Over 50 aboriginal youth taking part in the Raven program utilized Albert Head's confidence course to practice teamwork and take on challenges. LS Joel Lalonde and MCpl Chris Kotrba show youth how to pull themselves across the traverse.

Twenty five years ago - July 13, 1987 - a building at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island opened with the classified mission of providing long-range acoustic tracking of contacts though out the Pacific Ocean.

BGen (Ret’d) Brace took his retirement from the CF in 1996.  BGen (Ret’d) Brace was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002 and has since spent much of his time as a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Outgoing Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific Officer Rear-Admiral Peter Ellis is returning salute to Master of Ceremonies the Deputy Fleet Commander, Captain (Navy) Dermot Mulholland.

A Grumman Avenger vintage aircraft landed at 12 Wing Shearwater on July 26 and was signed over to the Shearwater Aviation Museum. This plane was used from 1950-1958 as an aircraft for the Royal Navy.

[caption id="attachment_1786" align="alignnone" width="300"] OS Dallas O'Dell of HMCS Protecteur hopes to raise enough money so he can rappel down the 13 story CIBC building in downtown Victoria dressed as Boba Fett as a part of the Easter Seals Drop Zone charity event.[/caption] OS Dallas O’Dell plans to trade his Naval Combat Dress for something a little more, or less heroic. On Sept.13, in a patchwork costume resembling the villain Boba Fett of Star Wars, he’ll rappel down the side of the 13 storey CIBC building in downtown Victoria, all in the name of charity. He’ll be doing this as a part of the Easter Seals Drop Zone, an event that raises money to send children with disabilities to summer camp at Shawingan Lake. As a member of the Canadian Forces, OS O’Dell feels it’s important to become involved in the community. “Working with the community is part of our job. It shouldn’t just end at the base,” he says. “I think that Drop Zone is a great cause. I’ll take any chance I can to contribute and be a super hero for a child in need. I think everyone, not just Canadian Forces members, should live by that.” While he admits rappelling down the outside of the towering office building is intimidating, he is just as afraid to not meet his fundraising goal of $1,000, the minimum amount required to participate. “This event is really important to me,” he says. “To put all this effort and thought into it and not meet my goal would be a huge disappointment. It’s for the kids after all.” OS O’Dell is well on his way, having collected more than $300 to date, but he needs more to make the rappel in a quirky costume. To donate, you can contact him directly in...

[caption id="attachment_1763" align="alignnone" width="300"] With a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel as back drop, command of Coastal Division was passed from Cdr James Sprang to Cdr Lorne Carruth in a change of command ceremony last Wednesday. A 
congratulatory hand shake sealed the passing of command.[/caption] Coastal Division said goodbye to a fine leader last Wednesday. In a change of command ceremony on Y Jetty, command of Coastal Division was passed from Cdr James Sprang to Cdr Lorne Carruth. Cdr Sprang will become Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat. At the podium, he addressed the assembled ships companies and reminisced on two years at the helm of Coastal Division. “It feels like just yesterday I was preparing to give the last speech, instead of the first,” says Cdr Sprang. “It has been my privilege to be your Division Commander. I have been humbled by your character and perseverance as you embraced the navy’s motto of ready, aye, ready, and I thank you for your service.” RAdm Peter Ellis, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, was the Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, and took some time to say a few words about Cdr Sprang’s service to the military. “He is a true professional whose dedication to Canada and the navy is inspiring. He’s a great Canadian, and a tremendous leader. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership and his guidance.” RAdm Ellis then addressed Cdr Carruth, congratulating him on his new postings, and the new phase of his career. “Lorne, you’ve got some huge shoes to fill, but I think you’ve got the focus and the determination to do this job,” he said. “I’m sure under your guidance Coastal Division will continue to grow.” Following the address, the papers were signed, officially relieving Cdr Sprang from the post of Commander of...

