from alone.As the Arrivals door opened, the family searched the crowd for familiar faces. Welcoming the them was a small throng of Syrian relatives, including Hanadi Ponsford, a close cousin of the Kaiyali’s who was instrumental in completing the family’s immigration documentation. Also waiting eagerly on the sidelines was LCdr (Retired) Bruce Nelms, now a civilian Formation Comptroller for Maritime Forces Pacific, and his wife Jan, a member of the Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS) – the organization responsible for sponsoring a Syrian refugee resettlement program in the Nelms’ home town of Duncan.The Nelms are one of many families who agreed to sponsor a Syrian family. This has meant sharing the responsibility to ensure the housing, funding, and other transition assistance to the Kaiyali’s for one year.“The more I learned about the situation of refugees in Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, the more my eyes and sense of understanding was opened to the travesty of life that many people exist in,” says Jan, who studied cultural anthropology in university. “In contrast is the privilege we have been blessed with....

    NEWS RELEASEThe Ceremonial Guard Mounts the First Guard of the 2016 SeasonJune 24, 2016 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed ForcesThe Ceremonial Guard will perform the first Changing of the Guard for the 2016 season on Parliament Hill on Sunday at 10 a.m. and will begin posting sentries at the Residence of the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. The ceremony is Ottawa's most recognized military tradition, and is a summer attraction which has welcomed thousands of visitors to Parliament Hill for 57 years. In addition to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, members perform sentry duties at Rideau Hall every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.QUOTES"The Canadian Armed Forces Ceremonial Guard demonstrates the excellence and discipline of our servicemen and women, not just in the Canadian Army, but in the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole. Their presence on Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall reflects the heritage and legacy of our military in service to the people of Canada."Brigadier-General Rob Roy Mackenzie, Chief of Staff Army Reserve, Canadian Army"The Ceremonial Guard provides an excellent and diverse representation of the institutions and people that make up the Canadian Armed Forces. The Guard provides an invaluable resource to connect visitors to our national capital and to the history and traditions of the Armed Forces."Brigadier-General Lowell Thomas, Commander, 4th Canadian Division"The execution of public duties, like the Changing of the Guard, demands dedication, patience, and an unparalleled commitment to military service. Performing on Parliament Hill and at Rideau Hall is an honour for all soldiers and musicians on parade."Major Michel Lavigne, Commanding Officer of the Ceremonial GuardQUICK FACTS· All the members of the Ceremonial Guard are fully trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces, many with experience on international operations.· Canadian Armed Forces members from...

[caption id="attachment_12845" align="alignnone" width="200"] Ordinary Seaman San Le speaks at the Asian Heritage Month event held at the Pacific Fleet Club May 19. Photos by MCpl Chris Ward, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~ When Able Seaman San Le, a Naval Communicator of three years, was just 13, he and his family were forced to emigrate from their home in Saigon, Vietnam, to Ottawa when Communists occupied the south part of their home country.It was the story of this journey, taken at such a young age, that AB Le shared with a room of supporters at the Asian Heritage Month event on May 19, at the Pacific Fleet Club.“I was honoured and felt so privileged to speak in front of rows of full bar military members,” says AB Le.He was also touched to find Second World War veterans of Asian descent present at the meeting.“The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) employs personnel from all walks of life, many from different religious, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds – but we are all connected.”Once AB Le, his little sister, and his parents arrived in Ottawa in 1998, he says his mother and father worked labour-intensive jobs as dishwashers and bakers. The family also relied on social assistance to help make ends meet. By the age of 16, AB Le had taken his first job delivering newspapers around his neighborhood.Slowly, he says, the family worked towards financial stability. His parents were able to attend college, his sister became a registered nurse, and AB Le graduated with a degree in chemistry.“Their dedication and self-improvement inspired me to always keep looking forward,” he says. “With steadfast strength of mind and a dedication to physical fitness, I learned from my family’s journey that life is always challenging, but not insurmountable.”He later joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)...

