Lead Line Naval Association of Canada Island Newsletter

May – June 2017 • Volume 32, Issue 3 OPERATION POSEIDON CUTLASS WINNIPEG AND OTTAWA REPRESENT CANADA IN THE INDO-ASIA-PACIFIC

Leading Seaman Qing Li of HMCS Winnipeg observes HMCS Ottawa and Her Majesty's Australian Ship BALLARAT (FFH 155) as they sail in formation during Op Poseidon Cutlass. – Photo by Cpl Carbe Orellana, MARPAC Imaging Services INSIDE THIS ISSUE

President's Message...... 2 Cadet Vimy experience sparks pride...... 8–9 Captain's paintings adorn Wardroom...... 4 Divers search shipwreck for ordnance...... 12 New and Retired officers gather...... 5 One last sail in HMCS Athabaskan...... 13 Veteran's Corner...... 6–7 Naval trades amalgamated...... 14 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MEMBERSHIP AND EVENT UPDATE A lot has happened in the last due to changed (or miss-typed) will also be looking to gather few months and a lot is planned email addresses. Again, Bill proxies for the National AGM as we move forward. Macdonald has been working in St. John’s in October. As soon Membership Director, Bill hard to make sure all areas of as I receive information I will Macdonald is working to get our database are in sync. If you send this out to you all in an our membership up to date for have any concerns or need help e-letter. 2017. Our membership dates checking your account info, Finally, it is time for all of us have now settled on the calen- please contact him. to consider helping build our dar year and were due at the be- Our move to the Yacht Club membership. I encourage you ginning of January. We are still for our lunches and presenta- to identify someone who wish- a few short on our renewals. If tions has been very successful. es to work with us while we Bill Conconi you are currently in arrears I Many have commented to me support, and educate about, our encourage you to contact him that they enjoy the ambiance, and connected as introductory Navy. Invite them to become and bring yourself up to date. round tables, easy parking, and members in Ottawa. We look involved. At the same time, Many of you have taken ad- good sound and visuals. Your forward to their active involve- they can enjoy good fellowship vantage this year of our ability Executive continues to work on ment as their careers unfold. and educational opportunities. to accept memberships via our bringing in excellent speakers May is also the time to It is an important time right website and to pay your dues and appreciates any leads or consider recipients for NAC now in Canada as our govern- using Paypal. This simple pro- opportunities you suggest. Awards and to apply for an En- ment looks to rebuild our fleet. cess immediately brings you We have also had one very dowment Grant. Please check Serving members of our Navy, up to date and saves the cost of successful “Weepers” with our, and the National, website retired former members, or an envelope and stamp. While Venture MARS trainees, and for details. Let me know if you those just keen on supporting renewing, there is also an op- have another planned for May. have an interest or would like our Navy are eligible. portunity to make sure all your More info will follow as details to make a proposal for either of Please help us move this information is up to date. A are confirmed. This is part of these and I will help you make forward. few members have been miss- an initiative that was started it happen. Yours Aye, ing emails and this is primarily when they were RMC Cadets Starting at our own AGM we Bill

UPCOMING LUNCHEONS upcoming EVENTS Church and Canada's 150th Community Celebration Walk with the Naden Band May 25, 2017 May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Speaker: Dwight Owens The community celebration walk will start at the Ward- "Hot, Sour and Breathless: Oceans Under Stress." room (1586 Rd) and end at the Parish Hall Yard Our global ocean is under stress from warming, acidi- (1379 Esquimalt Rd). Celebrations following the walk. fication and oxygen declines. Why are these changes Battle of Atlantic Ceremonies - Sunday, May 7 happening and what impacts can we expect? This talk • Victoria Legislature Cenotaph outlines these three interrelated stressors, examining the impacts and the actions we can take to counteract 10:45 a.m. them. • Qualicum Beach Legion, 180 Veterans Way 10:15 a.m. Luncheons are held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Followed by a parade along Veterans Way from Memorial Club, 3475 Ripon Road (Cadboro Bay) starting Drive to the Legion and a wreath laying ceremony. at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. • Comox Marina Park $25/person. Members are asked to confirm their at- 1:00 p.m. tendance with Peter Bey, 250-652-2225. HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial in Courtenay (625 Cliffe Ave) will be open before and after the ceremony. 2 • LEAD LINE & NAC VI NEWS

EXECUTIVE ASSISTS WITH MALAHAT DIVISIONS Left: Commander (Retired) Rod Hughes presents the Navy League of Canada Certificate of Appreciation to Lieutenant (Navy) Kay van Akker. The Navy League Certificate of Appreciation is awarded in recognition of significant contributions to the Canadian Sea Cadet program. Right: Commander (Retired) Bill Conconi presents the Naval Association Sword to Lieutenant (Navy) Andrew Janes. The sword is presented to an officer that best exemplified the overall leadership qualities expected of his or her rank and who represented Malahat throughout the year in an outstanding manner. Photos by PO1 Al van Akker, HMCS Malahat

NAC-VI Executive Committee

President Bill Conconi [email protected] 250-652-1634 Past President Michael Morres [email protected] 250-592-8897 Vice President Rod Hughes [email protected] 250-472-8905 Secretary Mike Brossard [email protected] 250-544-1425 Treasurer Peter Bey [email protected] 250-652-2225 Membership Services Bill Macdonald [email protected] 250-661-3731 Director at Large David Collins [email protected] 778-265-0872 Director at Large David Cooper [email protected] 250-472-8905 Director at Large Gerry Pash [email protected] 250-658-6509 Director at Large Steve White [email protected] 250-652-8215

special appointments

Editor Carmel Ecker [email protected] 250-661-1269 Photography John Webber [email protected] 250-920-4159 Historian Stan Parker [email protected] 250-734-3360 Webmaster Eric Griffiths [email protected] 250-537-0608

Naval Association of Canada – Vancouver Island (NAC-VI) mailing address: P.O. Box 5221, Victoria, BC, Canada V8R 6N4

LEAD LINE • 3 & NAC VI NEWS

WATERCOLOURS PAINTED BY HONOURED CAPTAIN ADORN WALLS IN THE WARDROOM By Rachel Lallouz room. “When you see this imagery you Class Destroyers. He retired in 1968, Reprinted with permission from can recognize that some folks have done embarking on a successful career as a Lookout Newspaper some pretty important and powerful marine artist in Victoria before passing things in our history. They are a beauti- away on May 19, 2008. Hanging in the Wardroom’s lower ful reminder of what the navy has done.” A member of the Chadwick family level are nine realist watercolours that Cdr Chadwick was born on May 6, donated the watercolours to the Naval take viewers back in time to ships of 1921, and served with distinction in the Association of Canada Vancouver Canada’s naval past. . He participated Island Branch in 2010. Painted by Commander (Retired) in the and served, In 2011, Carlé joined the association Ernest Maurice Chadwick, who died in most notably, as an officer on Tribal and decided to help find a permanent 2008 at the age of 87, the detailed works home for the art. are made up of tiny brush strokes in He ensured that they were properly Ships in the collection: tones of blue and gray – a tribute to his framed, and researched locations where time as a sailor on ships ranging from HMS Sardonyx they could be mounted that did not HMCS Uganda to Skeena to Nootka. HMS Vindictive have direct exposure to the damaging Each of the Wardroom paintings HMCS Gatineau rays of sunlight. features a ship cutting confidently HMCS Uganda When the Wardroom was suggested through breaking waves, capturing Cdr HMCS Skeena as a potential location, the Wardroom Chadwick’s spirit for adventure and HMCS St. Stephen Mess Committee agreed and found a dedication to a life at sea. HMCS Nootka place for them. “These paintings demonstrate re- HMCS St. Stephen (again, oddly “I think we’re all delighted that they markable stories,” said Captain (Re- enough) are in an accessible place where not only tired) Kevin Carlé, who arranged for HMCS Saguenay navy folks, but civilians can come in and the pieces to be displayed at the Ward- take a look,” says Carlé. 4 • LEAD LINE & NAC VI NEWS BRINGING GENERATIONS OF LEADERS TOGETHER

