The crew of HMCS Calgary on the flight deck participating in the Sport’s Day  Runs while conducting operations in the West Coast Firing Area.

BGen Paul Bury, Director General of Reserves observes a cadet practicing how to back splice during Naval Environmental Training Night at NOTC Venture Nov. 26.

BGen Paul Bury, Director General of Reserves and Cadets is shown how to drive the ship by Lt(N) Donald Valmo at the helm of Grizzly 30 during his visit to CFB Esquimalt on Nov. 25.

CDS Gen Thomas Lawson and CPO1 Geoffrey McTigue meet with MARPAC RAdm Bill Truelove and CPO1 Michael Feltham during a recent visit to CFB Esquimalt, Nov. 28.

[caption id="attachment_8765" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of the Canadian Armed Forces marched on the field for the opening ceremonies of the 102nd Grey Cup held at BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, on Nov. 8.[/caption]The legendary Grey Cup got one heck of a ride as it zipped across the waters beneath the Lions Gate Bridge Nov. 26, in the firm grip of Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, while being escorted to Vancouver by the crew of HMCS Vancouver.Vancouver took a trip to the vessel’s namesake city for the 102nd Grey Cup, taking part in a weekend full of fun, festivities, and the most important football game of the year.“The crew says it was the best shore visit they’ve had to Vancouver so far,” says Cdr Jeffrey Climenhaga, Commanding Officer of Vancouver. “I would have to agree. It was a really great time.”On top of delivering the iconic Cup itself, Vancouver took part in a number of other activities, including demonstrations and tours for families, a Grey Cup breakfast, and a reception hosted by Gen Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.“That was a great opportunity,” says Cdr Climenhaga. “It was the first time personally I’ve had the Chief of the Defence Staff on board, so it was an exciting event for me, as well as the crew.”Cdr Climenhaga says the most important part of events like this is strengthening the relationship between the general public and the Royal Canadian Navy, an opportunity both he and the crew relish.“It’s very important to us to be visible, and let the community get to know us. We’re here for them,” he says.On game day, the crew of Vancouver joined the people of Vancouver and beyond for the game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Hamilton Tiger Cats.“It was a close game, and...

[caption id="attachment_8762" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Vancouver crew members show off their moustaches in the hangar of the ship on Nov. 25 while on their way to Vancouver. Crew members went without shaving for the month to raise awareness and more than $800 for Prostate Cancer.[/caption]For the month of November, sailors of HMCS Vancouver looked a little more bristly than usual when they let their upper lip locks get luxuriously long.About 35 moustachioed Vancouver crew members, led by PO1 Yannick Gagne, managed to generate over $800 for prostate cancer research during this year’s Movember GCWCC fundraiser.“I’ve been taking part in Movember for about three years now, but before I never committed to raising a lot of money,” says PO1 Gagne, a Senior Hull Technician. “I would donate $20 every year, but this year I thought that I could do better, so I gathered a bunch of people that also wanted to do better to.”For the first two weeks of November, Vancouver was at sea with 40 Movember participants, but once they returned home the number shrunk to 35.“People wanted to shave, or their significant others had something to say about it.”PO1 Gagne let what he called his “Tom Selleck” moustache flourish for the entire 30 days of Movember, where it grew into a thick, solid moustache. However, the moment the month was over, so was the ‘stache.“My wife hated it,” he says. “She was happy to see it go.”With over $800 raised and more coming in every day, PO1 Gagne is happy to contribute to a cause he says all men should be aware of.“This [prostrate cancer]affects a lot of people. Not even just the men diagnosed with it, but their friends and families,” he says. “I cross my fingers that it won’t happen to me, but you never know, right?...

