[caption id="attachment_4880" align="alignnone" width="300"] MCpl Gabriel Auclair trains for the 2013 Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships.[/caption] As he balanced 177kg (390lbs) on his shoulders and chest for just a few seconds, MCpl Gabriel Auclair had a moment of uncertainty as to whether he could win the bronze at the 2013 Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships in Edmonton, Alberta.But with brute strength and a desire to medal, the 28-year-old Aerospace Technician from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron heaved the bar laden with weight equal to two grown men up over his head. This clean lift earned him third place in his weight group in the May 19 weightlifting competition in which competitors attempted to qualify for international events.“The people I was competing against are the best in the country, and to compete alongside them was a pleasure,” says MCpl Auclair.The competition took place in the Saville Sports Centre and featured male and female weightlifters from across the country. Placing in the top three lifters of the “Over 105 kg” weight class in Canada, MCpl Auclair says this competition marks his most important performance to date.“I had an increase of about 30kg (66lbs) in my total weight lifted from two years ago,” he says. “I was really proud of my technique, and how I handled the competition. It was the best competition I’ve ever had.”To prepare for the event, MCpl Auclair trained around the clock, putting away Herculean amounts of food in the process.“I eat around 6,000 to 7,000 calories a day,” he says. “Homogenized milk, eggs, steaks, vegetables, I never stop eating. At first it was tough getting all of it down, but now I’m just hungry all the time.”The huge amounts of calories and protein factor into MCpl Auclair’s training regimen, which is devised by trainer Rob Macklem, whom MCpl Auclair met in...

[caption id="attachment_4834" align="alignnone" width="600"] OS Kelsey Smith and LS Sarah Davill scour a dockyard boat launch as part of the 2013 Great Canadian Shore Cleanup.[/caption] With garbage tongs and plastic bags in hand a small but enthusiastic team took to the task of cleaning the shore of CFB Esquimalt during this year’s Great Canadian Shore Cleanup.The team of military and civilian volunteers scoured Esquimalt Harbour and the surrounding shoreline for debris and detritus. “We had a smaller turnout this year, but it didn’t affect what we were trying to do,” says Lyle Fairley, Environment Officer for the Queen’s Harbour Master and team leader for the Great Canadian Shore Cleanup. “Last year was the first so we were cleaning up years and years worth of garbage and scrap. This year is more like an annual touch up.”The Great Canadian Shore Cleanup is a nation-wide event in which teams across the country collect, sort, and weigh the gathered waste, garbage and scrap to see who can collect the heaviest load.Last year saw over 3,000lbs of materials collected by volunteers, a number Fairley is confident won’t be exceeded this year—which he says is a good thing.“For one, we didn’t have any boats to dredge up this year. We’re hoping we can get some weight collected for the event, but to be honest no garbage is good garbage.”The Cleanup draws volunteers from all parts of the base. LS Sarah Davill is a student at the Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt (CFFSE) Communications School, and says the Cleanup struck her as a way to do some good and get out of the office.“For a lot of us the harbour is our home as well as our workplace,” she says. “It’s important we do what we can to keep our home clean.”LS Davill says she was...

[caption id="attachment_4831" align="alignnone" width="600"] Cadet MCpl Quinn Patton displays aspects of the corps marksmanship program to possible new recruits and their families.[/caption] 2483 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps opened its doors to new recruits and their families, as well as Corps sponsors and donors on Tuesday, Sept 17 as they prepared for their 61st training year.The Interactive Open House saw lots of community interest in the Army Cadet Program in Esquimalt, with the Corps cadets talking to possible new recruits (and their families) about the marksmanship program, band, orienteering, local, regional and national expeditions, as well as what the overall Canadian Cadet movement is all about. Cadets is about:  teaching youth to become better citizens and leaders promoting physical fitness instilling an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces Cadets is a non-profit, Department of National Defence sponsored youth organization for people between 12 and 18 years of age.The Canadian Cadet movement is always looking for new cadets and adults who are interested in becoming a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer supporting this program. As well, there are no mandatory fees attached to being an Army Cadet, and these youth can earn high school credits for various aspects of the Cadet program.2483 PPCLI RCACC parades Tuesday evenings from 6:20 to 9:10 p.m. in the Nixon Gym at Work Point Barracks, with its headquarters, administration and supply located at 455 Head Street in Esquimalt.  If your child is interested in joining, come down on any Tuesday evening and the Commanding Officer and Corps Staff will show you why this is the best youth program in Canada. -Capt Grant Whittla, 2483 PPCLI RC(Army)CC