By Jeremie Fraser, NOTC Venture The relationship between past and future officers of the navy is vital to the strength of the naval community. The Naval Association of Canada plays a key role in fostering this growing relationship. On March 31, the NAC VI helped to strengthen the relationship between past and future officers as the future MARS Officers of the Chaudière MARS 4 class at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) Venture Division hosted the first NAC social at Work Point. The night was filled with fun, social interactions of people from all aspects of the naval community, and a presen- tation that not only intrigued attendees, but also aided in the education of future officers in the fleet. Members of the Naval Association as well as current Reserve and Regular Above: NAC VI President Bill Conconi welcomes everyone to the evening's presentation Force members joined Venture students about top frigates operating in the world today. Below: Venture students are all smiles during the event. for the evening event, which began with a social gathering and cocktail hour, followed by a barbecue dinner. The main event was a presentation by NAC VI member John Webber on the Top Ten Frigates in the World. The pre- sentation went into great detail about sensor and weapon systems, both long range and close distance. He also includ- ed aspects such as surface defence capa- bilities and air defence capabilities. Not only was his presentation interesting, but it was also extremely educational and played in closely with the curriculum the MARS4 students were following. Many of the MARS students were able to apply the knowledge they gained to their classes in days following on dis- has been conducted in the past versus night. My first contact with the NAC was cussions about weapons and sensors on how it is done today, and the differences at RMCC when I was still a naval cadet. ships of war today and their ability to in how navigation was conducted on the The NAC provided an insight into what identify ships with clever radar identifi- different classes of ships. It’s safe to say being an officer in the RCN really meant cation methods, such as the “meat ball”. that both the members of NAC and the in a school that was predominately army Following the presentation was a so- students of Venture learned a lot from based. Attending NAC events in the past cial event that went until later into the each other that night. has given me a new perspective on life in night. A lot of enjoyment was found in On behalf of the Venture students, I the Navy; listening to the salty dips made sharing stories of the past and present. would like to thank the NAC for allow- me realize the extent of the potential Comparisons were made in how training ing us to mix education and fun into one adventures I could have in my future. LEAD LINE • 5 & VETERANS CORNER MILITARY PENSION RENEWAL DEFENCE This piece is taken from the Veteran’s to receive paperless e-versions of your Corner of the National Association of pension documents online as soon as COMMUNITY Federal Retirees (NAFR) Spring 2017 they’re issued. To learn how to sign up Sage magazine. The NAFR is an excellent for epost, visit www.epost.ca. BANKING federal pensioners advocacy association Moving the pension plans to PSPC representing their members. will bring CAF pension service into the BMO Bank of It’s been a year of big change for Ca- 21st century, employing industry-stan- has announced an enhanced nadian Armed Forces pension plans. In dard technology. You can expect faster, Canadian Defence Community July, the administration of pension plans more accurate processing of transac- Banking (CDCB) Program for active CAF members was trans- tions and payments. You’ll have access designed to better serve the ferred to the Government of Canada to a secure web portal and online Pen- banking needs of veterans, Pension Centre at Public Services and sion Benefits Statements. And you’ll Regular Force personnel, Procurement Canada (PSPC). In early still be dealing with professionals who Reserves, recruits, and military January 2017, administration of pen- know the pension plans and understand families, as well as Department sion benefits for retired CAF members, the unique challenges faced by active of National Defence civilian their survivors and/or children was also and retired CAF members. personnel and the RCMP. turned over to the Pension Centre. Automating pension services will give The new benefits, based What does this require of you? Not PSPC staff more time to help pension on suggestions from CDCB a thing. The Department of National plan participants with any problems customers, include: Defence is responsible for the transfer they may be having. And getting rid of • Free banking with the of your pension plan files and their all that paper is good for the planet. Performance Plan conversion to electronic files, which For more information, visit the • Free unlimited Interac should make answering questions about Government of Canada’s pension e-transfer transactions your pension easier and faster in the page at www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/fac-caf/ • BMO Employee Pricing on a future. accueil-home-eng.html. Or call toll-free range of mortgage options You’ll still be able to use epost, Cana- 1-800-267-0325 (outside Canada and • No annual fee for the da Post’s secure online delivery service, the U.S.: 613-946-1093). BMO Support Our Troops Mastercard BMO has served as the Offi- SPECIAL LEGION BREW RELEASED cial Bank of the Canadian De- fence Community since 2008, Royal Canadian Legion offering discounted banking The Royal Canadian Legion has joined rates and other special benefits, forces with the Whitewater Brewing Co. such as the BMO Support Our to produce a new co-branded craft beer. Troops Mastercard, through Sales from the beer will help raise aware- which a portion of each trans- ness and funds for Legion programs for action goes to Canadian Forces veterans. morale and welfare programs. “We’re thrilled that Whitewater has CDCB is specifically designed partnered with the Legion to support Legion Lager is only available in for the defence community and Canada’s veterans by donating five per Ontario at the moment, but plans are offers cost-effective banking cent of the brand’s sales to Legion pro- underway to expand nationally. plans with unique features tai- grams,” says Dominion President David Chris Thompson, one of Whitewater’s lored to the military lifestyle Flannigan. “Those funds will help sup- three owners/founders is also pleased and needs. port programs to improve the lives of with this partnership: “We’re honoured For further information: visit veterans and their families.” to have been chosen to brew a brand http://www.bmo.com/cdcb. Sales from Legion Lager purchases exclusively for an organization that does will support Legion Branches and the so much to help veterans. It’s a cause that important work they do. is close to our hearts.” 6 • LEAD LINE & VETERANS CORNER VAC'S VETERANS $1.1 MILLION IN FEDERAL INDEPENDENCE FUNDING FOR VETERANS PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS The Veterans Independence Program By Peter Mallett (VIP) helps you remain independent and Reprinted with permission from self-sufficient in your home and your com- the Lookout Newspaper munity. Depending on your circumstances Canada Company’s mission to and health needs you may qualify for assist veterans in their transition financial assistance to obtain services such to the civilian workforce has re- as grounds maintenance, housekeeping, ceived a $1.1 million boost from personal care, access to nutrition, health the Government of Canada. and support services provided by a health Minister of Veterans Affairs professional. Kent Hehr made the funding an- VIP complements existing federal, provin- nouncement on behalf of the Min- cial and municipal programs to help meet istry of Employment, Workforce your needs. Development and Labour at the You may qualify for VIP, if you meet one Canada Company’s 2016 National Angela Mondou said the funding of the following criteria: Transition Exchange Conference announcement by Minister Hehr • You have qualified for a disability benefit on Nov. 15, 2016, in Ottawa. was “a massive boost” that will as- • You have qualified for the War Veterans The funding will be used to sist her group’s efforts to reach out Allowance create a searchable online data- to members on digital programs • You are in receipt of Prisoner of War base and forecasting tool to help with new interactive job-search Compensation former military personnel tran- software. • You are a Veteran who is eligible for, but sition to existing high-demand “Put simply, the new software is unable to access, a Contract Bed (also private sector jobs and compatible operates much like a [dating ser- known as a Priority Access Bed) educational and skills upgrade vice] and is a two-way street for • You have been the primary caregiver for programs. veterans to showcase their skills an eligible veteran or civilian “Helping Canada’s veterans find to potential employers, and for the • You are a low-income or disabled survivor good jobs in the private sector is corporate world to get information of an eligible veteran or civilian truly a win-win for everyone in- about their employment needs to volved because veterans get to put veterans,” said Mondeau. their training and hard-earned Mondeau was a Movement skills to good use following their Control Officer for the Canadian release from the military, while Armed Forces and did tours in the Canadian businesses benefit from former Soviet republic of Yugo- the unique skills veterans offer,” slavia and Iraq. She has first-hand said Hehr. experience of the struggles former Canada Company, a Toron- military personnel go through to-based non-profit, was estab- when making the transition to the lished in 2006 with its pledge to civilian work force. “stand shoulder-to-shoulder with “When I transitioned in the the troops for the sacrifices they mid 1990s we really didn’t have make every day”. Now boasting the support network to make the 600 members, it has become a transition. My biggest resource growing outreach between the during my transition was the and the careers section in the newspaper. business world. There was very little guidance Canada Company President back then.” LEAD LINE • 7 & VIMY 100 VIMY TRIP BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE FOR LOCAL CADET

