Volume 69, Issue No. 29, July 22, 2024

Sailor of the Second Quarter revolutionizes

Kateryna Bandura Lookout Editor

A groundbreaking initiative by HMCS Ottawa Marine Systems Engineer (MSE) has set a new benchmark for quality-of-life improvements on Canadian warships.

Sailor 1st Class (S1) Michael Fung led a project to install nearly 200 120volt power outlets in Ottawa’s NonCommissioned Members’ mess decks.

The initiative has earned him recognition as the Canadian Fleet Pacific Sailor of the Second Quarter.

“It’s an honor to get this recognition,” said S1 Fung. “As much as I love being the ‘gray man’, it’s important all the work our MSEs put in is recognized.”

The project, which took approximately

18 months from conception to completion, has set a new standard for shipboard accommodations. The solution addresses a long-standing frustration among sailors - the lack of convenient electrical outlets for charging personal devices in their living quarters.

The impact of this modification has been immediate and significant. Crew members can now easily charge phones, electric razors, and other devices from their racks, with some even using the outlets for small fans to manage heat in their messes. The improvement has been so well-received it’s being considered for fleet-wide implementation.

“This kind of outgoing effort is wonderful. It impacted all onboard HMCS Ottawa

for Operation Horizon 2023 and it’s going to have impacts across our fleet, and across the Navy,” said Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific.

Before joining the Navy in 2018, S1 Fung studied to become an electrician, accumulating about 4,500 hours of commercial and residential work experience. His civilian experience proved invaluable.

“Everything was chosen with a focus on a marine environment,” he said. “All the cabling is low-smoke and designed with damage control considerations.”

S1 Fung procured the necessary components and did the installation during his free time while deployed with a core group of 8 to 12 of his shipmates, primarily electricians. The

Commodore David Mazur, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, presents Sailor 1st Class Michael Fung with Sailor of the Quarter Coin aboard HMCS Ottawa docked at CFB Esquimalt on July 16.

Photo: Sailor 3rd Class Mckayla Ryce, MARPAC Imaging Services

installation includes properly grounded robustly installed receptacle boxes, with devices created for industrial environments. The project also required extensive retrofitting of existing structures.

S1 Fung emphasized the project’s success was a team effort, crediting the support of his department and chain of command.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants when it comes to getting this award,” he said. “It never is just a function of one person... many helped along the way.”

The recognition comes with perks including a dedicated parking spot at CFB Esquimalt and consideration for Sailor of the Year. More importantly, it highlights the Royal Canadian Navy’s commitment to fostering innovation and improving the quality of life for its sailors.

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

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PTSD:

Why you should track your trauma-based dreams

Thomas Goenczi Lookout contributor

There are times when we’ve woken up and we feel more tired than when we went to sleep. There’s a looming sense that we’ve journeyed through something unsettling in our sleep. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to recall the dream that may have prompted this feeling, and thus an opportunity for self-enquiry emerges. What makes dreams enigmatic is that it is difficult to nail down their singular and rational purpose. This is because dreams seem to transcend a wide array of usages depending on our lens. For instance, how one uses dreams in a spiritual sense is different from how one uses them in a psychological sense. Even though spirituality does affect our psyche, the methodology and intention to use that dream are distinct, functioning psychologically on a different mechanistic level.

A simple and concise way to understand dreams through a psychological lens is that dreams are symbols and images out of our unconscious. When we are awake, we have two states of being that occur simultaneously: conscious and unconscious. When we go into a state of sleep we are fully in a state of unconsciousness. This is what makes trauma-based dreams so horrifying – can feel like we’ve travelled through time and found ourselves once again enduring an unprocessed tragedy.

What becomes so troubling is when these feelings of dread, sorrow, and irritation from the dream transcend our sleep and are present the moment we wake up. Most of us try to will these feelings away, suppress them, and get on with our day. This is one way to deal with it, and sometimes it is the only option we think have. But, what may be another way to deal with a dream shrouded in a traumatic event?

For starters, we have to act with urgency. A good way to feel instantly lighter is to write the dream down, externalize it as best you can right from the beginning to the end.

Writing down a dream of this variety and intensity is a way for us to tend to the psychological flames of our trauma. We know when trauma goes unattended that it spreads like wildfire in all areas of our lives. For a dream to not potentially ruin us for the day, we must get it out of ourselves so we don’t ruminate on it, or at the very least, with the writing process we can attempt to contain it.

What can often happen when these dreams occur, is the reopening of many or all of the psychic wounds. The fire has been sparked unbeknownst to us and it has reached a point where we consciously have to confront it.

