A collection of welcome home footage from throughout the Afghanistan campaign.

More than 300 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry were at Albert Head, March 9 to 28 for Exercise Spartan Trident.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry practice helo casting from a Sea King helicopter near Albert Head dear Exercise Spartan Trident.

Members of 3rd Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry head out on the water for the dismount entry exercise where they roll off simultaneously into the water and swim to shore.

Soldiers familiarize themselves with the frigid ocean water. More than 300 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry were at Albert Head, March 9 to 28 for Exercise Spartan Trident.

[caption id="attachment_6059" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of 3rd Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) await instructions for the dismount entry exercise where they roll off simultaneously into the water and swim to shore.[/caption] Edmonton-based soldiers spent three weeks on the island jumping from helicopters, zipping around the ocean in rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and earning their sea legs on Orca patrol training vessels.More than 300 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) were at Albert Head, March 9 to 28 for Exercise Spartan Trident. The joint training exercise, which included naval and air assets, helps prepare the army’s light infantry to operate within a joint construct in littoral areas and rugged terrain.    “Light infantry is all about mobility and our ability to adapt,” explained WO Todd McKee. “These training exercises give our soldiers a wider understanding on integrating navy, air force and army tactics into one.” This exercise had platoons rotating through various naval and air force platforms, such as helo casting from a Sea King helicopter, and recovery skills of a capsized inflatable boat, as well as numerous small boat operations in conjunction with the Orca training vessels.“This exercise has proven to be very successful with the comprehensive integration with both the navy and air force. It has exposed our solders to new skill sets within a Maritime environment. Being from Edmonton, we are used to operating within a prairie or mountain environment and have limited experience with maritime operations. This has been a great learning opportunity for these men and women,” said WO Mckee.Such training exercises enable the Canadian Armed Forces to display their capability and preparedness to undertake operations quickly and effectively in any and all regions of Canada or the world. -Kara Tibbel, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_6056" align="alignnone" width="300"] Members of HMCS Regina assist an injured motorist during a traffic accident on a major highway in Tanzania on March 18 during a port visit.[/caption] While on leave in Tanzania March 18, members of HMCS Regina rendered assistance to an injured driver at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on a major highway.The crew members were travelling on Tanzania’s major east-west highway back to the port city of Dar es Salaam when they came upon the accident. A tractor trailer had collided with another vehicle. Damage was so severe the cab of the tractor trailer was crushed, pinning the injured driver in the vehicle. “The situation was chaotic when we first arrived on scene as the injured driver was in significant pain and distress,” said Cpl Wade McAllister. Military members took immediate action to control the scene, direct the rescue effort, provide first aid, and extract the injured driver from the vehicle. Some crewmembers assisted the injured driver, while the others pried the cab open so they could extract the driver. Once the driver was safely out of the vehicle, an individual, who identified himself as a physician, took over his care.Members directed everybody at the scene to return to their vehicles, and then resumed their trip back to their ship. “I am very proud of how they performed as a team under these difficult circumstances and their actions are a credit to HMCS Regina and the Royal Canadian Navy at large,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Commanding Officer of Regina. “The Tanzanians watching us on the highway that day will always remember how the Canadians helped a total stranger in his most desperate hour of need.”Regina is currently at sea conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations off the east coast of Africa as part of...

[caption id="attachment_6052" align="alignnone" width="300"] Liliane Lucarevsci, Human Resources Assistant with Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton’s Records Managment Office, was connected with her position through the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program.[/caption] Friends and co-workers gathered at the Wardroom March 19 to bid farewell to five participants of the Federal Internship for Newcomers program, (FIN) who found temporary employment at CFB Esquimalt.The FIN program is a pilot project between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Emploi et Développement social Canada (EDSC), which connects newcomers to Canada with employers in the Canadian job market related to their job experience.“When I was coming to Canada I wasn’t sure where I was going to work, if I would be able to find work in my field,” says Liliane Lucarevschi, one of five FIN program applicants who worked at CFB Esquimalt over the past six months. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lucarevschi has been working as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant with FMF Cape Breton’s Records Management Office since September 2013. “When I heard about the FIN program I signed up right away. I had all these job search boards and resources at my fingertips. After a while I was able to find administrative work, which was what I did in Brazil. It was perfect.”To be eligible for the FIN program local applications must first be screened by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre to test their experience and English aptitude. Following the application, participants are screened, and if they’re found to be suitable for government work they are invited to a panel interview. From there, managers screen pools of resumes, and offer suitable applicants positions. “I applied for the program in May and was offered a job in September,” says Lucarevschi. “I was surprised but excited at how easy it ended up being. The...

Canadian paratroopers drop from the sky in formation as part of Exercise Royal Gunfighter 2014

A zodiac boat crew from HMCS Regina recovers a practice dummy during a man overboard exercise during Operation Artemis off the coast of Africa.

The naval boarding party of HMCS Regina conducts tactical movement drill practice on the ship's upper deck off the coast of Africa during Operation Artemis.

