A CF-18 Hornet from 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta, flies in Alaskan airspace on Aug. 25 in preparation for Exercise Vigilant Eagle 13.

[caption id="attachment_4705" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMCS Algonquin sustained significant damage to its hangar during a tow exercise with HMCS Protecteur.[/caption] On Friday, Aug. 30, at approximately 11 a.m. PST, HMC Ships Algonquin and Protecteur collided at sea while conducting exercise manoeuvres en route to Hawaii. Algonquin sustained significant damage to the hangar on her port side while Protecteur sustained damage of a lesser degree to her bow.There were no reported injuries, and both ships have returned to their home port of CFB Esquimalt.The full details of the incident are not yet known but a thorough and rigorous damage assessment has commenced.  The goal is to get both ships back to sea as soon as possible.A Board of Inquiry will be convened to further investigate the incident and circumstances surrounding it, and will make recommendations as to how to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. The ships were conducting a towing exercise where Algonquin was required to make a close approach to Protecteur in order to pass the necessary gear to take her under tow, simulating a loss of propulsion onboard Protecteur.This activity was being conducted as it is a routine training exercise. RCN ships may be called upon at anytime to conduct this evolution in any environment to aid a stricken vessel.This training exercise is necessary so ships are prepared to respond to an emergency at sea in any environment.  Most navies maintain an ability to take another vessel under tow. -MARPAC PAO

[caption id="attachment_4702" align="alignnone" width="300"] CPO2 Jamie Lone, Bob O’Blenis, Jack Panter, Richard Vandekamp, and Jim McEachern dip their tires into the Pacific Ocean following the 2013 cross country Military Police Motorcycle Relay Ride.[/caption] After an 8,338 kilometres trek in the saddle, CPO2 Jamie Lone was relieved to see the Pacific Ocean.The Fleet School Hull Standards Chief returned Sunday Aug. 25 from a 20-day cross-country charity ride that began in Halifax as part of the 5th Annual Military Police National Motorcycle Relay Ride.Flanked by his team of three West Coast riders, CPO2 Lone backed his rear tire in the ocean at Macaulay Point for a salty dip. It was the finale to a ride that began Aug. 6 with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax.“We wanted to give ourselves a physical goal,” he says. “Knowing the Pacific and home was waiting for us on the other side was a pretty great motivator.”As part of the relay, around 125 riders from provinces across Canada joined a leg of the journey, but only four rode all the way across the country.“We would meet provincial riders and they’d ride with us to the other side of their province,” says CPO2 Lone. “It was awesome to have that level of support from riders we’d never met before.”Sleeping in bases and armouries, and eating in legions along the route, the four-member team met hundreds of supporters. Some drove home the reason they were on the ride.“We met a visually impaired girl who had recently applied for funding through the Military Police Blind Fund,” he recalls. “She was such a smart, vibrant young girl and the kind of person we were helping with our ride.”To ensure they made their 20 day time frame, riders were on the road up to 12 hours; for two consecutive...

[caption id="attachment_4699" align="alignnone" width="300"] Meal rations are being reviewed in the field by Ann Delaney (left), Edith Jutras (centre) and Julie Brooks (right).[/caption] This fall, soldiers on exercises at various field units will be eating their lunch with the team from the PMO National Combat Rations Programme who will be hearing comments and opinions on the food and its packaging in an operational environment.  Edith Jutras, Manager of the Program, says ration packs used to have feedback forms inside, but the rate of return was extremely low. She believes being in the field with the troops will build an understanding of what soldiers like and don’t like about their rations, and will help steer improvements in years to come. “The troops will have a chance to meet and talk directly with us,” she says. “In the past few years we have focussed our efforts on improving food taste and variety. Now we will evaluate the packaging in order to make it more in line with soldiers’ needs. We’ve already cut down the number of loose items in the ration pack in response to soldier comments, and we’re looking at switching to reusable packaging if possible.” The PMO National Combat Rations Programme is part of the Directorate of Food Services in the DCOS division and is responsible for the shelf-stable packaged meals that are provided to soldiers in the field. The small three-person team designs the rations and validates requirements, works with industry to develop recipes and new products, contracts for all the components, supervises production and assembly, conducts testing and quality validation, and provides expertise on stock management. Combat rations must adhere to NATO standards for nutrition and interoperability so allied soldiers can easily eat rations during joint operations. The team works years ahead due to a long production and...

Canadian Rangers from the Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, arrive at the patrol camp during Operation Nanook 2013.

Canadian Ranger Sosie from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, is on her way to her patrol camp during Operation Nanook 2013.

Members of the Canadian Navy Dragon boat team, Dragon Anchors, participate in the second race of the day during the 19th annual Dragon Boat Festival on Aug. 17. The festival is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and takes place in cities all over the world.

The Yellow Thunder Havard Team performs at the 2013 Comox Air show celebrating 70 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Comox Valley on Aug. 17

The crowd at the 2013 Comox Air Show, celebrating 70 Years of Royal Canadian Air Force in the Comox Valley Aug. 17.

The Snowbirds perform at the Comox Armed Forces Day and Air Show Aug. 17.

[caption id="attachment_4665" align="alignnone" width="300"] HMC Ships Protecteur and Algonquin are headed to the Asia Pacific Region for Westploy.[/caption] Warmer waters are in the future for HMCS Protecteur and Algonquin as they head south for Westploy. HMCS Protecteur left Monday for the strategic deployment that will see them working closely with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for its International Fleet Review, as well as strengthening relationships with other Pacific Rim nations and trade partners. HMCS Algonquin is expected to leave shortly. “It’s an opportunity for Canada to show its interest in and commitment to the whole of the Pacific Region,” says Cdr Todd Bonnar, Commanding Officer of Protecteur. “The region’s security challenges have been shown to have an effect on international commerce in the way of shipping routes and trade relationships. We’re doing our part to support that security.” Cdr Ryan Tettamanti, Commanding Officer of Algonquin, says this deployment is the kind of trip that entices people to join navy because of its many port visits. “Plus, we’ve got four months of uninterrupted sea time,” he says. “It gives the crew a lot of time to sign off on training packages, and to complete qualifications. It’s such a great environment of learning and progress.” The RAN’s International Fleet Review takes place from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11 in Sydney Harbour and will feature ships from more than 20 nations. The event is anticipated to host 40 warships and 20 tall ships to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RAN fleet’s first entry into Sydney Harbour. “It’s a great way to show our support for our naval allies as well as maintain relations with navies all over the world,” says Cdr Bonnar. “It’s going to be a once in a lifetime event and the crew is very excited.” The Fleet Review is...

Lying on the couch watching TV, Jill Munro came up with an idea that might win her $50,000.Munro, daughter of LCdr (Ret’d) Dave Munro, zeroed in on the “Lay’s Do Us a Flavour Contest” while recuperating from a severe back injury. The contest encouraged Canadians to send in their flavour ideas along with a few key ingredients, from which a group of four finalists would be chosen.Laid up on the couch for months, and desperate for a distraction, Munro took to the contest with a hungry passion. “I probably entered about 10 flavours,” she says. “I just kept thinking about what I would want to eat and the ideas kept coming to me.”Among Munro’s proposed flavours were Balsamic Vinegar, Poutine, Maple Bacon, and Spicy Deli Mustard, but it was her Creamy Garlic Caesar - with garlic, parmesan cheese, and cream - that got Lay’s attention.“I got a call from my parents about three months later saying someone was calling and asking for me,” she says. Creamy Garlic Caesar potato chips was one of four flavours chosen out of 60,000 entries. That earned her a finalist’s $5,000 cheque.  She was flown to Toronto to meet the other finalists, receive media training and conduct interviews.“It was all really cool,” she says. “I’ve never done anything like that, so I felt a bit like a celebrity.”She is now in the running for the $50,000 grand prize, plus one per cent of sales for the duration they are on store shelves.The contest ends in November after the public tastes and votes on line. The four flavours - Creamy Garlic Caesar, Perogy Platter, Maple Moose, and Grilled Cheese and Ketchup – are available in stores for a limited time. “It’s a long time to wait,” says Munro. “I’m just trying to keep my self distracted. I hope it works out.”If she wins the money responsibility will most likely overtake luxury.“I’ll probably pay off my student loans,” she says.To cast your vote online for Creamy Garlic...

[caption id="attachment_4659" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mothers and children participate in the MFRC’s Roots and Seeds of Empathy. Left to right: Maj Angela James and her son Finnegan, Lt Amanda Kihn and her son Mason, A/SLt Melanie Aqiqi and her daughter Scarlett, and Jennifer Hawke and her son Benjamin pose together outside the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre.[/caption] An internationally-recognized, anti-bullying program developed in Canada is hitting its stride at CFB Esquimalt, and helping young children from military families build important skills.  Roots and Seeds of Empathy sprouted eight years ago at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). There are now four groups actively reducing aggression in children while raising social and emotional competence.  The program uses a mother and baby to teach children aged three to five empathy, and to become aware of other people’s emotional needs, as well as their own. The children observe the interaction between mother and baby, and then talk about how the baby might be feeling. Maj Angela James and her baby son Finn participated in the Roots of Empathy program at École John Stubbs School located near the Belmont Park Resident Housing Units.  “It was very meaningful to us,” said Maj James. “It was a real privilege to be a part of these kids’ lives.”She and her son visited the class once a month from October to June with each visit focusing on a new theme. One memorable visit involved a “wish tree” where the children thought into the future and did their own dreaming for her son. The children’s wishes were quite profound: that her son would “grow to be an old man,” “have lots of friends” and “grow big and strong.” When she compared that with her own dreams for her son, she was sincerely touched by what came out of the mouths...

[caption id="attachment_4628" align="alignnone" width="300"] A long line of Air Cadets, 60 in total, made their way into East Sooke Regional Park on Aug. 9 to remove Daphne Laurel and other invasive plants.[/caption] A large group of air cadets - mostly teens between 13 and 15 years of age - were in East Sooke Regional Park on Friday, Aug. 9 to help remove invasive plants. At the same time, another 60 cadets were hard at work in Metchosin doing roadside clean up, as well as dismantling beach campfire sites dangerously close to dry vegetation. The environmental efforts of these 120 cadets - plus another 120 air cadets who were at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse Historic site earlier in July to “wage war on invasive species” – equals 1,260 hours of concentrated effort for the betterment of the communities in Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke. “It was both fun and important,” said Cadet Cat Wang of 513 Squadron in New Westminster of her efforts in East Sooke Regional Park. “We spent the day protecting the environment with our friends in the beautiful forest.” The 240 cadets were from all throughout B.C. on various courses at Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) in Metchosin. The cadets’ contribution to the western communities satisfied program requirements for their respective courses’ community service project. “The development of responsible and caring citizens is one of the most important aspects of the cadet program,” said LCol Carrie Johnston, Commanding Officer. “Cadets regularly participate in citizenship activities in Victoria and other cities and towns across Canada throughout the year." -Lt(N) Peggy Kulmala, AHCSTC Public Affairs    

[caption id="attachment_4624" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Maritime Forces Pacific team performs the traditional skit in front of multi-national teams at Camp Heumensoord after their 40 kilometre march on July 17 during the 97th International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, Netherlands.[/caption] Five time veteran of the International Four Day Marches Nijmegen, CPO2 Koblun says this year’s team was one of the best he’s ever seen.The Chief and his 11-person troop recently returned from the 97th Nijmegen March. This four day event saw thousands of people marching through the Dutch countryside.“They meshed together so well, from a personality and a discipline standpoint,” he says. “Even when things got tough and everyone was hurting, they could still march, smile, and sing. They helped each other through all of it.”The CFB Esquimalt team’s dedication and near superhuman effort secured them the top Canadian honour. On top of finishing the race first out of all the Canadian teams, they were also awarded the Woodhouse Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the top Canadian military contingent at the March; an honour the CFB Esquimalt team has won three years out of the last four years they have participated.“It feels really great to have our training program validated,” says CPO2 Koblun. “The blood and sweat we put into this March isn’t going unrecognized. We work hard and being acknowledged for that is a great feeling.”The tough selection and training process is what put them a step ahead of other participants. They were used to marching 40km a day by the time they landed in The Netherlands.“They started calling us ‘cyborgs’ and ‘robots’,” says CPO2 Koblun. “When we’d get to rest points the other teams would have their boots off, feet up, just crashed. We would still have our boots on and be playing frisbee. It was just the way...

[caption id="attachment_4621" align="alignnone" width="300"] Second World War ace “Stocky” Edwards (left) with Comox Valley artist Brian Scott, who is holding his new painting “19 Wing Perspective.”[/caption] Artist Brian Scott was thrilled when veteran Canadian aviator James Francis “Stocky” Edwards agreed to sign his print “19 Wing Perspective”, which depicts 19 Wing Comox, B.C., and the Comox Valley.“There’s a natural connection between Stocky and 19 Wing Comox,” says Scott. “Stocky’s achievements as a [Royal Canadian Air Force] ‘ace’ pilot during the Second World War, and his post-war leadership, are legendary in aviation circles. He retired in the Comox Valley in 1972, is an honorary member of the Comox Air Force Museum and a lifetime member of the 19 Wing Officers’ Mess.”The prints, signed by Edwards, are available to the public and can be purchased from the Comox Military Family Resource Centre and at Scott’s art studio and gallery in Black Creek, B.C.About James Francis “Stocky” EdwardsWing Commander (Ret’d) Edwards was the top Commonwealth “ace”, flying Kittyhawks against Rommel’s Afrika Korps during the North African Campaign of the Second World War. He was often mentioned in Royal Air Force dispatches for his prowess as a crack shot and his flying skills.Victorious throughout the dangerous Desert Campaign, W/C Edwards then flew Spitfire operations in Europe. He was the first flight instructor on the Vampire, Canada’s first post war jet.  He also led the first wing of F-86 Sabres and served for three years in Europe as part of Canada’s premier front line air defence during the early years of the Cold War. Prior to his retirement in 1972 he also flew Lancaster bombers, Canso flying boats, CF-100s and T-33s.Edwards is a highly decorated veteran. He’s been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar and the Order of Canada and...

HMCS TORONTO (left) and the United States Ship STOCKDALE (right) hook up to US Naval Ship CESAR CHAVEZ (centre) for an underway replenishment in the Gulf of Oman during Operation ARTEMIS on August 16, 2013.

The crew of HMCS TORONTO stands ready while on patrol in the Persian Gulf on August 13, 2013 during OP ARTEMIS. 

Members of the Arctic Response Company Group from 35 Canadian Brigade Group load their equipment on to the Coast Guard ship to be transferred onto Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson near the town of Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Cdr Maritime Forces Pacific, RAdm William Truelove, addresses the ceremony participants during the 21st Annual Peacekeeping Memorial Day Ceremony at the BC Legislature Grounds on August 9, 2013.

Parade contingent at the 21st Annual Peacekeeping Memorial Day Ceremony. The Annual Peacekeeping Memorial Day Ceremony is to recognize the sacrifices of the CAF and Canadian Citizens in the Service of Peace.

Guests of honour and spectators participate in the 21st Annual Peacekeeping Memorial Day Ceremony at the BC Legislature Grounds.

Soar through the air at over 100 Miles an hour into the big blue sky!

A soldier from the Arctic Response Company Group practices firing his weapon in a live fire exercise during Operation Nanook 2013 in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, on Aug. 10.

A CC-177 Globemaster aircraft lands at Resolute Bay Airport in Nunavut carrying supplies and Canadian Armed Forces members participating in Operation Nanook 2013 on Aug. 6.

A Turbo Commander 690 airplane drops coloured water on a wooded area as part of forest fire training during Operation Nanook 2013 in Whitehorse, Yukon, on Aug. 7.

Military members of the Immediate Reaction Unit provided to Joint Task Force North by the Royal 22e Régiment from Valcartier, Québec, during Operation Nanook help the Yukon Wildland Fire Management Department clear brush that could fuel forest fires.