[caption id="attachment_8759" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Calgary sails through B.C. coastal waters. The ship had one of the busiest years in recent history.[/caption]It has been an eventful and active year for HMCS Calgary, with the modernized warship spending more than 250 days away from its home port, all in support of Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) trials, and the core roles and missions of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). “For us, it has felt like nine months of deploying, without deploying,” says Cdr John Wilson, Calgary’s Commanding Officer.  “We did have the short Caribbe deployment but, given the year we just had, it just felt like another task for the ship’s company.”Commencing with operations team training in Halifax in the beginning of the year, the ship’s company spent the following nine months on variety of taskings that have provided well-rounded training opportunities for the sailors, while giving them the opportunity to explore a number of foreign ports. Immediately following a full set of workups in the spring, Calgary provided support to the fleet navigating officer’s course by conducting navigation training in the Gulf Islands.  At the same time, the ship hosted the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia, The Honourable Judith Guichon, during her visit to coastal communities.Next, the combat team made their way to Halifax in preparation for their missile readiness inspection trials, the first for HCM ships.  Following a short work period alongside Esquimalt, Calgary sailed on an action-packed two-month deployment that included exercising in a multi-ship and multinational environment during a task group transit, and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014.  Port visits to San Diego and Pearl Harbor, where the ship hosted a noteworthy Canada Day reception, were included in the activities. It also allowed an opportunity for Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the RCN, to visit Calgary’s sailors and field pertinent...

Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt members run during the National Sports Day Race event hosted on the base on Nov. 28.

The Advance Naval Boarding Party rappelled to the ice during the 4th Annual CAF/Defence Team Appreciation Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Nov. 22.

 Members of the local Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps sold foam pucks for the Chuck-a-Puck competition that took place during the second intermission for the 4th Annual CAF/Defence Team Appreciation Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Nov. 22..

 Gnr Dante Morandin, Bombardier Stu Ferguson, and Gnr Wesley Riddell pose at their display outside the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

Canada's forces face daunting mission against ISIS in Iraq

[caption id="attachment_8689" align="alignnone" width="300"] Click on the image above for larger images[/caption]It’s almost that time of year when we put down our tools, come out of our cubicles, and share in a little festive holiday cheer.The 2014 MARPAC Holiday Program is taking shape.This year’s nautically-themed program, “Sailing Through the Holidays” will run from Dec. 7-20 and feature a host of holiday activities for all members of the Defence Team and their families.  The program will begin in earnest on Dec. 7 with the Township of Esquimalt’s Parade of Lights.The parade will muster at the Canteen Road parking lot, and make its way to the Archie Browning Sports Centre for the community celebration.On opening night, CANEX will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with decorations, hot chocolate and snacks, and perhaps even a visit from Santa himself. Families are welcome to watch as the lights are turned on at 5:15 p.m.Naden’s Holiday Route will remain lit from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly until Dec. 20. Visitors can drive the route by entering through either the Sturdee Street entrance or the Naden Main Gate (at Admirals and Woodway Roads). For your shopping convenience, CANEX will be open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 7, 13, 14 and 20. There will be in-store specials and items from their Military Elite Collection, which make great Christmas gifts.On the last night, Dec. 20, drop by CANEX between 5 and 9 p.m. to have your photo taken with Santa by MARPAC Imaging staff.In addition to the Holiday Route, all units are encouraged to take part in the Formation Tree Decorating Contest, which will take place from Dec. 1-16.A great opportunity for morale building and fun, the pre-lit trees will be available for your decorating ideas at the Wardroom, Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess, and the Pacific Fleet Club. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Most Festive Design, Best Griswald Design (for the most outlandish tree), and Best Charlie Brown (for most valiant effort).Teams can register...

