[caption id="attachment_25250" align="aligncenter" width="594"] The HMCS Summerside team tasked with recovering a runaway buoy, from left: S1 Bruce, S1 Freeman, and S2 Hynes. Photo by S1 Pollitt, HMCS Summerside[/caption]Lt(N) Dan BannermanHMCS Summerside––HMCS Summerside was tasked Jan. 19 as Ready Duty Ship to recover a TRIAXYS directional wave buoy that had broken free of its mooring and was drifting at sea. The 500-lb buoy posed a threat to the safe of navigation of vessels off the coast of Nova Scotia and needed to be recovered quickly.Summerside slipped its berth in HMC Dockyard at 8 p.m. and proceeded to sea, making way towards the buoy’s last known location. The buoy was still functioning and sending regular updates, which made the task of finding it easier. After a 14-hour overnight transit, Summerside located the buoy off the southeast coast of Nova Scotia. The ship’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) was launched and the sweep deck was set up to recover the buoy. The RHIB crew – composed of S1 Bruce, S1 Freeman, and S2 Hynes – proceeded to the buoy and attached a bridle necessary for the crane to hook up in order to safely lift it on board. Thankfully, the seas were much calmer than some of the previous recorded heights the buoy had encountered through its days at sea.The RHIB towed the buoy alongside Summerside and, using the ship’s crane, brought it safely on board. The RHIB was then recovered and Summerside returned to operating areas near Halifax to conduct planned operations with HMCS Moncton. The directional wave buoy is produced by AXYS Technologies, deployed and operated by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), and was moored off the coast to collect wave statistics. This data includes wave height, period, acceleration and direction, and can be used for operational purposes, research...

[caption id="attachment_25245" align="aligncenter" width="595"] HMCS Halifax, left, the Standing NATO Maritime Group One flagship, conducts task group manoeuvres and a replenishment-at-sea with German Navy warships FGS Spessart and FGS Baden-Württemberg during a Passing Exercise in the North Sea on Jan. 28. FGS Spessart is the German Tanker. Photo by S1 Bryan Underwood, Imagery Technician, Royal Canadian Navy[/caption]LCdr Mark Fifield SNMG1 PAO––Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) led by the SNMG1 Flagship HMCS Halifax conducted a series of passing training exercises with the German Navy in the North Sea from Jan. 26 to 29.A PASSEX or “Passing Exercise” refers to training with the national navies of our NATO Allies and partners when passing through, or nearby their territorial waters. In this particular case, SNMG1 was transiting through German waters and had a scheduled port visit at the naval base in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Conducting frequent military-to-military interactions and high-intensity training activities among naval forces increase common knowledge and familiarity of each other’s maritime platforms, capabilities, tactics, techniques and procedures. This PASSEX presented opportunities to enhance joint operational readiness and interoperability among participating naval forces for the mutual benefit of all involved. These efforts pay future dividends by improving NATO’s collective capability to respond in a timely and effective manner to threats to maritime security and commerce in the region and around the world across the full spectrum of operations.“The multinational vessels that comprise SNMG1, including their embarked air assets, have an intensive program of operational patrols and training exercises scheduled with various NATO Allies and partners in our designated Area of Operations,” said Commodore Bradley Peats, Commander SNMG1. “This PASSEX was the first among many that will be conducted during this semester and was executed very well, providing us with a solid foundation to build upon in the coming months.”SNMG1 vessels Halifax...

[caption id="attachment_25237" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Captain(Navy) Scott Robinson, Deputy Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, is the Task Group Commander for Task Group Exercise 21-01[/caption]Lt(N) Jeff Klassen Public Affairs––“I haven’t really had time to play video games since my kids were born,” said Captain(Navy) Scott Robinson while under strict quarantine at a local hotel last week. He was able to pass the time playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on his PlayStation 4.This week he won’t be as relaxed as he takes charge of five Canadian ships, one Canadian submarine, aircraft from two Canadian air force squadrons, and several U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard sea and air assets, all of them performing simultaneous complex maneuvers and exercises in a dynamic maritime environment.Capt(N) Robinson, who is the Deputy Commander for Canadian Fleet Pacific, is the Task Group Commander for Task Group Exercise (TGEX) 21-01, an exercise that runs from Feb. 8 to 19. It is largely focused on getting West Coast ships and crews ready for upcoming and future deployments.HMCS Calgary is preparing for its upcoming Operation (Op) Artemis and Op Projection deployment to the Asia-Pacific region and Middle Eastern waters. HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon are preparing for their Op Carribe deployments in the eastern Pacific Ocean.A naval task group is a grouping of maritime vessels and aircraft (ships, subs, helicopters, etcetera) working together towards a common objective. Canada, for example, sent a task group as part of its humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (for Op Unison) and as part of relief efforts after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti (for Op Hestia).The Task Group Commander is in charge of the entire task group. For Capt(N) Robinson, this means coordinating all the scenarios, boardings, and maneuvers during the exercise.“While ships’ captains are responsible primarily for their own crews, the Task Group staff and...

It is easy to see the vital role the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) play in keeping Canada safe and secure. Families are a major source of support and strength to CAF personnel and integral to military success.They also face challenges and make sacrifices; it’s not just the member who enrols and serves.Families act as a support system for members as they deal with the unique challenges of military life. My office is the only formal recourse mechanism for issues related to the Department of National Defence (DND) and CAF available to them; a role we take seriously. We address military family concerns through a variety of means, including answering calls through our toll free number and investigating complex issues. We can help get processes back on track and ensure family members are treated fairly by the DND and CAF. We help connect military families with resources to address their concerns, as well as regularly update information on our website and social media channels to help them navigate the complex DND/CAF system. We hope this helps them better understand their eligibility for services and benefits.When issues arise that appear to be more systemic in nature, we consider an investigation to dive deeper into the issues. We produce public reports with recommendations to the Minister of National Defence, as necessary, and follow up with progress reports on our website. The recommendations made in our reports are intended to bring long-lasting positive change to the Defence community.In 2013, we released our first report on families, On the Homefront: Assessing the Well-being of Canada's Military Families in the New Millennium. This report focused on the vital role played by military families. We made 18 recommendations to address issues such as continuous employment for military spouses, access to housing and health care, and long- and...

For more informaton and RATES CLICK HERE

[caption id="attachment_25160" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sgt Allison Geddes hugs TV personality Rick Mercer in Afghanistan where she was part of the Mission Closure Unit. Photo submitted[/caption]The hustle and bustle of travel and changing surroundings has always been a central theme to Allison Geddes’ life.The 36-year-old Sergeant grew up in a military family that made many moves, and that continued when she joined the Canadian Army in 2001 as a reservist with the Canadian Scottish Regiment in Victoria, B.C. A year later she switched to 741 Communications Squadron and while attach posted to 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Singal Squadron she completed a tour to Afghanistan in 2006 before joining the Regular Forces as a Traffic Technician in 2007.In 2019, she moved back to Victoria from CFB Petawawa to take on a new position as J4 Movements Supervisor with the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific).Traffic Technician’s plan, execute, and manage movement of Canadian Armed Forces equipment and personnel. They use all modes of transport from any local, regional, national, or international location in support of Canadian Armed Forces exercises and operations.Her current job as J4 Movements Supervisor with the RSCU(P) had her creating intricate travel itineraries for cadets and military personnel, that is until COVID-19 halted all travel.“What I learned from a young age about travel, logistics, and planning is that in order to make a smooth transition from one place to another, you need to have a plan.”Working for the cadets is like going back to where her career started.She was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets for four years while her family lived in Kingston, ON - joining at the encouragement of her mother, MCpl (Retired) Joanne Geddes.Before the pandemic hit, her days were filled booking travel for B.C. cadets  locally and across Canada for summer and...

2Lt Jamie Boparai Base Administration––People take the oath of allegiance when joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for many reasons. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Seamus Maguire did so while pursuing his dream and coolly calculating his future. “I was playing Junior A hockey for the Crunch in Cochrane, AB, and I was being recruited to play hockey for universities in the United States. My goal was to continue my hockey career while attending a good school, hopefully with a scholarship attached.”However, as fate would have it, near the end of his 2016 season, A/SLt Maguire was approached by a hockey scout from the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, ON. While a formal hockey scholarship was not technically offered, the result of accepting his offer to play hockey at RMC would have similar outcomes with the added benefit of walking into a proud professional career upon completion of his schooling. This was enough to convince A/Slt Maguire that joining the CAF through the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) would afford him to play at a higher-calibre of hockey while having his education paid.“I ended up weighing my options with other schools that had an interest in me at the time and RMC seemed like a great opportunity to develop myself as a person and find a fulfilling and rewarding career path. I am really happy with this decision and it ended up working out so well that I don’t think much about what life might have been like chasing a professional hockey career.”A/SLt Maguire attended RMC for four years, playing hockey and earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Unfortunately, his final year was interrupted by COVID-19. RMC shut down in March 2020 and he was sent home to Victoria to complete the remainder of his studies and final exams through distance...

Sub-Lieutenant Spencer Lee and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Scott FerrisHMCS Queen Charlotte––It's not often one gets to be the first-ever recipient of a military recognition award, but on Jan.13 that was the case for a naval reserve sailor from HMCS Queen Charlotte.Master Sailor Rachel McCarthy was the first recipient of the Vice-Admiral Mark Norman Leadership Award. VAdm (Retired) Mark Norman presented the award bearing his name to MS McCarthy on behalf of the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF). The award recognizes a serving shipmate of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) whose outstanding efforts have made a significant contribution to the overall quality of life and well-being within the broader naval community. MS McCarthy's contributions were noted for selfless dedication towards bettering the quality of life and service within the navy, outstanding contributions to the overall well-being of the broader naval community, and advocacy for physical fitness and mental health. In presenting the award during an Honours and Award Ceremony held at HMCS Queen Charlotte, VAdm (Ret'd) Norman said, "It's most often the case these awards are named for individuals who are no longer with us. I, for one, am really glad that's not the case with this one." He added he was grateful to the RCNBF for the opportunity to collaborate with the organization and continue its remarkable legacy of supporting navy members and families. The ceremony was attended by Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; Commodore Michael Hopper, Commander of the Naval Reserve; and other provincial and federal dignitaries who took part in the ceremony virtually."I am very proud of Master Sailor McCarthy,” said Lieutenant-Commander John W. MacDonald, Commanding Officer of HMCS Queen Charlotte. "This current award continues to show the calibre of sailors within our unit, and we will continue to mentor and guide them to...

[caption id="attachment_25116" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Kim Barthel[/caption]Jon ChabunMFRC––When Theoren Fleury did a presentation for CFB Esquimalt in February 2020, it was captivating. In his talk, the former hockey player repeatedly referenced an occupational therapist and the co-author of one of his books Kim Barthel. On Feb.11, the military community will get to hear from whom Fleury calls “the Wayne Gretzky of therapy.” Barthel, in partnership with the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), will present on how we can help our children be their best selves. Kelly Aucoin, children services coordinator at the MFRC, vividly remembered Fleury referencing Barthel every few minutes.  “It was amazing,” said Aucoin of Fleury’s powerful presentation. “He referenced her so much. He had a brutally honest storytelling style that had an impact on everyone who attended.”The MFRC took the hint.  First, they contracted Barthel to do workshops for staff and now she will do a presentation for military connected parents. “Everybody could use new strategies when it comes to parenting,” said Dana Rogers, a MFRC social worker who has seen parents struggling over the past year. “She gives people ‘a-ha’ moments. Kim is a world-renowned speaker with such a wealth of knowledge. She is also very relatable. She comes from a place of curiosity, not judgment. She makes it very comfortable.”   In addition to being a sought-after speaker, Barthel’s expertise includes trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, neurobiology and mental health. In May of 2019, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists honoured her with the Award of Merit. As an author, Barthel co-authored Canadian National Best-Seller Conversations with a Rattlesnake: Raw and Honest Reflections on Healing and Trauma with Theoren Fleury in 2014. Helping Our Children Be Their Best Selves with Kim Barthel takes place online via Zoom Thursday Feb. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register for the session,...

[caption id="attachment_25111" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sub-Lieutenant Kathrine Hembruff takes a bearing on HMCS Calgary from the port bridge wing of HMCS Regina during Exercise Trident Fury Dec. 3, 2020, while sailing in the West Coast Firing Area off the west coast of Vancouver Island. File Photo by Master Corporal André Maillet, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Hundreds of sailors from five Royal Canadian Navy warships are quarantining in Victoria hotels this week in preparation for Task Group Exercise (TGEX) 21-01. The training exercise takes place Feb. 8 to 19 off Vancouver Island and is being hosted by the Royal Canadian Navy. TGEX 21-01 will involve approximately 800 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces, United States Navy (USN), and United States Coast Guard (USCG). Approximately 225 personnel from Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina are at sea after completing a mandatory isolation early in the new year. Meanwhile, crews from HMC Ships Calgary and Whitehorse and submarine HMCS Victoria are currently isolating, with HMC Ships Brandon and Saskatoon set to quarantine next week to minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at sea. Capt(N) Scott Robinson, Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, will command the exercise from Regina. “Through a combination of regular COVID-19 testing, daily check-ins, quarantine, and guidance from the Fleet Surgeon and Defence Research scientists, our objective is to reduce the likelihood of a missed infection by as much as possible,” said Capt(N) Robinson.The exercise will take place in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Georgia Strait, and off the west coast of Vancouver Island.TGEX 21-01 will also involve air detachments from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron and two CH-148 Cyclone helicopters. One Cyclone and its crew will integrate with Regina for a period of the exercise, while the second will embark in Calgary. A CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and crew...

