Canadian and Australian Instructors (left), monitor participants from the Mongolian and Japanese armies during the joint international counter improvised explosive device training held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 26, 2015 during Exercise KHAAN QUEST.
The Helicopter Air Detachment Chief supervises the landing of a CH-124 Sea King helicopter on the flight deck of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship WINNIPEG during Operation CARIBBE on June 24, 2015.
An elderly local man receives help from the medical team inside of a local high school where the joint efforts of Exercise KHAAN QUEST offered free medical assistance in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 27, 2015.
[caption id="attachment_10285" align="aligncenter" width="170"] MS Mark Ritchie[/caption]Master Seaman Mark Ritchie braces himself for the echoing boom of the Navy Run start signal.He holds his body taut, left foot pointed in front of him, knees slightly bent.Around him are hundreds of runners frozen in similar stances.He focuses on breathing.Running through his mind is the 10 kilometre course, every turn and hill well studied and memorized beforehand.During the past 30 years, the sailor has been a fixture at the start line of hundreds of races.In any given year he will run between five to 20 races.“I started off on the high school track team in Grade 11,” he said before the race.“But when school was over, there was no more track team, and I started racing on my own.”A few years later, in 1997, he joined the Army Reserve in Hamilton, ON, as a Diesel Mechanic.When he wasn’t working, he was running all over the Ontario landscape, training and competing.“There’s the attraction of being better every time you do another race, to see yourself improve,” he says.His main goal is always to run faster than his previous time.He says a big component of achieving that is his familiarity with his own running ability.“You have to run at a precise pace, and maintain that pace from start to finish so you don’t crash half way through,” he says.“And you have to be aware of your endurance level throughout.”After moving to Victoria in 1999, and joining the Regular Force Navy, he found the temperate climate allowed him year round racing.By 2012, he was running 10,000 metre races on the University of Victoria track with local elite runners.He also ran the entirety of the Galloping Goose Trail, a 56-kilometre, 4.5 hour run.He is familiar with the Navy Run, and the 10k route that winds through...
After two years leading the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet on the west coast, Commodore (Cmdre) Bob Auchterlonie relinquished command of Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC) at a change of command ceremony last Wednesday.Standing dockside with HMCS Calgary at his back, Cmdre Auchterlonie officially signed over command to Captain (Navy) Jeffery Zwick.“When I took command we weren’t talking about domestic terrorism, Russian aggression in the Ukraine, ISIS nor the potential collapse of the European Union,” said Cmdre Auchterlonie during his address.“But all of that has come to pass with more events on the horizon – events that the Canadian Fleet Pacific is ready to respond to. The qualities of courage, superior training and leadership exist throughout this fleet, and they will continue to guide us in the future regardless of the circumstances around the globe.”During a traditional two-year term at the helm of CANFLTPAC and the Canadian Naval Training System, Cmdre Auchterlonie has navigated the fleet through some stormy seas.Only two months after taking command in July 2013, he was pressed into action after a collision involving HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Protecteur.Then in February 2014, Protecteur suffered a major, debilitating fire.The incidents led to the premature paying off of both ships.In July 2014, he ordered HMCS Whitehorse home after three incidents of misconduct during naval exercises off San Diego.“Bob, it has not been an easy two years, but you tackled every challenge with professionalism and composure demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities,” said RAdm Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, who presided over the ceremony.“You and I have weathered a few storms together and I can’t thank you enough for your personal friendship, support and solid advice.”There were bright moments for the Commodore and the fleet during his tenure, including the Pacific Fleet’s participation in Operation Caribbe.In March of this year, HMCS Winnipeg assisted the...
