Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper After battling years of life-threatening infections, Royal Canadian Dragoons member Blair Edwards received a life-saving stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor. The Edwards’ story highlights the vital role of Canadian Blood Services and encourages all Canadians to donate blood, plasma, or stem cells. - When Leah Edwards’ youngest son Blair was admitted to hospital with a life-threatening infection, her family’s understanding of service and sacrifice took on a new meaning. Blair Edwards, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) based in Petawawa, has served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since 2018. His older brother, Kyle, joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 2017 and is currently standing sentry for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier following a deployment aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa. Their grandfather, a retired Chief Warrant Officer, also served in the Air Force. For the Edwards family, service has always run deep — but nothing could prepare them for Blair’s medical battle. In 2018, just three days into his military journey, Blair was hospitalized with the first of many Staphylococci infections. He successfully completed his soldier qualifications (SQ) while battling both pneumonia and an active infection. After undergoing an incredibly difficult 2023 surgery to remove two spleens (only one of which was natural) and narrowly surviving post-surgery septic shock, the only potential path to cure Blair was a complete stem cell replacement. “It felt like he was just a sliver of who he had been and was all but disappearing into the bed. The barest spark of who he was remained,” said Leah. On April 30, 2024, Blair received a life-saving stem cell transplant thanks to an anonymous donor. “Slowly, hour by hour, day by day, he came back to us.” To the Edwards family, blood and stem...

A/SLt Kim Wachockier, MARPAC Public Affairs Twelve students from Camosun College’s Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program toured HMCS Vancouver on Sept 17 to explore life aboard a Halifax-class ship. The visit gave students firsthand insight into naval operations, seamanship, and technical systems aboard a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigate. The partnership fostered learning, inclusion, and awareness of marine and defence career opportunities for women and Indigenous Peoples. - Twelve students from Camosun College’s Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program stepped aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver on Sept 17 for a guided tour of life on a Halifax-class vessel. Intended to prepare participants for a career in the marine sector, the Camosun Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating Program is a fully funded training opportunity for women and Indigenous Peoples that teaches seamanship and navigation skills. It also allows them to earn Transport Canada recognized certifications throughout the program. By opening Vancouver’s doors and hatches to students, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) fostered awareness, interest, and respect for naval service while simultaneously building relationships with the next generation of marine professionals. Once onboard for the guided tour, students were eager to experience the naval environment studied in the classroom, explore living quarters, and learn how an RCN frigate operates. The visit began inside the ship’s hangar, where Lieutenant(Navy) Joey Dooley welcomed the group of students, explaining the use of embarked helicopters during deployments. Lt(Navy) Dooley then brought students onto the deck to showcase equipment specific to Halifax-class frigates. These included Vancouver’s missile systems, Bofors 57mm rapid-fire gun, and its ammunition. Here, students also received the opportunity to handle a non-live round. Once within the vessel, Lt(Navy) Dooley gave students a look into Vancouver’s living quarters, showcasing bunks and other spaces where RCN sailors spend months at sea. The tour then shifted to...