[caption id="attachment_25100" align="aligncenter" width="594"] HMCS Halifax conducts warfare training in the operations room simulator at CFB Stadacona while masked and socially distanced as the ship prepared for its Operation Reassurance deployment.[/caption]LCdr Mark FifieldSNMG1 PAO––COVID-19 has impacted all of us on both a personal and professional level.  Institutionally, it has challenged us to adapt our training, technical, and personnel management processes in innovative ways. Preparations for HMCS Halifax’s departure on Jan.1 were no different, with the added complication of an aggressive timeline to ensure the ship was technically ready, crewed, and trained to succeed in operations. HMCS Halifax’s team met these challenges right from the beginning, having to perform major maintenance and readiness training while under various states of provincial restrictions on movements and workforce availability. This required creative solutions to ensure the program moved forward.“This pre-deployment period presented challenges that our team had never faced before as we had to improvise and work harder to make sure we met high readiness status prior to deploying,” said PO2 Greg Cousineau, Halifax Operations Room Supervisor. “It’s not only the motivation and hard work that our sailors put in that allowed us to exceed expectations, but also the families at home who supported us and enabled us to perform to the level that we did.” Whether it was leveraging technology to hold training from sailors’ homes to isolating on board while alongside to conduct training that would normally be held at one of the schools, the Halifax team and Maritime Forces Atlantic support services worked tirelessly to successfully achieve all of the milestones toward the ship reaching the highest state of readiness. Similarly, technical authorities and staff from the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott had to work through strict precautions, sometimes limiting the amount of simultaneous work that was required, to ensure all...

[caption id="attachment_25096" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sea Training Atlantic personnel boarded HMCS Moncton on Jan. 17 to begin Multi-ship Readiness Training prior to the ship’s departure on Operation Caribbe. Photos by Cpl Braden Trudeau, Formation Imaging Services[/caption]Courtesy Trident Newspaper––HMCS Moncton’s crew are preparing for a deployment to Operation Caribbe, the Canadian mission supporting American allies in their efforts to combat illicit trafficking in international waters. The ship is set to depart later this month, and recently welcomed staff from Sea Training (Atlantic) on board for Multi-ship Readiness Training to evaluate Moncton’s readiness level before proceeding to sea. The Royal Canadian Navy’s most recent contribution to Operation Caribbe on the east coast saw HMCS Summerside deploy to the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean from Oct. 26 to Dec. 8, 2020.––––

[caption id="attachment_25093" align="aligncenter" width="595"] S2 Chad DeMan, a Boatswain, cleans the bridge windows during Operation Neon as the ship patrols in the East China Sea. Photo by S1 Valerie LeClair, MARPAC Imaging Services[/caption]Captain Chelsea DubeauMARPAC Public Affairs––One ship. Two operations. Three multinational exercises. Plus, an incredibly busy Intermediate Multi-ship Readiness Training Program on the way to and during Exercise Rim of the Pacific.A deployment experience unlike any other, it was also one that tested HMCS Winnipeg’s crew’s resilience and proved what is possible when positive people-first leadership meets innovation. More than that, it was a learning experience in every possible way: from planning to deploy and then deploying in a COVID environment, incorporating the latest-and-greatest Wi-Fi technology, keeping the crew engaged and morale high during a deployment deprived of port visits, and managing supply chain challenges brought on by the global pandemic. There was much uncharted water to navigate. Even if it is a region in which Canada has operated for decades, Winnipeg’s time in the Asia-Pacific – one of the most newsworthy regions in the world today – continued to provide learning opportunities, sometimes in the most unexpected of ways. The waters of the region are alive, electric, very busy, and anything but benign. Operations Projection and NeonWinnipeg deployed Aug.1, 2020, and commenced Operation Projection in September to conduct forward naval presence operations in the Asia-Pacific region. While deployed in the region, Winnipeg also operated under Operation Neon, Canada’s contribution to a coordinated, multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution sanctions (UNSCRs) imposed against North Korea. The sanctions aim to pressure North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and respond to North Korean nuclear weapon tests and ballistic missile launches. Primarily a surveillance mission, units operating under the auspices of Operation...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––A new take on yoga instruction, with physically distanced classes, geared to the defence community of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and genders is set to launch at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre next month. Former naval reservist Sonia Gray, 44, is the mastermind behind what she describes as non-traditional yoga designed for non-conforming bodies.“I want my classes to be body positive or body neutral spaces, where you do not feel different, but instead feel like you belong.”Her inclusive approach will help attendees realize the benefits of yoga, an ancient discipline that promotes physical and mental well-being through exercise movement and mediation. Gray will teach an array of classes starting in February. Too kick it off she is hosting a one-time event on Jan. 28 entitled Introduction to Yoga for Every Body. After this, people can enroll in one of three classes. Her Yoga for Every Body runs Thursday evenings from February to April. Participants will learn adaptations to fundamental yoga techniques and mechanics in an inclusive environment. Yoga for Warriors will take place on Wednesdays, and is taught through what Gray describes as a trauma-informed lens. The aim is to reduce physical and mental stress with dynamic movement, deep stretching, and relaxation. Her Weekend Yoga class on Saturdays will also include stretching and relaxation, but with a meditation component.As a large-bodied woman, Gray understands the frustrations associated with not having a mainstream yoga body. She was immediately discouraged when she first took up yoga 15 years ago because the instructor offered no modifications to the poses. She eventually quit the class, though kept up a home practice. About five years ago, she gravitated back to the classroom after finding a yoga course specially designed for larger bodies. “All of us are constantly inundated by diet culture and the beauty...

