Malahat gives public a glimpse into life at sea with the Naval Reserve

Penelope Tew receives some driving instruction from Leading Seaman Manuel Dussault-Gomez during HMCS Malahat’s annual Family Appreciation Day.

PO1 Albert Van Akker, HMCS Malahat
Penelope Tew receives some driving instruction from Leading Seaman Manuel Dussault-Gomez during HMCS Malahat’s annual Family Appreciation Day.
Photo by PO1 Albert Van Akker, HMCS Malahat

PO2 Emily Agopsowicz, HMCS Malahat ~

On April 16, family and friends of HMCS Malahat eagerly crossed the brow of an Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) Vessel moored alongside Malahat in anticipation of a day at sea learning about what Naval Reservists do.

The all-ages Family Appreciation Day gave guests the opportunity to try out their “sea legs” while onboard PCT Grizzly 60 as they were shown a variety of demonstrations including high speed manouevers and a Man Overboard Exercise.

Back at Malahat, a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and Hurricane were available for public rides in and around Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The day-long event included a barbeque lunch served by the Malahat ship’s company in the Wardroom.

Penelope Tew’s son John Law is an Orca Class Engineer and Resource Management (RMS) Clerk at Malahat. She was delighted to get a chance to see the ship her son is trained to work on.

“I found the event to be a lot of fun. The man overboard drill was informative. In fact, everything was entertaining and educational.

The helm was my own for a few minutes as we wiggled our way toward lunch. The best part of the day was seeing the sailors in action. I’ll go again,” said Tew.

“The intent of this exercise was to maximize the opportunity for friends and family, as well as cadets, to sail in an Orca for a few hours for at-sea activities and familiarization,” said LCdr Michael Lawless, Commanding Officer of Malahat and Officer in Charge of PCT Grizzly. “This was also an opportunity for Malahat ship’s company to progress at-sea training requirements, as well as individual trades and skills refresher training. Without the tremendous support of our family and friends, Malahat would not be able to carry out her training mission, and this is a small way to recognize that contribution and say thank-you at the end of another successful training year.”

The next day, over 20 cadets from Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Rainbow, Beacon Hill and Admiral Mainguy were invited for a day at sea on the Orca with crew from Malahat. Cadets were given the opportunity to practice seamanship skills and experience a day at sea. The cadets participated in training evolutions alongside trainees from Malahat who were working on “Know Your Ship” books and Naval Environment Training packages. The cadets and sailors from Malahat all had a great day at sea with cadets gaining practical exposure to the Royal Canadian Navy and its Naval Reserve.

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