[caption id="attachment_1763" align="alignnone" width="300"] An art exhibit opening was held on the top floor of the Maritime Command Museum, show casing (left) Mr. Thomas De Vany Forrestall C.M., O.N.S., B.F.A., LL.D, R.C.A. and the amazing collection of paintings he has contributed to the museum.[/caption] The Maritime Command Museum has a new display of sketches by Annapolis Valley-born artist Tom Forrestall. The sketches are his preliminary work before painting HMCS Assiniboine, a mural-sized image that hangs on a wall in the Wardroom.   Forrestall was present for the official opening of the display and, with the assistance of RAdm Dave Gardam, unveiled the focal artwork, an egg tempera painting of Assiniboine in battle with German submarine U-210 in August 1942.    Acting museum curator Rick Sanderson thanked the 76-year-old artist for his contribution of sketches. “For me as a curator, it’s important to know the history that these sketches represent,” said Sanderson. “When you look at these sketches, there is a beauty to them. I find it a fascinating look into the mind of an artist.” Each sketch was made in preparation for the mural-sized painting that depicts the painter’s view of a battle at sea. “You have certainly captured the life of the mariner,” said RAdm Gardam. “Everything from the quality of light to the sea state contributes to the realistic and accurate effects. For those of us who have stood on the bridge [of a ship] you have captured our memories with precision.”   RAdm Gardam presented Forrestall with a MARLANT Certificate of Appreciation in acknowledgement of his service to the Royal Canadian Navy. In his remarks, Forrestall thanked LCdr (ret’d) Doug Thomas, who acted as a consultant from 2004-05 during the creation of the painting. He also expressed his appreciation for the navy and their support of his...

More than 50 aboriginal youth taking part in the summer Raven program challenged a course at Albert Head called the confidence course. This course focuses on teamwork and leadership to overcome barriers. [caption id="attachment_1735" align="alignleft" width="630"] More than 50 aboriginal youth taking part in the summer Raven program challenged a course at Albert Head called the confidence course. This course focuses on teamwork and leadership to overcome barriers. Seen here two instructors show the youth how to get over one of the obstacles.[/caption]

Tamra Nettagog, 17, prepares to dismount from one of the obstacles in the confidence course at Albert Head. She is one of more than 50 aboriginal youth taking part in the summer Raven camp program. [caption id="attachment_1732" align="alignleft" width="630"] Tamra Nettagog, 17, prepares to dismount from one of the obstacles in the confidence course at Albert Head. She is one of more than 50 aboriginal youth taking part in thesummer Raven camp program. The confidence course builds on teamwork, strength and overcoming obsticles and barriers.[/caption]

Ships sail in formation during RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise which ended Aug 3. The exercise included more than 1,400 Canadian Forces members. [caption id="attachment_1729" align="alignleft" width="630"] Ships sail in formation during RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise which ended Aug 3. The exercise included more than 1,400 Canadian Forces members.[/caption]

The CFB Tritons men's and women’s slopitch teams competed against three games each against CFB Comox during the slopitch tournament held July 24-26. Winning the tournament was the womens' team from Esquimalt and the men's from Comox. [caption id="attachment_1726" align="alignleft" width="630"] The CFB Tritons men's and women’s slopitch teams competed against three games each against CFB Comox during the slopitch tournament held July 24-26[/caption]

A Cormorant search and rescue helicopter hoisted an injured hiker to safety on Aug 2 after he fell 45 feet down a snowy slope while climbing the Golden Hinde in Strathcona Park. [caption id="attachment_1721" align="alignleft" width="630"] A Cormorant search and rescue helicopter hoisted an injured hiker to safety on Aug 2 after he fell 45 feet down a snowy slope while climbing the Golden Hinde in Strathcona Park.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1712" align="alignleft" width="630"] HMCS Regina’s crew poses for a photo during a port visit in Pearl Harbor Hawaii when Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Walter Natynczyk and His Excellency the Right Honouralbe David Johnston Governor General of Canada visited the crew.[/caption] HMCS Regina’s crew poses for a photo during a port visit in Pearl Harbor Hawaii when Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Walter Natynczyk and His Excellency the Right Honouralbe David Johnston Governor General of Canada.

[caption id="attachment_1702" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ships participating in RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise, sail in formation in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands.[/caption] After months of preparation and weeks of training, 25,000 personnel from 22 nations breathed a collective sigh of relief as the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2012 came to an end.   Conducted in operating areas on and around the Hawaiian Islands and in the Southern California exercise areas, the world’s largest maritime exercise officially ended Aug. 3.  The exercise included more than 1,400 Canadian Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. “I am truly pleased with what we have achieved as part of this exercise,” said Rear Admiral Ron Lloyd, the Deputy Combined Task Force Commander and the senior Canadian participating in the exercise. “The challenging scenarios allowed Canadians and our Pacific Rim partners to develop the skills we will need to work successfully with each other, wherever we may be called upon to deploy.”  Royal Canadian Navy participation in the exercise included Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Algonquin, Ottawa, Brandon, Saskatoon, Victoria and Yellowknife, as well as two teams from the Fleet Diving Unit stationed in Victoria, B.C.   The Royal Canadian Air Force provided four CF-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft from 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., and 19 Wing Comox, B.C.; seven CF-188 Hornet fighter jets from 3 Wing Bagotville, Que., with augmentation from 4 Wing Cold Lake, A.B.; and two CH-124 Sea King detachments assigned to Algonquin and Ottawa.  The Canadian Army provided more than 122 members from the 2nd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) including augmentation from 1 PPCLI, 3 PPCLI, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment and 1 Field Ambulance.  Finally, more than 100 members of the Canadian Forces occupied a variety of staff and leadership positions within the exercise. “A...