CFMWS / VAC––This Valentine’s Day thank Canadian Veterans by sending them a hand-made valentine.Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) invites Canadian schools, individuals, and organizations to make Valentines for Vets. VAC then distributes the valentines to Veterans in long-term care facilities across the country by Feb. 14.Valentines for Vets began in 1989 when the late newspaper columnist, Ann Landers, encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans in care facilities throughout Canada and the United States. Every year, Landers' special Valentines for Vets column asked her readers to remember the sacrifices of their nations' Veterans by making them personal hand-crafted valentines.VAC became involved with the program in 1996, and has been receiving and distributing valentines to Veterans in care facilities across the country ever since.“Last year VAC sent almost 17,000 valentines to more than 4,700 veterans,” says Ben Ouellette, Director Deployment Support, Recreation, and Messes and Acting Director PSP Operations. “In 2020, PSP Recreation participants across the country made cards, but with this year’s restrictions we may not be able to craft together, so we want to spread the word about this initiative as wide as possible.” If you would like to send a valentine thanking a Veteran, please send it by Feb. 1 to:Valentines for VetsVeterans Affairs CanadaCommemoration, Distribution Unit125 Maple Hills AvenueCharlottetown, PE  C1C 0B6*Veterans Affairs Canada will keep valentines that arrive after the deadline to distribute next year.A few rules about the programYou can send a store-bought valentine; hand-crafted cards, however, make Veterans feel extra special.Valentines of all shapes, sizes, and colours are welcome. However, valentines that are greeting-card size are easier to package and distribute.Please do not include candy or chocolate with the valentines.Do not use sparkles or materials that easily break off the valentines.Do not put individual valentines in sealed envelopes. Send us a single...

[caption id="attachment_25083" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Major (Retired) Murray Edwards[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Major (Retired) Murray Edwards received a potentially lifesaving belated birthday present Jan. 19. Three days after celebrating his 101st birthday, the Second World War and Korean War veteran, a resident of Veterans Memorial Lodge, received his COVID-19 vaccination.Murray willingly rolled up his sleeve as one of the nine nurses from Island Health administered the vaccine in the Lodge’s Oak Room. While the date is not yet set, residents will likely be scheduled for their second inoculation within the next month. “I am so thankful and very glad to be getting this vaccine,” he said. “I think this is a step in the right direction towards the goal of keeping everyone safe.”He added the safety measures are of “great importance” to him because his father was a victim of the last global pandemic, the Spanish Flu. That pandemic caused more than 50 million deaths worldwide. His father contracted the Spanish Flu in 1918 while serving in the Canadian Army during the First World War. He survived both the illness and the war. Last year, Murray’s 100th birthday was celebrated in a nearby hotel conference room and included a large crowd and music; this year’s 101st milestone was quiet. “Instead of a giant birthday cake with 101 candles, I received a cupcake with one candle,” he said wryly.Despite the low-key celebration, Edwards says he still had a delightful birthday. He received dozens of phone calls from friends, family, veterans, and other well-wishers such as the Honorable Yonah Martin, a Conservative Senator from B.C. Martin’s letter congratulated Edwards on reaching his latest milestone and for his service to Canada, calling him “a true Canadian hero.”Edwards served as a combat instructor during the Second World War and then with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry at the Battle...