[caption id="attachment_10277" align="aligncenter" width="204"] SGT Jeffrey Spricenieks with the Sacrifice Medal[/caption]With the blood pounding in his ears, Sergeant Jeff Spricenieks pulled his battered partner out of the Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle (TLAV) in Kandahar, Afghanistan.While completing a re-supply mission as part of Operation Athena on Aug.17, 2007, their vehicle hit a Taliban roadside improvised explosive device. At a ceremony last Thursday, Sgt Spricenieks received a Sacrifice Medal for injuries he sustained that day as a result of enemy action, and was promoted to his current rank.He says that getting the medal brought back memories of what happened that day.“After the loud pop of the explosion, we were flipped over about 30 metres off the road,” he says. “Given that the vehicle is about 29,000 pounds, it was a pretty massive bump.”When they came to a stop, Sgt Spricenieks, then a Master Bombardier, struggled to free himself from the driver’s hatch of the TLAV. Despite injuries to his back and left ear, he managed to remove his co-driver from the vehicle.“My initial reaction was to make sure the site was secure, so we wouldn’t get ambushed,” he says.“So after doing an initial check for the enemy, I gave him my pistol so he could cover us while I performed first aid on him, because he was definitely more banged up then I was. All our other weapons were destroyed.”Sgt Spricenieks says his months and months of training took over.“I didn’t want to move him because it was possible he had spinal injuries, possible broken femurs, and he had a broken nose.”While stabilizing his co-driver, he waved up the next vehicle to conduct security.But due to the surrounding terrain, communications from the security vehicle were not possible.Sgt Spricenieks then ran 100 metres to the next Canadian vehicle to call MEDEVAC before succumbing...
Sgt. Terrence Grandy (left) & MCpl Chris Martin (right) both SAR Techs are being hoisted up into a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from a boat over the Northumberland Strait off of P.E.I during a boat camp exercise on June 15, 2015.
Members participate in running, swimming & ruck sack march event sponsored by the MP section during the 75th Military Police Anniversary event held at Camp Canada in Kuwait OP IMPACT.
LS Verdun, Clearance Diver with FDU (Atlantic), observes Caribbean divers as they inspect the hull of an American landing craft utility boat on EX TRADEWINDS 15 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Personnel from the enhanced naval boarding party team conduct a small arms practice shoot on the flight deck of HMCS WINNIPEG during Operation CARIBBE on June 23, 2015.
Capt. Stewart plays with a child awaiting treatment from a local high school in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 22, 2015 as a part of EX KHAAN QUEST, an international joint training exercise.
Central Region reserve divers from across Ontario conduct training dives in Collingwood, Ontario on June 14, 2015.
[caption id="attachment_10218" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The crew of HMCS Winnipeg said goodbye to their families last Monday prior to departing for Operation Reassurance.[/caption]Last Monday, tears, embraces, and heart-felt good-byes were exchanged between the crewmembers of HMCS Winnipeg and their family and friends.Shortly after 10 a.m. the brow was removed and the lines hauled in as the warship set sail for a deployment that could last up to nine months.Before plotting a course for the Mediterranean Sea where it will join Operation Reassurance, Winnipeg and crew will take part in Operation Caribbe, a multinational effort to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.Prior to leaving Esquimalt, Commodore Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, addressed the crew.“The level of support you are seeing right now will stay with you as you travel throughout the globe,” he said.“You have an absolutely tremendous opportunity ahead of you. Many of you joined the navy to see the world and you are going to be doing that over the next eight months.”Winnipeg’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Pascal Belhumeur praised the crew for its diligence and determination in preparing for a mission that comes with a great deal of responsibility. “My pledge to the families is I am going to take care of the people while we are deployed,” he said.“Operation Reassurance is NATO’s response to Russian aggression in the eastern Ukraine and it’s important for us to show that Canada takes collective defence of NATO seriously, and to also show our NATO partners, who feel threatened by aggression, that we are committed to the mission.”Winnipeg will replace HMCS Fredericton, which is nearing the end of its deployment in the Mediterranean.After leaving CFB Esquimalt, Winnipeg sailed past Clover Point off Dallas Road in Victoria where members of the public waved goodbye to the crew before...