Lt(Navy) Michael Cormie, FDU(Pacific) Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) hosted a two-week sea training aboard YDT Sooke to help junior Naval Warfare Officers complete bridge watch hours. The voyage offered hands-on ship-handling experience, teamwork with the Canadian Coast Guard, and exposure to naval operations. - Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) (FDU[P]) is dedicated to supporting the Canadian fleet, but from Sept 22 to Oct 3, the team took that mission to a new level. Sailing aboard Yard Dive Tender (YDT) Sooke, members of FDU(P) provided junior Naval Warfare Officers (NWOs) currently working towards completing their 600 bridge watch hours with hands-on experience with atypical fleet platforms. While on watch, the junior NWOs strengthened their bridge watchkeeping abilities, gaining confidence as professional mariners at sea. First built in 1990 to support range operations in Nanoose, Sooke was modified in the late 1990s to better support diving missions. Typically used by clearance divers, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) experts in route clearing and mine countermeasures, Sooke usually carries a crew of 12. For this sail, capacity increased to 18 with aid from FDU(P)’s engineering department and Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton members. To achieve this, a repurposed sea container, or an ‘accommodation pod,’ was installed on the deck space normally utilized for the Containerized Diving System recompression chamber. Six newly promoted SubLieutenants (SLts) joined Sooke for the two-week sail, developing navigation, seamanship, and ship-handling skills. This included a rare chance for the SLts to manually steer the vessel during both departures and drills. “This was a great event, with fantastic training quality. It allowed us to build skills and work towards our NWO 600 hours,” said SLt Conal Evans, originally from Vernon, British Columbia (B.C.). “It was an excellent opportunity to consolidate the skills I’ve learned and to develop myself as a bridge watchkeeper.” The...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum unveils a permanent display honouring the late Commander (Ret’d) Peter Godwin Chance. The exhibit features his medals, uniform, and artifacts, celebrating a career that spanned from the - Battle of the Atlantic to the Korean War. The ceremonial paddle passed to his grandson Damon symbolizes remembrance, legacy, and family pride through generations. - We remember Commander (Cdr) (retired) Peter Godwin Chance. The life, legacy, and service of the late Cdr Chance now have a permanent home at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. On Oct 15, family members, friends, Defence team members and representative of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Naval Association of Vancouver Island (NAVI) gathered at the museum for the unveiling of a new, permanent display dedicated to the celebrated naval officer that includes Cdr Chance’s medals, uniform, and other personal effects. The artifacts have now been added to the Peter Godwin Chance Gallery, first named in his honour on his 101st birthday in 2021. Cdr Chance, who passed away at the age of 103 on April 9, 2024, was one of the last surviving Canadian officers to have served in the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest campaign of the Second World War. He took part in the Dunkirk evacuations, D-Day landings, and the evacuation of Singapore, serving aboard 13 ships over the course of his naval military career. Cdr Chance also survived the 1944 sinking of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Skeena in the North Atlantic and combat during the Korean War aboard HMCS Cayuga. Born in Ottawa, he served from 1938 to his retirement in 1969, when his sense of duty shifted into public life. After his retirement, Cdr Chance volunteered with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society, Saanich Peninsula...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Contributions by Scott Kimmett, Master/Chief Engineer King’s Harbour Master (KHM) DND team reactivates the Nanisivik Naval Fueling Facility in Nunavut after years of dormancy, with the missions spanning two trips — nine days in July and two weeks in September. The team successfully de-winterized and consolidated 500,000 litres of diesel fuel for donation to the Government of Nunavut. The mission was successful in spite of extreme weather, no connectivity, and limited documentation. The mission provided hands-on Arctic training and cost savings for future DND operations. - A small but determined team from the Department of National Defence (DND) recently travelled to one of Canada’s most remote Arctic outposts to reactivate a facility long asleep under the snow. The mission began in July, when Barge Master Scott Kimmett of the Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch (POESB) joined DND colleagues from across the nation at the Nanisivik Naval Fueling Facility for a nine-day operation, the first of its kind. The mission continued into the fall with a second, two-week trip North to the facility in late September. Their goal? To de-winterize, reactivate, and consolidate stored diesel at the site, preparing the recovered fuel for donation to the Government of Nunavut. Located on the grounds of a former lead-zinc mine, the Nanisivik naval facility is found on the northern end of Baffin Island, Nunavut, both a remote and strategically significant part of Canada. Before the team could begin operations, nearly 8,000 pounds of equipment were airlifted from Iqaluit to Arctic Bay, where it was then trucked across the tundra to the isolated site. “Upon arrival, we found the base fully winterized,” said Kimmett. “With no team members having prior experience at the site and limited procedural documentation available, much of our efforts involved tracing systems, removing blanked piping,...

A/SLt Emily Shea, MARPAC Public Affairs HMCS Corner Brook returned to Victoria on Oct 5 after a two-month deployment on Operation LATITUDE. Its mission included joint operations with the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Capt(Navy) Alex Kooiman highlighted the teamwork across the Canadian Submarine Force (CANSUBFOR) The submarine now enters a short maintenance and modernization period before resuming training operations - On Oct 5, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Submarine (HMCS) Corner Brook reunited with loved ones at Ogden Point Terminal in Victoria, following a successful two-month deployment on Operation (Op) LATITUDE. The homecoming was marked by both emotional reunions and pride in a mission accomplished. Sailor First Class (S1) Zachary Davidson was the first to disembark from the submarine, honoured with the First Kiss tradition which he shared with partner Lauren Tarr. The deployment was especially significant for Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Clark Hubbard as it was his first as a Commanding Officer (CO). “It was a great opportunity for me as my first command. We operated with the United States (U.S.),” said LCdr Hubbard. “It was fantastic to work with them in that capacity, especially as I recently worked and sailed with our U.S. allies, which was an excellent opportunity for my development as a submariner.” Throughout the deployment, HMCS Corner Brook participated in joint operations with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to detecting, deterring, and defending against regional threats. The mission also served as a vital training opportunity. “We brought a lot of new sailors on board,” said LCdr Hubbard. “The vast majority got qualified, and we’re set up for success for the next couple of years because of the training we were able to do.” Captain(Navy) Alex Kooiman, Commander of...

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper The annual Ship to Shore Industrial Tradeshow returned to CFB Esquimalt’s Naden Athletic Centre on Oct 7 Over 50 vendors showcased innovations across industrial, marine, and defence sectors Complimentary food, coffee, and over $2500 in prizes and flight vouchers energized the day - From cutting-edge equipment to community connection, the annual Ship to Shore Industrial Tradeshow celebrated more than industry — it celebrated partnerships. Presented by the Lookout Newspaper, the one-day event brought together over 50 vendors from across industrial, marine, and defence industries to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Naden Athletic Centre on Oct 7 for a showcase of the latest products and services supporting Canada’s defence operations. With free admission extended to regular and reserve Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members along with civilian employees, Ship to Shore has brought industrial knowledge, food, and excitement to the local military and civilian community for over a decade. For those travelling from other units, rounders provided complimentary, accessible transportation from Signal Hill, Colwood, and Work Point, allowing the entire Esquimalt Defence team to participate. With a lively atmosphere, Ship to Shore featured rows of booths showcasing everything from advanced safety equipment and marine components to digital tools and industrial innovations designed to improve efficiency and readiness. As such, the event featured exciting innovations like Commander Warehouse Equipment’s award-winning modular workstation; Fluid Film’s readyto-use rust and corrosion prevention products; and Canadian Safety Equipment’s new AVON-Protection MITR-M1 half-face safety mask. To FASTENAL’s Andrew Compton, participating in Ship to Shore felt like home. “I actually served in the military for over 10 years, and being here is a different sort of service and support to me,” said Compton. “We also hire a lot of military spouses, so the Defence community is ingrained in our business year-round — not just at...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Over 8,000 visitors attended Defence on the Dock 2025 at Ogden Point, exploring Canada’s naval and Defence capabilities up close. Highlights included tours of HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Corner Brook, thrilling RHIB rides, and interactive exhibits across themed zones. The event strengthened public connection to the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Navy through education, engagement, and community. - The bustling piers of Ogden Point came alive on Oct 5 as Defence on the Dock returned to Victoria for its fourth iteration. A highly anticipated biennial showcase, Defence on the Dock offered members of the public with a rare opportunity to experience the operations and equipment that make up the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). This year’s event featured interactive exhibits, large-scale displays, tours, and hands-on demonstrations spread across themed zones throughout the pier. Approximately 8,000 attendees explored the heart of Canada’s maritime Defence community at the event. Docked at the centre of the excitement was His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver and His Majesty’s Canadian Submarine Corner Brook, both offering guided tours to attendees. Vancouver welcomed approximately 2,000 visitors aboard its decks, while Corner Brook provided an inside look at life under the sea with tours of its tight quarters and the specialized equipment of the Canadian Submarine Force (CANSUBFOR). For those who preferred action on the waves, rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) rides gave over 200 attendees the thrill of speeding across the Victoria harbour. To Matt Carlson, Base Public Affairs Projects Officer, the event was incredibly fulfilling. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and stakeholders as it truly was such a special event,” said Carlson. “We learned a lot, and we’re already looking forward to making 2027 even bigger and better.” The day’s programming extended well beyond the fleet, with...

Lt(Navy) Wilson Ho CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs Officer Commissionaire Robert (Bob) Crosman, with 25 years of service, marked his 80th birthday at CFB Esquimalt. On the same day, Bob spotted a rare Cooper’s Hawk perched near the Y-Jetty Guard House. - For those passing through Y-Jetty at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt during the week, Commissionaire Robert (Bob) Crosman can be seen sitting in the Guard House with his trusty sidekick, his dog Teddy, resting close by. Last month, a special visitor was spotted by ‘eagle-eyed’ Bob. It was a Cooper’s Hawk. The winged visitor had landed on the fence line by the Guard House, eyeing Defence Team members intently as they left work for the day. Cooper’s Hawks are summertime visitors to southern Vancouver Island, breeding in the area during the warmer months before migrating south for the winter. To understand general guidelines of safely spotting hawks and other birds of prey around CFB Esquimalt without disrupting their natural environment, Robyn Pirie, Base Safety, Environment, and Indigenous Relations Environment Officer, shares that they should be viewed from a distance. Keep an eye out during birding season, as fledglings will be learning to survive outside of the nest for the first time. Coincidentally, the sighting of the Cooper’s Hawk was not the only special thing to occur on that day — it was also Bob’s 80th birthday. Now in his 25th year as a Commissionaire, Bob is one of the many dedicated Defence Team members that keep CFB Esquimalt safe and smoothly running. With no plans to retire soon, Bob intends to continue working to help guard and control security at CFB Esquimalt. “Being a commissionaire is the best job I’ve ever had,” said Bob. When asked about any life lessons he had learned along the way, Bob offered, “In...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper MARPAC launches the Health and Wellness Strategy’s Culture Evaluation Tool & Process (CET&P) across all units this fall. Developed over two years, CET&P helps units assess and improve health and wellness culture. Piloted in five units, the CET&P has already led to tangible improvements like hydration access, rest quality, and family engagement. - This fall, units across Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) will have the opportunity to take a closer look at health and wellness within their ranks with the official launch of the MARPAC Health and Wellness Strategy’s (MHWS) Culture Evaluation Tool & Process (CET&P). Developed and tested over the last two years especially for MARPAC, the CET&P is designed to give units a structured way to assess and improve their organizational health culture. To do this, the CET&P examines the physical environment, governance, and subjective unit member experiences of health and wellness across MARPAC units through five key health and wellness categories: Active Living and Injury Prevention, AddictionsFree Living, Healthy Nutrition, Mental and Social Wellness, and Organizational Wellness. Utilization of the CET&P includes a physical walkthrough of the participating unit, an assessment of its policies around the five priority categories, and individual questionnaires intended to incorporate a qualitative element to the data. Results then identify both strengths and challenges within the participating unit, therefore guiding targeted actions intended to boost health and wellness. “On a broader scale, the CET&P also promotes shared responsibility for health and wellness by highlighting opportunities to improve environments, policies, and leadership approaches to better support members,” said Vicy Doucette, Health Promotion Specialist. “Health and wellness will no longer be seen solely as an individual responsibility, but also as an organizational outcome.” The benefits of a tool like MHWS’s CET&P are clear. According to the most recent Health and Lifestyle Information...

Captain Keun Woo Kang 4CRPG Public Affairs Officer Canadian Rangers trained with NORFORCE during Exercise SOUTHERN CROSS 2025 in Australia. Training included survival skills, wildlife safety, Indigenous cultural exchanges, and tactical comparisons. The exercise deepened Canada-Australia military ties, with the next exchange in 2026, Exercise NORTHERN LIGHTS. - From July 8-28, the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) and Australia’s North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) conducted Exercise SOUTHERN CROSS 2025 (Ex SC25) in Australia. This Small Unit Exchange (SUE), which began in 2011, alternates bi-annually between the two allied units. Since its founding, the exchange has offered opportunities for participants to enhance interoperability and camaraderie while also introducing them to unique traditions and cultures. This year, NORFORCE hosted three staff members and 12 Canadian Rangers from 4CRPG. The exercise began in Darwin, Northern Territory, at NORFORCE’s Darwin Squadron Headquarters. Here, Canadian Rangers received various forms of training to prepare for the Australian wilderness and learn skills essential to NORFORCE’s operations. Rangers trained with the F89 Minimi and HK416 assault rifles and engaged in water safety training that included 100-meter uniformed swims, treading water exercises, and capsized vessel drills. Wildlife safety briefings also covered hazards such as crocodiles and jellyfish. The group then moved to Shoal Bay for survival training, which included friction fire lighting, night navigation using the Southern Cross constellation, and plant identification. Following the Darwin phase, the group flew to Broome, Western Australia, to train at Kimberley Squadron’s Forward Operating Base, Robert Knox. Canadian Rangers were divided into two smaller groups for concurrent training. One group conducted amphibious operations at Ngamakoon in King Sound and Cone Bay, while the other trained at Neem Campground and Beagle Bay. Activities included shoreline surveillance and covert observation posts via capsized vessel and Regional Patrol Vessel, as well as medicinal plant identification. Rangers...

Lt(Navy) Michael Cormie Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) Twelve new clearance divers graduated Oct 10 from Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) after completing the RQS1 course Divers are trained in deep-sea mine disposal, underwater repairs, salvage operations, and explosive ordnance disposal across Canada and abroad. The RCN is encouraging motivated members to challenge the Clearance Diver Assessment Centre (CDAC) and pursue one of the Navy’s most exciting careers. - After 13 months of training above and beneath ocean waves, 12 new clearance divers are surfacing with pride. On Oct 10 at Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)), students from the 2025 Clearance Diver Rank Qualification Sailor First Class (RQS1) course will officially graduate. These graduates are set to receive official clearance diver dolphin pins as a symbol of their accomplishment. Among the graduating class is Sailor Third Class (S3) Thomas Fournier, who joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) through the 2023 Naval Experience Program (NEP). S3 Fournier, originally from Muskoka, Ontario, then challenged the Clearance Diver Assessment Centre (CDAC) in Feb 2024. The CDAC manages the screening, evaluation, and selection for those looking to join the Clearance Diver RQS1 course. “My experience on the clearance diver course was the best year of my life. I had an amazing time. There were lots of opportunities for self development, professional-development, and team cohesion,” said S3 Fournier. “Everyone I worked with was very helpful and supportive of working through challenges. Overall, my experience was very positive. I have developed as a person in many, many ways, and I am ready to add to wherever I go as a clearance diver.” Clearance divers are the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) deep-sea mine disposal specialists. As such, they dive with various equipment including the Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA), the Rebreather, and the Surface Supplied Breathing Apparatus (SSBA) to carry...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Contributions by A/SLt Kim Wachockier The Royal Canadian Navy decommissioned HMCS Brandon, Whitehorse, and Saskatoon in a Sept 29 ceremony at CFB Esquimalt. The event, attended by sailors, families, and community members, featured naval traditions, prayers, and addresses from senior leaders. The ceremony honoured the ships’ service while marking modernization toward a future fleet. - After decades of carrying sailors through storm, sea, and service, three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessels are His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships no more. On Monday, Sept 29, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) formally paid off His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Saskatoon, Whitehorse, and Brandon in a ceremony at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. Hundreds of serving and former sailors, families, and Defence community members gathered at CFB Esquimalt’s Bravo ‘B’ Jetty to honour the vessels and the thousands of Canadians who served in them. The ceremony was presided over by ViceAdmiral (VAdm) Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN. “The weather today reflects much of what a paying off ceremony is — bittersweet in nature,” said VAdm Topshee. “But there is light, and we wait for it to show itself through the clouds.” Named after the Canadian cities of Whitehorse in Yukon, Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, and Brandon in Manitoba, the ships are part of a fleet of 12 Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs) commissioned into the RCN in the late 1990s. All Kingston-class vessels are scheduled to be retired by 2028 as part of the RCN’s modernization plan to shift resources toward the future fleet. Now, Brandon, Whitehorse, and Saskatoon have been formally decommissioned at the very place they once joined Canada’s naval fleet — their home, Esquimalt, British Columbia (B.C.). The ceremony was both a proud and emotional moment for the RCN. While it signified the end of active...

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...

Lindsay Groves, Corporate Services Manager Lookout Newspaper Here I am again: sitting behind a keyboard with a blank page on my screen. It always feels good to be here — at the beginning of something new. My career has taken me from local reporting to writing for global brands, and now I’m back in community news. Because I believe storytelling matters, it feels like the right time to introduce myself and tell a chapter of my story. “I believe storytelling matters." I’m Lindsay Groves, the Corporate Services Manager for the Lookout Newspaper, part of the Personnel Support Programs (PSP) team. I joined the team in July 2025. My brother, Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Nicholas (Nick) Groves, enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 2012. He was proud and ready. As a family, we celebrated his professional milestones throughout the years of service with memories of his graduation at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Venture. We also celebrated his life with a ceremony at Venture as Nick proudly served on HMCS Ottawa until his death in 2017 after his battle with cancer. There is a saying on the wall at Work Point’s Nixon Gym that reads, “A new undertaking to dare & not be afraid.’” While I did not witness my brother in his naval environment, I knew him, and I was with him from his diagnosis to his death. To witness his strength, courage, and humour in the face of this impossible challenge remains a guiding light in my life. During his battle, Nick experienced an outpouring of care and support from this base. I can confirm that his experience, along with my family’s experience in caring for him, would have been extremely different with additional layers of difficulty if it were not for the morale, benefits, and support offered by...

Archana Cini, Digital Media and Marketing, Writer/Reporter Lookout Newspaper I’m Archana Cini, and I’ve been the Lookout’s writer, reporter, and digital marketing coordinator for the past six months. People like to ask me why I’m here, and I always start with what I’m not here to do. I don’t want to tell the same story for the hundredth time with a few words changed. I want to show the entirety of the West Coast that the Royal Canadian Navy isn’t just an institution — it is its people, every single one. That’s why I’m here. We’ve all heard Aristotle’s, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ but I think we sometimes forget that the whole itself would cease to exist if not for the existence of, literally, each individual part. In this sense, I don’t want to write about just the whole. I also want to learn about every role, every person, their experiences both in and out of their uniform. The details are where my favorite stories are found. At the seed of my soul, I want to share Defence Community stories as its humans are — brave, funny, and always real. I never want to write from a distance. I want to get close enough to understand why something matters. If I got to sit down with my ten-yearold self and tell her what her proudest moment in life to date would be, it’s this one — being seen as the woman behind the words. As a South Indian immigrant, English didn’t always feel like mine. In my early years, I used it to survive. Now, it is my craft. “I can’t say I’ve been in this industry for four decades, but I can say I write a damn good story.” Writing in a military...

Read how CFMETR and Fisheries and Oceans Canada rescued a distressed humpback whale entangled in lines in the Strait of Georgia on Aug 27.

Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper Contributions by Gerald Pash and the Naval Association of Canada, Vancouver Island Branch HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is the sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. Named after Lt Robert Hampton Gray, the last Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross.  Simultaneous ceremonies were held in Halifax, Victoria, and Japan, on Aug 9.  Commissioning will take place in 2026 at CFB Esquimalt, when the vessel joins the Pacific Fleet.  - On Aug 21, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officially accepted His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray. The vessel is the sixth and final in a new fleet of Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). Built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Robert Hampton Gray will safeguard Canadian waters, strengthen Arctic sovereignty, and deploy abroad. Notably, the AOPV is capable of operating in first-year ice of 120-centimetre thickness, allowing the RCN unescorted access to previously inaccessible areas of the Arctic. However, Robert Hampton Gray’s acceptance carries weight far beyond steel and ceremony — its name is an act of remembrance for Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Hampton Gray, the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. On Aug 9, 1945, Lt Gray climbed into the cockpit of his Corsair fighter from the aircraft carrier His Majesty’s Ship Formidable, leading an attack on Japanese ships in Onagawa Bay. Despite flying straight into concentrated anti-aircraft fire and taking a hit, he continued with his attack by releasing a bomb on the destroyer Amakusa while flying very low to ensure a successful hit. Struck by his bomb, the vessel capsized and sank. Lt Gray’s flaming aircraft then crashed into the sea. Only 27 years old when he passed, Lt Gray’s body was never recovered. Exactly 80 years after his passing, on Aug 9, 2025, HMCS Robert Hampton...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper The Raven Program returned to CFB Esquimalt this summer, blending Indigenous cultural teachings with naval-focused Basic Military Qualification (BMQ)M training.  Highlights included a Confidence Course at Camp Albert Head, a live-fire range day in Nanaimo, and a formal graduation ceremony at HMCS Venture.  Beyond skills, Raven fostered lasting meaning, offering participants cultural enrichment and graduates with potential pathways to CAF careers.  - The Raven Program is one of five Indigenous summer programs offered annually by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A six-week summer Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course designed specifically for Indigenous participants from across Canada, Raven blends Indigenous cultural teachings with naval-focused military training. The 2025 iteration of the Raven Indigenous Summer Program included a Confidence Course. Held at Camp Albert Head, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt on July 31, the outdoor course challenged program participants to successfully scale walls, navigate rope bridges, complete net climbs, and more. Notably, Raven is not designated as a youth program — rather, it is open to Indigenous people of all ages eligible to join the CAF (16- 57). This year, Raven saw participants learning and connecting with traditional Indigenous values and teachings; learning defence skills during the BMQ course; and spending a day aboard a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel to boost military knowledge and experience life at sea. Students were also taught weapons handling, navigation, first-aid, flood containment, firefighting, and more. To Master Sailor (MS) Henry McDavid, Naval Combat Information Operator and Raven instructor, the program also provides participants with a wealth of valuable insights beyond military skills. “Everyone has that little voice in the back of their head filled with fears of ‘what if,’” said McDavid. “But you will learn on this course that your fear of failure is stopping you before you even begin, and...

Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper Formation Fun Day returns to CFB Esquimalt on Sept 6, offering a free afternoon of food, entertainment, games, and family activities. New attractions debut this year, including a toddler-friendly soft play zone. The event fosters connection and belonging within the Defence Community by welcoming both newcomers and longtime residents. Thank you to our event sponsors, Seaspan, Babcock, the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC), the Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Base Fund. - The countdown is officially on for one of the most anticipated Defence community events of the year: Formation Fun Day. On Saturday, Sept 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Formation Fun Day will take over the Naden Athletic Centre at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. The event will unite military members, veterans, base employees, and their families for a free fair-style afternoon of food, entertainment, games, activities, and more. This year’s event promises to be a little different — in the best way. For Leah Pokocky, Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Special Event Coordinator, creating the 2025 Formation Fun Day experience meant listening first. “When in the initial planning stages, it was really important to me to reach out to our local Defence community to see what was enjoyed in the past, what might have been missing, and what they would be sad to not see again,” she says. As a result, the 2025 event is set to include new activities for the youngest children, along with more opportunities for older attendees to build meaningful community memories. Families with toddlers will find plenty to love this year, with Tiny Toes Soft Play Rentals introducing a fenced, concierge-supervised play space designed for children five and under. As Pokocky, a mother of an active two-year-old herself, puts it: “To find someone that safely...

Archana Cini, Contributions from Lt(Navy) Jonathan Lacasse and PO1 Brendan Huber Meet the Huber family: Brendan (52), Patrick (15), and Matthias (10), all serving as PO1s in RCN, Sea Cadets, and Navy League programs. Their shared naval involvement strengthens family bonds and instills leadership, seamanship, and citizenship values in the next generation. - What started as a father’s way of helping his children through the separations of service has since turned into a family of Petty Officers, 1st Class (PO1) at the youth and Royal Canadian Navy level. Meet the Huber family, united by both blood and a shared love of the navy. Among the Hubers are three PO1s: Brendan (52), his son Patrick (15), and son Matthias (10), serving in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Lanark Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Program (RCSCC LANARK), and the Carlplace Navy League Cadet Corps Program (NLCC Carlplace) respectively. At the helm of the Huber family stands Patrick and Matthias’s mother Kathryn Huber, an active member of the Navy League board. The Sea Cadets are a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) supported program focused on leadership, fitness, and citizenship for children aged 12-19. The Navy Cadet Corps, delivered by the Navy League of Canada, teaches children aged 9-12 seamanship, leadership, and RCN traditions. To PO1 Brendan Huber, having his children join these organizations was not only a way to help them understand what he was doing away from home, but also a way to cope with his deployments. Now, his son Patrick has taken to his role of PO1 with enthusiasm and pride, with highlights including taking a Fitness and Sports Instructor Course and winning a RCSCC LANARK sportsman award. His son Matthais also won the Navy League Seamanship Award from NLCC Carlplace. When asked if his children might consider pursuing military careers, PO1...