By CPO1 Erin Lawless highlight of my cadet career. During my time visiting the various One hundred years ago on Easter The Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first memorials and cemeteries in Belgium Monday, more than 100,000 Canadian time that all four Divisions of the Cana- and France I gained an even greater re- soldiers took to the battlefield at Vimy dian Expeditionary Force were engaged spect for Canadian and Commonwealth Ridge alongside British allies. Facing a in the same battle. They achieved their Servicemen and women. One of the barrage of German gunfire, wave after objectives and defeated the German highlights of this trip was going to the wave of soldiers slowly pressed forward, forces occupying the ridge, but suffered only two Canadian National Historic eventually forcing the German forces to heavy losses. By the end of the Battle, the Sites that are located outside of Canada: withdraw and retreat. It was a watershed Canadian Corps had casualties of rough- Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel. moment not just for the Canadian mili- ly 3,600 killed and 7,000 wounded. The most impactful memorial I visit- tary, but also for our allies. Of note, four Canadians were award- ed was Beaumont Hamel; being able to I was privileged to have the opportu- ed the Victoria Cross during this battle stand beside “the danger tree” and see nity to be at the Commemorative Cere- – the highest award for Valour in the the scars on the land from the trenches mony at Vimy Ridge on April 9 this year Commonwealth. Of greater import was and bombs made everything real to me. as part of Canada’s National Cadet con- the sense of national pride and accom- Another memorial that was meaning- tingent. This trip was part of centenary plishment that came to be associated ful was St. Julien—a statue designed by celebrations in which Sea, Army and with the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which Regina architect Frederick Clemesha, Air Cadets, as well as student groups led to Canada’s seat at the Paris Peace who was wounded in battle—because from across Canada, participated in Conference and then at the Treaty of the “brooding solider” was one of the various events. Versailles. shortlisted designs for the memorial for I have been a cadet for the past five When I was first learning about the Vimy Ridge. years and am presently the Coxswain of Great War two years ago, I was often Overall, I have come away from this RCSCC Beacon Hill in Langford. I hold confused by all the different battles and trip with a renewed sense of pride in the rank of Chief Petty Officer First campaigns and how they affected each Canada and the sacrifice of Canadian Class and in addition to working at Bea- other, but when I actually stood on the service members. I am also inspired to con Hill, I have served as a staff cadet at land where soldiers had once braced reinforce in my cadet subordinates, and HMCS QUADRA where I was employed themselves against enemy fire, where others, the importance of service, citi- as the Cadet Chief Boatswain’s Mate on- they fought and where they died, every- zenship and leadership as we remember board one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s thing seemed to piece itself together. the sacrifice of others, which has given ORCA Class Patrol Craft. While I have Before this year, my only real interac- each of us the opportunity to live in a enjoyed and learned from many experi- tions with learning about history, par- free society. ences through my cadet career, includ- ticularly war history, were out of dull or I want to recognize and thank the ing deployments on HMCS Yellowknife outdated textbooks. This year, I actively Naval Association of Canada - Vancouver and an international exchange onboard tried to learn about Canadian and Com- Island Branch for your very generous the Tall Ship Royalist in England, my monwealth war history, and this trip has donation that aided me going on this trip to Vimy Ridge has been a distinct taught me more than I ever expected. trip; it will impact me for years to come. 8 • LEAD LINE & Photos courtesy of Cadet CPO1 Erin Lawless Above: Cadet CPO1 Lawless kneeling beside a soldier's grave. Right: Cadet CPO1 Lawelss and PO1 Gingras at Vimy Ridge.

Photos by MCpl Jennifer Kusche, Canadian Forces Combat Camera Above: Replica aircraft from the First World War were transported to France for the ceremonies. Below: MWO Jones leads the CAF contingent into position carrying the sacred Eaglestaff during the signature ceremony. Left: Empty boots placed on the Vimy Memorial represent the 3,598 soldiers who died at Vimy, France.

