An honour guard from CFB Esquimalt forms up in front of the B.C. Legislature as Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, officially opens the second session of the 40th legislative assembly.

Members of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy march in front of the British Columbia Legislature as the  second session of B.C.'s 40th legislative assembly opens.

Capt Brian Sylvester escorts Judith Guichon, Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. , as she inspects the 5th Field Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment, at the opening of the B.C. Legislature on Feb. 11.

Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, accepts the vice-regal salute from an honour guard during the official opening of the second session of the 40th legislative assembly on Feb. 11.

HMCS Whitehorse in the lead, followed by HMCS Nanaimo depart Esquimalt Harbour on the way to Operation Caribbe on Feb. 10.

[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cpl Dominic Larocque will be competing in the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.[/caption] Cpl Dominic Larocque will represent Canada with pride at the XI Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in March.“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Cpl Dominic Larocque for making the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team,” said General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff. “Cpl Larocque’s drive and determination serves as an inspiring example for us all. This March I urge you to join me cheering on Cpl Larocque, and all of the men and women who will represent Canada as part of our Paralympics teams.” In 2007, Cpl Larocque was deployed with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he was wounded in an improvised explosive device attack. As a result, his left leg was amputated above the knee.Following an extensive rehabilitation period, Cpl Larocque was introduced to the Soldier On Program and to the sport of ice sledge hockey.“In 2010 I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver during the Paralympics. It really inspired me and I decided that I would like to be part of the national team in Sochi. I am extremely proud and excited that my dream has become a reality,” says Cpl Larocque.Military/sport connectionThere is a long relationship between sports and military service in our country. Canadians serving in the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War often took part in games days and other official and unofficial athletic contests. This military/sport connection has continued in the post-war years. Not surprisingly, some of these ‘soldier-athletes’ have worn both a military uniform and an Olympic athlete’s uniform for our country.Paralympic GamesThe origins of the Paralympic Games are closely tied with military service. In the years after the Second World War,...

[caption id="attachment_5798" align="alignnone" width="300"] Runners (left) PO2 Allan Kobayashi and (right) Sgt Dan Bodden meet up with sponsor Dr. Richard McIlmoyle of Achieve Health for a health assessment just before commencing the Wounded Warrior Run BC.[/caption] Five Canadian Armed Forces members have undertaken an arduous journey this week, running from one end of Vancouver Island to the other in the name of mental health. PO2 Allan Kobayashi, creator of the Wounded Warrior Run B.C., began the initiative following his own personal struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “I did everything they told me. I went to therapists, support groups, psychiatrists, and doctors, but I never felt like it was enough,” he says. “Once I got involved with Wounded Warriors I found there was an organization looking to help people just like me, and I wanted to do what I could to contribute back.” The six-day relay style run across Vancouver Island started Sunday in Port Hardy and will end Friday in Colwood. “It’s quite a distance,” says PO2 Kobayashi before the run. “We’re all experienced runners, so I think we’ll be just fine.” That being said, PO2 Kobayashi isn’t looking to take any undue risks for the team. Runners will only be on the road during the day, and will be followed by support vehicles full of food, water, and medical supplies should any need arise. “The only thing we had to worry about was packing on a few pounds before we ran,” he says. “We’ll be shedding more than our fair share of weight running that far.” Money gathered through fund raising will go to Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada. Founded in 2006, Wounded Warriors Canada helps injured CAF members with...

[caption id="attachment_5795" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lt(N) Chris Horsman demonstrates how to use fire fighting hose pipe. Filipino children took part in a tour of HMCS Regina as part of the ship’s outreach initiative in the community of Helping Land during a port visit to Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2.[/caption] The busy seaport of Manila, Philippines, was HMCS Regina’s third port of call during its Operation Artemis deployment; the city provided a welcome five-day break from operations at sea. While on shore leave, a number of Regina sailors participated in community outreach activities in Manila.Members of Regina’s crew accompanied Irene Hansen-Reeder, wife of the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, and Project Pearl (a non-profit organization focused on ending child poverty) outreach workers during a guided tour of Helping Land and a community school in the area. Helping Land is located on the outskirts of Manila and is home to hundreds of people who earn a living by recycling and re-purposing garbage from the city’s landfills. Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world with approximately 12 million people inhabiting an area roughly the size of Edmonton, AB, which in comparison, has less than one million inhabitants. Following the sailors’ tour of Helping Land, children from the community were bussed back to Regina, given a tour of the ship, and enjoyed lunch in the crew café. “It was obvious from their smiling faces they had a wonderful experience, and if the kids had half as much fun as we did then the day was a huge success,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “This day would not have happened without the outstanding efforts of the ship’s company who put their hearts and souls into this initiative.”The outreach activities continued until the end of the port visit when Regina’s Padre,...

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment prepare for a simulated counter attack while Griffon helicopters provide air cover during Exercise Rafale Blanche in Saint-Sylvestre, Québec.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment provide suppress fire with a C6 machine gun and C7 rifles during a simulated attack as part of Exercise Rafale Blanche.

