On a sunny California morning, HMCS Calgary joined its counterparts from the United States Navy and Coast Guard and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge; lining the shore were thousands of people to see the spectacle.The frigate’s mission: to represent Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy in San Francisco for Fleet Week 2015, held Oct. 5 to 12.Fleet Week is celebrated annually across the United States, in cities such as New York, Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, with the aim of showcasing the navy to the public, and building and strengthening ties with the cities that host them.  Events include the parade of ships where the fleet enters the harbour in formation, aerial displays from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the U.S. Navy’s Leap Frog parachute team, as well as the unique opportunity for the public to venture on board and tour warships from around the world.In San Francisco, the United States Navy showed off one of their newest warships: USS Somerset, the latest San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks, as well as the Cruiser USS Cape St. George, the Destroyer USS Stockdale, and the Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado.  Joining sailors in the Fleet Week kick off were members of the San Francisco 49ers.Calgary, berthed at Pier 15 between the famous San Francisco Ferry Terminal and tourist hotspot Pier 39, was a popular choice for tourists and locals who wanted to get a closer look at the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy.The crew hosted tour groups, including displays from the ship’s boarding party and dive team, and strategically placed sailors at various positions on the upper decks to answer questions on a variety of subjects, from weaponry and equipment to the ship’s role in counter-piracy and peacekeeping around the world, to being a sailor and a Canadian.  Over 4,000 people came on board.  Other events in the week included a concert to the fallen put on by the U.S. Marine Band, an air show, a meet...

[caption id="attachment_11255" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Using kettle bells, Fleet School students do a farmer’s carry to build endurance and grip strength.[/caption]A class of 20 Fleet School Esquimalt students are the first to trial the new Periodization Program, a fitness training package designed to enhance job performance.This unique program was created by Esquimalt Personnel Support Program (PSP) fitness instructors, overseen by PSP fitness coordinator Matt Carlson.“The goal of the program is to prepare Fleet School students physically for what they will be doing upon graduation – such as lifting boxes, pulling ropes, and carrying heavy supplies,” says Carlson.The program began Oct. 15, and continues for one year with PSP fitness instructors leading students through classes twice a week with targeted exercises.PSP Fitness instructor Peter Gibson says the new exercises include deadlifts, which mimic the physical action of lifting and carrying boxes, and hamstring-driven weight and cardio exercises that will prepare students for constantly being on their feet.Sessions will also focus on plank-style exercises, which strengthen the core and reduce risk of work-related injury.Bent-over rows and rowing exercises will prep sailors for pulling heavy ropes.He even hopes to bring “props” from the ship into the training.The program was designed around feedback given from sailors on the physical demands of their jobs.“Our intention is to increase the fitness of our Fleet School students, ensuring that when they are assigned to a ship they won’t have any issues doing the jobs asked of them by their superiors,” says Gibson.“Hopefully this will contribute to our navy personnel’s efficiency and strength, and promote an injury-free workplace.”The training goal is to rid sailors of poor form when doing physical work says Gibson.The success of the program will be tracked over the year, starting with a base level of fitness at the start for each student, then bi-monthly testing,...

HMCS Athabaskan (left) and HMCS Halifax (right) are docked at the commercial Port of Lisbon, Portugal during Operation TRIDENT JUNCTURE.

The CH-124 Sea King helicopter from HMCS WINNIPEG intercepts fast-in-shore attack craft in an asymmetric attack training scenario during Ex JOINT WARRIOR as part of Operation REASSURANCE.

Crewmembers on board HMCS WINNIPEG use a .50 calibre machine gun during an asymmetric attack training scenario during Ex JOINT WARRIOR as part of Op REASSURANCE in the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

A civilian S61 helicopter, hired by Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS), conducts a personnel transfer on HMCS HALIFAX off the coast of Scotland during Ex JOINT WARRIOR.

A thousand pictures in three minutes showing HMCS Montréal during its sea trials off Halifax in July 2015. Montréal is the latest of the 12 Halifax-class frigates to emerge from a keel-to-mast-top refit.

It’s that time year again when Canadian Armed Forces members all across the country participate in speaking engagements during Veteran’s Week. The program helps remind Canadians about the sacrifices made and continue to be made by Canada’s military members. Last year, CAF members gave more than 1,900 presentations across Canada, reaching more than 540,000 Canadians during Veterans’ Week.As part of the National Veterans’ Week Speakers Program, Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs is looking for volunteers to give presentations at schools and other organizations across the Capital Regional District and Lower Mainland.The key to the program’s success is the enthusiastic participation of Regular and Reserve Force members. Any CAF member can take part in the program; they just need the approval of their supervisor first. By volunteering to be a speaker, you can share your story of service with Canadians of all ages.  A website exists that provides prepared presentations for various age groups, useful information on preparing your own speeches, and guidance on using social media.Please contact Lt(N) Paul Trenholm and A/SLt Kyle Reed for the Remembrance Week speakers program and let them know when you are available. They can be reached through DWAN or by calling at 250-363-5789.

It was a podium triple-play as the Canadian Armed Forces team captured two bronze medals and silver medal at the recently completed 2015 Sixth CISM Military World Games.This year’s Games, held Oct. 2 to 11 in Mungyeong, South Korea, saw the CAF’s all-time medal count grow to 12 (three gold , one silver, six bronze) since our involvement in the quadrennial competition began in 1985.In triathlon, it was a happy 42nd birthday for Maj Martin Lamontagne-Lacasse of 35 Canadian Brigade Group when he won the third and final medal on the last day of the Games.He wrapped himself in the Canadian flag and celebrated after completing the 1.5 kilometres swim, 40 km of cycling and 10 km run in 2:01:57.“The race was a huge challenge for me and my victory wouldn’t have happened without some strong teamwork and team play,” said Maj Lamontagne-Lacasse.“Our strategy was to protect the two fastest runners to get us to the podium and it worked.”Cpl Hugues Boisvert-Simard of 22nd Régiment and Les Voltigeurs de Québec captured bronze in the fencing competition’s individual men’s épée on Oct. 5, defeating Germany’s Stephen Rein.It was Cpl Boisvelt-Simard’s second podium finish in three months after a third-place performance at the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games.Pte Angelica Bertucca, a reservist from 25 Field Ambulance in Toronto, celebrated a third place finish in Taekwondo, women’s Bantam category on Oct. 8.It was Pte Bertucca’s first ever appearance at a Military World Games.“To the athletes – you have made Canada proud,” said Cmdre Mark Watson, Director General CF Morale and Welfare Services.“Many of you competed against Olympians in your fields of athleticism and held your own…In all cases your displays of sportsmanship, fair play and pride in our country and military and what we stand for were omnipresent.”CFB Esquimalt athletes shine in South KoreaEight men and women from CFB Esquimalt were among 8,700 competitors from 110 countries that competed in the 6th CISM Military World Games.Here’s how our competitors did:-- Soccer --Midfielder LS...

The game plan was all about fun and fund-raising as Team Blue defeated Team White 9-5 in the Victoria Royals’ annual combined scrimmage with Canadian Armed Forces members Tuesday, Oct. 13.The 21 Royals players were joined by 22 military players, with the two mixed teams playing two 25-minute periods.The event was a fund raiser for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).“Everyone loves local hockey, so having the Victoria Royals on our home ice at the base is fantastic and gives hockey fans a chance to come out and see them and support the GCWCC,” said Base Commander, Capt(N) Steve Waddell.“That’s what both the game and campaign is all about, having a good time while supporting a great cause.”Royals centre Logan Fisher led Team Blue goal scoring with two, while Lt(N) Jeff Brooker led Team White with two apiece.Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, RAdm Gilles Couturier also scored for Team Blue.RAdm Couturier took a pass from Royals centre Matthew Phillips and slotted it past Royals goaltender Griffin Outhouse to give Team Blue a 6-2 lead.“For the record there were no ‘gimmies’ and the goal was not set up,” said RAdm Couturier who played varsity hockey for the University of Montreal for two seasons between 1984 and 1986.“The first step is to get in the open ice and the second step is to have the perfect pass, and I had the perfect pass. I was pleased to be able to deliver because I am more of a playmaker and finishing is not my strong suit.”After the game, Outhouse lauded RAdm Couturier for his goal and level of play. “He [RAdm Couturier] was a pretty good player, he burned me,” said Outhouse. “He’s got some serious moves, maybe even as good as some of the guys on our team.”Shortly after RAdm Couturier’s goal, game announcer Cliff LeQuesne of radio station 100.3 The Q, jokingly taunted Team White rookie assistant coach Joe Hicketts about his team’s misfiring power play.Hicketts, who normally plays as a...