LEAD LINE • 9 & HISTORY

DOCUMENTARY SERIES HIGHLIGHTS CANADIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GREAT WAR A Nation Soars is a trilogy of docu- an innovations) led to the development Why now? mentaries narrated by Dan Aykroyd and of the greatest tactical weapon of the It has been 100 years since the first accompanied by a suite of education- First World War — accurate battlefield trenches were dug on the Western Front. al initiatives that explore how aviation maps. It also shows how, in the post-war Five generations of Canadians separate changed the course of the First World years, the new technology was applied today’s youth from the men who helped War, such as its vital part in Canada’s to Canada’s vast swaths of unmapped define Canada’s place in the world on the nation-defining victory at Vimy Ridge. land, and the first detailed maps of the battlefields of Europe. Produced by Sound Venture Produc- country’s interior were created. Only a few members of that wartime tions and The Royal Canadian Geo- Wings of Courage generation—those who witnessed the graphical Society in collaboration with Aviation experienced a massive conflict but were too young to take part a number of key supporting partners, technological and tactical progression —are still alive. The war is slipping be- the documentaries — Drawn to Victo- during the course of the First World yond the fringes of living memory. And ry, Wings of Courage, and Flight Path of War that forever changed the nature of as we live through the centenary of 1914- Heroes — highlight the lesser-known, warfare. Wings of Courage showcases 18, there is a great opportunity, and some distinctly Canadian aspects of the war. the various roles Canada’s early aviators might even say an obligation, to make From the early days of flight in 1914 played through the moving profiles of sure Canadians do not forget. to the aerial photography that produced five notable Canadian pilots. If we want to understand today’s world the battle-winning maps of Vimy Ridge, Fligh Path of Heroes we need to know what happened yester- A Nation Soars offers a fascinating and The past and present come together day. Through its films and educational refreshing look at Canada’s part in the during a flying celebratory road show material, A Nation Soars makes that cru- Great War. that spans two nations and two trea- cial connection to the past. It reminds Drawn to Victory sured anniversaries of nationhood. Canadians—particularly young Canadi- Drawn to Victory is the first in the Vimy: Flight Path of Heroes adds to the ans—about their nation’s important role trilogy of documentaries, activities and visceral and visual impact of two signif- in the Great War and how that role forev- educational initiatives. icant dates in Canadian history — our er changed Canada. In this first instalment, narrator Dan 150th anniversary of nationhood and Watch the trailers for A Nation Soars on Aykroyd tells the story of how aerial the 100th anniversary of the Battle of youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chan- photography (with some clever Canadi- Vimy Ridge. nel/UCFK5R_wUUvlCVhhwV3zFALQ 10 • LEAD LINE & WEST COAST NEWS ENVIRONMENTAL DREDGING UNEARTHS ARTEFACTS FROM ESQUIMALT HARBOUR'S PAST

Article republished from IE Focus Contaminated sediment isn’t all they’re dredging up in Esquimalt Harbour. Clean-up crews have recovered buttons from military uniforms, several service medals, and a few thousand pairs of leather boot soles. Today, our modern Royal Canadian Navy has a very strict “nothing over the side” policy, but that wasn’t always the case. After more than 150 years of naval history at Esquimalt Harbour, Duane Freeman, a Senior Environmental Offi- cer at CFB Esquimalt, expected to find some contamination, but he did not ex- pect to find so many pieces of tangible naval history. A now-retired Vice-Admiral’s person- alized coffee mug that disappeared 30 years ago was recovered, and has since been returned to its rightful owner. Crews also found a perfectly preserved wallet, with a Navy ID card from the 1940s or 1950s. “It’s really interesting to try to reunite Esquimalt Harbour to remove contami- pollutants. people with some of their items. We real- nated sediment and encourage a healthi- The dredged material is then sifted and ized that it was actually telling a bit of the er aquatic environment at the home port contaminants are disposed of in a way history of the navy,” said Freeman. for Canada’s West Coast navy. that meets environmental standards. It Historians are cataloguing the thou- Several other areas of the harbour will is during this process that many items sands of items and determining which be remediated as part of the Esquimalt of historic interest have been discovered. ones have historical value. Freeman es- Harbour Remediation Project, along The dredging and harbour cleanup work timates that before environmental reme- with the modernization of jetties at the is happening in conjunction with the re- diation is complete in 2020, thousands base. Special cranes, equipped with GPS placement of the aging 1940s-era A and more items could be recovered. technology are being used to accurately B jetties at CFB Esquimalt and is vital The Department of National Defence scoop up the top metre of sediment in to the environmental clean-up of the has set aside up to $160 million to dredge areas that have been found to contain Esquimalt Harbour legacy sites.

STAY CONNECTED

The Naval Association of Vancouver Island has started a Facebook Group. This is a closed group for members only. From the left hand panel of your Facebook home page, select "Groups" and look for the Naval Association. When you request access it sends a message to a member of the executive who will quickly welcome you. This will be a great opportunity for us to stay connected and generally get to know each other. This will also will be a great place to post pictures and videos of naval interest.

LEAD LINE • 11 & WEST COAST NEWS DIVERS SEARCH SHIPWRECK FOR ORDNANCE The site of a Canadian naval shipwreck will soon be a bit safer. Divers from Fleet Diving Unit Pacific (FDU(P)) spent four days in early March surveying the wreck of HMCS Thiepval off the Broken Island Chain of B.C. in preparation for the removal of ordnance. HMCS Thiepval was a 44 metre-long Battle class trawler, built in Kingston, On- tario in 1917 and was commissioned into the navy in the final months of the First World War. The ship sank on Feb. 27, 1930 after it struck an uncharted rock during a patrol in Barkley Sound, between Turret and Historical Significance’. The naval diving team searched for Turtle Islands. Because HMCS Thiepval is close to unexploded ordnance that may pose a The wreck of HMCS Thiepval has been shore and at a depth of just 12 to 17 danger to anyone who visits the site. under the management of Parks Canada’s metres, it is easily accessed by civilian FDU(P) will return to the wreck in Pacific Rim National Park since 1970 and divers, so the Canadian Armed Forces the summer to complete the removal of is considered a ‘Shipwreck of National (CAF) are obligated to remediate the site. ordnance and dispose of it safely. WEST COAST FLEET STATUS UPDATE Op Caribbe ber of strategic port visits throughout the HMCS Saskatoon returned last week region to countries including the Philip- from Operation Caribbe. pines, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, China, During its two and a half month de- South Korea and Japan. ployment, the ship worked with Ameri- HMCS Oriole can and Mexican ships to stop drug traf- HMCS Oriole is on her way to Ren- ficking in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and dez-vous 2017, a Tall Ships Regatta taking Caribbean Sea. place throughout and Atlantic With its partners, Saskatoon assisted in Canada to celebrate the 150th anniversary the seizure of 660 kg of cocain on March of Canadian Confederation. 12 and then another 464 kg on April 6. A Oriole will spend more than three week later, the task group's presence in months in transit, conducting 12 ports the region forced the occupants of two The Executive Officer of HMCS Saska- visits in seven countries before participat- toon, Lt(N) Christopher Shook and a more suspicious vessels to toss 1,500 kg of ing in Rendez-vous 2017 from June 30 to crewmember move bales of cocaine into cocaine overboard. a net for transfer to United States Coast Aug. 20. Op Poseidon Cutlass 17 Guard custody. This will mark the first time that Oriole HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa are will be returning to the East Coast since currently conducting operations in the “This deployment is an example of Can- she last participated in a Quebec Tall Indo-Asia-Pacific. ada’s enduring commitment to the main- Ships festival in 1984. The two frigates left CFB Esquimalt tenance of regional peace and security in After the festival,Oriole is scheduled on March 6 for a six-month deployment, the strategically important Indo-Asia-Pa- for a maintenance refit in Halifax, which which will include numerous opportuni- cific region," said Rear-Admiral Art Mc- will include general maintenance and ties to exercise with regional partner na- Donald, Commander Maritime Forces upgrades to the electrical system. Upon vies at sea, as well as key events and en- Pacific. completion, Oriole will return to Esquim- gagements in port visits across the region. Winnipeg and Ottawa will make a num- alt in the spring of 2018. 12 • LEAD LINE & EAST COAST NEWS ONE LAST SAIL IN HMCS ATHABASKAN By Ryan Melanson “There’s just no comparison; the new- Reprinted with permission of Trident er ships are amazing. And we certainly Military Newspaper didn’t have helicopters and hangars or anything like that,” he said. As the final crew of HMCS Athabaskan The bulk of those on board, which prepared to say goodbye to the storied added up to 500, counting current crew ship, they took her out for a final day sail and visitors, made their naval memories from Halifax Harbour on Feb. 8, but they on the latest Athabaskan. weren’t alone. PO1 (Retired) Peter Rigby counted More than 100 retired sailors, former 19 years serving in the ship at various personnel, and even a few former Com- times through his career, with the lon- manding Officers answered the invita- gest stretch being two postings back to tion to spend the day with the crew. back from 1983-1991. He left the ship This Athabaskan was the third RCN for the last time in 2015, but said some vessel to bear that name, and all three of the most vivid memories go back to ships were represented in some form 1990 and the deployment to the Persian during the final day sail. LS Matt Corbett, a hull tech in Athabas- Gulf on Operation Friction. Second World War veteran David kan, was presented the plaque from the “There were 80,000 people waving us Stewart, now in his 90s, travelled from ship’s Junior Rank Mess by CPO1 Fred off when we sailed out of the harbour; Ontario to be on board. A former na- McCrea, who came back to his former that’s something I’ll never forget.” ship for the final day sail. val communicator, he sailed during He recalled the crew going to action the war, but it was his brother, Signal- Gordon Stewart, 82, left the navy as stations due to a missile alert in the mid- man Bill Stewart (RCNVR), who was a Leading Seaman almost 60 years ago, dle of the night, closing up in four min- lost at sea when the first Athabaskan and his final ship was the second to be utes from a dead sleep as a Scud missile was sunk in 1944. He shared the mem- given the Athabaskan name, a Trib- soared 100,000 feet above the ship. ory of coming back to shore and learn- al-class destroyer. A former TAS (Tor- “It missed us, but we were ready, and ing that his brother’s ship had been pedo Anti-Submariner), he said he was if it came close we were going to shoot it downed by a German , but excited to get a glimpse at what he con- down,” he said. said it was a positive experience to step sidered new weaponry, even if the ship The ship was buzzing with activity aboard a modern destroyer, meet some is old and on its way out of service. He through the day as sailors, young and of this generation’s sailors, and feel the was also pleased to send a few letters to old, chatted about the changes that rocking of the sea once again. friends and family that would be post- have come to the modern RCN and “I’ll remember this day for the rest of marked from the ship, just as he did as the changing nature of different trades my life,” he said. a young sailor. and naval practices. The ship’s bridge was packed to capacity at 11 a.m. when Athabaskan’s 76mm gun fired its final Athabaskan was paid off during a ceremony at HMC Dockyard in Halifax on volleys, and the cooks on board were March 10. The last of the four Iroquois-class Area Air Defence destroyers, the ship kept busy with a steady stream of guests served the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with distinction for more than 44 years. dining in their messes like old times. The ship was built in Québec and commissioned on Sept. 30, 1972, and was, There were also hints of sadness as the at the time, the most modern anti-submarine warship in Canada. ship came alongside in the afternoon A helicopter-carrying, anti-submarine warfare destroyer, the ship was designed and the former crewmembers walked and built for operations in the stormy North Atlantic, enforcing Canadian laws off the gangway for the last time. But in its territorial waters. Rigby and many others said they were From 1991-94, HMCS Athabaskan underwent a major conversion and was happy to get the chance to say a proper modified to become an anti-air warship. This transformed the warship into a goodbye. modern area air defence platform with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and “It’s bittersweet, but she’s old and she’s command and control systems. put in her time. We’ll still have all our fond memories,” he said. LEAD LINE • 13 & NATIONAL NEWS NAVY HUMOUR NAVAL TRADES AMALGAMATED RECRUITING FOR NOAC A new training program will launch way into the fleet "will have technolo- at Naval Fleet School (Pacific) this gy that crosses traditional occupational BRUSSELS BRANCH month following the amalgamation four boundaries,” says Chief Petty Officer naval trades. Second Class Shaun Perry, a member In the early 1990s, Cdr Bob Lan- Approximately 1,500 Regular Force of the Occupation Analysis team that cashire, then president of the branch marine engineers, electrical technicians, developed the new occupation. used the following lines to recruit and hull technicians, as well as Naval “Future, leaner crews will demand new members. Reservist Marine Engineering Systems more broadly-skilled marine systems Q - Are you now or have you ever Operators from across the country engineering sailors capable of oper- been a commissioned officer in the have been united under one trade – ating and maintaining the plant in RCN or its Reserves, or of a Com- Marine Technician. battle scenarios, extreme climate, and monwealth navy or its Reserves? The first phase of training is a pilot isolation.” A - No. project that will focus on new recruits. Q - Have you been an officer in The first wave of junior ranks train- The new trade the Merchant Marine of Canada or ing will take up to eight months. Train- any Commonwealth country? ing will then move through the ranks was created in an A - No. and finish with the most senior, expe- Q - Have you ever been a yachts- rienced tradespeople. effort to address man? Or interested in maritime or Marine Technicians will continue critical shortages naval affairs? to retain a sub-occupation of me- A - No. chanical or electrical designation. of specialized Q - Have you got ten bucks? The new trade was created in an personnel. effort to address critical shortages of (Submitted by David Collins who specialized personnel. was a member of NOAC Brussels It will increase the number of quali- An information document created by during two separate postings at fied sailors needed to support opera- the Director Naval Personnel and Train- NATO HQ. He notes that the branch tions at sea and address upcoming fleet ing notes the Naval Reserves will see had more army members than recapitalization. a notable change with a reduction of naval!) The three new classes of ships on their 655 to 385 marine systems operators.