Here are some things to keep in mind when writing down a dream:

• Don’t worry about grammar or technicalities, let your pen do the writing and don’t get in the way. This should almost feel free-flowing;

• Try to capture as much as you can in a linear fashion. A good mentality to have is that of being a journalist of your dreams;

• A dream unfolds much like a story. You want to capture the basics such as the where and the who as best you can. Then try to grasp what the conflict is; and

• Attempt to include the emotion and the atmosphere of the dream. The mood will shift throughout depending on the images that emerge.

It’s important to note that most entries won’t be a grandiose literary masterpiece. More likely, they will be two to three sentences in length. Other times, the act of writing will push out more details than originally imagined.

The point of this exercise is not to become engulfed by the blaze of trauma from the very get-go of our day. When we transcribe our trauma-based dreams not only do we begin the processing of it, but we also begin to heal from it. When we work with these dreams steeped in trauma we are creating an internal exposure therapy. The more we get acquainted with these images the less power they will eventually have over us.

Thomas Goenczi is an RCN Veteran and MA Clinical Counsellor with Private Practice: Well Then Therapy. The content is not intended to substitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding your condition.

FMFCB’s Chief recognized with prestigious award

A decorated leader at Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton has earned one of Canada’s highest military honors.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Steven Joseph Wist, Operations, Production and Waterfront Management Chief, has been appointed to the Order of Military Merit (OMM), recognizing his exceptional service and leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The announcement came as a surprise to CPO1 Wist.

“I received the call from Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson and was completely caught off-guard,” CPO1 Wist said. “Still in a state of shock, perhaps some confusion and uncertainty, I recall asking, ‘Sir, are you pulling my leg?’”

CPO1 Wist’s journey began long before his military career, as a member of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. This early experience shaped his leadership skills and instilled a confidence that would serve him throughout his career. With over 35 years of service and more than 1,600 sea days across six ships, CPO1 Wist’s naval career has been marked by dedication and perseverance.

When asked about his contributions leading to this recognition, CPO1 Wist emphasizes the importance of caring for one’s team and lifting them up.

“Treating everyone with dignity and respect helps, putting in many long hours and going on multiple deployments,

and my involvement in my community as both an Ice Hockey Coach and Lacrosse Coach,” he says.

The veteran sailor’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.

“My time onboard my first ship, HMCS Saskatchewan, was particularly challenging to the point I once said to myself, ‘this will be my last ship ever’,” CPO1 Wist said. However, his experience in commissioning HMCS Calgary and first long deployment circumnavigating the globe turned things around and he gave the Navy a second chance. Regarding the impact he hopes to have, CPO1 Wist emphasizes leadership development.

“I hope those I have led in the past become great

COME OUT AND PARTICIPATE: WALK, JOG OR RUN!

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leaders themselves. This to me is truly what I would consider success as a leader,” he said.

“I am humbled to have received such recognition and proud to be on the same list as so many exceptional individuals whom have received the OMM in the past, many of which I know personally and consider having had very distinguished careers,” he said.

CPO1 Wist is one of five members of the Canadian Armed Forces based in the Greater Victoria area to receive this appointment. The OMM, established in 1972, is the second highest order administered by the Governor General and aims to recognize exceptional service from members of the military. The award was presented to CPO1 Wist at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ont on May 24.

CPO1 Wist offers valuable advice to young CAF members aspiring to excel in their military careers.

“Think long-term, not only of today. You are going to have some great days in the Navy, but also some challenging ones. Get involved in all unit activities and be a reason someone smiles each day! When you eventually land a leadership role, your primary concern should be the development of your subordinates, not your own career progression.”

July Formation 5K

WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN

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When: ...Friday, July 26

Please be aware, runners will need to bring their Military/DND Identification to the Fleet Run and have it on them during the run for re-entry into the gate

WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN

Where: ..Top of Y-Jetty near the security gate @ CFB Esquimalt

WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN

Time: ....Warm-up: 0820 hrs

Start time: 0830 hrs

Any further questions please contact: Formation Run OPI Kiana Deland kiana.deland@forces.gc.ca or scott.allison@forces.gc.ca

WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN WALK JOG RUN

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PSP will publish the top 10 participants following results from the run:

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The corner of Nelles

Strengthening the Forces Safer substance use this summer

Did you know that substance use often increases in the summer?

As many of us go on ‘vacation mode’ and partake in more frequent social gatherings, many more opportunities arise to consume substances such as alcohol or cannabis.

Summer activities such as lounging on patios, golfing, barbeques, music festivals and cottage days are often tied to drinking alcohol, making the season a particularly difficult time for anyone living with substance use.

Reduce the risks

Did you know that not only does alcohol increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, it also reduces coordination and awareness of your surroundings?

In the summer, the increased consumption of alcohol and other impairing substances is a leading cause of injury and death through drowning incidents, boating accidents, and motor vehicle crashes. Learn about lower-risk guidance on alcohol and cannabis, and talk to your health care provider about any medications you may be taking to ensure it’s safe to consume alcohol or cannabis.

Stay hydrated! Drink lots of cool liquids, especially water, and have a variety of nonalcoholic beverages available.

Don’t drive, boat or swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when tired. Alcohol, cannabis and other substances impair physical and mental abilities, like judgement, coordination, and reaction time. Boating and summer events and festivals

Just like driving a car, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

Mixing alcohol and drugs with boating is far more dangerous than you may realize. Fatigue, sun, wind, and the motion of the boat may dull your senses, and alcohol and drugs intensify these effects, leaving you with reduced fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and impaired judgement. Many refuse to get into a car with a driver who has had some drinks, so why boat with a driver who has been drinking? Discuss choosing a ‘designated boat driver’ before hopping onboard. Health Canada has created a list of additional tips to reduce health risks associated with substance use during summer events and festivals.

Lastly, learn how to talk about substance use to reduce the stigma. Regardless of the season, stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking the information they need to make informed choices on substance use and to finding out how to access the help they need. Whether you use substances or not, learning about how to reduce stigma and risks of substance use can help everyone have a safer summer. While the safest option is to not consume substances, being aware of the risks can help reduce potential harms for yourself or those around you.

ORANGE MOJITO MOCKTAIL

This Orange Mojito mocktail is an easy-to-make refreshing drink, perfect for summer parties that comes together in minutes. 3 servings.

INGREDIENTS

Mint Leaves

2 small lemons, cuts into rounds

1 cup orange juice

½ cup club soda

Ice cubes

Sugar, honey, stevia, (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add mint leaves and lemon rounds in a pitcher.

2. Divide this mixture into serving glasses.

3. Pour freshly squeezed or store-bought orange juice followed by club soda.

4. Top it with ice cubes or crushed ice.

5. Garnish with lemon roundels and serve!

to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pass the test on a yearly basis.

The Force Test is a reflection of the CAFs minimal physical employment standard related to common defense and security duties known as the Universality of Service principle.

WHAT: Try the Forces Test Women in the Forces WHEN: July 29, 2024 0930 – 1130 WHERE: Naden Athletic Centre 88 Frewer Street Esquimalt WHO: For women only.

OPI is Det Vic recruiter Michael Richter

WORD SEARCH

Your local SISIP team was happy to continue our annual tradition of hosting a local BBQ. We appreciate all the support from our partners that helped make this a successful event. This has been a challenging year with our team moving around the base. We appreciate the CAF support and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new space.”

Call Vicky 250-380-7323. 06/03

A graduation parade was held for the Naval Warfare Officer Puncher IV course at the Work Point Parade Square on June 11.

Presenting: Commander Landon Creasy, Commander Sea Training Pacific

Photos: Corporal (Cpl) Jay Naples, MARPAC Imaging Services

Promotions:

Sub-Lieutenant Beaupre

Sub-Lieutenant Bychkov

Sub-Lieutenant Comeau

Sub-Lieutenant Delainey

Sub-Lieutenant Foxall

Sub-Lieutenant Gauthier

Sub-Lieutenant Gilmar

Sub-Lieutenant Hoffman

Sub-Lieutenant Loosley

Sub-Lieutenant Singh

Sub-Lieutenant Springer

Sub-Lieutenant Stewart

Sub-Lieutenant Titchai

Sub-Lieutenant Trudel

Sub-Lieutenant Weilgart-Whitehead

Sub-Lieutenant Williams

Course certificates:

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Autelitano

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Beaupre

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Bitar

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Bychkov

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Comeau

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Delainey

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Foxall

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Gauthier

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Gilmar

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Hoffman

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Loosley

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Singh

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Springer

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Stewart

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Titchai

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Trudel

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Weilgart-Whitehead

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Williams

A ceremony was held for recent graduates of the Naval Combat Information Operator RQ-S2 course at CFB Esquimalt on May 30 with Lieutenant-Commander Alex Johnston presenting.

Corporal