The little base commander that could

Base Commander Capt(N) Jason Boyd with Base Commander (for the day) Cole Pite.

Adam and Cole Pite ~

In January, thanks to Captain (Navy) Jason Boyd’s “Defence on the Dock” initiative, my four-year-old son Cole was fortunate to be the grand prize winner to become Base Commander for the Day. 

Defence on the Dock was a wonderful experience for my family and the Greater Victoria community to meet many of you who serve in the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Through this initiative, I believe that we, the general public felt overwhelming pride with the professionalism, attitude, skill and friendliness that you, our ambassadors to the world demonstrated. 

The work you do each day impacts us not just on the global stage, but you are also a valued part of our local community.  Thank you for the work you do!

As Base Commander for the Day, Cole’s incredible experience began with meeting Capt(N) Boyd and Lt(N) Riley Monsour in the Base Commander’s office, followed by a visit to the CFB Esquimalt Fire Station. Cole was greeted by Sparky the fire mascot. After an exciting tour of the hall and equipment, we were off to ­experience some of the interesting TEME operations. 

Cole was able to control police truck sirens, and even operate the controls of a backhoe bucket. This was a truly memorable experience for a four-year-old!

We visited the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to understand how real rescue teams help people. We were then fortunate to have Cole become an honourary submariner aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi. Somehow, Cole’s experience continued to get better and better as we were toured around Esquimalt Harbour aboard the CFAV Firebrand.

In the end, we met again with Capt(N) Boyd for tasty homemade chicken fingers at the Wardroom. 

We wish to express our sincerest appreciation for this experience of a lifetime to the wonderful personnel who made this possible, the firefighters, TEME staff, JRCC members, HMCS Chicoutimi and CFAV crewmembers and Wardroom team members. We are so proud to speak of the wonderful people we met and the exciting opportunities available that would help someone choose a career in the Royal Canadian Navy!

Sincerely,
Adam and Cole Pite