[caption id="attachment_8686" align="alignnone" width="300"] Left to right: Regina Pats (#4) Kyle Burroughs; Cameron Hope, General Manager of the Victoria Royals; Capt(N) James Clarke, Commander Canadian Submarine Force; Cdr (Ret’d) Lloyd Barnes; and Victoria Royals (#2) Joe Hicketts at centre ice during the puck drop for the 4th Annual CAF/Defence Team Appreciation Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Nov. 22.[/caption]With more than 6,000 fans watching, the Victoria Royals hockey team saluted 100 years of submarine service in Canada during their fourth annual Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Saturday Nov. 22 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.  Possibly inspired by their specially designed jerseys that bore the submarine crest, the Royals cruised to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Regina Pats, backstopped by call-up goaltender Jayden Sittler’s 33 save performance.The pre-game celebrations were highlighted by a dynamic opening that featured a Tri-Service Colour Party, Naden Band vocalist PO2 Katrina Bligh performing O Canada, and members of the Maritime Tactical Operations Group rappelling down to ice-level to deliver the ceremonial puck from 80 feet up in the rafters.Capt (N) James Clarke, Commander Canadian Submarine Force, and Cdr (Retired) Lloyd Barnes, former Commanding Officer of HMC Submarines Rainbow, Ojibwa and Onondaga, dropped the puck in a stirring centre-ice ceremony.This latest version of Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night was a fitting tribute to the Canadian Submarine Force, their families, and their efforts over the last century. The passion, dedication and resilience of past and present submariners were well represented in both the superbly-designed commemorative game jerseys, and in the enthusiasm shown by the throngs of fans in attendance.While the Royals dominated the Pats for 60 minutes on the ice, the multitude of interior and exterior displays along the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre concourse showcased the diversity of talents and opportunities working together as part of the...

[caption id="attachment_8683" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Vancouver slipped all lines and proceeded to sea.[/caption]On Nov. 10, for the first time in two years, HMCS Vancouver slipped all lines and proceeded to sea.With help and guidance from Sea Training Pacific, sailors progressed through a five day intense programme of training serials designed to test Vancouver’s response to a wide variety of emergency situations including damage control, man overboard, and the planning and response to a search and rescue mission. As a result, Vancouver has returned to operational status and Restricted Readiness.The successful completion of Restricted Readiness Inspections represents the culmination of months of hard work and preparation at all levels of the ship’s company, but it is only the first step on the long road to full operational status.Over the coming weeks and months, the officers and crew of HMCS Vancouver will continue to take every opportunity to refresh old skills, master new ones, and come together as a team. Lt(N) Eric Ward,  HMCS Vancouver

HMCS Fredericton hoists its Battle Ensign upon completion of an Anti-Ship Missile Defence Exercise , November 6, 2014. 

A Search and Rescue Technician from 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron jumps off a CC-130 Hercules aircraft over 14 Wing Greenwood. 

Reservists train for 2014 Canadian Patrol Concentration . 

Vancouver community stakeholders onboard one of the Orcas during a day sail out of Vancouver on November 13th.

Formation CPO1 Mike Feltham addresses the students of Oak Bay High School at the school’s Remembrance Assembly

Guests onboard the Cougar wave enthusiastically as two Orcas leave Vancouver heading towards Howe Sound.

[caption id="attachment_8614" align="alignnone" width="300"] "The Homecoming” memorial statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour[/caption]A generous donation by a local business man has honoured two fallen soldiers and supported military families at the same time.Casey Edge, Executive Director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association, purchased a brick at “The Homecoming” memorial statue in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, dedicating it to the memory Cpl Nathan Cirillo and WO Patrice Vincent.He wanted to pay his respects to the two CAF  members who were tragically killed last month in two separate attacks.“I think the families of these men would be happy to know they are being honoured and remembered all across the country,” says Edge.The brick reads, “Cpl Nathan Cirillo. WO Patrice Vincent. Honour and Remember”, and was placed at the memorial Nov. 6.Edge says he was compelled to make the donation following the tragic events in Quebec on Oct. 20 and in Ottawa on Oct. 22.“It happened over 4,000 kilometres away, but it had a profound effect on everyone,” says Edge.“We had Remembrance Day and then in the same week we have our [municipal] elections. The elections generally have a pretty low turnout, and it seems like a lot of people don’t care to participate in a free election, which is a privilege many other countries don’t have access to. This can stand as a reminder of the freedoms people put their lives on the line for.”The money from the brick dedications goes directly to the Military Family Resource Centre, providing additional funding for programs and aid for military families.Edge says this was another one of the reasons he chose to memorialize Cpl Cirillo and WO Vincent the way he did.“The military aspect is a very important aspect of our community, and maybe we don’t think about that as much as we should,” he says.Shawn O’HaraStaff Writer

