Planning underway for military showcase
Jessica Gillies
Staff writer
July 31, 2006
If you get an email from Capt Jeff Haisell or CPO2 Chris Preston in your inbox, don’t let them slip to the bottom of your priority list.
The pair is heartily organizing a large-scale showcase of Canadian Forces capabilities called: Navy Days: Discover Your Canadian Forces.
The event is set for the Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 6 and 7 at Ogden Point cruise ship terminals, but planning is going on now.
“Everyone needs to get on board to make it an impressive display for the public,” says Capt Haisell. “The success of our efforts is dependant on how well we rally our resources to support this event.”
While the title focuses on the marine aspect of the military, all three environments will be equally represented, says CPO2 Preston.
In the works are static helicopter displays and aircraft flypasts, as well as diving team and naval boarding party demonstrations. A fireboat water display, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) rides and tugboat ballets are also on the list of waterside activities; CPO2 Preston says, “The tugs can literally pirouette in one spot. ”HMC Ships Algonquin, Winnipeg and Whitehorse are slated to come alongside for ships’ tours. Requests are in for a multitude of land force assets including the Coyote reconnaissance vehicle, which made a brief visit to the base last month, and the 105mm Howitzer artillery piece.
The two-day event is associated with the Chief of Defence Staff’s new recruiting initiative, Operation Connection, which “aims to increase public awareness in the operational roles, capabilities, equipment and personnel of the Canadian Forces with a major focus on recruiting,” says CPO2 Preston. In addition, the event will include civilian employment opportunities with various trades exhibits and information on apprenticeship programs.
A simulated checkpoint and observation post are also planned, with an armoured vehicle on display to give visitors a glimpse into life in Afghanistan. One of the aims is to get visitors as close as possible to equipment and vehicles so they better understand some of the CF’s capabilities.
“We want exhibits to be interactive: we would like visitors to be able to wear equipment, ride in the RHIBs and otherwise handle equipment whenever possible within the constraints of safety,” says Capt Haisell. “We also want it to be educational,” he adds. “It’s not a display so much as an interaction where visitors learn something new about the CF.
A website is being prepared for the event. Until then, more information can be obtained by calling Base Public Affairs at 363-4371.