Members of HMCS Montcalm team push their canoe toward the finish line during the 2014 Carnival of Quebec ice canoe race in Québec city, Québec.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George refuels with HMCS Protecteur during exercise Koa Kai 14-1 in the waters near Hawaii.

[caption id="attachment_5763" align="alignnone" width="300"] The dive team of HMCS Regina conducts operations from the ship’s Sea King helicopter in the South China Sea.[/caption] HMCS Regina completed its last set of mission specific workups and achieved high readiness in the Pacific Ocean waters east of Guam while en route to its deployment on Operation Artemis. This achievement was the culmination of months of pre-deployment training. High readiness means a ship is capable of conducting the full-spectrum of combat operations. “Our deployment demonstrates the Canadian Armed Forces’ capability to support our allies and gives Canada an opportunity to operate within a responsive international force,” said Cdr Dan Charlebois, Regina’s Commanding Officer. “It also increases the RCN’s capacity to execute any number of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, regional military engagement, and international diplomacy.” HMC Ships undergo a period of sea training to either achieve standard readiness or high readiness. Standard readiness means a ship is capable of conducting core naval training and executing assigned Canadian Armed Forces continental and expeditionary missions that do not entail the possibility of high intensity, full spectrum combat. Regina’s mission work-ups were tailored to the specific operational scenarios and potential threats that the ship may encounter during Operation Artemis. Mission work-ups included enhanced navy boarding party training with greater emphasis on flag verification boardings and contraband search and seizure techniques, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training at sea. The ship’s company also underwent cultural sensitivity training to improve their ability to interact with the many diverse countries, cultures and people they will encounter. “Regina achieved mission high-readiness due to the outstanding dedication, hard work and positive attitude of the ship’s company,” said CPO1 Janet Graham-Smith, Regina’s Coxswain. “They took each challenge in stride and did whatever it took to get the job done.” Op Artemis is Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the...

[caption id="attachment_5759" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sebastian Preston, 10, (left) and Owen Sparshu, 10, hold on tight during Wolf’s high speed manoeuvres.[/caption] In the deep, cold waters off the coast of Victoria a handful of lucky community members got a chance to hit the high seas in Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessel Wolf (PCT 59).The 16 passengers were on a short voyage as part of a Legion Foundation auction, having bid on and won tickets to sail during the organization’s Christmas fundraising dinner.“I thought it was such an interesting and educational opportunity I couldn’t resist,” says Bridget Preston, who won her ticket along with passage for three others with a bid of $400. “I’ve never had the opportunity to sail on a naval vessel, and I’ve lived in Victoria for so long I had to see it from this side.”“Day sailors” were treated to a sunny and relaxing ride on the waters near Dallas Road, Clover Point, and Discovery Island.They were also shown the speed and manoeuvrability of Wolf during some exercises.“I was surprised as how quick they are,” says Preston. “You wouldn’t think a vessel so large could go so fast and turn so quickly. It was a real joy to witness.”Preston was accompanied by her son Sebastian, 10, and his friend Owen Sparshu, 10. The two got out of school to get a peak at naval life.“It was super fun, I’ve never done anything like this before,” says Sebastian. “We got out of school, which is cool, and we got to see so much cool stuff on the ship. Now we want to join the cadets.”Lt(N) Les Gunderson, Officer in Charge of Wolf for the day sail, says such events are a great opportunity to show the community the other side of the navy.“It’s important we show people what...

Employees of CFB Esquimalt will see a sea of pink come Feb. 26 in support of Anti-Bullying Day.This marks the second year CFB Esquimalt personnel have lent their support to the National Anti-Bullying initiative. The CFB Esquimalt efforts, headed by Nora Johnson, Manager of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and MCpl Kyle Mitchell, one of the MARPAC Safety Representatives, are encouraging personnel to don pink shirts in solidarity with the victims of bullying.“Things went really well last year and I was pleased by the volume of participants, with nearly 500 participants,” says MCpl Mitchell. “This year we saw an opportunity to work more directly within our community by partnering with School District 62, specifically Belmont Senior Secondary School.“They were really responsive to the opportunity to work with. Bullying is a huge issue in schools, especially during high school, so this is a cause close to their hearts.”Belmont’s t-shirt campaign has gotten off the ground thanks to a donation from the Pacific Fleet Club. MCpl Mitchell and EAP approached the school about making their shirts available for sale around the base, further supporting the school’s anti-bullying fund raising efforts. The shirts were designed by Belmont students and will be available for purchase through EAP or MCpl Mitchell. Bullying isn’t unique to schools, as anti-bullying awareness applies to the workplace as well.“It’s not talked about as often because for some reason some people believe bullying can’t happen to adults,” says MCpl Mitchell. “In reality, bullying can occur in the workplace.  We want to make sure anyone who feels like they’re being intimidated or taken advantage of has the resources available so they can feel comfortable coming forward for help.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

A Sapper from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment lifts a heavy piece of equipment used to build a medium girder bridge during Exercise Rafale Blanche in Lac-Etchemin, QC.

Soldiers from the Royal 22e Regiment await helicopter extraction during exercise Rafale Blanche, in St-Sylvestre, QC.

