[caption id="attachment_6887" align="alignnone" width="300"] On Monday, June 13th Victoria’s new baseball team “The HarbourCats,” played CFB Esquimalt’s Tritons the day before their actual home opener as a practice round.[/caption] On Monday, June 13th Victoria’s new baseball team “The HarbourCats,” played CFB Esquimalt’s Tritons the day before their actual home opener as a practice round.

[caption id="attachment_6880" align="alignnone" width="300"] RAdm Gilles Couturier[/caption] For nearly a year, whenever RAdm Gilles Couturier has travelled, he has packed a large binder dedicated to the summer training goals of 23 nations.The Canadian admiral is the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2014, the largest maritime exercise in the world. Along with the lengthy job title comes the responsibility to make sure everyone who participates in this year’s event sails away with new skills and lots of practical experience. While still fulfilling his duties at National Defence Headquarters, since September RAdm Couturier has been attending RIMPAC planning meetings and poring over documents to make sure he understands what each participating nation is hoping to achieve. His RIMPAC binder, which has been steadily filling up as planning has progressed, will remain by his side until the end of the exercise so he can keep tabs on what all 48 surface ship crews and six submarine crews have done, and what they still need to accomplish. For a sailor who’s been in Ottawa for the past year, it’s a dream job, he says. “It’s back to the navy, and for a navy guy it’s very interesting. It’s operational; it’s all about ships and aircraft at sea and sailors. At the end of the day it’s all about the people, making sure our sailors leave there as better sailors, a better ship’s company able to operate in a multi-national maritime context.” A new role for CanadaNot only is CFMCC a big job, this is also the first time a Canadian has taken on the role. Americans filled key RIMPAC leadership roles up until the last RIMPAC in 2012 when an Australian filled the CFMCC shoes and Canada fulfilled the Deputy Commander role with RAdm Ron Lloyd...

[caption id="attachment_6874" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMC Ships Nanaimo and Whitehorse approach Esquimalt Harbour.[/caption] While the training areas in the waters around Hawaii teem with 25,000 military personnel from all around the world, HMC Ships Whitehorse and Nanaimo will be at work 4,000 kilometres away. Operating out of San Diego, California, the two Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels will participate in scenario-driven Naval Mine Countermeasures exercises with a task force made up of personnel from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. “It’s a great opportunity for us to work with allies we don’t see very often,” says LCdr Jeffrey Hopkins, Commanding Officer of Nanaimo. “They bring in elements to operations we don’t have; and learning how to utilize the specific skills and equipment we all bring is an integral and hugely beneficial part of the exercise.” During the exercises both Whitehorse and Nanaimo will use different specialized mine-detection equipment. Aboard Nanaimo will be a side-scan sonar, a torpedo-shaped piece of equipment that is towed through the water behind the vessel at variable depths, scanning the surrounding area for potential mines. “We don’t get much time with the side-scan sonar so we’re happy to have any chance to brush up on it,” says LCdr Hopkins. “It’s been a while, so we’ve been hard at work training on it and making sure the newer crew members know all the ins and outs.” Whitehorse will be tasked with investigating and inspecting contacts Nanaimo may find. They will do this using a remotely operated vehicle and a Bottom Object Inspections Vehicle (BOIV). “Whatever Nanaimo may find we get a team and equipment in the water to get more complete information on what it is,” says LCdr Michael Sorsdahl, Commanding Officer of Whitehorse. “We will have a team embarked from the Fleet Dive Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P))...

[caption id="attachment_6868" align="alignnone" width="300"] From Left to right: C/MWO Jayden Worth, C/CWO Curtis Whittla (Corps RSM) and C/MWO Tyler Cardinal show their National Star of Excellence Level 4 insignia.[/caption] During the 2483 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Commanding Officer’s parade on May 27, a very rare event happened.  Three Master Cadets were presented with Level 4 of the National Star of Excellence. This is the highest level of achievement within the Army Cadet Programme in Canada.  Out of 51 Army Cadets Corps in B.C., parading approximately 2,000 Army Cadets, only 10 Level 4 - National Stars of Excellence have been presented so far, three of which are C/CWO Curtis Whittla (the Corps Regimental Sgt-Maj (RSM)); C/MWO Jayden Worth; and C/MWO Tyler Cardinal. The National Star of Excellence (NSE) is a merit and performance-based system of achievement, where progression within the programme is based on the capacity of cadets to collect merit and performance points in various areas of assessment to reach the four distinct levels of excellence.  More points are given for higher levels of achievement within specified training or levels of participation (be it local, regional, national or international levels).   The NSE recognizes senior cadets that display superior involvement in Army Cadet activities and is the most comprehensive Army Cadet Challenge.  Areas of assessments are a combination of compulsory and participation training and events including, but not limited to: leadership, citizenship, fitness and healthy living, community service and community leadership, general cadet knowledge, attendance at compulsory and advanced training, drill, dress, deportment, navigation, wilderness survival, instructional techniques, marksmanship, expeditions, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, music, and participation in optional training teams such as first aid or drill teams. These three cadets displayed impressive level of commitment within the Army Cadet Programme at the Corps,...