Two CF-18 Hornets land at Ottawa International Airport after escorting a CC-177 Globemaster carrying Canadian Armed Forces members returning from the last mission in Afghanistan on March 18.

HMCS Calgary enjoys a pleasant afternoon off of Fisgard Lighthouse on March 19.

[caption id="attachment_6023" align="alignnone" width="300"] A commissionaire checks the identification of a contractor working in dockyard.[/caption] On any given weekday, about 1,800 people pass through the main gate of HMC Dockyard. These people are a mix of military members, civilian employees, contractors, visitors and delivery personnel. However, everyone who wants entry to HMC Dockyard, whether on foot or in a vehicle, must be cleared through an Entry Control Checkpoint.   Checkpoints are usually manned by Commissionaires. They require that personnel seeking entry into the Dockyard, or any other Controlled Access Zone, provide to them a valid photo ID. Recently, there has been a slight change to the way ID is checked. Commissionaires now require all personnel to show their ID in a way that enables them to confirm the expiry date on the document, and visually inspect the photo to confirm the identity of the holder. The practice of flashing  ID while slowly driving past the gate is no longer acceptable. Those unable to produce valid identification will be denied access. Although this may slow the flow of traffic, the result is a safer workplace. People are asked to have their ID at the ready prior to arriving at a checkpoint. Force Protection teams such as Military Police and/or members of the Formation Auxiliary Security Force may conduct random security measures such as vehicle and baggage searches. These random searches of personnel and baggage are authorized under Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations (DCAAR’s), which states: As a condition of being given access to any defence establishment, every person shall, on the demand of a security guard, submit to a search of his person or personal property while entering or exiting any such place or materiel or any restricted area within such place or materiel. Where a person refuses to submit to...

[caption id="attachment_6020" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lieutenant Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon (left) and LGen (ret’d) Ken Foster (right) of the PPCLI unveil the PPCLI Centennial Commeorative Envelope from Canada Post.[/caption] In a well-attended gathering in the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture gunroom, Canada Post honoured the history of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).To celebrate the regiment’s 100th anniversary, a special edition envelope was launched. It commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the PPCLI. The unveil date was chosen because March 17 is the birthday of Princess Patricia, after whom the infantry was named. She was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and the youngest daughter of Prince Arthur, who was Governor General of Canada.“Canada Post is honoured to pay homage to PPCLI with this commemorative envelope on a day as significant as today,” said Kevin Pearson of Canada Post, who was on hand to make the presentation. “We believe it is a fitting way to honour the regiment, marking its 100 years of service, and believe it will bring the regiment’s proud and illustrious history to homes across the country.”A historic photo spans the length of the envelope, recalling the “Pats” early days with a placing of a wreath on the Regimental colour in February 1919. A row of images along the bottom capture the Regiment’s participation in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean and Afghanistan conflict, and a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.  The cancel mark features the letters and coronet from Princess Patricia’s royal cypher. The Princess’s two first names, Victoria Patricia are visible on both the stamp and the cancel shown as “VP”.On the backside is a synopsis of the regiment’s history. “This small gesture is part of the larger gratitude felt by Canadians everywhere,” said Pearson. “Anything we can do to recognize the service...

[caption id="attachment_6015" align="alignnone" width="300"] Five HMCS Regina sailors rock out “Takin’ Care of Business” for the Bachman Turner Overdrive tribute video contest. The winner of the contest will be featured on the Juno Awards March 30. Regina sailors are looking for more votes to pull them from second place to first.[/caption] Legendary Canadian classic rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this year. To celebrate this historic accomplishment, the 2014 Juno Awards have organized a contest where people can submit a tribute music video of themselves “Takin’ Care of Business” after BTO’s famous hit song of the same name. Contributing to the contest is HMCS Regina’s rock band Pile O Bones, with a special video of the band rockin’ it on the ship. Regina is currently conducting counter-terrorism and maritime security operations at sea off the coast of Africa during Operation Artemis. Band members are PO1 Joseph Scheubel (lead singer), PO1 Keith Muffty (bass guitar), PO2 James Ward (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Lt(N) Colin Pilkey (lead guitar and backing vocals) and LS Corey Pettipas (drums). Production of the tribute music video was a collaborative effort of the entire ship’s company, including the CH-124 Sea King Helicopter Air Detachment, who incorporated the aerial video shoot within their required training schedule. The video was also produced in a highly compressed timeline to meet the submission deadline of the Juno Awards contest.Pile O Bones “Takin’ Care of Business” tribute music video has garnered enough votes online to be in second place, but they need support to reach number one and win the contest. The winner will be announced during the 2014 Juno Awards broadcast at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 30. “Creating this music video has been a great experience for the...

HMCS Regina's crew performs helicopter maneuvres off the coast of Africa as part of Operation Artemis.