Soldiers from the Royal 22e Regiment establish a perimeter near two Bandvagn 206's before advancing on their objective during Exercise Rafale Blanche, in Ste-Marie de Beauce, QC.

A Sea King helicopter deploys flares during routine flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, east of Guam. The aircraft is deployed with HMCS Regina on Operation Artemis.

HMCS Regina sailors practice fire with a SIG SAUER hang gun in preparation for Operation Artemis. The ship is on its way to the Arabian Sea to relieve HMCS Toronto.

An Esquimalt Tritons men's player reaches to regain possession of the puck in Comox's end during Regional Championships last week. Find the results in this week's Lookout.

A short video about the people who make up your Navy, including civilian employees who contribute to the morale and welfare of military members.

Last week, colleagues, family members, and loved ones were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of CPO2 Gilles Duquette.The 54-year-old Base Accommodations Officer and 29-year member of the Royal Canadian Navy was found dead in his home in Work Point’s Married Quarters Jan. 28.While the exact circumstances of CPO2 Duquette’s death are under investigation, the Defence Community has come out in support of his wife and two children in their time of need.“I’ve put a team in place to provide his family with our full support,” says Cdr Wes Golden, Base Administration Officer in a branch-wide email. “They, like many of us, are struggling to make sense of this tragedy. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn his passing with them.”CPO2 Duqeuette served on a multitude of ships including HMC Ships Kootenay, Annapolis, Vancouver, Huron, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.He was also the veteran of two deployments. In 1989 he deployed to Syria on a United Nations’ mission and in 2002 deployed on Vancouver to Bahrain as part of Task Force South-West Asia.Plans are being made to honour his life and achievements.“He was an exceptional sailor and warrior, and enjoyed a distinguished career in the RCN,” said Cdr Golden. “We will, respecting his family’s wishes, remember him as the warrior he was. We will miss him dearly.”-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_5703" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naden band practices with the University of Victoria Symphony in preparation for their Feb. 7 concert.[/caption] A long anticipated collaboration between the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Wind Symphony, will come together next week for the first time in history. The two groups have been great acquaintances in the musical industry for a long time, but have never performed together quite like this.“This is going to be such a unique experience and a night people will remember for a long time,” says Eugene Dowling, Canadian Tuba professional, Juno Award Nominee and conductor of the UVic Wind Symphony.On Feb. 7 at the university’s Farquhar Auditorium the two bands unite to raise awareness of the Naden Band Scholarship, established in 1994. PO2 Robyn Jutras, a recipient of the Naden Band Scholarship in Music Performance, returns to the stage as a bassoon soloist. “It is very exciting having a previous recipient of the scholarship and former UVic graduate play on our stage again. It is great to have her give back to the scholarship for future recipients,” said Dowling. Lt(N) Matthew Clark, Director of Music and Naden Band Conductor, is thrilled to produce an evening of music of such aptitude and raw talent. “I know this night will be inspiring to all. Not just for listening pleasure but also for the musicians in the audience and University of Victoria students performing along side us. A lot of people are unaware that the Canadian Armed Forces is the largest employer of musicians in Canada. This night will showcase the level of professionalism the Canadian Armed Forces can offer for music enthusiasts seeking a respectable, professional future in music.”One of the awaited works on the program is the massive reproduction of David Maslanka’s...

[caption id="attachment_5700" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Tipper family work an assembly line to build sandwiches to give to the homeless.[/caption] Beyond texting, playing video games and Facebook chatting, it seems unlikely a sixth grader would care about the greater world around them. But that myth is dispelled with 11-year-old Emily Tipper, daughter of a military member, and one of the city’s youngest humanitarians.For the second year in a row she has rallied friends and family to feed the homeless over the holidays. On Dec. 23, 2013, she hand delivered 300 homemade lunches to those in need of a full belly. She achieved this feat by collecting and recycling pop bottles and soliciting donations from Thrifty Foods and Country Grocer. It all started with one conversation that left an indelible mark. “I remember asking a man laying on someone’s door step what he has to eat on Christmas and he told me the homeless don’t have enough money to buy food for Christmas, and that they try to see what they can get at shelters,” Tipper said. “This made me really sad and I wanted to help.” She secured 150 lunches in her first year, and doubled that number last Christmas. Each bag contained one sandwich, two cookies, two oranges, a bottle of water, some candy canes and a book.With a car brimming with paper bags, she started her endeavor in Sooke and made her way through Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt and downtown Victoria. With the help of family and friends each bagged lunch was distributed directly to someone in need. “I even got to know some of the homeless people. At first I was a little scared but once I started talking with them I realized they were just like you and I, just not as fortunate.” Left over lunch bags were...

Trooper Patrick Blais (left) and Cpl Justin Schoenermark stand guard at a sentry point for a control base in Burwash, Ontario, during Exercise Frozen Dragoon on Jan. 22.

Divers from Fleet Dive Unit (Pacific) entertain the crowd outside one of the tanks at Vancouver Aquarium. Watch next week's Lookout for all the details on why they were there.