Sgt. Dugan, Coldstream Guards, followed by Forward Observation party, Capt. Kelly, Cpl Hopkins, Cpl Paul and MBdr St. Cyr, travel at dawn to their next location during EX SARMIS 15 in Cincu, Romania during OP REASSURANCE.
Lt. Kashk Taylor gives orders to section commanders, Sgt. Ryan Baskerville and MCpl Jeff Giacomelli during a platoon live fire attack as part of EX SARMIS during OP REASSURANCE.
Members of Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) tear down Camp Asaya, in Sankhu, Nepal on May 26, 2015 during Operation RENAISSANCE.
[caption id="attachment_10074" align="aligncenter" width="300"] HMCS Saskatoon comes alongside the sea wall as HMCS Whitehorse passes under the Burnside Bridge.[/caption]The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) featured prominently during this year’s Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week festivities, with HMC ships Calgary, Whitehorse, Saskatoon, and Oriole participating.Things kicked off with the arrival of Oriole last Tuesday, the first naval ship to arrive at the historic city. Although Oriole was greeted with a heavy downpour, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Astoria Regatta Court, a group of young women from Astoria high schools who boarded the sailing ketch for a day sail.Festival organizers welcomed the 10 ships from the RCN, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. “One of the purposes of Fleet Week has always been to celebrate and thank the active and reserve military personnel and all veterans,” said Portland Rose Festival Foundation CEO Jeff Curtis.“Their arrival [navy ships] commemorates a relationship that has lasted more than 100 years, and over 80 years of visiting Portland during the Rose Festival. It is a significant commitment by the navy to make the Rose Festival Fleet Week one of the premier Fleet Week events in the country.”Thousands of people toured the RCN ships, many entertained by a contingent from the Naden Band as they waited in line. Those who toured HMCS Calgary saw the latest in Canadian naval technology as the ship’s crew showed off the suite of upgrades. “Since we completed our upgrades, this ship has been very busy on operations and exercises, as well as testing our new systems and supporting force generation activities,” said Executive Officer, LCdr Jake French. “The Rose Festival gives this crew a nice port visit as well as an opportunity to showcase to thousands of visitors the great work we do.” The Rose Festival attracts more than a million visitors annually.With the RCN, USN...
Mawashi's Innovative SAR Tech Knee Protection from Mawashi Protective Clothing on Vimeo.
A crewmember on board Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Fredericton provides security with a C9 machine gun as the ship departs Wilhelmshaven, Germany during Operation REASSURANCE on May 25, 2015.
Members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team redeploying to Canada, board the CC-177 Globemaster III at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, Nepal on May 28, 2015 during Operation RENAISSANCE.
[caption id="attachment_10080" align="aligncenter" width="300"] DRDC technologist Tim Murphy pours water around hand planted icepick geobuoys at the DRDC ice camp north of CFS Alert.[/caption]For two weeks this spring a team of scientists, technologists and logistics support staff from Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) evaluated the performance of newly improved geobuoys on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).“In order to conduct Arctic underwater surveillance in areas where the surface of the ocean is covered in ice, geobuoys play an important role in detecting and tracking underwater sounds,” said Major Glenwood Gullison, from the Directorate of Air Requirements in the RCAF.Geobuoys contain vibration sensors that can detect sound that travels through the water and into the ice; they are one of the best ways to detect underwater sounds below the ice.“Science and technology plays a pivotal role in the development of Department of National Defence capabilities,” said Maj Gullison. “The trial conducted by DRDC is part of this capability development and is an important contributor to maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the RCAF.”Due to their specific expertise and extensive experience in underwater acoustics and geobuoy technology, DRDC are uniquely positioned to conduct the evaluation of the redesigned geobuoy, Maj Gullison added.“DRDC is the only organization with the unique expertise to effectively test the product in operational conditions,” said Scott Campbell, an Undersea Sensor Systems Engineering Manager from the Department of National Defence.This year’s trial is testing the effectiveness of the geobuoy’s modifications. The geobuoys were modified by updating the battery, weight, and centre of gravity. The goal is to validate the technical refresh in an operational environment.Geobuoys are cylinder-shaped and contain a vibration sensor and radio transmitter, as well as a parachute on its tail and an icepick for a nose. They are dropped from an aircraft...
[caption id="attachment_10071" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A member of a Canadian Armed Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspects a simulated improvised explosive device at Victoria International Airport as part of Exercise Ardent Defender.[/caption]For the past two weeks, over 175 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), 11 partner nations, and civilian law enforcement agencies gathered at CF Ammunition Depot Rocky Point and locations around Greater Victoria to observe and practice military bomb disruption techniques.At the heart of the two week exercise, dubbed Ardent Defender, were potential real life scenarios such as a threat to mass transit.“Every country has seen the potential devastation of IEDs (improved explosive devices) on mass transit. All you need to do is turn on a TV,” said CPO1 Rob DeProy, a planner for the exercise.“So we need to evolve with the threat. With Ardent Defender, we’re doing that by sharing our techniques with our civilian agencies and with other countries. We’re teaching at the same time as we are learning.” Over the two weeks, teams from military bomb disposal units across Canada had the opportunity to improve their readiness to counter explosive threats, and test their specialized equipment in a variety of scenarios, including a simulated attack on 443 MH Squadron and a bomb scare on a B.C. ferry, and on B.C. Transit buses.Within those scenarios, local police and ferry staff were able to test their response to a bomb threat, and work with their military counterparts in the search and disabling of located IEDs. During the first week of Ardent Defender at the Rocky Point demolition range, observer nations (Austria, Mexico, New Zealand and Poland) watched as Canadian, Australian, Belgian, Dutch, Swedish, American and British military set-up, blew up, and impeded IEDs.During one exercise, makeshift bombs were placed on the range, including one placed in the trunk...
Members of 42 Radar Squadron install warning signs around the radar site during Exercise AMALGAM DART 15-2 in Resolute Bay, Nunavut on May 25, 2015.
Members of Exercise Ardent Defender examine the remains of a sea container used to demonstrate the disruption tactics.
Brigadier General Lise Bourgon, the incoming JTF-I Commander, speaks at the Change of Command ceremony in Kuwait during Operation IMPACT on May 13, 2015.
JOINTEX is an exercise that demonstrates the abilities of a Canadian-led Multinational Joint Integrated Task Force Headquarters JOINTEX-PROMO-2015-EN from Lookout on Vimeo.
Young members of the Air, Army and Sea Cadets, The Navy League of Canada, and members of Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada, salute during the playing of the National Anthem during the Candlelight Tribute May 28.
Candles light up the graves of Veterans at the Candlelight Tribute held at God's Acre Cemetery on May 28.
Capt(N) Steve Waddell, Base Commander, and Commander Julian Elbourne, Commanding Officer, welcome Naheed Kurban Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, onboard HMCS CALGARY during a day sail for the celebration of frigate 20th anniversary on May 22.
For 13 months 1 Canadian Air Division Public Affairs with assistance from 19 Wing, 8 Wing and 14 Wing Public Affairs have worked closely with Exploration Productions to pitch, develop and fulfill episodes on the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Crew members of HMCS Yellowknife wash down and perform upper deck maintenance prior to the ship making a port stop in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, BC on May 21.
MCpl Owen Edwards presents Hannah Smith, the Development Coordinator of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada (BC and Yukon chapter), with a cheque for $6,308, funds raised through the 2014 Military Police National Motorcycle Relay.
[caption id="attachment_10019" align="alignleft" width="300" class=" "] A portrait of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Max Bernays is unveiled during the naming announcement of the third Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship, held at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. From left: Rear Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force (Pacific); Marilyn Bernays, daughter-in-law of CPO Bernays; Max Thompson, great-grandson of CPO Bernays; Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence; and Carly Bernays, great-granddaughter of CPO Bernays.LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption] The courage and bravery of Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays will forever be remembered with one of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship named in his honour.Last Monday, the Bernays family and naval personnel gathered in front of the Naval and Military Museum at CFB Esquimalt to officially name the third Harry DeWolf-class vessel HMCS Max Bernays.At the naming ceremony Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, addressed three generations of the Bernays family.“Chief Petty Officer Bernays is a true Canadian hero who served our country with great distinction during the Second World War,” said the Minister. CPO Bernays served as Coxswain in HMCS Assiniboine during the Battle of the Atlantic. During close range action with a German submarine U-210 on Aug. 6, 1942, he maneuvered the ship in and out of fog in an attempt to allude and ram the submarine. But a fire caused by the enemy submarine’s shells engulfed the bridge and wheelhouse. Surrounded by smoke and flames, CPO Bernays ordered two junior sailors to leave the bridge for safety. He stayed at the helm and continued to navigate Assiniboine against the U-boat for nearly 40 minutes. During that time, he completed the work of two telegraphmen, dispatching over 130 telegraph orders to the ship’s engine room.Despite taking prolonged machine-gun and cannon fire to the...
[caption id="attachment_10022" align="alignleft" width="596"] Cpl Carbe Orellana, Canadian Forces Support Unit, Ottawa Imaging ServicesJason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, and Warrant Officer (Retired) Patrick Tower unveiled the commemorative plaque at the Valour Building May 25 in Ottawa.[/caption] Last Monday, Master Warrant Officer David Shultz, Range Control Officer, was in Ottawa to take part in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Valour Building, formerly known as La Promenade Building at 151 Sparks Street. The solider was joined by 11 other military members, all recipients of the Star of Military Valour. The bronze plaque, unveiled by Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, is in honour of the heroic actions of 20 military members during Canada’s 12 year military mission in Afghanistan. “This plaque, and the name of this building, serve as a reminder of the self-sacrifice and devotion to duty embodied by our Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan,” said Kenney, addressing 12 of the Star of Military Valour recipients, and two families of the fallen who were present at the ceremony. “We honour these remarkable individuals who have been presented with the Star of Military Valour for their service to their country.” The plaque and building also serve as reminders of the contributions made by all men and women in uniform during the Afghanistan mission. MWO Shultz received the medal for his actions in Kandahar in May 2008 when he formulated and executed a flanking manoeuvre to attack the enemy ambush. His manoeuver neutralized the insurgent’s position and allowed his patrol to secure the surrounding area; but quickly after, his patrol was attacked again. Disregarding personal risk to himself, MWO Shultz plunged into intense enemy fire to direct his soldiers and engage the enemy. He repeatedly re-entered the danger zone to remove injured personnel, and execute the patrol’s fighting withdrawal. Due to his actions, countless other casualties were prevented. “A lot of it goes back to the training that we’ve had,” he says. “And I would be lying if I...
[caption id="attachment_10016" align="alignleft" width="300" class=" "] Bruno Guevrémont, owner of CrossFit Stasis, holds a medicine ball – one of the many workout tools used during the varied CrossFit workout.[/caption] “When you’re fit physically, you’re fit mentally,” is the mantra playing on loop in Bruno Guévremont’s mind as he lifts weights, rows, and runs. The former navy clearance diver not only lives this philosophy, but also encourages everyone who crosses the threshold of his new business, CrossFit Stasis, to live it as well.Guévremont opened his training gym a few months before being medically released in January 2014 after a second tour in Afghanistan. Difficulty sleeping and anxiety led him to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis in 2010.“As a bomb technician on the Afghanistan tour, I was part one of the busiest counter-improvised explosive device teams,” he says. “It impacted me. When I got back to Victoria I had to think hard about when I had last felt good.”He turned to CrossFit to get him back to mental and physical health.As a Clearance Diver he needed to function at an extremely high fitness level in order to reduce air consumption under water. He used CrossFit strategies at the Naden gym each lunch hour, such as rowing, skipping, and weight lifting.“When people saw what I was doing, they asked me what I was training for. Pretty quickly I had a solid group of people with me every lunch hour.”Up to 20 people joined Guévrement as he led an informal CrossFit workout each day.“I started feeling really good about helping other people get fit, and I was getting myself back to a strong physical place,” he says. With his impending medical release date at the forefront of his mind, Guévrement began brainstorming alternate career paths. He even began a police officer application. But he kept being...
The FORCE Evaluation from CF Morale & Welfare Services on Vimeo.
The Memorial Cup was airlifted into Citadelle de Québec by a Griffon helicopter , before arriving at the Dufferin Terrace for the Memorial Cup arrival Ceremony in the Old Quebec on May 21, 2015.
A RCN Clearance Diving Supervisor signals the diver to commence his dive on during OP OPEN SPIRIT, a multi-national underwater mine clearing EX in Estonia, to rid the waters around the coast of mines that were laid during WWI and WWII.
Canadian soldiers at Camp Doiron spread gravel to mitigate muddy roads during Exercise SARMIS 15 in Cincu, Romania on May 20, 2015 during Operation Reassurance.
A member of 3 RCR shoulders the AT4, anti-armour weapon, during a patrol on Exercise SARMIS 15 in Cincu, Romania on May 20, 2015 during Operation Reassurance.
MCpl Nathan Nolet and MCpl Jennifer Russell, Medical Technicians, demonstrate a tourniquet while teaching field casualty care to the Nepalese Forward Medical Team at the Shree Birendra Military Hospital, in Kathmandu, Nepal, 21 May, 2015. Photo: MCpl Cynthia Wilkinson, Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Center DA50-2015-0001-189