[caption id="attachment_10215" align="aligncenter" width="300"] HCapt(N) Cedric Steele had the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales at the reception during the Royal visit to CFB Esquimalt in 2009.[/caption]Businessman and philanthropist Cedric Steele has been involved with countless charities and community groups over his life, but says his role as Honorary Captain (Navy) stands out as a great achievement.Last Thursday, the 71-year-old honorary sailor bade farewell to his position, retiring after 18 years donning the officer uniform, (although his official retirement is December 2015).“My job was to build a bridge between the community, the navy and the Canadian Forces,” says Steele. “I think that bridge is secure, but it will always need polishing and upgrading, and I will always be there to continue with that job.”The successful real estate entrepreneur - originally from South Africa – has been instrumental in raising the navy profile in Victoria for over two decades.His most visible legacies are the Homecoming Statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2010, and the two highway signs that read:Welcome to Victoria, home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet.“At the end of the day it is the community that bought into the idea of supporting the navy,” he says. “So many people were there to help; I was just the messenger.”He also championed bringing American aircraft carriers to the island as a way to boost Victoria’s tourism economy and raise the profile of our American ally to Victorians.This earned him the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal in 1999, and Gold Star in lieu of a second achievement medal in 2000 for his work with the aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis and USS Abraham Lincoln.His relationship with the Canadian military developed while serving as president of the Greater...
[caption id="attachment_10206" align="alignleft" width="250"] LS Tom Eustace[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10207" align="alignleft" width="250"] LS Firat Ataman[/caption] For eight hours a day, seven days a week, a team of rotating military members guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Ontario, as part of the National Sentry Program from April 9 to Nov. 10.Rain or shine, these members stand guard over the tomb of an unidentified Canadian soldier from the First World War who represents all who sacrificed their lives for the peace and freedom of Canadians.Leading Seaman Firat Ataman and Leading Seaman Tom Eustace, both sailors from HMCS Vancouver, were two of seven CFB Esquimalt members chosen to guard the tomb in early May.“I applied out of pure honour and pride,” says LS Eustace. “I was just hoping I’d be able to get it.”LS Eustace, named after a family member who died in service during the First World War, says he applied to continue upholding the honour of his military family.LS Ataman, who moved to Canada from Turkey 13 years ago, says he wanted to wear his military uniform in Canada’s capital city.After both made it through a competitive application and interview process, they were approved to attend in late March. From there, the sailors set about preparing for sentry duty.“I started off by doing research on the tomb itself, so that I would have a stronger appreciation for what I was about to do,” says LS Ataman.Apart from learning the history of the tomb, the sailors had their uniforms freshly tailored, and got duplicates should they need a change of uniform.The large kit list filled four suitcases with boots, slacks, formal shirts, and even their gabardines.The biggest preparation challenge was honing their sentry duty skills.“We practiced drills constantly up at the Naden drill shed with navy members who guarded last year,” says AB Eustace.“I think we were both a little nervous about the drills, because that’s not something the navy practices routinely.”From the moment they arrived at the 33 Brigade Headquarters...
EX TRADEWINDS - CFCC Imagery Technicians from >CFCC Imagery Technicians on Youtube.
Members of the embarked CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment on board HMCS FREDERICTON conduct a helicopter In flight refuel during OP REASSURANCE on June 16, 2015.
Corporal Jaime Cooper smiles at the conclusion of Exercise SARMIS 15 in Cincu, Romania on May 30, 2015 during Operation REASSURANCE.
Troops from Mexico arrive at the dive site escorted by the Belize Coast Guard to begin training during phase II of Exercise TRADEWINDS 15 in San Pedro, Belize on June 17, 2015.
Family members disembark from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG as she prepares for departure from HMC Dockyard Esquimalt on June 15, 2015.
[caption id="attachment_10135" align="aligncenter" width="225"] PO2 Siska at Holten Canadian War Cemetery with a local whose village was liberated by the Canadian Scottish Regiment during the Second World War.[/caption]The memory of marching through the crowded, cobblestone streets of Weinhagen, Holland, with the Canadian Flag gripped firmly in his hands is still very vivid for PO2 Derrick Siska.It was just over a month ago that he joined 150 Operation Distinction members in the 70th Anniversary Liberation March.PO2 Siska, an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor in HMCS Vancouver, says the march is the highlight of his military career.Along the six and a half kilometre parade route were 150,000 cheering Dutch people, ready to show their gratitude for Canada’s liberation of the Netherlands at the close of the Second World War.“Once we hit the street, our emotions took over. All I could see were 20 rows deep of parents and little kids waving flags.”Present at the parade’s mid-way point was Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who declined to make a speech, but showed his appreciation to the marchers with a broad grin.When the hour and a half long parade ended the sailor says a little melancholy set in.“I just wanted it to start all over so I could experience it again and again,” he says. With the march over, Dutch children wanting photographs swarmed them.In mid April, he was approached with a nomination for the merit-based Operation Distinction. He was the only West Coast navy representative selected.“I think the work I do on board was noticed,” he says. “I take every day for what it’s worth, and I try to walk around with an outgoing, positive attitude and hope that other people can pick it up.”He made it into the top three contenders at CFB Esquimalt, but says an interview with the Fleet Chief secured his spot.“When...