[caption id="attachment_4828" align="alignnone" width="600"] Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign volunteer PO1 Dori Aubin sells 50/50 tickets as part of Fleet Maintenance Facility's fund raising activities.[/caption] The Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton kicked off their portion of the Government of Canadian Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) during an event Sept. 25 by the dry dock.“FMF provides a large portion of support to this campaign,” said Capt(N) Chris Earl, Commanding Officer of FMF. “We know how important it is to give back to our community, and we look forward to giving this year all we’ve got.”Volunteers took donations and sold 50/50 tickets, all to contribute to the GCWCC and its support of the United Way and Healthpartner organizations.The event itself is part of CFB Esquimalt’s larger fundraising campaign. The fundraising goal of $700,000 was announced Sept. 19 and is one Capt(N) Earl believes his unit can help achieve.“In the past FMF has really raised the bar in terms of donations, volunteers, and good work,” he says. “I know you can be depended on to roll up your sleeves when it’s time to give back.”Capt(N) Earl also spoke on the prevalence of GCWCC funded programs in the community, and the work they do for military members and their families.“You don’t have to go far to see the GCWCC helping people,” he said. “Whether it’s Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Canadian Diabetes Association, or the Single Parent Resource Centre, they’re out there every day supporting the community.”As the event wrapped up Capt(N) Earl expressed his gratitude and pride for the unit he took command of only two months prior.“You are a group of incredibly giving, caring individuals,” he said. “I know if we all work together and do our best we can make this the best year for the GCWCC yet.” -Shawn O’Hara,...

Afghan National Army members conduct an exercise at the Kabul Military Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention.

Coalition forces and the Afghan National Army await the arrival of Gen Tom Lawson, Canada's Chief of Defence Staff at Camp Blackhorse, Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention.

Ukrainian soldiers guard their vehicles during convoy operations training in the Ukrainian International Peacekeeping and Security Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine, during Exercise Maple Arch 2013.

Soldiers from 5th Canadian Division (5 Cdn Div) participate in Exercise Maple Arch on Sept. 18 at the Ukranian International Peace-keeping and Security Center near Yavoriv, Ukraine.

Gill Polard from Island Return It Recycling explains their program to Lane Luckow and Andrew Hawthorne during the Industrial Supplier Trade Show, held Sept. 19 at the Naden Drill Shed.

A bird's eye view of the show floor at the 2013 Industrial Supplier Trade Show, held Sept. 19 at the Naden Drill Shed.

[caption id="attachment_4793" align="alignnone" width="300"] Maritime Forces Pacific’s Senior Command Team and the Interim CEO of United Way hold up their donation forms just before the official Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) kick off, held at the Naden Drill Deck during the Industrial Supplier Trade Show Sept. 19. From left to right: CPO1 Shawn Taylor, Heather Gardiner, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, RAdm Bill Truelove, CPO1 Paul Helston, Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, CPO1 Michel Vigneault and Capt(N) Bradley Peats.[/caption] This year’s goal for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) was announced to thunderous applause at the 2013 Industrial Supplier Trade Show.Base Commander Capt(N) Luc Cassivi  announced CFB Esquimalt’s fund raising goal of $700, 000, stating it is a reachable and reasonable milestone.“We know the military community is one of giving,” said Capt(N) Cassivi. “We’re also a family-oriented one, and the United Way helps fund programs that aid families across the region.”CFB Esquimalt’s goal of $700,000 is a part of a regional goal of $6 million. Capt(N) Cassivi says the United Way and Healthpartners are able to help more people than most might realize.“One in three people receives some kind of help from a United Way funded group,” he says. “This isn’t just a campaign that affects us, it affects a huge portion of our community.”Interim CEO of the United Way of Greater Victoria Heather Gardiner was on hand to speak of the charitable spirit of the military community and of the United Way.“I myself have had support from United Way organizations in the past,” she said. “Without their help, and without the help of the military which is our biggest contributor, many people in our community would have much harder lives. Thank you so much for your help and care.” -Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_4790" align="alignnone" width="300"] Instructor David Rogers from BC Hazmat Management Ltd. teaches a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) course to employees of Seaspan.[/caption] A retired naval captain is changing the way marine industrial training is done in British Columbia.Capt(N) (Ret’d) Alex Rueben best known for leading Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton and serving as MARPAC Chief of Staff, is the Executive Director of the Industrial Marine Training and Research Centre (IMTARC). Last February, the doors to his organization opened in a modest one-story building on the outskirts of Naden. For the first time in B.C. marine history, there is a centralized, specialized facility for marine industrial workplace training, research and development.“Before, many industrial marine employers worked out their own isolated solutions to training their workforces, if they could afford it or made it a priority. In the case of the smaller employers, the training was often unaffordable. Now, IMTARC makes the training affordable and brings the industry together in the classroom where they learn as much from each other as from the curriculum being taught,” explains Rueben. The facility features two classrooms with a 24 student capacity, and a 12-person computer lab with one-touch projection systems and networks that allow direct conference calling to classrooms across the country.“Some of our clients are large organizations with operations in several locations so they need to be connected,” says Rueben. “This lets them offer the same level and fidelity of training to multiple classrooms at the same time.”IMTARC serves the needs of marine industrial organizations by brokering training provided by private and public training service providers, leasing out the   learning facilities, and developing new curriculum for topics such as ship repair industry entry level training (pre-employment course), industrial marine estimating, industrial marine planning and scheduling, industrial marine terminology, and various leadership...

[caption id="attachment_4787" align="alignnone" width="300"] Newly appointed Honorary Captain (Navy) Peter Bissonette, President of Shaw Communications, accepts a toast at his official appointment ceremony.[/caption] The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) grew by one prestigious member Sept. 18 as Shaw President Peter Bissonnette was appointed Honorary Naval Captain.Friends, family, honoured guests and military personnel gathered at the Military Museums of Calgary to see him sworn in by Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence.“It is a privilege to appoint Mr. Peter Bissonnette as an Honorary Naval Captain,” said Minister Nicholson. “As a prominent member of the Calgary business community, I am convinced he will be an excellent ambassador for the Navy and continue to strengthen the vital relationship between the Royal Canadian Navy and industry.” The President of Shaw Communications heard about his naval position nine months ago and says he’s proud to join the naval community.“I sat down with VAdm Maddison in December for the interview, which coincidentally fell on my birthday,” he says. “When I found out that I’d been accepted I thought it was the best birthday present ever.”The Minister of National Defence, on the recommendations from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, is the approving authority for all appointments. These appointments are generally for a period of three years, although extensions may be granted.HCapt(N) Bissonnette’s official appointment took place in his hometown of Calgary. He’s already received his new salt and pepper uniform, which has garnered the praise of his wife Tracy. “She has always loved a man in uniform, so that’s a definite plus,” HCapt(N) Bissonnete says. “When I got fitted for it I took a picture and sent it to her. She’s happy and that makes me happy.” He considers his role as further service to Canada, having already served...

[caption id="attachment_4778" align="alignnone" width="300"] Naval Boarding Party students take a firing position with the Colt Canada C8 rifle. The live fire was part of a training course.[/caption] The crack-crack-crack of assault rifle fire last week signified a completed bullet point on the Naval Boarding Party (NBP) course lesson plan.A group of 20 students from Canada and abroad gathered at Heals Rifle Range in Central Saanich for live fire training.“Live fire training is an integral part of the NBP course,” says PO1 Ian Biller, Senior Instructor for the NBP Cell. “It’s just a small part of the overall curriculum, but it’s a vital and important one.”The eight-day range portion of the NBP course gives students a chance to get acquainted with the standard issue weapons of a Royal Canadian Naval boarding party: the Sig Saur 9mm pistol, the Colt Canada C8 rifle, the Remington 870 shotgun, and the MP5 submachine gun.“We teach them how to operate, care for, clean, and maintain those weapons,” says PO1 Biller. “By the end of the course we hope they’ll have a firm handle on what those weapons do, need, and mean.” Instead of the human shaped target made famous by Hollywood action films and TV cop dramas, students fire at a series of targets, starting with three inch circles to master the fundamentals, and eventually transitioning to human size silhouettes for faster, more realistic shooting skills. “We find when students start off shooting at human size targets they have a tendency to forget about accuracy,” says PO1 Biller. “This way we can call out certain numbers on the target and the students focus on being as careful and accurate as possible.”Live fire training is but a small part of the NBP course’s overall curriculum. Students are also taught the legal process behind boarding a vessel,...

[caption id="attachment_4775" align="alignnone" width="300"] The refurbished units in Belmont Park now have resilient Hardy Plank siding and a fresh coat of paint.[/caption] Open concept design and wheelchair accessibility are just two of the new changes made to seven of the 704 residential housing units (RHU) at CFB Esquimalt. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) listened to feedback by residents and developed an initiative to modernize some of the 60-year-old homes. “We’ve been getting a lot of comments and feedback from residents for things they would change about the housing,” says Anne Corkery, Chief of Business Operations for CFHA. “For instance, we found a lot of residents were using the ground floor bedroom in the units as a dining room due to lack of space.”Work started last year on the Belmont Park homes, which were chosen based on the amount of overhaul required. One home had severe water damage from a broken toilet. Story Construction Ltd. and Aral Construction did the renovations, which included converting a bedroom into dining space. Days of large families have long gone, allowing CFHA to modernize the homes based on current family needs. New roofs, siding, windows, doors, and flooring have transformed the once tired looking homes into contemporary dwellings. They’ve even revamped the interior for better flow.  “It’s important to us that the renovations are long lasting,” says Corkery. “If we’re going to be putting time and money into these houses, they should be of the highest quality possible.”The final touch was accommodating persons with disabilities by widening both the front and back door. “Our goal is to make this housing as comfortable as possible, since some families will be living here for years,” says Corkery.This minor recap project isn’t the only project with houses receiving attention. Last year a kitchen upgrade project was completed...

[caption id="attachment_4771" align="alignnone" width="300"] Angela Lavergne and dog Moxxii train at the Urban Search and Rescue facility at Work Point.[/caption] When Angela Lavergne and dog Moxxii go for a walk, it’s not trails and lakes they head for, but piles of rubble and dense tree lines.Lavergne and Moxxii are urban search and rescue volunteers and have been training in tracking and searching together for almost two years.Lavergne adopted Moxxii as a puppy, and within a year she realized the rambunctious German Sheppard was the “worst pet ever.”“I can’t tell you how many pairs of shoes, books, backpacks, and jeans I had to replace,” says Lavergne, administrative assistant to the Admiral. “She was just so energetic and excitable, no matter how I trained her. I didn’t know what to do.”It was around this time she came to a revelation. “When I would throw a ball for her she would zip out, grab it, and bring it right back to me. Her hunting instinct was very strong, and I thought maybe she could put that to use.”Lavergne, also a member of the Peninsula Emergency Measure Organization (PEMO) search and rescue, began working Moxxii in tracking and says the dog took to the task with a hunger.“We treated it like a game,” she says. “We would have someone run 15 feet away and hide behind a tree. When Moxxii would run and find them we’d give her treats and have a little party, and then do it all again.”Two years ago Angela approached CFB Esquimalt’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, which specializes in search and rescue in urban environments, to use their training area. USAR prepares for a variety of situations, from missing persons to urban disaster rescue, on their simulated training environments in Work Point.“We started training five days a week...

These guys make an in-air refueling look easy during Exercise Vigilant Eagle 2013.

[caption id="attachment_4705" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Algonquin sustained significant damage to its hangar during a tow exercise with HMCS Protecteur.[/caption] Now that HMC Ships Protecteur and Algonquin are alongside HMC Dockyard after a collision at sea Aug. 30, two separate investigations have commenced: A technical survey and a Board of Inquiry.   Algonquin sustained significant damage to her port-side hangar during a towing exercise with Protecteur. “A technical survey is being conducted to determine the extent of the damage to Algonquin,” said Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC). “On completion of that survey, a plan will be developed to repair Algonquin with the goal of returning her to sea as quickly as possible. Protecteur, however, suffered only cosmetic damage that has already been repaired and she is scheduled to return to sea this week.” While the exact cause of the collision is unclear at this time, a Board of Inquiry is being convened to investigate the incident. The Board will examine all the evidence and contributing factors that led to the incident, and make a determination as to the causes. The board will also make recommendations on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collision cut short what was to be a four-month deployment to the Asia Pacific region. Disappointment rippled through the ships’ crews when they realized there would be no trip to Sydney, Australia, for the International Fleet Review, and diplomatic visits to various Pacific Rim nations. “There’s no way around it, it was going to be a great trip for many of these sailors,” says Cmdre Auchterlonie. “But as professional sailors, they responded by taking on the new challenge of doing what it takes to get both ships back to sea.” Both ships stores were filled with supplies, including perishable food items that had...

[caption id="attachment_4742" align="alignnone" width="300"] Amanda Kaluza clears trays and washes dishes at Nelles Block along with Alexandra Lambeck. Kaluza is on the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).[/caption] There is a unique résumé bank available for government employers that unites full-time students with short-term or part-time jobs. The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), established in 1990, is administered by the Public Service Commission of Canada.  The program is open to full-time secondary or post-secondary students in an accredited institution. Applications are added to an e-recruitment inventory, and when a government department needs extra help, possible applicants are pulled from the database.   For Amanda Kaluza, a fourth year anthropology major at the University of Victoria, her application was drawn from the pool, and eventually scored her a job with Base Foods for the summer. This drew a sigh of relief as regular job hunting had garnered no paid employment.      “A lot of places weren’t willing to hire me since I’d be continuing school at the end of the summer,” she says. For the last two months she has donned an apron and helped out in Nelles Block, washing dishes, boxing lunches, and replenishing the salad bar. While it is not the most glamorous work, for a university student with a full work load it’s the best kind of job around - a flexible one. “Base Foods has been very understanding and aware that I’m going back to school,” she says. “They know that it’s a priority for me, so they’re working with my schedule.” She re-applied to work at Base Foods during the fall semester and was granted another few months employment. “Once you’re in the program it’s a lot easier to re-apply,” she says. “The people I work with are so positive and helpful that I wouldn’t...

[caption id="attachment_4739" align="alignnone" width="300"] LCol Chris Linford will be at the CFB Esquimalt CANEX on Sept. 12 to sign his book, “Warrior Rising.”[/caption] LCol Chris Linford is filling the shelves with his book Warrior Rising: A Soldier’s Journey to PTSD and Back, a personal story about his struggles with the illness, and the tools he used to overcome it. To honour his writing journey, there will be a book launch and signing next Thursday, Sept. 12, at the CFB Esquimalt CANEX. “It’s been a long, hard road and I’m glad to finally see the end,” says LCol Linford, a former nursing officer. “I’ve put my heart and soul into this book and to get it out to the public is hugely gratifying.”From noon until 3 p.m. people can meet and talk with the military veteran and learn firsthand about his experience, and buy a copy of his book. “This book is about what happened to me and how it affected my life and my family’s lives,” he says. “I think it’s important to hear about these things directly from me. It affects way more people than a lot of people realize.”The soldier’s struggle began with his deployment to the Gulf War, and continued through his time in Rwanda during the Genocide of 1994, and finally his seven months in Afghanistan at the NATO Role 3 Combat Hospital in Kandahar. At the keyboard he had to re-live the memories that had afflicted so much pain. “It wasn’t easy reliving those memories,” he says. “I had to stop and collect myself pretty often. I still remember those times like they were yesterday and it can be painful.”Following the book signing at CFB Esquimalt, LCol Linford and wife Kathryn will fly to St. John’s, Newfoundland, for the Sept. 19 start to the book...

A naval officer in HMCS Toronto uses a Pelorus compass to verify the bearing of a cargo dhow the ship’s boarding party is inspecting during Operation Artemis.

A Boatswain on HMCS Toronto maintains his proficiency on the .50 calibre machine-gun during skills firing practice during Operation Artemis.

HMCS Summerside sails the waters off the coast East of Talbot Inlet, Nunavut, during Operation Nanook 13.

A search and rescue technician descends and lands after jumping from a Canadian Cargo 130 Hercules during parachute saturation training within the 14 Wing Greenwood aerodrome.

A Search and Rescue Technician conducts a free fall from a Hercules, aircraft during parachute saturation training within the 14 Wing Greenwood aerodrome.