Take a virtual tour of Canada's naval fleet.

The Vélofix Mobile Bike ProShop onsite at the base’s Bike to Work Week breakfast.

  PSP hosted the 16th Annual Bike to Work Breakfast where participants enjoyed snacks and coffee.

D-Day Dodgers of Canada

Declining enrolment and financial losses have forced the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) to shut down its daycare service at Lampson School.After Aug. 15, the MFRC will no longer offer daycare at this location. “It was a difficult decision and we are very sad to see the daycare close,” says Linda Scott, MFRC Program Manager. “But we are looking forward to having a good last summer with the kids.”Daycare is not a mandated service for the MFRC. In 2009, CFB Esquimalt leased Lampson School from the school board to fill a need for daycare services. However, since 2013, there has been a decline in enrolment of children aged three to five years old, and  an increase in growing deficits from running the operation. “As a non-profit organization, our board of directors had to make the decision that this service is no longer financially viable for us,” says Gaynor Jackson, MFRC Executive Director. “We understand that change is difficult and we are committed to assisting families throughout this process.” Due to annual transitions, the MFRC will be able to accommodate all families currently in Lampson’s Infant Toddler program at their Colwood location. Some spaces will be available in their three to five-year-olds daycare in Colwood as well. Those not accommodated have been provided information on other daycares in the Esquimalt area that have vacancies for September. The closure will also impact casual child care and children’s deployment workshops at Lampson School; however, these services will continue at CPAC in Colwood. Parents may contact the MFRC directly with questions or concerns or visit www.esquimaltmfrc.com for more information.

Two brothers, both military reservists and Victoria police officers, have exceeded expectations in keeping the roads safe by successfully enforcing the province’s impaired driving laws. That diligence has earned PO1 Graeme LeBlanc and Major Brendon LeBlanc an Alexa’s Team Award from ICBC, the Justice Institute of British Columbia and the Alexa Middelaer family. They are two of 313 officers who formed the 2013 Alexa’s Team in Surrey, Greater Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George.“It’s not about receiving an award, it’s about recognizing hardworking officers who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the safety of Victoria,” said PO1 LeBlanc, who works part-time at HMCS Malahat. The award, named after a four-year-old who died at the hands of a drunk driver in 2008, honours British Columbian police officers who have arrested 12 or more impaired drivers over a year. In 2010, the Middelaer family challenged the RCMP, municipal police officers, and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of British Columbia to reduce the number of deaths caused by alcohol impaired driving by 35 per cent by the end of 2013, the year Alexa would have turned 10 years old. In February, the Ministry of Justice announced there was a 52 per cent decrease in alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths, representing 190 lives saves. Alexa’s Team members were responsible for almost 50 per cent of the impaired driving enforcement in B.C. in 2013. PO1 LeBlanc was acting sergeant in the Integrated Road Safety Unit with seven officers in 2013. They were part of 80 Victoria police officers who formed Alexa’s Team. “That is really what it’s all about. It is a team effort. Just do the math; if a total of 80 officers all took a minimum of 12 impaired drivers off the road, think of how much of a difference we...

When military personnel are injured in the line of duty it doesn’t just change their lives, but the lives of their families as well. In these times of need Honour House is there to help.Founded in 2013, Honour House is a facility in New Westminster that provides lodgings for families of military members and emergency personnel receiving medical care in the area.Based in a fully restored 10-bedroom heritage house on a quiet tree-lined street, Honour House lends a helping hand to military families when they need it most.“When a family member is receiving treatment it’s hard on the entire family,” say Al De Genova, President of the Honour House Society. “Especially with all of the hard work and sacrifice the military gives to the people of Canada it’s only right for us to give back any way we can.”The idea for Honour House came to De Genova, delray beach real estate and former Park Board Commissioner for Vancouver, one night while watching a documentary on Capt Trevor Greene.Capt Greene suffered an axe wound to the skull that nearly killed him while serving in Afghanistan, putting him on a long road to recovery with his wife Debbie. De Genova and his wife began talking about how the families of service members are impacted in situations such as this.“We started talking about how there aren’t really any facilities available for the families of service members who are receiving treatment and medical care,” says De Genova, also one of the founding members of Ronald McDonald House that  provides similar lodging for the families of children receiving care at B.C. Children’s Hospital.“We came up with the idea of a place that would act as a sort of Ronald McDonald House, but for the families of military members receiving care. It was my wife who...

The history of the Naden Band.

