Don’t miss this military extravaganza!

File photo from 2018

File photo from 2018

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

You’ve seen them sailing off the Dallas Road waterfront.

You’ve read about their deployments and successful operations.

Now, in two weeks’ time, you can go inside a Royal Canadian Navy warship, submarine, and training vessel at CFB Esquimalt’s largest outreach event of the year – Defence on the Dock.

This glimpse into the Canadian military takes place at Ogden Point, the downtown cruise ship terminal, on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it’s free.

Tours are available in HMCS Winnipeg, HMCS Edmonton and Orca-class training vessel Renard 58. Plus, attendees can win a coveted tour of Victoria-class submarine HMCS Chicoutimi. Watch CFB Esquimalt’s Facebook page for your chance to win.

From the air force, the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron will perform a search and rescue demonstration in the harbour. From the army, artillery, tanks and weaponry from 39 Service Battalion will be on display, as well as a mobile field hospital tent from the army medical unit 11 Field Ambulance.

The base will showcase its own emergency services with vehicles and interactive displays from their fire and rescue and military police units. Plus, some of the unique support services housed at the base will be on display, showing their work and the many careers opportunities available to civilians.

“Defence on the Dock is about bringing CFB Esquimalt to our community,” said Captain (Navy) Sam Sader, Base Commander. “This event is a great opportunity to strengthen ties with our neighbours while providing a glimpse into life here on the base and showcasing the talent within our Defence Team.”

The Canadian Armed Forces is more than just the tools to do the job. At the heart of the military are its people. This year the Base Commander has added a new element, one that shines a light on the base workforce as regular people with unique talents.

To add an element of fun to the open house, artists, writers, musicians, and dancers, all from the base, will perform in a rotating talent show, including the renowned Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site selling food and military-themed items.

There is limited on-site parking, so attendees are encouraged to take public transit or pursue other means of transportation such as cycling or walking to and from Ogden Point. BC Transit will also add extra No. 2 route buses for the event.

For further updates and news about Defence on the Dock follow the CFB Esquimalt Facebook page at: bit.ly/2019dotd

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