[caption id="attachment_25080" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Commodore Bradley Peats of the Royal Canadian Navy and Commodore José António Mirones of the Portuguese Navy sign change of command certificates during a Standing NATO Maritime Group One change of command ceremony held on board HMCS Halifax in Lisbon, Portugal, on Jan. 18. Photo by Sailor First Class Bryan Underwood, Imagery Technician[/caption]DND / CAF––Commodore Bradley Peats officially assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) during a change of command ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal, Jan. 18. Cmdre Peats assumed command from Commodore José António Mirones of the Portuguese Navy.SNMG1 is one of four NATO Standing Naval Forces (SNF) that provide the Alliance with a continuous naval capability and presence that forms the core of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Maritime). It is a multinational deterrent force that carries out a robust programme of operational deployments and complex training exercises and events with national navies to build and maintain the highest levels of readiness, interoperability, and war fighting capabilities.NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy. It is also one of our most important multilateral relationships. Canada’s membership in the Alliance enables meaningful cooperation with Allies and partners to strengthen transatlantic defence and security, preserve the rules-based international order, and lead or otherwise contribute to international peace, security and stability efforts abroad.“I am honoured to have the opportunity and privilege of leading SNMG1 and look forward to building upon the successful deployment of Commodore Mirones, his flagship Corte-Real, and the outgoing SNMG1 staff,” said Cmdre Peats. “In an uncertain global environment, we are proud to contribute to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Western and Northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and their maritime approaches.”HMCS Halifax is currently deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One as...

Peter MallettStaff Writer––The postponement of the 2020 Invictus Games has not deterred retired army sergeant Chris Zizek.The married 40-year-old father of two from Campbell River, B.C., had hoped to represent Team Canada at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, last May.  He was looking forward to competing in the adaptive sports of rowing, sitting volleyball, and swimming, but the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled those plans.He was to be one of 31 athletes to represent Canada.“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” he says. But adds, “When I realized the purpose of the Games isn’t about the Games themselves but the individual journey, personal growth, and healing the athletes make long after the Games are completed, the postponement didn’t seem too bad.”The international multi-sport competition is designed for injured and ill service personnel who use physical activity and team-building exercises to assist in their recovery. The overall mandate of the Games is to help both its participants and a wider audience realize the value of healing through exercise and adaptive sport.Even though Zizek has yet to compete in the Games, he says the experience training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego last March was the start of his Invictus journey. The training camp brought together athletes from the United States, Australia, Georgia, France, and Colombia. It was an opportunity to discuss with other competitors the challenges they face and share their stories.Training alongside other injured military members and veterans from around the world cemented his belief in the fundamental intrinsic value of healing through activity and camaraderie.“Being involved with Invictus and the training process has already taken me somewhere different that is better for me, my wife, and my kids,” he said. “This is a way to focus on me and a way to move forward.”Zizek worked as...

[caption id="attachment_25072" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Sergeant Daniel Mongraw[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Sergeant Daniel Mongraw usually runs for himself, but this year he has decided to run for others.The military police officer has an ambitious plan to run the length of Vancouver Island to raise money for the Military Police Fund for Blind Children. He is not the first to complete this feat. Legendary distant runner Al Howie completed it in 1978. Sgt Mongraw will pause in Port Hardy to honour the legendary distance runner who died in 2016 at age 71. “He once completed the task within five days, which is truly astonishing,” says Sgt. Mongraw, 37. He will take 10 days to tackle the 495 kilometres, starting April 1. “I am confident I can do this. It’s a good way to use my time for a good cause. Since children and families can benefit from the much-needed additional funding I raise, I feel it’s a great thing to accomplish.”He is not a competitive runner, no marathon medals line his wall. He runs for mental health and fitness. The sport took hold as a lad when he was ­punished for misbehaving by his teacher and told to run laps around the school yard. To the bewilderment of his teacher and classmates, he willingly accepted the punishment and did extra laps. “Since that point, running has been great for me and I get a true sense of accomplishment when I complete my runs every day.” For the 10-day journey, he must maintain a speed of nine kilometres per hour for 10 to 13 hours per day. A police escort will keep him safe on the roadside. He hopes a recreational dealership will donate an RV for lodging, to cut down on costs and help with physical distancing. Further down the road, after accomplishing his Vancouver...

[caption id="attachment_25064" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Robert Beauchamp and his wife Nicole Robidoux.[/caption]Yves BelangerJournal Servir––Created in 2006 by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, the HOPE program offers confidential support to bereaved families through peer volunteers who have experienced the same type of ordeal. It allows bereaved people to better understand the grieving process and helps reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies it.Since 2009, Robert Beauchamp and his wife Nicole Robidoux have been among these volunteers. Two years earlier, their son Nicolas died while on a mission in Afghanistan.For Robert Beauchamp, helping parents going through the same ordeal is a way to cope with his grief. “Among other things, it allows me to make sense of what happened to my son.”Beauchamp explains that as soon as a CAF member dies, the spouse and parents are informed about the program. “People then decide whether or not they feel the need to use this free service.”The volunteer goes on to ensure that conversations with peers remain strictly confidential. “We have to report to those in charge of the program on how these people are doing and talk about their progress in the stages of mourning. However, the content of the discussions is never disclosed.”The accompaniment continues for as long as the bereaved person wishes; the longest Robert Beauchamp has ever done was about 16 months. It was a father whose child had committed suicide. “This man felt a lot of anger. One day, after several discussions, he told me that he understood that it was better to direct his energy towards the people around him rather than rehash his dark thoughts. I was so happy to see his evolution.”Beauchamp explains that the loss of a child creates a wound that never heals. “It’s not in the nature of things to outlive...