Base implements new smoking policyAs part of continual review of Base Standing Orders and in line with the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy, the new smoking policy (BSO 2-128) brings MARPAC into compliance with the Non-smokers Health Act. As of Dec. 1, smoking is prohibited on DND property with the exception of designated smoking areas.Why the change?CFB Esquimalt is federal property.As such, it must conform to the federal and provincial laws that govern its use.The Tobacco Act and the Non-Smokers’ Health Act regulate and restrict smoking beyond designated smoking areas.As a result, base policies will be in accordance with federal and provincial law.Do all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) bases have the same rules and regulations?Canadian tobacco laws empower each province’s ministry of health to regulate legislation concerning smoking, including the boundaries and areas in which it is legal to smoke.Depending on a CAF base’s location, it is possible that the rules and regulations surrounding smoking can be different.If I smoke e-cigarettes do the regulations apply to me?Yes.According to Health Canada, all tobacco accessories are subject to the same laws as tobacco itself.That means that e-cigarettes may only be used within a designated smoking area.Where will I be allowed to smoke?All personnel who are on DND property must smoke only within a designated smoking area.This policy is inclusive to guests and invitees.In accordance with DAOD 5020-1, designated smoking areas will have neither sides, nor seating.Butt receptacles will be provided at each of the designated smoking areas. It is the users’ responsibility to keep the smoking areas clean.What happens on board ship?Smoking on board HMC Ships is regulated by Ships Standing Orders.If I live in barracks, where can I smoke?All members on TD or who live in fully furnished military accommodations or those members who rent mess accommodations for social events, such as gatherings and weddings, must smoke only within designated smoking areas.They are not permitted to smoke within their quarters.Residential Housing Units on DND property are exempt from the policy.   What will happen...

[caption id="attachment_8603" align="alignnone" width="300"] Join the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)        Dec. 15-17 at the Royal Theatre[/caption]Join the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Dec. 15-17 at the Royal Theatre for some good old-fashioned holiday cheer during their Christmas Concert Series.The concert is an annual tradition for the Naden Band and one the musicians look forward to.This year they have prepared all new music, with several pieces arranged by band members.“We’re going to be debuting a piece called ‘The 12 Navy Days of Christmas’, as well as a few arrangements done by members of the band, so we’re very excited about that,” says Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Commanding Officer of the Naden Band.“We’ve put a lot of work into this year’s concert and we’re excited to share it with the community as members of the Royal Canadian Navy.”Joining the Naden Band once again are vocalists Ken Levigne and Stephanie Greaves, who will be performing both solo and duet pieces alongside the band.This year’s concerts also mark the premiere of a special piece composed for the Naden Band by Canadian composer Robert Buckley.Buckley, a Juno Award winning composer who has created scores for Disney, Cirque du Soleil and countless other productions, saw the Naden Band perform in Vancouver and met with Lt(N) Clark to discuss a possible collaboration.“Over the course of a few meetings we decided that we’d like to work together. We’re extremely excited to debut the piece. It’s just beautiful,” says Lt(N) Clark. “Any opportunity we have to get more quality Canadian music written by talented Canadian musicians out into the world is great.”Tickets to the concert are $10 plus a new, unwrapped toy.The toys go the Salvation Army for distribution this season.“It’s about family, it’s about the holiday season, it’s about giving back; basically all the things that make Christmas something we look forward to,” says Lt(N) Clark.Shawn O’HaraStaff Writer