The deck department cleans the port side hull of HMCS Regina on May 22, 2014 in support of NATO Reassurance Measures in the Mediterranean Sea.

Crew members from HMCS Regina recover a practice dummy with the ship's zodiac during a man overboard training exercise NATO Reassurance Measures in the Mediterranean Sea.

Cpl Brendan McDevitt (right) and other aircrew put away equipment required for loading and unloading MK46 torpedoes during training, in support of NATO Reassurance Measures in the Mediterranean Sea.

OS Morgan Murphy monitors a machinery control console during a firefighting exercise from the mechanical system engineering room of HMCS Regina on May 21, 2014 in support of NATO Reassurance Measures in the Mediterranean Sea.

[gallery link="file" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDUiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDctc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDciLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMDguanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0wOCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] The Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force were prominent features in the 71st annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race on Saturday, May 24. HMCS Nanaimo was at anchor as the seaward mark boat, and HMCS Oriole returned to Swiftsure to compete with some of the fastest boats in her class.  The race start drew hundreds of spectators out on the sunny and thankfully windy Saturday morning. This year marked the 57th time Oriole has participated in Swiftsure. Its unique silhouette stood out among the competitors at the race line. The veteran vessel started the race from Clover Point at the front of the pack with full sails and a speedy clip. The 40 kilometre an hour wind pushed the 93-year-old sailing ketch upwards of 10 knots. “We had an awesome start and crossed the start line with the fastest boats,” said LCdr Jeff Kibble, Commanding Officer of Oriole, and a Swiftsure veteran. “Saturday saw good winds and Oriole made great progress despite battling to windward. The winds slowly died throughout the evening and by late Saturday night Oriole was becalmed. We withdrew at 11 a.m. Sunday with no chance of rounding the mark boat within the time limit.” LCdr Kibble has competed in Swiftsure 13 times, this being his fourth race as Oriole`s Captain. Only three of the 23 competitors in her class would finish the race, all of them struggling under light winds.  The Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre worked closely with the Swiftsure Race Committee to ensure search and rescue assets were ready to execute a fast response should need be, as well as implementing other safety measures for the race. Gathered crowds viewed an exciting search and rescue demonstration, which was a chance to see the working relationship between the Air Force, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Organization (RCM-SAR). A spectacular display was executed by the Air Force and partner organization showcasing the expertise and abilities...

 [gallery columns="2" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRW1waXJlLURheXMuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFbXBpcmUtRGF5cyIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTUuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNSIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTYuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJFVDIwMTQtMDIxNS0xNiIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lmxvb2tvdXRuZXdzcGFwZXIuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC8yMDE0XC8wNlwvRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQtc2NhbGVkLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiRVQyMDE0LTAyMTUtMTQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="] HMCS Nanaimo has always had a strong presence throughout many communities along the coast of Vancouver Island. This May provided opportunities to further strengthen those ties in Nanaimo and Victoria. Every year the City of Nanaimo celebrates Empire Days on the Victoria Day long weekend, a tradition that goes back 147 years, and includes the crowning of a May Queen to usher in the return of summer. Nanaimo and crew joined the festivities again this year attending the crowning of the May Queen, marching in the Empire Days parade, and hosting tours of the ship to the citizens of her namesake city. The end of the festival was marked by an on board reception with the ship’s company hosting the Empire Days Society, local politicians and the “Friends of Nanaimo”. Friends of Nanaimo are a group of loyal Nanaimo citizens that engage their namesake ship to ensure she is welcomed each time she visits while facilitating her participation in local activities. Nanaimo also partook in the 71st annual Swiftsure Sailing Race in the Strait of Juan de Fuca May 24 and 25, providing a platform for members of the race committee and guests at the start line. Nanaimo signalled the start of each race using its saluting cannon while forming the seaward mark of the start line at Clover Point. Four members of the Race Committee remained embarked once all five race classes had commenced, while the remainder of the guests were disembarked at Ogden Point. The ship then proceeded to Swiftsure Bank to act as a rounding mark race while also providing standby search and rescue support. Both of these events were successful from the standpoint of community engagement providing great opportunities for Nanaimo’s sailors to interact with the public and building community relations. MS Daniel Robinson, HMCS Nanaimo