Platoon 1 of the Arctic Response Company Group and Canadian Rangers travel to pick up Platoons 2 and 3 to move to the next position during Exercise Guerrier Nordique in Iqaluit, Nunavu.

Members of the Arctic Response Company Group build a snow wall for protection around their tent during Exercise Guerrier Nordique in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

The Arctic Response Company Group and the Vermont Army National Guard advance to the next position during Exercise Guerrier Nordique in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Cpl Alexandre Bouchard-Cléroux builds a snow wall for protection during Exercise Guerrier Nordique in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

The last Canadians involved in the NATO training mission in Afghanistan fly off in an American Chinook helicopter, on March 12 as they leave the International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Gen Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, returns salute to MGen Dean Milner, Commander of the Canadian Contribution to the Training Mission in Afghanistan, as Canada pulls the last of its troops from Aghanistan.

[caption id="attachment_5985" align="alignnone" width="300"] LS Dave Eason serves up hot food at the Nelles Block service line.[/caption] On Wednesday, diners at Nelles Block and Venture’s galley can stick their forks into some international cuisine. A special menu has been created by Base Foods staff to support International Day for the Elimination of Racism.“It’s a good opportunity to give people something new to try during their lunches, as well as a way to support a good cause,” says MWO David McLaughlin, Deputy Base Foods Officer. “Base Administration is committed to supporting causes like this, and we thought this would be a fun and unique way to throw our hat in.”The menu includes Szechuan Pork Stir Fry, Lahori Red Chicken Karahi, and Mexican Vegetarian Corn.“We tried to pick foods from all across the globe, instead of just one continent or country to give people lots to choose from,” says MWO McLaughlin. “It’s nice to be able to use the unique skills of Base Food staff.”The menu is also an opportunity for the cooks at Base Foods to showcase their cooking skills.“The cooks get a chance to make things they don’t get to make every day,” he says. “With the creativity involved in preparation and the unique choices for people dining at the mess halls, on top of supporting something we care about, it’s a win-win all around.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5982" align="alignnone" width="300"] Anissa Paulsen, Director of Exhibits and Visitor Engagement, stands beside the CFB Esquimalt dry dock model.[/caption] The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is making significant revisions to its naval gallery. The gallery is being revitalized to “celebrate the story of the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Anissa Paulsen, the museum’s director of exhibits and engagement. “The Naval Role in the Development of British Columbia is the working title for the new gallery, which will look at how the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy have both influenced the development and identity of British Columbia throughout history and today. During this project, the museum will explore ways to portray the experiences of current navy families within the context of Canadian naval history. Re-development will occur in three stages, with the first stage focusing on the early history and significance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock. The second stage will feature the first Canadian naval vessel - HMCS Rainbow – as part of a tribute to the anniversary of First World War. Part of the re-development plan is to include a more user-friendly approach to showcase local history so children and adults can engage with the exhibit. As a result, the third stage will include a “life at sea” section where visitors can better imagine life on board a navy vessel; for example, through an interactive display. The first stage of the gallery renewal is currently underway with plans to finish in June 2014. This stage will highlight the importance of the Esquimalt Graving Dock in the development of Esquimalt and the City of Victoria. “Our historic interactions with the water are critical to our identity as British Columbians today,” Paulsen said. “Esquimalt developed around the dockyard and the graving dock was huge part of that development.”The plan to...

[caption id="attachment_5979" align="alignnone" width="300"] Boatswain LS Rebecca Charlesworth makes an announcement on the ship’s communications system.[/caption] Life in HMCS Regina has its challenges. From stormy seas to the daily activities of Operation Artemis (the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) maritime security operation in the Arabian Sea region) crew members are kept busy. However, the one challenge not faced by the crew, in particular women aboard Regina, is their gender.  On March 8, Canada celebrated the United Nations International Women’s Day, and one only needed to look at the formidable women onboard Regina to see the accomplishments Canada has made in terms of gender integration in the Royal Canadian Navy, and more widely in the CAF. The meritocratic system allows women to pursue any role with equal consideration to their male counterparts. CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith is Regina’s Coxswain. As such, she mentors and provides leadership to crew members of all ranks. She is the highest ranking non-commissioned member on board – a commendable position that is still relatively rare for women. The first female Coxswain of a major warship was CPO1 Jan Davis, appointed 2004. CPO1 Graham-Smith’s ambition and industrious attitude helped her overcome the challenges faced when she first entered the CAF 33 years ago. At that time, women did not serve on board warships, in the air or in the field. She felt held back by the limited number of positions she could achieve. Despite that, a 19-year-old Graham-Smith informed her father that she would become a Coxswain in the navy. To which he replied, “That’s impossible, they don’t even let women serve on board ships. How in the world will you ever do that?”The answer? Dedicated work and progressive changes in policy. He is proud that she and the CAF proved him wrong. Canada’s developments throughout the mid to...

HMCS Calgary’s boarding party explain the roles and responsibilities of the boarding party to Sea Cadets from the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp.