SISIP Financial Esquimalt Team Though vacations are often the perfect way to recharge after a hectic posting, the unavoidable post-trip credit card bill can often hold us back. However, some extra financial planning could be all it takes to enjoy a well-deserved vacation without breaking the bank. Here’s how: Budget before you book: Sketch out an initial trip budget before booking a flight—include accommodation, food, activities, travel insurance, souvenirs, and a buffer of 10% for unexpected expenses. This helps set expectations well before you’ve arrived. Set up a vacation account: Open a separate bank account to make purchases from when you’re on vacation. This not only makes overspending less likely but also allows you to save for trips automatically over time. Goal, not gamble: Like saving for a house, a vacation is a goal rather than an expense. Involve partners and kids in planning a trip, determining costs, building a countdown calendar, and setting expectations—it can be a great opportunity to teach young children about saving money. Fun doesn’t mean the most expensive: Core memories aren’t always associated with cost. Save money by road tripping to a park or campground; hosting a staycation; utilizing military discounts for hotels and attractions; travelling off-season; and leveraging credit points on flights. Dodge the vacation debt: While it can be tempting to put expenses on a credit card for the short term, interest charges can turn a trip into a long-term financial issue. Instead, save up now and relax later. If you do use your card, plan to include extra expenses within your next travel budget. Stretch your dollar: Boost trip affordability by saving money during vacation. To do this, spend more time on free activities (hikes, beaches, festivals, etc.); pack snacks and drinks; set daily spending limits; and be wary of currency exchange...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper On March 21, HMCS Harry DeWolf and the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) conducted a successful narcotics interdiction as part of Operation (Op) CARIBBE. Actioned under the cover of night, 750 kilograms of cocaine (an estimated $26.9 million of illegal drugs) were seized and prevented from reaching North American communities. Op CARIBBE is Canada’s contribution to a long-standing, multinational effort to intercept illicit drug shipments on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Since the operation’s 2006 founding, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have continued to deploy Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships, aircrafts, and personnel in support of this mission. Canadian participation has helped gather intelligence, track, and seize over 120 metric tons of illegal narcotics over the past 19 years. Op CARIBBE also highlights one of the RCN’s most valuable and globally respected strengths international collaboration. Commander (Cdr) Jon Nicholson, Commanding Officer of Harry DeWolf, shared, “We are working hand in hand with U.S. Coast Guard personnel who are embarked on HMCS Harry DeWolf with us. As a combined team, we are making a fantastic task force that is really making a difference.”

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Nearly 14 years after deployment in the Mediterranean, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver is being honoured for an exceptional chapter of its naval service. HMCS Vancouver was recently awarded the LIBYA 2011 Battle Honour in a July 2 ceremony at Burrard Dry Dock Pier, North Vancouver. The event brought together past and present crew members, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) community, and civic dignitaries for a morning of reflection and celebration. A rare military recognition, Battle Honours are only awarded to those that have demonstrated immense courage, effectiveness, and participation in notable combat operations. Unlike medals or commendations given to individuals, Battle Honours are collective distinctions earned by an entire ship or unit. They are one of the highest collective awards that a Canadian military unit can receive. The LIBYA 2011 Battle Honour acknowledges HMCS Vancouver’s critical service under Operation (Op) MOBILE, a mission intended to protect civilians and enforce a United Nations (UN) arms embargo during the Libyan conflict. From March to October 2011, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) supported the NATO-led operation with a variety of maritime, air, and special operations capabilities. Over six hundred CAF members were deployed on Op MOBILE. During this operation, the Vancouver played a critical role in maritime security and air defense by escorting replenishment vessels, patrolling the embargo zone for illicit shipments, intercepting contraband, and gathering intelligence. Its crew’s efforts were instrumental in both the enforcement of the arms embargo and maintaining operational safety for NATO’s naval assets. In receiving the LIBYA 2011 Battle Honour, HMCS Vancouver joins a select group of Canadian ships recognized for valour and dedication on the world stage. This is the vessel’s third Battle Honour to date.

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Military service often demands more than physical strength—it also requires the mental fitness needed to navigate pressure, trauma, and unpredictability. This summer, the Health Promotion (HP) Mental Fitness and Suicide Awareness (MFSA) course has been equipping Defence Team members with essential skills to boost resilience and support others in mental distress. MFSA is one of several seasonal offerings open to Defence Team members at CFB Esquimalt, including Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel, civilian employees, veterans, and more. The course introduces powerful tools like grounding, mindfulness, and tactical breathing techniques that can be leveraged in all situations—from operational deployments to daily life. MFSA also explores ways to recognize and respond to distress in others, making it a critical resource in suicide prevention. Designed with the realities of Defence Team life in mind, MFSA focuses on techniques participants can access in the moment, whether on ship, on base, or at home. Here are some of the strategies taught in MFSA, designed to be practiced regularly for lasting mental fitness. Tactical/Abdominal Breathing: Also known as box breathing, this technique involves inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, exhaling for four, and pausing for another four. Practising this activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm stress responses. This is especially useful in high-pressure situations where Defence Team members need to quickly regain composure or sharpen focus. Grounding Techniques: Grounding helps bring attention to the present during overwhelming moments. One common technique is the “5-4-3-2-1” method: identifying five things that can be seen, four that can be touched, and so forth with hearing, smell and taste. Another technique involves counting backwards in increments of seven or eight—anything that requires focus. These strategies can help regain clarity or manage panic. Mindfulness Practice: To be mindful is to intentionally pay attention to...