[caption id="attachment_12855" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Ojibwa is towed into Port Burwell Nov. 20, 2012, on the north shore of Lake Erie prior to making its way to the Elgin Military Museum.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~ This summer if you are anywhere near Port Burwell, Ontario, seek out the sleek, cylindrical body of a former Royal Canadian Navy submarine.HMCS Ojibwa (S72) was an Oberon class submarine that served the navy from 1965 to 1998 when it was decommissioned. It was saved from destruction in 2010 by the Elgin Military Museum, who saw its potential as a land-based submarine exhibit.The 88-metre long and five story high submarine now rests on dry land just a stone’s throw from Lake Erie as a key exhibit for the Museum. Though its days as an RCN asset have long since passed, Ojibwa remains a technological marvel and constant attention grabber, says the museum’s executive director, Ian Raven.“When you stick a vessel that measures close to 300 feet and weighs 2.8 million pounds, hundreds of miles from the ocean and in a tiny community like this one, it certainly stands out and catches people’s attention,” he says. “It’s amazing how many people that look and point to it when they drive through town and stop by to ask us ‘is that really a submarine?’ then pose for pictures beside it.”Ojibwa spent most of her career on the East Coast with Maritime Forces Atlantic, but had two short deployments at CFB Esquimalt in 1977 and 1997. The boat was acquired by the museum in 2012 and towed by tug boat to the rural southwestern Ontario harbour town – population 7,000, located 72 kilometres southeast of London.Raven said the exhibit, which cost approximately $8.5 million to refurbish for guided tours, is part of a larger effort by the museum...

[caption id="attachment_12835" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boomer’s Legacy team members approach the finish point at the Legislature Building, June 12. Photo by Cpl Brent Kenny,MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~A $20,000 donation by the Boomer’s Legacy Foundation to HeroWork will elevate Esquimalt-based Rainbow Kitchen’s ability to help those in need.The donation was presented to the Victoria-based charity by Maureen Eykelenboom, Boomer’s Legacy Foundation founder, and Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander, at the Legislature following the conclusion of  the ninth annual Boomers Legacy B.C. Bike Ride on June 12.HeroWork will now use the funds to mobilize the community to make repairs and upgrades to the Esquimalt United Church that houses Rainbow Kitchen.“It was a profound and heart-felt moment when all the Boomer’s cyclists arrived on the Legislature lawn, and it was a great honour to receive their support,” said Paul Latour, HeroWork founder and executive director. “Despite a long day in the saddle, the cyclists were all smiling and cheerful because they knew they were riding on behalf of their fallen comrades and their community.”The bike ride pulled together over 100 military and civilian riders and support personnel in a two-day, 240 kilometre ride from 19 Wing CFB Comox to the Legislature grounds in Victoria.Boomer’s Legacy Foundation was founded by Maureen Eykelenboom, mother of Cpl Andrew ‘Boomer’ Eykelenboom, a medic with 1 Field Ambulance killed in Afghanistan in 2006.The foundation is operated by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) through the Support Our Troops Program, and distributes funds to people in need, both domestically and abroad.Lt(N) Colin Dudeck, a marine systems engineer with the Halifax Class Modernization Project, joined HeroWork  last year and said the $500,000 renovation project at the church will include a new roof, electrical upgrades, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, new flooring, landscaping, and repainting.Rainbow Kitchen provides lunches...

Defence Team News, June 20, 2016

[caption id="attachment_12850" align="alignnone" width="300"] Westshore Navy Day. For an indepth look at Navy Day photos, click on above preview. Photos by Leading Seaman David Gariépy[/caption]On Saturday, June 11, CFB Esquimalt welcomed nearly 1,200 visitors to Westshore Navy Day held at the Colwood facilities. As a result of the hard work of the men and women of Maritime Forces Pacific, 39 Canadian Brigade Group and the Royal Canadian Air Force, visitors were able to take in a wide variety of displays and demonstrations that showcased what the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence Team do on a daily basis. This was the first time in 10 years the base has hosted an Open House, and this unique location gave visitors a peek at a part of the base that many people didn’t even know existed.Thank you View Royal Casino, Royal Roads, BC Transit, Westshore Parks and Recreation, and Bell Media.

[caption id="attachment_12820" align="alignnone" width="200"] Leading Seaman (Retired) Harry Marshall died June 16 after a battle with cancer.[/caption]Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Hundreds of Royal Canadian Navy sailors rallied alongside the longest serving member of HMCS Protecteur in his fight against terminal cancer.Leading Seaman (Ret’d) Harry Marshall spent 13 years aboard the now decommissioned supply ship and according to all accounts the lovable boatswain was no “ordinary” Ordinary Seaman.Perhaps it is the proud Newfoundlander’s unwavering positivity about life that explained why Marshall amassed so much support in his unwinnable fight against stomach and esophageal cancer.“I don’t believe in bad days,” said Marshall during an over-the-phone interview from his hospital bed in St. John’s, NFLD, weeks before his ship sailed to his final port of call. “For me bad days don’t happen and I try to instill that belief in every person I meet.”But there were tough days for the sailor when his suffering heightened from the relentless and intense throat pain, persistent cough, and loss of feeling in his legs. He was given up to six shots of Morphine a day to cope.He was first diagnosed in August 2014 and although doctors thought they had stopped the cancer’s spread through surgery, it was re-discovered Jan. 20, 2016. He was admitted to hospital for a final time on April 10 after the stomach cramps and vomiting returned.As word of his condition spread, there was an overwhelming show of support for Marshall from the naval community. A Facebook page called ‘Friends of Harry’ generated more than 400 followers who wrote daily messages of support to Marshall, while dozens of family and friends travelled from afar to be at his side.“He wasn’t the type of guy that would go out drinking or partying, but was the one who would be there to drive you home...

[caption id="attachment_12729" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm Gilles Couturier, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force (Pacific), presented replica medals of Capt Frederick Peters to the Esquimalt Wardroom. Attending the presentation at the wardroom were: Commander Brigitte Boutin, President of the Wardroom; CPO1 Mike Feltham, Formation Chief Petty Officer; RAdm Couturier; Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander; and CPO1 Gino Spinelli, Base Chief. Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Rachel Lallouz , Staff Writer ~ One of the most impressive rack of medals from a long ago Canadian naval hero is on display at the Esquimalt Wardroom.Thirteen medals, replicas of the originals, are encased in a shadow box along with a photo and biography of Captain Frederick Thornton Peters, who fought in two world wars before perishing in a plane crash just days after his release in 1942.Touted as Canada’s most decorated naval hero, Peters was revered June 3 at a small gathering in the Wardroom.Rear-Admiral Gilles Couturier presented the memento to Wardroom President, Commander Brigitte Boutin and Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell.Among the collection of medals is the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross with Bar, the 1914 Star, the Victory Medal, the 1939-1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Africa Star, the Defense Medal, the War Medal, the Italian Messina Earthquake Medal, and the U.S. Distinguished Service Cross.“Capt Peters is Canada’s most decorated naval hero, and has the rare distinction of receiving multiple awards for valour in each of the world wars,” said RAdm Couturier in his address. “It is amazing that we have the honour of having these medals here.”The medals were given to RAdm Couturier during a Battle of the Atlantic Mess Dinner at HMCS Discovery in April, by Dr. John Blatherwick – an Honorary Colonel of 12 Vancouver Field Ambulance who served in the military for 39 years.[caption id="attachment_12730" align="alignnone" width="200"] Captain Frederick Thornton Peters[/caption]Captain Frederick Thornton PetersDuring the First World War, a young Peters was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order in January 1915, the first ever...

SLt R. Bailey, Contributer ~The Royal Canadian Navy in the Second World War was one of the largest fleets in the world. The hours were long, the environment unforgiving, and looming danger threatened at all times.Yet in these inhospitable circumstances a tradition was born: a tradition of naval gun shield art. The pride in one’s unit, the cohesiveness of the entire ship’s team, and the overall creativity of the individuals were on display in the chosen gun art.Each was unique; each had its own story.HMCS Ottawa is proud to continue this tradition on its new Bofors Mk III 57mm Gun Weapon System.The art work was designed by Chief Petty Officer Second Class Chris Fraser while serving onboard Ottawa, and applied by Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton. It features a red griffin holding a 57mm high explosive round. Above the griffin is a banner commemorating the 20th anniversary of HMCS Ottawa, which is being celebrated this year.CPO2 Fraser drew his inspiration for the design from the three past HMC ships that bore the name Ottawa, particularly the G-class destroyer that served in the Second World War and had been named HMS Griffin prior to being transferred to Canada.When asked what led him to spearhead this project, CPO2 Fraser says he felt something was missing as he watched the gun was being lowered onto the fo’c’sle after Ottawa’s midlife refit. It lacked the uniqueness that helps define the spirit of the ship and its crew, he added. Having painted gun art on HMCS Whitehorse in the past, CPO2 Fraser once again felt it was time to rekindle this prized naval tradition.The entire HMCS Ottawa team has shown a level of professionalism and pride in accomplishing the mission through a busy trial period. This gun art symbolizes that effort and displays to the...