[caption id="attachment_1697" align="alignleft" width="300"] On 20 July 2012 at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Wardroom, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific Rear Admiral Bill Truelove presents the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Dolly Desjarlais, who accepst the award on behalf of her late husband Leonard "Len" Desjarlais.[/caption]                     It was an emotional moment for Dolly Desjarlais July 20 when she accepted the Diamond Jubilee medal on behalf of her husband Leonard. Only weeks before, Leonard Harry Desjarlais lost his battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. RAdm Bill Truelove presented the medal to Dolly, Leonard’s wife of 53 years, and Norval, his younger brother, at the Wardroom.  “Very few Canadians will be honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, and Leonard deserved it on many levels,” said RAdm Truelove. “With this medal, we are honouring a great leader, a great Canadian, and a great veteran.”  Leonard served in the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from 1951 until 1964. He fought in the Korean War, most notably during the counterattack at the Battle of the Hook in May of 1953. After retiring from active service, he became a member of the Korean Veterans Association of Canada and the National Aboriginal Veterans Association. Last April, Leonard escorted a fallen comrade for burial in Korea. It was this dedication to his comrade, his fellow veterans, and the First Nations communities that earned him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. In recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne, the Government of Canada unveiled the Diamond Jubilee medal. The medal recognizes significant contributions by Canadians to their communities. Leonard is survived by his wife, Dolly, his children Len Jr, Marvin, Michael, and Corinne. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Morgan, Graham,...

[caption id="attachment_1690" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sgt Dan Bodden of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre recently completed a 515 mile bicycle race across Oregon State.[/caption]                    The human body has limits, but no one seems to have told Sgt Dan Bodden.  The search and rescue technician at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre scratched another high intensity race off his bucket list July 22 when he finished the Race Across Oregon.  For two days he rode his bicycle non-stop across the Oregon countryside, racking up 828 kilometres. The bicycle race starts and ends in Hood River, Oregon, and offers up 40,000 feet of vertical climbs through the mountains that dot the state. Sgt Bodden has been competing in endurance sports for almost 20 years. He has completed a number of Ironman Triathlons, and twice the Hawaii Ultraman Triathlon, a three-day event that circumnavigates the Big Island of Hawaii.  This particular course was tough, even for him.  “There isn’t a lot of flatland. If you’re not ascending, you’re descending. There isn’t a lot of time to rest. You really have to stay alert.” The plan was to complete the race in 36 hours. But the best laid plans can lead to exhaustion, forcing him to extend his time in the saddle into the next evening.  “I took a 20 minute nap, but besides that I hadn’t slept, having trained for that.  I really suffered that second day, and it obviously slowed me down significantly,” he says.  Sleep deprivation lead to hallucinations for most of the second night.  “I started seeing animals and people on the side of the road that weren’t there. For a while it was kind of funny, but after a couple hours it really became a problem. I didn’t know what was real.” ...

HMCS Regina arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 17 2012.

HMCS Charlottetown meets up with USS Abraham Lincoln to conduct exercises in the Arabian Sea while on Operation ARTEMIS on July 6, 2012.

Soldiers from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Tonga and United States stand on the flight deck on amphibious assault ship USS Essex in Honolulu, Hawaii, for manning the rails exercise. 

Soldiers from the non-combatant evacuation operation company, 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry from Shilo, Manitoba, warm up before conducting Close Quarters Combat (CQC) training on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex as part of RIMPAC exercises.

The Hon Peter MacKay (left), Canadian Minister of National Defence, and RAdm William Truelove (right), Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, visit the USS Arizona Memorial to honour victims of the attack on Pearl Harbor (two of whom were Canadian), on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

A vintage Grumman Avenger aircraft purchased by the Shearwater Aviation Museum Foundation is to be included into the SAM’s naval aviation collection.