Dine the Partners Mess Dinner Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary: “Canada and the Sea”

Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Cadboro Room June 29 • 1800 hrs • $80/person

The 3 course dinner will feature Smoked Salmon and Prime Rib complemented with wine and port. No host bar before and after the dinner. Dress is black tie, dark suit or navy blazer ONLY 60 tickets To purchase tickets, email [email protected] available! Hosted by theUniversity Naval Training Division Association, this event is open to ex-UNTDs, ROUTPs and other NROC programs, and civvy ROTPs.

14 • LEAD LINE & NATIONAL NEWS NEW SATELLITE WILL ENHANCE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES’ COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES

Representatives from the Canadi- Canadian Armed Forces on the leading an Armed Forces (CAF) and Depart- edge of defence capabilities, while fur- ment of National Defence (DND) were ther enhancing relationships with our on hand at Cape Canaveral, Florida, international partners and allies.” on March 18, to witness the launch of Mercury Global Project will ultimately the ninth Wideband Global Satellite access its full allotted bandwidth from Communication (WGS-9) constellation the WGS constellation through anchor satellite. stations in Shirleys Bay, Ottawa, On- A United States Delta IV rocket was tario; Great Village, Nova Scotia; and used to launch the WGS-9 at 8:18 p.m. Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C. from the United States Air Force Space — all of which are home to the antennas and Missiles System Center in Cape Ca- and associated ground infrastructure. naveral. The satellite will aid in meeting The ability to exchange large amounts CAF strategic satellite communications of information between headquarters (Satcom) requirements for many years and deployed forces has become criti- into the future. cal to modern military operations. The “Military operations are increasingly Mercury Global Project is an effective dependent on capabilities based in way of meeting the CAF’s communica- space,” said Brigadier-General Blaise tion requirements for domestic and ex- Frawley, the director general space for peditionary operations. the . “The WGS-9 will further enhance a reliable Satcom network and ensure our forces Military operations can communicate effectively to enable success on operations.” are increasingly Canada contributed $340 million to dependent on the development of the WGS-9 pro- gram, which represents the largest fi- capabilities based nancial contribution of the project’s five in space. partner nations. Canada’s participation was made under the Department of Na- tional Defence’s Mercury Global Proj- In total, Canada has allocated $452 ect, which leverages the capabilities of million to the Mercury Global Project. eight other WGS satellites already in This includes the contribution to the orbit. ninth satellite acquisition, WGS con- Canada gained access to the WGS stellation support, large-scale antennas constellation in May 2013 and has used at three sites in Canada, and strategic this capability to support the commu- deployable terminals. nications needs of several missions Sharing costs with international part- around the world. ners and allies is a more cost-effective “Canada’s contribution to this effort option than building and maintaining a provides essential communications uniquely Canadian satellite system. support for Canadian Armed Forces Besides the United States, which owns operations around the world,” noted and launched the satellite, other interna- Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan. “In- tional partners involved with the WGS- vesting in innovative solutions like the 9 include Denmark, Luxembourg, New Mercury Global Project will keep the Zealand and The Netherlands. LEAD LINE • 15 & NATIONAL NEWS NAVAL RESERVE ENROLLS FIRST CANDIDATE THROUGH EXPEDITED ENROLMENT The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) en- Chief of the Defence Staff’s initiative to tion, which will permit training modules rolled its first recruit via the Expedited strengthen the Primary Reserves. to be taught immediately to new recruits Reserve Enrolment process at HMCS “In addition to streamlining the reserve in their Naval Reserve Divisions. This is Donnacona, Montreal’s Naval Reserve recruiting process through Expedited Re- a positive and necessary step forward in Division (NRD). serve Enrolment, the RCN will also syn- preparing for the RCN of the future.” The enrolment process has been stream- chronize the enrolment for reserve recruits Naval Reserve units are situated in 24 lined so new applicants can now enroll in with basic training,” said Commodore cities across the country. Naval reservists a matter of days, not months, and begin M.B. Mulkins, Commander Naval Re- are an essential element of the RCN as their basic training almost immediately. serve. “This measure will be achieved by they work to support RCN domestic and Expedited Reserve Enrolment will al- modularizing the basic military qualific- international operations. low applicants who meet security, med- ical, and basic fitness standards to enrol Expedited Reserve Enrolment process in as few as 21 days or between two to three visits after initial contact with NRD Initial contact – Typically, following an online application process, an applicant recruiters. will make contact with a Naval Reserve recruiter at which point there will be The order to shorten the enrolment pro- documents including a medical questionnaire, reliability screening forms as well cess came from Chief of the Defence Staff, as other miscellaneous documents to complete before their first visit to the Naval Gen Jonathan Vance. The RCN estimates Reserve Division recruiting office. First Visit – The applicant conducts the Canadian Armed Force physical fitness the new process will assist with retention test called FORCE and the medical questionnaire is sent to the Recruiting Medical and grow the Naval Reserve by at least 200 Office. At the end of this visit, and following review at the Recruiting Medical members over the next two years. Office, eligible applicants will have their file transferred to the local Canadian Under this new initiative, HMCS Don- Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) Detachment for completion. nacona’s recruiters enrolled Naval Cadet Second Visit – The Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Detachment administers Alanna Grace—an aspiring Logistics Of- the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT). The Military Career Counsellor will ficer and the first applicant to the Naval conduct an interview, the next phase of the medical intake process is completed Reserve to be enrolled under the Expe- and the reliability screening (RS) process continues. dited Reserve Enrolment Programme— Third Visit – All steps of file processing are completed and final documentation within 21 days of her first contact with is administered, which readies the file for enrolment. The enrolment ceremony is the recruiters at HMCS Donnacona. This conducted and the new recruit will commence elements of basic military training is a significant improvement over previ- within their respective Naval Reserve Division. ous recruiting timelines and supports the

The Legion of Honour is a significant official medal, equal to the Order of Special Medal Canada. Living Canadian veterans who available to saw service in France or directly supported the liberation campaign between June 6 and Aug. 30, 1944, may be eligible. WWII Veterans There is no cost to you. Simply fill out the one-page application on the Veterans Since 2014, the Government of Affairs Canada website or contact Guy France has been awarding their Black at [email protected] highest medal, the Legion of with the subject "Canadian Veteran", Honour, to Canadian veterans or send a letter addressed to Legion of who participated in the liberation Honour C/O 515 – 95 Moody Street, Port of France in 1944. Moody, B.C., V3H 0H2.

16 • LEAD LINE &