[caption id="attachment_25055" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Wurtele Arena Manager Kevin Zalba admires three new banners raised in memory of base hockey players Joe Lescene, Rob Sneath, and Keith Cowden. Photo by Rodney Venis, Base Public Affairs[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––Banners honouring three fallen hockey players have been hung from the rafters in the Wurtele Arena. Crafted by workers from Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton, the large colourful memorials now hang over centre ice, commemorating the lives of recreational hockey players Joe Lescene, Rob Sneath, and Keith ‘Butch’ Cowden. While they may not have played in the NHL, all three were widely respected by their teammates and opponents and had reputations for hard work and sportsmanship, says Kevin Zalba, Wurtele Arena manager. Zalba, a former sailor, has played hockey at the base since the early 1980s and knew all three players. “Raising these banners was an emotional moment for me,” says Zalba. “It was very fitting for the Wurtele Arena because it’s important for players to look up and say ‘I remember those guys’.”The idea for the banners came following a tribute game for Lescene. Kelsey Khol and Matt Hood, Lescene’s teammates and workmates, suggested the idea to Zalba and offered up their expertise and assistance to get the banners made in their respective shops. Zalba brought the idea to the attention of former Base Commander Capt(N) Jason Boyd. An avid hockey player himself, Capt(N) Boyd gave his approval to the idea. A proper official unveiling ceremony is still being planned when provincial health and safety regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic end.Hockey Legacies All three hockey players enjoyed lengthy military careers before transitioning to the DND civilian work force. While Sneath and Cowden played for the Tritons hockey team in Canadian Armed Forces competitions, Lescene played for recreational league teams the Angry Beavers and FMF...

[caption id="attachment_25049" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Artist Christina Morrison’s painting of Royal New Zealand Navy warship HMNZS Te Kaha passing Fisgard Lighthouse. Morrison, an employee of Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, was commissioned to do the painting following completion of extensive upgrades performed on the Anzac-Class frigate by her company. Credit: Seaspan Victoria Shipyards[/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––The most recent work of marine artist Christina Morrison now adorns a wall at Seaspan’s offices in Esquimalt. She was commissioned by the shipyard company, where she also works, to paint the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha.The Anzac-class frigate underwent extensive upgrades at Seaspan in Esquimalt. The project represented the first time a foreign warship has undergone a modernization project in Canada since the Second World War. Work on Te Kaha was completed last year with the ship returning home to Davenport Naval Base in December. Te Kaha’s sister ship Te Mana is currently undergoing a similar upgrade in Esquimalt. Six members of Victoria Shipyards senior management attended the unveiling before the painting was put on display. Approximately 1,000 copies have been distributed to workers throughout the company to celebrate the occasion.“The ceremony went very well, and everyone seemed to love the painting,” said Morrison. “It was humbling to hear from so many co-workers around the shipyard how much they loved it.” Finding the right aerial photo that offered a detailed depiction of the ship’s exterior was crucial, says Morrison. Maritime Forces Pacific Imaging Services sent her an overhead drone photo of Te Kaha taken by photographer Sgt Malcolm Byers. With the image in hand, she had only a few weeks to complete the painting and get it printed. “The biggest challenge in painting Te Kaha from a photo was all the different shades of grey. I was frightened that something important would be missed because of the shadows cast by the sun.”Now that Te Kaha is complete, she is focused on her goal to paint all the tugboats in B.C. She estimates the project will take...

[caption id="attachment_25046" align="alignnone" width="595"] Four former navy members comprising the team responsible for completing the memorial for Robert Hampton Gray were on hand for the unveiling Jan. 5 at the BC Aviation Museum. From left: Stan Brygadyr, Project Secretary, Terry Milne, Project Manager, Gerry Pash, Project Public Relations, and Joe Buczkowski, Project Originator. Robert Hampton Gray was a Canadian naval pilot killed on a raid of Japanese destroyer Amakusa during the Second World War and was Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient. [/caption]Peter MallettStaff Writer––After many delays, a memorial for Canada’s last Victoria Cross recipient, Lt Robert Hampton Gray, has been installed at the British Columbia Aviation Museum in Sidney.Plans to unveil the three-pillar marker dedicated to the Second World War naval pilot were originally set for Aug. 9, 2020, the 75th anniversary of his death. However, the ceremony was postponed due to health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic.Gerald Pash and Capt(N) (Retired) Terry Milne were the lone attendees as workers from Stewart Monumental Works dropped the 2.1 metres tall, polished grey granite markers into place with a small crane on Jan. 5.An official dedication ceremony is still in the works but that will not come until it is safe to do so, says Milne.“It was a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment to see this beautiful monument dropped into place, and I am proud so many people were united and determined to make this happen,” said Milne. “We didn’t want the legacy of this war hero to be forgotten and now future generations of Canadians can learn about the importance of his legacy.“Among the several committee members, volunteers, and community organizations who were essential to making the dream of a Gray monument a reality, I am grateful to Colonel (Retired) Stan Brygadyr, who has served as project secretary,...

