Lead Line Naval Association of Canada Vancouver Island Newsletter

January – February 2017 • Volume 32, Issue 1 10 YEARS OF OP CARIBBE

A bridge lookout on board HMCS Edmonton uses the ship’s binoculars during Operation Caribbe in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. – Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WWII Monument proposed for Esquimalt...... 2 HMCS Vancouver home for Christmas...... 7 Farewell HMCS Preserver...... 4 Studying military children's health...... 9 Another first for the new Cyclone...... 5 Canada takes command of CTF150...... 12 Montreal performs as Experimental Ship...... 6 Veteran's Corner...... 15 STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS APP If any of you have a story to tell or an article to share with your fellow readers, The Defence Community now please send it along to leadandlineeditor@ has access to a variety of tools gmail.com for inclusion in our newsletter. and services through the Cana- We want to hear from you! dian Armed Forces Mobile Ap- plication (CAF Mobile App). The app delivers the lat- est useful, unclassified in- Membership Renewal Time formation about Defence di- rectly from the CDS and his Thanks to those who have sent in your command team. NAC-VI 2017 membership renewal and do- The app makes it easy to stay nations to the Endowment Fund and the Navy current on the latest social me- League. dia posts including Facebook, If you have not yet renewed, use the quick Twitter and YouTube. You can and easy online renewal at www.nac-vi.ca. Go tailor it to your needs so you to “Membership” and select “Membership Sign always know what is going on. Up”. When you complete the form, the site will The app is available for free for identify you as a member given information iOS, Android, and BlackBerry. already in the database. The online payment • get updates from CAF leader- process is simple and secure. Alternatively, ship o Bases and wings you can mail in a cheque. Printable member- • access and customize your CAF o Compensation and benefits ship forms are available on the website under social media feed o Education and training "Membership". • view latest videos and images o Family resources The opportunity to donate online to one of • access a variety of CAF o Legal services the groups we support is still an option, but is resources, including: o Morale and welfare services not completed as a part of the online renewal o Health Services o OUTCAN form. Instead, click on the donate button and o Pension o Veteran’s Affairs again follow the prompts. Any questions, please call the Membership Director, Stan Brygadyr, at 250-727-2243.

ACCESS DOCUMENTS ONLINE

We now have a members' section on our web- site, www.nac-vi.ca, where you can log in and access documents posted for members. Currently, we have updates on our constitu- tion/by-laws and we will soon be posting min- utes of executive meetings. This is a work in progress as we attempt to bring more information forward to you. When Contributor David Freeman snapped this photo of HMS Victory on a re- cent visit to Portsmouth, England. The ship’s masts were removed in 2011 you are on the site, go to “Membership”, then as the National Museum of the worked to save the vessel. “Member LogIn”. This will take you to a page Victory is currently buckling under its own weight with the upper deck where you will be asked for your username. slowly dropping toward the keel at a rate of half a centimetre per year. Please contact Bill Macdonald at becalmed1@ It needs more than 100 supports to keep it from collapsing. The ship was shaw.ca for login information. Under Member- commissioned in 1765 and was used by the Royal Navy until 1922 when ship, click “Members Page” to access links to the it was placed permanently into dry dock.In 2012, the National Museum final drafts of the new Constitution and Bylaws. of the Royal Navy took over custodianship of the historic vessel. 2 • LEAD LINE & LOCAL NEWS LT GRAY MONUMENT PROPOSED FOR ESQUIMALT