Corporal Kiriam Thompson runs the 2015 Pan Am Games torch along Waterloo Road during the Torch Relay at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden on June 11, 2015.
RAdm Lloyd, Deputy Commander RCN salutes Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg as she passes Duntz Head to depart for OP REASSURANCE at A' Jetty of CFB Esquimalt .
[caption id="attachment_10132" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The glass showcase displays a fingerprinting kit, evidence bags, a current military police cap (far left), and a historic military police cap (far right).[/caption]Private Jeffrey Baker brushes away a piece of lint from an immaculate Military Police (MP) uniform, one of many adorning the mannequins at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum as part of a display celebrating the MP unit’s 75th anniversary. “As a MP reservist, I feel proud that we are being represented at the museum with both reservist and regular force displays,” says Pte Baker, who helped curate the exhibit with museum exhibit designer Clare Sharpe and fellow Military Police member Master Corporal Ian Beswick. When Pte Baker brought his seven-year-old son, Joshua, into the museum one day, a query to Sharpe about including more army representation turned into challenge.Sharpe invited Pte Baker to turn his personal knowledge of the military police into a display. As a self-professed military history buff, he says curating is not out of character for him. For the past eight months, MCpl Beswick and Pte Baker have been collecting Military Police antiques, memorabilia, and artefacts for the display, which now takes up almost half of one display room. “We have head gear, helmets, Second World War uniforms and battle dresses on loan from my own unit, (1 MP Regt/12 Platoon), and courtesy of LCol Leaker at Ashton Museum,” he says.A large glass display case holds a mix of modern and historical artefacts, including a fingerprinting kit from the 1990s, air force MP arm bands, evidence bags, and antique cap badges. Many of the artefacts were borrowed from MCpl Beswick’s private collection and the Ashton Armoury Museum, some of which originally belonged to Provost Marshal George Wilkinson. The Provost Corps was the military branch that evolved into the modern...
Dressed in their black ceremonial uniforms, the last crew of HMCS Algonquin lined the rails of the ship for a final salute as it was paid off after 41 years of distinguished service.During the ceremony in HMC Dockyard last Thursday were stirring tributes and even a few tears. “Algonquin was such an important part of the fleet and after more than four decades the ship has served its country well,” said Lieutenant-Commander Jonathan Lafontaine, Algonquin’s final Commanding Officer.“Today is a day of mixed emotions because this ship served as a second home for so many sailors.”More than 300 current and former crew attended Thursday’s ceremony.Among them were two surviving members of the original HMCS Algonquin, a V-Class Destroyer that was paid off in 1970 and was part of the historic 1944 D-Day invasion at Normandy.Jack Buller and Andrew Irwin have remained good friends since their role in the historic Second World War mission.“It’s a very meaningful experience for me to be here. I’ve never felt like a hero before until today,” said Buller, 89, who was raised in Victoria but now resides in Sacramento, California, Buller was just 17 and Irwin 19 when they first served together in Algonquin. “I can still remember the evening of June 5, (1944) like it was yesterday. Our commanding officer called ‘clear all decks’ for a full gathering around the torpedo tubes and gave us our orders for the next 48 hours. We all knew something big was about to happen; there were so many ships in the harbour that day.”Watching the current Algonquin leave the RCN forever was tough for the two veterans.“There will never be another Algonquin. It’s a little bit like a funeral or the passing of a good friend for so many sailors past and present,” said Irwin. MS Elisabeth...
Capt. Gamble, Logstics Officer and Sgt. Hayes, Traffic Technician, prepare to distribute passports to the members of the DART redeploying to Canada, at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal during OP RENAISSANCE.
Members of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG’s crew say farewell to their loved ones prior to the ship’s departure from HMC Dockyard Esquimalt on June 15, 2015.