[caption id="attachment_6758" align="alignnone" width="300"] Click image to animate[/caption] They might occasionally wear chaps and stirrups, but their crowns signify them as Calgary royalty.  Calgary Stampede Queen Danica Heath, along with Stampede Princesses Shannon Black and Stephanie Patterson, made good on their royal duties by visiting HMCS Calgary May 23 for “Cowboy Up”, the ship’s annual celebration. Before the evening’s shindig, the visiting royals toured Calgary with Executive Officer LCdr Josh Yanchus, getting a peak at the bridge, crew quarters, and naval life in general.“It’s great going on these kinds of visits because we get to experience so many new things,” said Heath. “I’d never been on a ship like this until today, and it’s very interesting getting a first-hand look at how sailors live day-to-day.” They also took the time to present Calgary Commanding Officer, Cdr John Wilson with a new white Stetson hat, a traditional symbol of Calgary’s western hospitality. “We have a special place in our hearts for the people of Calgary,” said Cdr Wilson. “Even just the little affectations, like the Stetsons we wear, the Coxswain’s sheriff badge, and the Calgary Stampede paraphernalia all over the ship helps us strengthen that connection. We love having visitors from the city know that we take our bond seriously.” The Queen and Princesses of the Calgary Stampede are positions dating back to the 1940s. Selected through a competition that includes interviews, presentations, and shows of riding skill, Heath, Black, and Patterson began their terms in September 2013, touring the world and singing the praises of Calgary and its Stampede. “To represent our city and meet people in our hometown and as far away as Germany has been amazing,” says Black, who has dreamt of playing that part since childhood. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” The visit was more than just an opportunity to shake hands and share a square dance. Each vessel in the Royal Canadian Navy has a special relationship...

World War II Vets honoured with Artic Star Medals, presented by Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. Vets as follows Norman George Alex Anderson, James S. Russell, Roland Jacques Lavallee and Edward Earl Dallin. MORE INFO

Canadian veterans Norman George Alexander, Edward Earl Dallin, Roland Jacques Lavallee and James S. Russell wait to receive Arctic Star medals on May 23 at the Lodge at Broadmead.

Families and guests visit the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, United States on May 22, 2014.

The Canadian embassy hosted a tribute to the American soldiers who died under Canadian command in Afghanistan. MORE INFO

Mayor Don Iveson speaks to Cpl Carmichael during the troop inspection as part of the 100th Anniversary Freedom of the City celebration on May 23, 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Forty members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Fraser received a glimpse into naval life and operations during a visit to the base May 20. The Corps was accompanied throughout the day by members of the Royal Canadian Navy and shown a variety of units and vessels. Also touring the base was a group of 30 cadets from the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps, having recently arrived from a welcoming tour in Vancouver hosted by their Canadian counterparts.Their day began with a tour of HMCS Yellowknife, followed by a tour of Wolf and Orca, two Orca-class patrol training craft, and Fleet Diving Unit. But perhaps the highlight of their day was a tour of the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg, having recently undergone extensive maintenance and upgrade work under the Frigate Life Extension/Halifax Class Modernization project. Cadets saw the warship’s new and improved combat and engineering systems, including a state-of-the-art damage and fire control system, the small arms locker and a demonstration of the various firearms used by members of the naval boarding party, including a C7 rifle and an MP5 submachine gun. The Corps’ Commanding Officer, Lt(N) Bryan Watson, enjoyed supervising the tour and expressed his pride in watching cadets mature. A graduate of RCSCC Fraser himself, Lt(N) Watson reminisced with a fellow cadet from his corps, SLt Smirnov, Winnipeg’s Dive Officer who was conducting the tour. “It’s fun watching them grow up from shy and timid kids to confident leaders who are comfortable giving a presentation to their peers and others,” said Lt(N)Watson.    Jamie Cook, MARPAC PA Office

 As the sun sets on the Red Sea, the officers onboard HMCS Regina can be seen climbing the ladders to reach the bridge top. They are not wearing their naval combat dress and this is not to reach a better vantage point.   They are formally dressed to honour a naval tradition.    Upon reaching the top, the off-watch officers take a pause to soak in the sights, snap a photo and enjoy the setting sun. This does not seem normal for a group of tenacious and driven individuals deployed in a warship on operations in the midst of transitioning from one mission to another. That is because this is not. The officers of HMCS Regina are honouring the age old of a tradition of wearing Red Sea Rig while having the unique opportunity of sailing in the Red Sea.   This harkens back to the 1800s when the officers of the Royal Navy were expected to wear full appropriate uniforms (think mess kit) to all functions. When they reached the Red Sea, they soon discovered heat and humidity made this quite impractical. In an effort to avoid heatstroke, the officers were allowed to remove their jackets. In the mid 1800s, when British Army personnel were stationed in India, cummerbunds were added, taking after the colourful East Indian kamarband, to enhance the informal look. Over the years this formal dress was adopted by many navies and even some merchant mariners around the world for use in warmer climates at sea. Some navies even allow people to wear miniature medals, as with mess kit; not so much the case with the Royal Canadian Navy where the short sleeve shirt is kept void of any decoration but rank. By 1920 the modern cummerbund was widely used with the pleats facing up to hold opera tickets for men whose tuxedos had no pockets. To add some colour to an otherwise predictable outfit, each branch in the CAF elected a different colour cummerbund.  “What makes...