Vice-Admiral Craig Baines––As I assume command from Vice-Admiral McDonald, I would like to recognize the significant leadership that my shipmate has provided to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) throughout his command and through these unprecedented times. I also want to state what an honour and a privilege it is to become the 37th commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. The greatest part of this honour is continuing to serve with the outstanding Canadians who wear a uniform on behalf of their country and the public servants who support them, often while working in hazardous environments far from home.In my first message to you, the RCN, I wish to be clear and concise on where I will focus my energies and on my initial priorities. First and foremost, the keystone objective I want to articulate is that of respect. Respect for the RCN, respect for yourself, and most importantly, respect for your fellow shipmates. Our strength is in our diversity, and that strength hinges on greater inclusion. If we respect others as we respect ourselves, we will be the best organization we can be.In support of this keystone objective, and in addition to our ongoing innovation in the areas of data and digitization (the digital vision that will enable everything we do), there are four over-arching areas/themes that will be a continuing priority going forward (known by the shorthand of “S3Charlie”):- sailors, public servants, and their families;- ships and submarines;- service; and- culture.First, our sailors, public servants and families. I will always focus on the work and life experience of our Defence Team and the families that support them. What you do is important and the lifeblood of all of our preparation, readiness and operations; your individual preparedness creates readiness, which allows us to manage the system of systems that make...

[caption id="attachment_25037" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Admiral Art McDonald assumed command of the Canadian Armed Forces from General Jonathan Vance Jan. 14 during a ceremony held virtually in Ottawa.[/caption]Royal Canadian Navy––For the first time in more than two decades, one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s own is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).Admiral (Adm) Art McDonald assumed the role of CDS from General (Gen) Jonathan Vance in a COVID-friendly virtual ceremony on Jan.14 in Ottawa. A Bluenoser born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Adm McDonald is Canada’s 20th CDS.Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presided over the ceremony virtually. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, also attended virtually.“It is the greatest privilege of my career to address you as your Chief of the Defence Staff,” Adm McDonald said in his message released National Defence-wide following the ceremony. “Upon assuming the Watch, I offer tremendous thanks and appreciation to General Vance – wishing him fair winds and following seas. I am humbled and honoured to relieve such a great leader and mentor.”The Admiral went on to praise Defence Team members for their professionalism, integrity, creativity, and ingenuity.“Your integrity shines through and inspires Canadians,” he said. “Not surprisingly, you have as a result become a beacon of hope when times are difficult. You are Canada at its best when Canada’s best are needed at home or abroad.”In his new role, Adm McDonald will oversee the Canadian Armed Forces’ ongoing operations in Canada and around the world, and their contributions to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for Canada’s vaccine rollout through Operation VECTOR.The Admiral noted...

Royal Canadian Navy––Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Craig Baines assumed the duties of Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from VAdm Art McDonald on Jan. 12, 2021, in a virtual change of command ceremony presided over by General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.“As I assume Command from Vice-Admiral McDonald, I would like to recognize the significant leadership that my shipmate has provided to the RCN throughout his command,” said VAdm Baines. “It goes without saying what an honour and privilege it is to become the 37th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Without question, the biggest part of this honour is continuing to serve with a group of outstanding Canadians who wear a uniform on behalf of their country, often serving in a complex environment far from home.” VAdm Baines has served in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career, most recently as Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.“We will continue to prioritize support to our sailors, Defence Team members, and their families while managing ongoing cultural change, domestic, and international operations, fleet recapitalization, training and readiness, all while innovating throughout our organization to make us the most inclusive, respect-driven navy we can be,” he said. “We remain committed to be ready to help, ready to lead, and ready to fight for Canadians.”The outgoing Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, VAdm McDonald, was promoted to the rank of Admiral and succeeded General Vance as the 20th Chief of the Defence Staff last Thursday.“It has been an honour and privilege to lead as the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy for the past 18 months,” said VAdm McDonald. “As one navy team, we have successfully accomplished our mission objectives and have followed through the progression of key projects and initiatives while...