HMCS WINNIPEG conducts high-speed manoeuvers while protecting mine countermeasure units from simulated airborne attacks during Exercise JOINT WARRIOR 152 in the coastal waters of Scotland.

The Enhanced Naval Boarding Party on board HMCS WINNIPEG, transports a simulated casualty from a training vessel during a Exercise JOINT WARRIOR as part of Op REASSURANCE.

A member of HMCS Winnipeg mans the .50 cal machine gun, while a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) carries the Naval Boarding Party, during Exercise JOINT WARRIOR.

LS Michael Borges, an Electrician on board HMCS WINNIPEG checks an electrical box in the engine room during JOINT WARRIOR as part of OP REASSURANCE in the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

Cpl Cooper, an Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator on board HMCS WINNIPEG’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter, intercepts a simulated fast attack craft strike with a C6 machine gun in the coastal waters of Scotland. EX Joint Warrior.

[caption id="attachment_11161" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Left to right: Capt Pam Harris, LS Rod Carper, RAdm Gilles Courturier, Maj Michael Lemire, and Cpl Devin Fidler pose for a photograph during their stop at the base.[/caption]Tour de Rock riders were on the final day of their gruelling 1,100-kilometre journey across Vancouver Island Oct. 2 when they pulled into CFB Esquimalt. “This is the first time the tour has ever stopped at the base. We are greatly honoured and hope it is the first of many,” said Acting Base Commander, Cdr Byron Derby as he congratulated the riders.“This is truly a stunning achievement. The dedication you have shown here today in service of the community and this cause is fantastic and truly awe-inspiring.”The 20 police riders and one member of the media were in the final kilometres of their 13-day cross-island cycling odyssey.As they dismounted their bikes and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy struck up its rendition of “1st Fanfare”, the team of two-wheeled voyageurs were greeted to wild cheers from over 100 well-wishers in the Lang Cove parking lot with ships in the background.Maj Michael Lemire, Commanding Officer of Military Police Unit Esquimalt was one of four MP riders who set off with the tour from Port Alice on Sept. 20.Along the way they stopped in 27 communities and over 46 schools.“The Tour de Rock is an annual event that raises funds for kids with cancer, Camp Good Times and pediatric cancer research, but it also brings together and unites the island as one team and is truly an event that people on Vancouver Island rally behind,” said Maj Lemire.“We’ve made friends and met people while we cycled down the island, and there were also the children and families who are dealing with cancer. It reminds us more that it [cancer] is something we just have to defeat.”Maj Lemire was joined by fellow MP Capt Pam Harris of CFNIS, LS Rod Carper of MPU Esquimalt, and Cpl Devon Fidler, a reservist...

HMCS Vancouver departed CFB Esquimalt today for the coast of Southern California, where it will join HMCS Calgary and HMCS Chicoutimi for a three-week Task Group Exercise (TGEX) with the United States Navy.The United States Navy’s 3rd Fleet is hosting the exercise, which aims to enhance combat readiness and improve interoperability.  “This training will strengthen our ability to work in a combined environment on a wide range of potential operations and missions, including anti-submarine warfare, boarding operations and replenishment at sea,” said Lieutenant Commander Jeff Anderson, Fleet Readiness Officer at Canadian Fleet Pacific Headquarters.“This year’s exercise will also give the Pacific Fleet exposure to amphibious operations, which could be a valuable tool for future joint missions.”Along with guided missile destroyer United States Ship (USS) Stockdale, United States Navy warships participating in the exercise are USS Boxer, USS New Orleans, and USS Harpers Ferry, all ships built for a variety of amphibious operations.“Exercises like TGEX offer valuable training opportunities for the Royal Canadian Navy and will help us maintain operational readiness throughout the fleet,” said Commodore Jeff Zwick, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.“As like-minded allies, our close operational relationship with the United States is an asset to maintaining peace and security throughout the Pacific region.”That close operational relationship will also include Royal Canadian Air Force assets, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter embarked in Vancouver and a CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol aircraft.  In the week leading up to TGEX, Calgary participated in San Francisco Fleet Week, an annual event that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance and emergency disaster response.In addition to the working aspect of Fleet Week, there are numerous other celebrations and family-oriented events, including an air show, which consistently attracts millions of visitors to the area. A large number of...

[caption id="attachment_11153" align="aligncenter" width="199"] A member of the Enhanced Naval Boarding Party stands sentry as the ship transits the Thames River.[/caption] After almost three months of operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, HMCS Winnipeg took a break from operations to sail up the River Thames and sit centre stage at the Defence and Security Equipment international (DSEi) exhibition from Sept.15-18.DSEi is the largest defence industry trade show in the world and is held every second year in London, United Kingdom.Winnipeg was in attendance at this year’s event to support the Canadian Armed Forces’ defence industry partners by showcasing one of the final products of the Halifax Class Modernization project.“It was an honour to support the Canadian defence industry at DSEi. Operations would not be possible without the steadfast support we receive from the Canadian defence industry,” says Commander Pascal Belhumeur, Commanding Officer of Winnipeg.“We are proud to represent the Royal Canadian Navy at the show. Winnipeg celebrated its twentieth birthday on June 23 and it has never looked better.”The ship’s company provided tours of Winnipeg to event guests, defence industry representatives, foreign military and government officials, and trade representatives, as well as friends and family.The command team co-hosted two industry luncheons and the ship served as the venue for the Canadian defence industry networking reception attended by more than 250 guests.“Our Canadian defence industry participants, Government of Canada partners and DSEi event staff were extremely impressed by the hospitality and professionalism of the team on board Winnipeg,” said Daniel Salisbury, International Program Officer for the Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel).Upon completion of the event, Winnipeg sailed back out the River Thames to re-join Standing NATO Maritime Group One and put its enhanced capabilities to work in support of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures in Europe. SLt Jamie TobinHMCS Winnipeg

A member from the Long Range Patrol Detachment (left) directs a CP-140 Aurora aircraft on a runway in Southwest Asia during Operation IMPACT.

Crewmembers onboard HMCS HALIFAX fire a blank round from the 57mm gun during an exercise as they sail the North Atlantic during Exercise JOINT WARRIOR.

Naval Boarding Party from HMCS WINNIPEG boards Portuguese flagship, NPR DON FRANCISCO DE ALMEIDA while conducting Standing NATO Maritime Group One training in the Northern Atlantic Ocean on OP REASSURANCE.

His Royal Highness, Prince Charles (left), Duke of Rothesay, along with Commander Kristjan Monaghan (right), Commanding Officer of HMCS MONTREAL, promote Ordinary Seaman Baker to the rank of Able Seaman during TGEX 6-15.

PO2 Ron Low operates the Local Control Console (LCC) for the Propulsion Diesel Engine, while a Lube Oil Pressure fault is investigated aboard HMCS HALIFAX during TGEX 6-15.

[caption id="attachment_11116" align="aligncenter" width="224"] A Fleet School student tests out the new outdoor fitness equipment at the opening on Sept. 29.[/caption] Surrounded by a squad of over 30 Fleet School students in their gym wear, Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell cut the ribbon to officially open the new outdoor equipment outside the Naden Athletic Centre on Tuesday, Sept. 29.Also in attendance were Danielle Sutherland, Senior Manager Personnel Support Programs (PSP), and Base Chief Petty Officer, CPO1 Robert Spinelli.“We welcome this new equipment to the base for use by our members,” said Capt(N) Waddell, who also thanked the PSP fitness staff and Real Property Operations for their hard work organizing the delivery and implementation of the equipment.He and Chief Spinelli then tried the new equipment for the first time, testing their upper body strength on the incline push-ups, the multi-bars and the arm walk.Both tested their balance on the spring balance beams, and ended the tour with lifts on the body weight pull and press weight lifting equipment.  The Fleet School Students also tested the equipment, completing round after round of high-intensity cardio and strength training circuits, led by PSP fitness instructors Peter Gibson, Takato Tanaka, and Jessica MacDougall.“With the way fitness trends are going, we have a lot of demand for circuit style classes,” said Tom Campbell, Acting Manager PSP Fitness and Sports.“This will help alleviate that demand and provide our members with all-weather gear that can be used.”The new equipment is now officially available for use by CAF members, DND staff, and Naden Athletic Centre pass holders. Rachel Lallouz Staff Writer 

[caption id="attachment_11111" align="aligncenter" width="188"] LS Philippe Mercier-Provencher received his Assistant Commissioner’s Challenge Coin from the Assistant Commissioner Roger Girouard on Sept. 8.[/caption]Three people, including a naval reservist, were honoured by the Coast Guard earlier this month for their role rescuing the lone survivor of a capsized commercial fishing boat off Tofino.HMCS Radisson naval reservist LS Philippe Mercier-Provencher, Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Specialist Juan Burak-Yepez, and Coast Guard work experience student Adele Horbulyk were awarded the Challenge Coin of the Assistant Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.The three embarked on their mission during the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 6 amidst three metre swells and 20 knot winds after MV Caledonian listed when the crew hauled in a net, and eventually sunk in the offshore waters.Three fishermen perished; one managed to climb aboard a life raft.At the time, LS Mercier-Provencher was enlisted in the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program at the Nootka Sound Coast Guard station, which provides rapid response to emergencies at sea.The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a message at 10 p.m. on Sept. 5 stating a fishing vessel was overdue; it was working more than 28 nautical miles north-west of Nootka Sound.With few vessels near the site and hours until a Coast Guard ship would arrive, LS Mercier-Provencher and his two colleagues were dispatched.“Before we left I told the crew about the weather conditions, and asked them if they felt comfortable going ahead with the mission,” says Burak-Yepez.“We agreed it needed to be done.”After radioing for a weather forecast, Burak-Yepez was informed there were no impending gale warnings, meaning they could safely continue the search without having to return to shore.The three boarded an in-shore rescue Zodiac, with an estimated time of arrival on scene of two hours; however, intense winds meant the rescuers had to cautiously navigate...

[caption id="attachment_11107" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Francis Langlands, Dereck Watson and Fay Jenkin .[/caption]Thompson Lake Park in Chilliwack swarmed with upwards of 600 guests on the rainy afternoon of Sept. 26, all looking to catch a glimpse of a new monument to commemorate 11 men who died on June 1, 1945, after crashing their B 24 Liberator Bomber KK-241 in a Second World War training mission.The Airplane Creek Memorial features three large slabs of granite positioned around the 14 cylinder engine captured from the bomber’s wreckage.Present at the ceremony were the families of victims who died in the crash, travelling from England, Norway, and New Zealand.Fay Jenkin, niece to Sergeant David Robertson Langlands, a 33-year-old volunteer Royal Air Force (RAF) member and police officer who died in the crash, found herself getting more emotional than anticipated as a formal fly-past was made.“It’s always been something we’ve known about in our family history,” says Jenkin, whose family lives in Scotland, home to Langlands family.“But there was never any memorial the family could visit, and no site to commemorate him.”Cadets, members of the Branch 280 Legion, and Guards of Honour stood in the downpour to watch the unveiling.“When the young cadets were asked by their commanding officers if they wanted to leave, they stood their ground,” says Jenkin.“We all found it hard to control the tears at some points.”On the rainy day of June 1, 1945, Jenkin’s uncle and 10 other RAF airmen training at the Abbotsford 5 Operational Training Unit climbed into their bomber and flew into thick clouds.Their last radio transmission was to the Abbotsford airfield querying their position – but Abbotsford’s response was not acknowledged, and the bomber failed to report in at its first checkpoint.Unbeknownst to officials in Abottsford, the plane had flown into the side of Mount Welch in Chilliwack, killing all on board.For the next 16 days, over 200 men and 50 planes searched desperately for the lost members.The wreckage was found near the summit of Mount Welch...

HMCS MONCTON, a Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessel sits anchored alongside the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson for fuelling in Nunavut during Operation QIMMIQ.