Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper For 85 years, the Naden Band has uplifted spirits at home and internationally through concerts, parades, tours, and more.  Explore insights from Naden Band members on service, musicianship, and the legacy of the band  - Music has long been a cornerstone of morale in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), offering comfort, inspiration, and a sense of shared purpose. At Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, this role sits in the hands of 35 professional full-time musicians — the Naden Band. This year, the Naden Band celebrates an incredible 85 years of service to the nation. For Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Steve Donagan, Operations Manager and Trumpet player, the band’s impact runs deep. “Music has a way of cutting through the noise and reminding us of what connects us,” said PO1 Donagan. “Every note is a potential reminder that even in the face of all the hardship in today’s world, there can still be hope, pride, and harmony. The Naden Band may not be able to change the world, but it can impact how our audiences move through it.” Through free community concerts, musical collaborations with educational institutions, ceremonial event support, and more, the Naden Band has done just that. “Locally, it’s about community concerts, parades, and ceremonies. Internationally, music crosses language barriers, creating goodwill that words alone can’t,” said PO1 Donagan. “Nationally, bands and the music they play are an outward manifestation of our shared traditions and history — it’s a reminder of who we are and what we stand for, both as members of the RCN and as Canadians. In every setting, it’s about using music to bring people closer together.” Today, these connections reach beyond Canada as international musicians join the Naden Band seasonally, like Petty Officer Musician (POMUS) Fraser Robertson from the Royal...

S1 Maxime Vandal On Aug 29, HMCS Max Bernays reached 81°12′ N in the Arctic, the farthest north ever sailed by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel.  The crew overcame extreme Arctic challenges, from drifting sea ice to system strain, relying on every department to succeed.  This record strengthens Canada’s Arctic presence, expands naval operational confidence, and supports continental defence priorities.  - On Aug 29, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays set a new Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) record when the vessel and its crew reached 81°12.044’ N, 155°38.512’ W – farther north than any RCN ship in history. Currently participating in Operation (Op) LATITUDE in the Western Arctic and its approaches, Max Bernays departed Esquimalt Harbour on Aug 13 for a multi-operational deployment. The vessel is set to return home on Dec 19, following later participation in both Op HORIZON in the Indo-Pacific region and NEON in support of United Nations sanctions enforcement. For over a decade, HMCS Shawinigan held the record for sailing to the highest northern point with its Aug 14, 2014 touch at 80°28’ N. While other vessels have since operated in the Arctic, none have surpassed that mark — until now. Reaching 81°12.044’ N required every department pulling in the same direction. As such, bridge teams and lookouts had to adjust to the midnight sun and the visual illusions caused by drifting sea ice. Engineers also worked non-stop to prevent water and heating systems from cracking under the pressure of Arctic conditions, while the deck department kept upper deck equipment prepared for any rescue mission and minding lines that stiffened within minutes. Specialists analyzed imagery and weather, while an embarked Ice Service Specialist from Environment Canada advised on ice composition and movement. The crew encountered and overcame challenges that only revealed themselves at the furthest...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Defence on the Dock returns Oct. 5, 2025, at Ogden Point, offering the public a free, up-close look at naval and Defence life.  New this year: a Sports Zone with athletes and demonstrations, plus the Marine Careers Exposition connecting Canadians with marine industry opportunities.  - On Sunday, Oct 5, the Victoria waterfront will once again draw crowds as Defence on the Dock (DotD) returns to Ogden Point from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DotD is a biennial event that offers the public an up-close look at life in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and the Defence team of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. By showcasing the Defence team’s vessels, equipment, related organizations, and its people, DotD provides the public with free opportunities to explore and engage with naval life in a welcoming environment. In addition to returning favourites such as ship tours and interactive displays, DotD is introducing several new engagements this year that showcase RCN talent and community. For the first time, the event will debut a Sports Zone with professional, semi-professional, and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) athletes; sports activities; fitness demonstrations; and more. The Marine Careers Exposition will also be on site to showcase nantionwide career opportunities and connect government organizations, industry employers, and institutions with local communities. “To me, Defence on the Dock really solidifies CFB Esquimalt’s ‘Support for All’ motto and showcases our community to the public,” said Matt Carlson, Base Public Affairs Projects Officer. “The Marine Career Expo and Sports Zone are going to make this year’s edition a really special day.” Attendees can also expect musical performances by the Naden Band of the RCN. Food and drink options will be available for purchase, including food trucks and a BBQ hosted by the Esquimalt Military and Family...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Hundreds of Defence Team members, families, and community partners celebrated Formation Fun Day 2025 at CFB Esquimalt.  Highlights included performances, a vendor marketplace, RHIB rides, an obstacle course, and engaging booths.   The event showcased the spirit of connection, creativity, and community.  - Laughter, music, and the buzz of family fun filled Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt on Sept 6 as the local Defence community gathered to celebrate Formation Fun Day 2025. An annual event held at the Naden Athletic Centre and surrounding grounds, Formation Fun Day drew hundreds of Defence Team members, families, and community partners for a day of carnival-style games, food, and entertainment. “Formation Fun Day was full of life,” said Leah Pokocky, Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Special Event Coordinator. “It really highlighted the strong community spirit we have here at CFB Esquimalt — you could literally feel the energy and creativity of our volunteers, staff, and vendors fuelling the day.” In addition to housing interactive exhibits and displays by local organizations, the event also included well-loved performances by STAGES dance, Mister Mojo, and a story time conducted by the Greater Victoria Public Library. Children enjoyed the event scavenger hunt, as well as taking photos with stilt walkers from the Rising Circus, superheroes and Disney princesses from Enchanted Fables Princess Party Professionals, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) mascot, SONAR. Some adult attendees also enjoyed challenging themselves with a hot sauce competition and testing their strength against a rock-climbing wall. At the heart of the fun, families refuelled with hot dogs provided by the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Center (EMFRC) at a outdoor BBQ booth. Other family-friendly highlights included guided rigid-hulled-inflatable-boat (RHIB) rides, a 100-foot obstacle course, and a bubble show by That Bubble Guy. Indoors, a marketplace with over 40 local vendors brought...