Each military member has his or her own unique way to say “I love you” to the people they leave behind when deployed HMCS Regina Naval Communicator LS Devin Maxwell chose to write 241 love letters to his wife Crystal – one for each day he would be away. Several hours after the ship sailed away on July 3, Crystal learned of her husband’s expression of love and was so touched she decided to share it on “reddit.com”, a social news website where users exchange thoughts on various topics. “I simply couldn’t believe he did this. I was so touched,” she said. “It was such a great surprise and such a sweet story I wanted to share it.” Crystal soon learned about the incredible power of social media. The post went viral and soon after she received an interview request through Reddt.com from a Globe and Mail reporter. The day after it was published there were more than 26 million hits to the website. “I had no idea it would get this big,” admitted Crystal. “I received calls from CTV, Global, CHEK, and Shaw shortly after.” Each wanted to cover the heartfelt story – one example of a couple’s love separated by duty. “I have received a lot of wonderful responses from people online. I believe it is really inspiring people and it made me happy to make them so happy,” said Crystal. Though the overwhelming response has been positive, Crystal has received some negative feedback. “One military spouse expressed resentment at the attention being drawn to Devin’s gesture and said she felt the story diminished the service of the other sailors onboard Regina.   Of course this was never the intent and it made me sad that someone would react in this way. I know firsthand how difficult it...

A medical emergency had HMCS Vancouver making a u-turn on its way to Hawaii with HMCS Regina.  On July 11, Cdr David Mazur, Commanding Officer of Vancouver, received a report from medical personnel that a crew member was experiencing a serious medical issue.  The ship was out of helicopter range, and 1,800 nautical miles away from Hawaii.  The captain decided to change course and bring the ship to a destination where “We knew the patient had to get ashore, probably in the next 24 hours or so,” said Cdr Mazur.  When the sailor’s condition worsened, extra measures were taken.  “It became clear the patient would need potentially life-saving surgery within the next few hours, so we had to find a way to meet search and rescue a lot sooner,” recounts the ship’s captain. Engineers revved up both engines and took manual control. They also drained the ballast tanks to make the ship lighter so it could travel faster.  Vancouver rendezvoused with a Comox search and rescue helicopter 240 miles off the shore of Vancouver Island, marking the farthest possible trip by a Cormorant helicopter. The patient was airlifted off of Vancouver at 2:30 a.m. July 12 and taken to Victoria General Hospital for surgery. The sailor was released from hospital two days later. Vancouver won’t be heading back to Hawaii.Cdr Mazur says the display of teamwork between Vancouver’s crew and search and rescue, and getting the crew member to safety was what was important.  “It all went very smoothly,” says Cdr Mazur. “The work that was done between the crew, the engineers, and search and rescue made it so we could get the patient the medical attention they required.” Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer

[caption id="attachment_1636" align="alignleft" width="300"] Base Commander, Capt(N) Bob Auchterlonie; Chris Alexander, Ulrich Suesser and Chief of Staff, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi pose for a photo following a press conference announcing a major project.[/caption] Weather watching just got a boost.  Last Tuesday, Chris Alexander, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of National Defence, announced a $61,980 contract has been awarded to renovate the Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre (METOC) at CFB Esquimalt.  Joining him at the Wardroom was Base Commander, Capt (N) Bob Auchterlonie; Chief of Staff, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi; and Officer in Charge of METOC, Ulrich Suesser. Two other bases - CFB Gagetown and CFB Halifax – are being upgraded, collectively part of the $28.1 million Canadian Forces Weather and Oceanographic Service (CFWOS) Transformation Project. “Weather services play a vital role in the operations of our personnel on all three coasts, and on deployments around the world,” said Parliamentary Secretary Alexander. “This project will help to achieve better results for our men and women in the field who depend so heavily on accurate information to make crucial decisions for the safety and security of Canadians. This project will make Canadian Forces weather more centralized, support technology and create a constant global weather watch, and allow us to deliver weather to our commanders on shore and at sea. Having accurate weather reports is especially important for our sailors and search and rescue technicians.”  The project includes the construction of a new wing at CFB Gagetown, renovations of the Meteorological and Oceanographic Centres at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax, personnel relocation and the procurement of new information technology systems. Stantec Consulting of Edmonton has been awarded the contract for design work associated with renovations at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax, while the $5.1 million contract for construction of CFB Gagetown’s new wing has been awarded to...

The latest test for Victoria’s systems and training was opportune, and the success at RIMPAC signifies an important milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine programme.  

The Royal Canadian Navy Dragon Anchors Dragonboat team celebrates after a very strong finish at the 2012 Save On Foods Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival.