Volume 68, Issue 32, August 14, 2023

CFB Esquimalt men’s and women’s slo-pitch teams captured gold and a shot at a national title during the Canada West regional championships at 17 Wing (Winnipeg). Nationals are set for Sept. 9-13 at CFB Borden.

HMCS Harry DeWolf heading back to sea on OPERATION NANOOK

Royal Canadian Navy

After ten months of an operational hiatus for necessary repairs and extensive sailor training, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf and its crew headed out to sea on Operation (Op) Nanook on Aug. 10.

“From a ship driver perspective, this drives nothing like anything I’ve driven in the last thirty years,” said Commander (Cdr) Guillaume Côté. “It’s completely different. Everyone aboard, including myself, have to learn how to operate such a large ship.”

For Cdr Côté, the most daunting feat is operating a vessel of Harry DeWolf’s size. More familiar with operating the Halifaxclass frigates, Cdr Côté describes vessels like the Kingston-class Marine Coastal Defence Vessels as comparable to driving a sports car. On the other hand, Harry DeWolf, weighing about 7,000 tonnes with a diesel-electric motor, drives more like an 18-wheeler.

This reality requires more Marine Technicians (MARTECH) aboard than usual who bring a collective knowledge of the Navy’s technical trades and an openness to taking on new challenges.

“There’s an entire development process to change the skillsets of every single sailor serving in this ship,” Cdr Côté said. “They have to take what they have learned and apply it in a different way.”

Until mid-July, the crew of 87 sailors was focused solely on training, earning qualifications, and gaining experience to be best prepared for future deployments.

Despite the lengthy training for personnel, Cdr Côté is bracing for the new adventure of sailing in the Arctic.

“It’s a daunting task, sailing that far up North. I’m not too sure how to prepare myself emotionally, psychologically, operationally for this,” he said. “This is going to be a complete change.”

The upcoming deployment on Op Nanook exercises Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic region. It’s a joint effort coordinated with our northern partners that helps respond to security issues in the North. Cdr Côté says Harry DeWolf will be the only Canadian navy vessel participating in the operation this year, collaborating, and conducting exercises with the Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, and other national and international partners to improve the

Navy’s ability to operate in the unique environment.

Cdr Côté also noted this operation is important to demonstrate Canada’s presence in our territorial waters and for sailors to experience sailing in the Arctic.

“Every time we go up there, we learn new things,” Cdr Côté said.

The significance of Harry DeWolf’s presence in more isolated regions and untouched natural environments is not lost on the ship’s Commanding Officer or ship’s company. He says climate change is top of mind, and they are all prepared to uphold the Navy’s mandate to reduce environmental impacts.

“With climate change things are constantly shifting,” he said. “What was once rock is just mud, coastlines are changing with erosion, so there’s a bit of survey work, but we are a self-sustaining unit. We are trying to impact the local communities and environment as little as possible.”

Beyond the challenges that Op Nanook may bring, Cdr Côté is eager to head out to sea with his skilled and talented crew.

“We’re just starting this journey of discovery and we are really looking forward to that challenge,” he said.

Community honours Canada’s blue berets

Peter Mallett Staff Writer

The 2023 Veteran's Week poster commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operation was unveiled last week in Esquimalt.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs, unveiled the colourful poster at the annual Peacekeepers Memorial Parade on Aug. 9 at Memorial Park. The Peacekeepers Memorial Parade is in its 31st year and marks the day of the most significant loss of life during peacekeeping operations.

Petitpas Taylor, also the Associate Minister of National Defence, said all Canadians wearing the UN Peacekeeping insignia ‘represent the very best of us’.

“Their commitment, bravery and dedication in the most hostile situations have served as a bright light to hundreds of thousands of people around the world,” she said. “I can think of no better way to honour and remember their service and sacrifice than to unveil this tribute to them today on National Peacekeepers’ Day.”

The dignitaries, including Mitzi Dean, Member of the B.C. Legislature for Esquimalt Metchosin, Silver Cross parents Sheila and Shaun Fynes, each placed a poppy in a wreath at the Cenotaph following a moment of silence and The Last Post. Captain (Navy) Peter Sproule,

Maritime Forces Pacific Chief of Staff, was the Reviewing Officer for the event.

Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Paul Paone, an organizer of the memorial, gave a heartfelt salute after placing a poppy and reflecting on the moment’s significance.

“We are not only remembering those who have died in [peacekeeping] operations but also those whose experiences are complicit in their subsequent death or whose service was cut short regardless of the cause, no matter their mission at home or abroad,” Paone said.

Since 1948, more than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel and 4,000

Canadian civilian police officers have served in peace support operations worldwide. The B.C. government was the first in Canada to declare a Memorial Day to honour those who have died in service of peace; it became a National Day of Remembrance in 2008. This year’s memorial was organized by the British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association with the assistance of CFB Esquimalt.

Earlier in the day, Petitpas Taylor attended a ceremony at the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial in downtown Victoria. She was there with retired Brigadier General Joseph Gollner, President of the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial Society and Paone to lay a wreath. Afghanistan veterans and their families and current-serving Canadian Forces members were in attendance as well.

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The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Maritime Achievement

250-363-4006

250-363-7060

A/Slt Alexandre Springer alexandre.springer@forces.gc.ca

Published each Monday, under the authority of Capt(N) K. Whiteside, Base Commander.

Le LOOKOUT est publié tous les lundis, sous l’égide du Capv K. Whiteside, Commandant de la Base.

The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or reject copy or advertising to adhere to policy as outlined in PSP Policy Manual. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of National Defence.

Le Rédacteur se réserve le droit de modifier,de condenser ou de rejeter les articles, photographies, ou annonces publicitaires pour adhérer au Manuel des politiques des PSP. Les opinions et annonces exprimées dans le journal ne réflètent pas nécéssairement le point de vue du MDN.

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A collaboration between the Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of B.C., the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement will replace the annual S.S. Beaver Awards for Maritime Excellence that have been awarded for the past ten years.

This new award will recognize and acknowledge individuals and organizations along B.C.’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to B.C.’s maritime interests in science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art, and academic endeavours. The expanded scope of the award will also recognize Indigenous and traditional practices and environmental stewardship, and ensure diversity in nominees, recipients, and award administration.

A unique award medallion featuring the artwork of Nusi Ian Reid, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, will be awarded to each recipient.

“It is my great honour to champion the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement,” said The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. “For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have lived with respect in this beautiful and abundantly resourced region, mastering marine resources and developing distinct watercraft to skillfully obtain food and travel. Today, along with the continued stewardship of Indigenous peoples, the waters along our coast

support many vital industries, international trade, and recreation and tourism. I am delighted for this opportunity to celebrate excellence across all kinds of marine-based industries and share my gratitude to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and the Government House Foundation for their support of this important recognition.”

Inaugural nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement are now open at mmbc.bc.ca/lieutenant-governorsaward. Nominations will close on Sept. 30. The first awards will be presented at a ceremony in November.

Award steering and selection committees comprised of members of the Government House Foundation, Maritime Museum of BC, representatives from the broader community, and professional mariners will administer the award.

Film pays tribute to The Brooding Soldier

Peter Mallett Staff Writer

A short film by a Victoria documentary filmmaker remembers a powerful national war monument largely forgotten by time.

Professor Geoffrey Bird of Royal Roads University’s School of Communication and Culture produced a documentary on the St. Julien Canadian Memorial, also known as The Brooding Soldier.

“The memorial depicts an important moment in Canada’s story,” Bird said. “It’s a national memorial but, most importantly, it’s a veteran’s memorial designed by a veteran.”

Bird’s film, a seven-minute title The Brooding Soldier, was part of a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) project that observed the 100th anniversary of its unveiling on July 8 near St. Julien. The memorial is the creation of Frederick Chapman Clemesha, the late Regina architect and sculptor. Clemesha was wounded during the First World War while serving in the Canadian Corps. He was a former member of Canada’s 46th Battalion, nicknamed ‘The Suicide Battalion’ since it fought in some of the bloodiest encounters of the war, including at Ypres.

Bird says the St. Julien Canadian Memorial is not your typical war monument. Instead of celebrating a glorious battlefield victory, Clemesha’s monument invokes memories of a heartfelt, sombre moment and a tragedy long since repressed in Canada’s national consciousness.

“Some memorials depict courage, bravery and soldiers defending, and others convey soldiers in reflection and grieving over their fallen comrades,” he said.

Bird, who served in the Naval Reserve for eight years, hopes his latest short film also encourages Canadians to learn more about these places and stories.

“The experience of actually walking the battlefields, being in cemeteries and understanding those places first-hand gives a different kind of insight and different kind of emotional connection to these stories,” says Bird.

THE TEST OF TIME

Clemesha’s sculpture won a design competition organized by the Canadian Battlefields Memorial Commission in 1920 to see memorials erected at eight First World War battle sites.

The Brooding Soldier uses drone footage to capture the statue in its full beauty as it reaches toward the sky while nestled between farmer’s fields and miles of flat terrain. The film also delves into a controversy involving the unveiling of Clemesha’s memorial, largely forgotten by time.

Dr. Tim Cook, Director of Research and Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum, notes that unveiling the sculpture and its somber messaging was controversial. This was because his creation seemed quite different than almost every other memorial built on the Western Front.

“It was dark, it was brooding, it seemed to signify loss and grief and it was also a memorial of pride,” he said.

Dr. Jonathan Vance, a University of Western Ontario history professor, noted how some critics of the day compared Clemesha’s creation to ‘a ghastly jack-in-the-box’.

“It didn’t have the kind of traditional patriotic elements that people were expecting,” says Vance. “But, as people move further away from the political events of the moment, they saw in that soldier a timelessness that is very appealing because it is a figure captured in a state of calm, repose, contemplation and reverence.”

Bird’s film can be viewed here: warheritage.royalroads.ca/ broodingsoldier/

QUICK FACTS:

• The memorial stands 11m tall and features a Canadian soldier with a helmeted head bowed, hands resting on the stock of a riffle and barrel down. The stone for its shaft was cut in the quarries of the Vosges, and the surrounding bust was carved in Brussels.

• Nestled amongst farmer’s fields, The Brooding Soldier stands where the first battle of the Canadian Expeditionary Force took place in April 1915.

• Known as the Second Battle of Ypres, the site also marks an infamous first, the use of poison gas as a weapon, says Bird. Between Apr. 22 and 26, the German Army brought forward 168 tonnes of chlorine gas, with Canadian troops positioned for several hundred metres along the front lines.

Approximately 6,000 Canadian troops died during the battle.

• During the 100th anniversary ceremony in Belgium, a set of new interpretive panels were unveiled, with one including a QR code allowing cell phone users to view Bird’s film.

• Bird’s production is part of Royal Roads University’s War Heritage Research Initiative, a collection of 27 films exploring sites of memory that have a link to the World Wars. He is also producing and directing a 45-minute film, Ways We Remember War, scheduled to debut in time for Remembrance Day. This film focuses on art, memorials, and pilgrimage related to the battle.

FMF CB apprentices innovate a radar system

Gabrielle Brunette Communications Coordinator Student, FMF CS

The Sonic Analysis, Detection and Ranging (SADAR) system is a device capable of simulating the functionality and design of a ship’s navigational radar system.

This device was designed and produced by a group of four apprentices at the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMF CB) as part of their training.

“Each apprentice in our Electronics program must complete a project that showcases their knowledge from school and experience gained through their rotations in the different shops,” said Ryan Solomon, General Manager of Group 5.

Solomon wanted a product that could easily be transported to various outreach events, showcasing FMF’s capabilities and generating employment interest for the facility.

Solomon gave requirements to four apprentices – Jordan Baird, Luke Vinden, Walter Parsons, and Jaden Prigione – and emphasized the need for the product to be interactive and portable.

SADAR works similarly to traditional radar systems but uses high-frequency sounds to detect and display targets, as opposed to measuring the time it takes an electromagnetic wave to bounce off a target and return to the receiver.

“We sought to imitate an existing system on the Canadian Patrol Frigates, the navigation radar, using simple components that would demystify the complexity of the actual system,” Parsons said.

The system is made of two parts. The blue box is the brain component responsible for generating

and analyzing signals. The position and distance of surrounding targets are then displayed on the Plan Position Indicator.

The small grey box with interchangeable sensor heads, allowing for future expansion of system capabilities, is the sound transducer and receiver, which rotates 360 degrees.

The team invested hundreds of hours into the hardware, software, and system infrastructure while balancing their regular apprenticeship duties and coordinating with other shops across FMF CB.

The team was pleased to see other trades who supported the project take pride in the individual work they contributed towards SADAR.

“Beyond seeing the completed project, the camaraderie we developed, not just between our cohort of Electronics Apprentices but also with members of the supporting trades, was really rewarding,” Parsons said.

Throughout the project development, the team met various challenges, from troubleshooting to navigating limited programming experience, all of which they surmounted together.

“The SADAR project not only challenged and subsequently grew the apprentice team’s electronics knowledge, but it also enhanced their abilities on technical design and helped them better understand how the various shops within the FMF work together,” Solomon said.

All four apprentices are graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Camosun College.

Bravo Zulu, Jordan, Luke, Walter, and Jaden, on this innovative project!

Dockyard Gym reopens this week

Peter Mallett Staff Writer

The wait is finally over for fitness enthusiasts who work on the Dockyard side of the Base: after an extended closure, the Dockyard Gym is set to re-open its doors this week.

The gym closed in December 2022 for required maintenance. Starting Aug. 15, it will resume its standard Mon-Fri operating hours, 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dockyard Gym is an essential facility to the formation and was sorely missed during its closure, says Matt Kingston, Acting Manager, Fitness and Sports, Personnel Support Programs (PSP).

“We are excited about the re-opening and look forward to seeing and working with all members

and patrons again,” Kingston said. “Convenient access to facilities and classes is extremely important for anyone to be consistent and successful with their health and fitness plan.”

Kingston says the Dockyard Gym is also essential for the PSP Fitness team to support units and ships. Its closure meant those looking to squeeze in a workout before work or during their lunch break had to do so at the Naden Athletic Centre, 2 km away.

To celebrate the re-opening, PSP will hold a small on-site expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 15. Representatives from various departments will share information about PSP’s programs and services offered to the military community. A selection of light snacks and drinks will also be available.

5 Questions: National Badminton Champion

Peter Mallett Staff Writer

Sailor Third Class (S3) Van Nguyen, Royal Canadian Navy Submariner, leads a double life.

When he’s not busy at his job as a Sonar Operator with HMCS Victoria, he smashes birdies and humbles opponents as a member of the Esquimalt Tritons badminton team. Badminton isn’t just a hobby or recreational pastime but an obsession, says S3 Nguyen.

He is currently No. 10 overall in Badminton Canada’s B.C. senior player ranking for men’s singles and holds the No. 3 overall provincial ranking for doubles. His success on the court has led to a sponsorship agreement with Victor, one of the world’s leading badminton equipment and apparel manufacturers. The 24-year-old from Langley, B.C., won gold medals in Men’s Open Age singles and a doubles title with Acting Sub-Lieutenant Roger Quach of Naval Fleet School (Pacific) at the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Canada West Badminton Championships in February at the Naden Athletic Centre. While

no CAF National Championship event was held this year, S3 Nguyen remains optimistic about his chances in future CAF competitions and beyond.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO WINNING THE CANADA WEST TITLES AND TO THOSE WHO LOOK TO CHALLENGE YOU NEXT YEAR?

A: Even though winning the title was a great honour, and my opponents were formidable, I did not celebrate too much. I immediately focused on what I needed to do next to improve my game. I am hungry as a dog to win more, so players in the rest of the CAF, beware!

Q: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAINTAIN YOUR FORM AND STAY ON TOP?

A: I get up every day at 4:30 or 5 a.m. at my home in Langford so I can make my way to the gymnasium at Work Point’s Nixon building to practice with my doubles partner. After work with HMCS Victoria, I have group practices with the team at the Naden Athletic Centre or strength training on alternate days. I then train in the sauna, which improves my endurance and mental conditioning.

I also study videos of tournaments and Olympic matches, even film myself playing to improve my mechanics and form. If you want extreme results, you need to be an extreme person, so I sacrifice a

lot of my time for badminton. If you’re going to get the results on the court, you need to have dedication, heart and willpower to power through matches.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY HEROES OR MENTORS?

A: One of my biggest sports heroes is Kobe Bryant, the late Los Angeles Lakers legend, for his hard work and determination.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB AS A SUBMARINER?

A: Being a submariner is my life’s other great passion. Once you become part of the Canadian Submarine Force and begin working on submarines, it’s like living in another world. I like bonding with people, creating connections and memories, and working in a team environment.

Q: HOW DOES BADMINTON GIVE YOU A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

A: My work is highly technical and requires great attention to detail, but it is also very stressful. It’s wonderful that my unit allows me the time to compete in badminton competitions. Playing and training for my sport is a great way to let off steam and stay mentally fit, too. I would not be the same person without the ability to compete and have a goal to shoot for.

Fleet Dive Unit Diver Profiles

Sailor First Class

Morgan Mercier was born in Miramichi, N.B., in 1995. Morgan joined the Navy in 2017 as a Marine Technician. His hobbies include going out and tearing up the dance floor at Darcy’s. Morgan also enjoys going on hikes and adventures on the weekends. Morgan is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic).

Sailor First Class

Ian Prudhomme was born and raised in Quebec. Ian was happy to join the CAF as an Infanteer. Now, he spends his days diving in the water, and sometimes, he even touches explosives, so he is happier. Ian is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).

Sailor First Class Keon Schwartz was born in St. Albert, Alta., in 1982 and was raised in Calgary, Alta. Keon joined the CAF as a Vehicle Technician in 2008. When Keon isn’t diving, you can find him on a snowboard or mountain bike or getting some new ink at the tattoo shop. Keon is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).

Sailor First Class

Ricardo Toia was born in Montreal, Que., in 1996. Ricardo joined in 2018 as a Gunner and later switched to Port Inspection Diver. His hobbies include always looking for a mirror, swimming and having vehicle trouble. Ricardo is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).

Sailor Third Class Matthew JanTheodore van der Eyden was born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1995. Matthew joined the military as a Reserve Infanteer before challenging the Clearance Diver Assessment Centre with no prior diving experience. His hobbies include mowing his lawn and playing Mass Effect. Matthew is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).

Sailor First Class Luke Wollis was born in London, Ont., in 1989 and grew up in Hensall, Ont., ‘the White Bean Capital of Canada’. Luke joined the Navy in 2009 as a Naval Communicator and switched to Hull Technician in 2013. His hobbies include yoga, swimming, and doing nothing but legs at the gym. Luke is posted to Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific).

Canadian HR Awards is recognizing CFMWS

We are thrilled to announce that Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) has earned the esteemed recognition of being an Excellence Awardee for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards – a second year in a row!

This year, CFMWS has been shortlisted for the category of ‘Most Innovative Use of HR Technology’ for our continued implementation of MYTALENT, implementation of our Onboarding module, as well as our Benefits selfenrollment and our new Professional Development courses, launching to all employees this September.

The Canadian HR Awards is one of the most recognized and prestigious HR professional events in Canada.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 20, with results posted on hrawards.ca/winners-and-excellence-awardees.

Bringing these initiatives to life has been a true collaboration across all our divisions. From the background work to source and launch them, to serving as a champion for these tools, to every one of us embracing them and learning how to use them – every division has played a part.

Our path to digitizing our HR services and tools demonstrates our organization’s commitment to giving our employees modern tools to improve their experience.

A big thank you to all!

LOST PROPERTY

The Military Police Unit (Esquimalt), is holding various items of Unclaimed Found Property. Items appearing on the following list are available to be claimed by their rightful owners, by contacting the Military Police Property Custodian MCpl Keith at 250-363-4366 or 250-363-4032.

MILITARY POLICE GO# ....... ITEM

• GO 22-22749 Laptop

• GO 22-25969 ......................... Ring

• GO 22-20842 ......................... Pouch with zipper

• GO 22-3650 ........................... Trail camera

• GO 23-16125 ......................... Ring

• GO 23-25 .............................. Pelican Case

• GO 23-3373 Back Pack with items

• GO 23-12623 Gym Bag with gym equipment

RIMPAC Logo Design Contest

The world’s largest maritime military exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), is holding a competition to find a logo for its 2024 edition.

This is an opportunity for any artist, designer or creative person who would like to see their work featured as the exercise’s official branding for stationary, press releases, websites, social media, coins, shirts, hats, and more. The Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet will officially recognize the winner.

Held every two years since 1971, RIMPAC brings an international collection of maritime, land, and air units to the Hawaiian Islands to conduct joint exercises that address several scenarios, such as disaster relief, maritime security operations, sea control, and complex warfighting.

Last year, the exercise’s 28th edition saw 38 surface ships, three submarines, nine national land forces, approximately 170 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel make their way to the Hawaiian Islands to participate. The next iteration will take place in June and July 2024. RIMPAC is sporting a new theme for its 29th edition: Partners: Integrated and Prepared. Logo submissions should exemplify this theme.

LOGO SUBMISSIONS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:

• be rasterized in .jpg format with a resolution of at least 300 dpi (the winning design will require an unlocked and editable vector file);

• be of a quality capable of reproduction on a coin or embossed on stationary and folders, etc.;

• embrace the theme Partners: Integrated and Prepared;

• be marked public domain and not copyrighted;

• not include nation flags;

• be mindful of the joint nature of the exercise; and

• be creative! (Previous logos can be used as inspiration, but designs of any shape are welcome as long as they follow the above criteria.)

This competition is open to all Defence Team members. The deadline to submit is Sept. 1.

Any questions and file submissions should be directed to the United States Navy’s Third Fleet Public Affairs office at c3f.pao@navy.mil.

For phone inquiries, call Third Fleet Public Affairs at 619-767-4387.

From a Junior Ranger to a wildland firefighter

Canadian Ranger Lindsay Chung

4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

Cole Dunbar was raised surrounded by Canadian Rangers (CR), who were skilled outdoorsmen, and he couldn’t wait to join the Junior Canadian Ranger (JCR) program when he was old enough.

Dunbar joined the Snow Lake JCR Patrol in Manitoba when he turned 12. In his six years as a JCR, Master Corporal (MCpl) Dunbar learned skills and gained experiences that would shape his adult life.

It is not hard to draw a line from his years as a JCR to his work as a Wildfire Service wildland firefighter, pilot, and his current service as a CR and volunteer firefighter.

“Rangers were prevalent through my entire childhood before I joined,” he said. “Snow Lake is a small town of 1,000; people within

my parents’ social world were Rangers, I saw them in parades and events in Snow Lake. When I became of age, I joined because of the presence I always saw.”

MCpl Dunbar was a JCR from 12 to 18, and he describes the program as ‘phenomenal’. It starts as a weekly community-based meeting, and the people of the community dictate what happens in it for the community’s needs. The people who hosted his Patrol, Randy and Wanda Huff, were dedicated to the youth.

“They really opened us up to a variety of experiences within a wide realm of things,” he said. “It created a really strong community for the youth. The time in the program developed quality skills and networking amongst people across Canada’s remote regions.”

MCpl Dunbar feels his training as a JCR profoundly impacted his life path.

“The amount of training I received from

Junior Rangers definitely made my life easier in the future, and it expedited my growth in many different aspects,” he said.

When he aged out, he immediately joined the Wildfire Service, becoming a wildland firefighter at the local initial attack base. He said the JCR program trained him to be deployable and required little training regarding joining the ranks. He eventually became an Initial Attack Crew Leader for the Wildfire Service.

MCpl Dunbar says a mix of navigation and leadership skills have served him the most from JCR age into adulthood.

“A lot of people aren’t given the opportunity to develop into a leadership role until they are an adult, meanwhile at age 17, Junior Rangers were introduced to flight planning for search and rescue mock scenarios,” he said.

When he aged out of the JCR program,

MCpl Dunbar travelled abroad and backpacked for about five years, returning home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he joined the Volunteer Fire Department. He joined the Snow Lake Canadian Ranger Patrol in December 2021.

“I really enjoy the high-value medical training such as wound care and closure even though resources for wilderness first aid with wound care are limited,” he said. “We’ve done quite a bit of aviation training as well; it’s always nice to see the north from the air as a Ranger.”

MCpl Dunbar is a photographer and documents many Canadian Ranger training exercises. He opened a photography studio in Snow Lake and will feature a gallery of artwork from northern Manitoba.

To view MCpl Dunbar’s photography, visit www.coledunbar.ca.

Naval Fleet School (Pacific)

Change of Command

RENTALS

850 sqft, 2 bed, 1 bath, ground-level suite

$2,300 a month (double occupancy or negotiable for single or additional occupants).

• Located in Strawberry Vale near VicGen Hospital & Camosun College;

• Hydro/Cable not included;

• Water, garbage and recycle included;

• Parking for one vehicle on site and more off street;

• Private side entrance.

No smoking/partying; tenancy agreement and tenancy insurance required. If interested, please email Smalltown09@yahoo.ca

Suite available for rent (Fernwood) $2,400

Large bright, clean, spacious 2 bedroom character suite in Fernwood. Approximately 1,000 sq. ft. main level, recently painted. Vinyl and fir flooring. Full bathroom. Shared coin-op laundry on suite with 2 other suites. Garbage, sewer, water, hydro included. Tenant pays for own heat. Street parking. Suitable for 2 people. No pets, no smoking on property.

Saxe Point, One Bedroom Basement Suite, 2.5 km from Dockyard gate, fully furnished, in-suite laundry, all utilities included. Street parking with private entrance, storage shed. $1,300. Contact: frankalexander1963@outlook.com.

Spacious & charming 2 bed, 1 bath basement suite with 8' ceilings and ample storage in an amazing central location at 727 Porter Rd. Esquimalt. 825 sqft of bright living space with a private patio, insuite laundry, and a gas stove. Gig speed internet & cable included. Available from Aug 15th. $2,000/month + $200 utilities. 1 parking spot. Contact: 250-858-7037, jesse@ilovevictoria.ca

2bed/2bath-condo w/a bright, open-concept & 9’6” ceilings. Located at the Esquimalt Town Square. Interior features include built-in shelving, white oak hardwood floors, custom cabinets, reclaimed brick feature wall, radiant heat floors in en-suite & balcony w/ views of the beautiful gardens. Recently upgraded: wall bed in the 2nd bdrm w/pullout desk, sofa & a built-in shelving at kitchen counter. 1 secure parking stall with EV charger & storage locker. Contact: Kevin White, Macdonald Realty, 778-677-3420, kwhite@macrealty.com, 1216carlisle.com

Anchors Away

Arts & Music Festival

MUSIC

Yukon Blonde

The Naden Band

The Fabulous B Sides

The New Groovement

Mister Mojo and his Magic Band

Performers

Canada’s Drag Race Performers

Kendall Gender and Vivian Vanderpuss with friends

Passion and Performance Arts Inc. dancers

Kids & Kids

Bouncy castle

Interactive games

Arts and crafts area

Balloon Twister

Face painting

Starlight Stadium in Langford

AUGUST 27 1-9 pm

Food trucks

L’Authentic Burgers and Poutine Kattia’s Kitchen Candytime