2022: The year in review

HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg return home after 173 days at sea. Photo Corporal Tristan Walach.

Peter Mallett, 
Staff writer

A look at the Lookout Newspaper’s top news events of 2022:

January

CAF Members continue their support to federal, provincial and territorial governments as part of Operation Vector.

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) unveil a navy-themed paint pattern for their sleds used at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. 

Naval Reserve Unit recognizes its 100th anniversary by unveiling a new morale patch designed by S1 Joseph Demayuga.

Illustration of a bobsleigh designed after HMCS Regina’s dazzle paintjob.

February

CAF announces the implementation of modernized, inclusive French language ranks.

Canadian Pacific Fleet announces HMCS Vancouver Boatswain S2 Jesse Roberts as its Sailor of the Year for 2021.

HMCS Saskatoon and HMCS Yellowknife deploy in the international drug interdiction mission Operation Caribbe.

March

HMCS Brandon participates in United States-led cold-weather warfare Exercise Arctic Edge 2022 in Alaska.

Wounded Warriors relay team concludes 800 km relay-style run on Vancouver Island to raise funds and awareness of support programs for military and first responders.

CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum introduces Tatiana Robinson as its new curator following the retirement of Debbie Towell.

April

The first of four Sea-to-Shore connector barges designed to serve the needs of the RCN’s future Joint Support Ships is delivered to Esquimalt.

HMCS Vancouver, HMCS Calgary, HMCS Brandon and HMCS Edmonton participate in Vancouver’s Fleet Week.

HMCS Saskatoon marks RCN’s first-ever visit to Ecuador after arriving in Manta on April 18.

May

In separate Change of Command Ceremonies, VAdm Angus Topshee becomes Commander RCN, succeeding VAdm Craig Baines; RAdm Christopher Robinson succeeds VAdm Topshee as Commander MARPAC.

Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) HMCS Max Bernays launched following a naming ceremony at Irving Ship Building in Halifax.

Sailors from RCN and MARPAC commemorate the 77th anniversary of The Battle of the Atlantic with marching contingents and a ceremony at Waterfront Park, North Vancouver.

June

HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Winnipeg set sail from Esquimalt for nearly six-month deployments.

Lt(N) Michael-Lucien Bergeron turns heads while simultaneously performing a juggling act and running to victory in the 5 km race at the annual Navy Run. 

Cdr Meghan Coates is appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Regina, becoming the second active female CO of a major Canadian warship, joining HMCS Winnipeg Cdr Annick Fortin.   

Lieutenant (Navy) Michael-Lucien Bergeron juggling while jogging in the 2022 CFB Esquimalt Navy Run.

July

CAF announces changes to Dress Instruction, easing restrictions on uniforms, hair, beards, tattoos and jewellery to promote diversity and inclusion.

HMCS Winnipeg deploys drones and an embarked helicopter for the first time while utilizing its anti-ship missile system as part of RIMPAC 2022.

Navy veterans Capt(N) (ret’d) William H. Wilson and the late Paris K. Sahlen were inducted into Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program.

August

Fallen Canadians who lost their lives in UN peacekeeping missions are remembered in a National Peacekeepers Day ceremony at Esquimalt’s Memorial Park.

HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Vancouver receive significant forward ammunition transfer in Pearl Harbor before deploying on Operations Projection and Neon.

In a Change of Command ceremony, CPO1 Dave Bisal replaces CPO1 Arvid Lee as Fleet Chief of Canadian Fleet Pacific.

September

The National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) kicks off at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess to raise funds for charitable organizations of the United Way Southern Vancouver Island and the 16 charities of HealthPartners.

Canadian Armed Forces members participate in a Ceremonial Procession and Commemorative Service to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II in downtown Victoria.

HMCS Calgary receives a Canadian Forces Unit Commendation for its seizure of 33,573 kg of illicit narcotics in Middle Eastern waters in 2021.

October

Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) HMCS Margaret Brooke is commissioned into service in a ceremony in Halifax.

After completing its all-systems refit, HMC Submarine Corner Brook completes Camber Dive trials as part of its Tiered Readiness Program.

A late touchdown gives the RCAF a 20-18 victory over the RCN in the first annual Commodore’s Cup flag football game.

November

Senior representatives of the RCN, allied navies, government and academic maritime security experts gather for the Maritime Security Challenges 2022 Conference in Victoria.

Revamped training unit HMCS Venture celebrates the graduation of General Military Training Instructor candidates.

Victoria Royals unveil historic 1942-43 Royal Canadian Navy Blue Jackets hockey jersey as part of its Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation event.

December

A crowd of hundreds lines A Jetty in Dockyard as HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Vancouver return home after 173 days at sea.

Minister of National Defence Anita Anand and RCN Commander VAdm Angus Topshee announce a third Indo-Pacific deployment for 2023. 

Base Commander Capt(N) J. Jeffrey Hutchinson and Base Chief CPO1 Al Darragh are thrown into Esquimalt Harbour as part of a fundraising initiative by the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).

Base Commander Captain (Navy) J. Jeffery Hutchinson is thrown into Esquimalt Harbour for a good cause.

 

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