[caption id="attachment_12743" align="alignnone" width="200"] Tracy Voorthuyzen, winner of the Senior Women’s Gold Medal for the Canadian Armed Forces Running Nationals marathon in Ottawa, poses with her medals.[/caption]Rachel Lallouz, Staff Writer ~Leading Seaman Tracy Voorthuyzen took the Senior Women’s Gold Medal this year at her first Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) National Marathon in Ottawa on May 29.The road to gold was not an easy one. Mother Nature dished out a scorching day with temperatures hot enough to cook an egg.LS Voorthuyzen says it took all her skill, training and determination not to stop and walk, while others peeled off the course to be attended for heat stroke.“This was probably the most mentally challenging marathon I’ve done so far, out of all 15 marathons I’ve done,” she says.She completed the prestigious Boston Marathon in April and the Fort Langley Marathon just a mere two weeks before flying to Ottawa.Seven years ago, after some nudging from her son, she laced up her runners for her first long distance run - the Royal Victoria Marathon. Since then, she has worn through several pairs of runners.“I usually run five or six days a week, with two of those runs being shorter – maybe six km and then I’ll do a medium distance run between nine and 18 kilometres. The weekend is for my longer run, up to 36 kilometres,” she says.She says running clears her mind, and keeps her mentally fit.“I just love the feeling. I sort out the world’s issues when I’m on the road. It’s my meditation.”Like all competitive runners, she had a goal in mind for the 42.2 km Ottawa run.“My goal was to complete it in four hours and 15 minutes,” says LS Voorthuyzen. “But once the sun came out a couple hours into the run, things got nasty.”Every three kilometres...

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~Petty Officer First Class  (Ret’d) Jean Pierre Fournier is the man behind this year’s Saint-Jean Baptiste Day Super Party in Victoria, The Quebec City native says the evening of music and entertainment at Victoria’s Edelweiss Club on June 24 at 8 p.m. can best be described as a celebration of Francophone World Beat.“This event is to celebrate the music of Francophones, not only from Canada but all around the world, and there will be something for everyone,” says Fournier. “We are going to mix all of the genres of music and bring them together on one stage.”Fournier, 56, served 19 years in the Royal Canadian Navy before helping found Victoria’s first French-language community radio station, 107.9 CILS FM in 1998. He has since moved on to concert promotion while also hosting his own radio show on his webpage Production Radio Franco Pacifique (www.prfp.info).Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a national holiday in Quebec and observed by Francophones from coast to coast. Today’s feast day of the Nativity of John The Baptiste festivities have evolved into a celebration of French culture with large street parties, music festivals, barbeques and fireworks.While Fournier will deejay and provide video entertainment for the Friday-night event at the German Canadian Cultural Centre, it will also feature a performance by acclaimed Togo-born Afro-Jazz fusion musician Joe Amouzou and his band the Safari League.“I have never played a Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day event before,” said Amouzou. “Because of my French origins – being a Francophone from Togo – I am really quite thrilled and excited to do this.”Amouzou, 61, is a vocalist who also plays guitar, piano and percussion. He has cut three albums and has been featured on CBC radio on multiple occasions. Another member of the band is Edmonton-born lead guitarist Dennis Green who has played with...

[caption id="attachment_12734" align="alignnone" width="200"] Sailing vessel Surt, with skipper Ed Life and lots of happy kids.Photos by PO Albert van Akker[/caption]PO2 Emily Agopsowicz, HMCS Malahat ~“Yo ho! Avast me hearties!” shouted an eye-patched captain aboard a colourful flag-festooned sailboat flying the Jolly Roger. A loud boom echoed, and a cannon blast of candy shot forward onto the jetty outside HMCS Malahat, much to the delight of the crowd of young “pirates” ashore.Malahat was once again transformed into a pirate’s paradise in support of Variety – The Children’s Charity’s annual “fun raising” event, Boat for Hope on Saturday June 4.This is the twelfth year Malahat has supported the event which gave over 300 children who have special needs and their families the opportunity to sail on an adventure in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Children donned their best pirate rigs and boarded festive ships to set out on a quest to various “Treasure Stations” where a bounty of toys awaited. Malahat, ideally situated in James Bay, provided a perfect starting point for the adventure.“The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) plays an important role in supporting our communities. Boat for Hope is a great example of the significant contribution our Naval Reserve sailors make across the Greater Victoria region,” said Lieutenant-Commander Michael Lawless, Commanding Officer, Malahat.The event kicked off at 10 a.m. where children and their families were greeted by Sonar, the RCN’s mascot. On the parade deck, Malahat sailors facilitated games supplied by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. Outside, a lineup of excited youth eagerly waited for their turn to take a ride on one of the festively decorated ships manned by skippers in the community who volunteered their time and vessels.Master Corporal Robert Stoodley, a member of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, came with his wife and three children Carissa, Colten and Caydison....

Defence Team News, June 13, 2016

Defence Team News, Apr 4 2016