A local monument has been pro- The Naval Association of Canada has posed to honour Second World War Lt Gray's VC citation authorized a grant of $2,500 dollars to- pilot Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, wards the projected $3,500 cost. Recog- Canada's last Victoria Cross Recipient. The KING has been graciously nizing the Lt Gray monument project On Aug. 9, 1945, at Onagawa Bay, pleased to approve the award of the falls under a specific aspect of the pur- Japan, Lt Gray led an attack by eight VICTORIA CROSS for valour to: pose of the Naval Association of Cana- Corsair aircraft on a group of Japanese the late Temporary Lieutenant da's (NAC's) Endowment Fund, namely naval vessels. He sank the destroyer Robert Hampton GRAY, R.C.N.V.R., "Remembering the Past" through naval Amakusa, but the gunners hit his air- monuments. craft and he crashed into the bay. He for great valour in leading an attack It won't likely be difficult to get Es- was posthumously awarded the Victoria on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa quimalt’s approval for the project. Be- Cross (VC). Wan, on 9 August 1945. In the face fore the 2011 tsunami struck Japan, the A monument to Lt Gray already exists of fire from shore batteries and a township had proposed twinning with in Onagawa, Japan. It was established in heavy concentration of fire from Onagawa. After the town was devastat- 1989 and several Canadian naval ships some five warships Lieutenant Gray ed by the tsunami both Esquimalt and have visited the site to remember his pressed home his attack, flying very NOAVI were involved in raising funds sacrifice. low in order to ensure success, and, to help the town recover. However, Although there are schools named af- although he was hit and his aircraft there is a process for Esquimalt Coun- ter him and his photo hangs with other was in flames, he obtained at least cil to follow and NAC VI is asking both VC winners in the Legislature, there is one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. naval authorities and local civic orga- no actual monument here in Canada for Lieutenant Gray has consistently nizations in Esquimalt to register their Lt Gray. shown a brilliant fighting spirit and support with the township. Former navy man and prominent most inspiring leadership. There will be more details to come as perating from the British carrier HMS Formidable in the Esquimalt citizen Joe Buczkowski has fundraising efforts are established. If al days of the war, he led an attack by eight Corsair aircraft initiated a project to have a pillow mon- you wish to assist with fundraising for apanese naval vessels deployed in Onagawa Bay. ument placed locally and is seeking ap- to place the monument in Esquimal’ts this project, please contact Terry Milne proval from the Township of Esquimalt Memorial Park. at 250-477-5045.

January 26th Denton Pendergast will give a NEW presentation on the History of Victoria’s Harbour including its connection with our navy. He will also introduce the new interactive website that ex- LOCATION! plores this topic. This event will also be a Special General Meeting to approve our updated bylaws.

February 23 LCol Shawn Williamson, Com- UPCOMING manding Officer of 443 Squadron in Patricia Bay, will talk about the squadron's new facility as well LUNCHEONS as the new helicopters it will house. This will be in advance of a tour of the facility scheduled for a few days later.

Both luncheons will be held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 3475 Ripon Road (Cadboro Bay) starting at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. Members are asked to confirm their attendance with Peter Bey, 250-652- 2225.

LEAD LINE • 3 & EAST COAST NAVY NEWS

Crewmembers hand along the final pennant during the Paying-off Ceremony of HMCS Preserver at CFB Halifax dockyard. 46-YEAR-OLD PRESERVER PAID OFF Current and former sailors said good- ed to LCdr Marier, who then presented underway replenishment. bye to auxiliary oiler replenishment ship them to RAdm Newton. With the pay- In the years that followed, its many HMCS Preserver after nearly five decades ing off official, the crew marched past the missions around the world included: of service on Oct. 21, 2016. Honour Guard • UN peacekeeping efforts in Cyprus Preserver was honoured with a sail past and down the jetty to loud cheers from • Enforcing sanctions in the former from HMCS Ville de Québec and the cer- all those in attendance. Yugoslavia in 1994 emonial passing of the commissioning Preserver followed its sister ship, Pro- • The response to the crash of Swissair pennant along the deck. As the crew, tecteur, which was paid off in May 2015. Flight 111 in 1998 off Peggy’s Cove followed by their Commanding Officer, Preserver was commissioned in Saint • Operation Apollo in 2001, in marched off the ship, the commissioning John, N.B., on Aug. 7, 1970. It was an support of American operations in pennant, jack and ensign were present- example of cutting-edge technology for Afghanistan

ABOVE: Spectators arrive at the Paying-off Ceremony. LEFT: Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Commander Vickey Marier, returns the colours and naval jack to Rear-Admiral John Newton, concluding the Paying-off Ceremony. – Photos by Corporal J.W.S. Houck, Formation Imaging Services 4 • LEAD LINE & EAST COAST NAVY NEWS ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE CYCLONE HELICOPTER By Captain Peter Ryan Facility, the Cyclone's sonobuoy process- ment settings, in combination with clear, 12 Wing Shearwater ing system was tested to detect and track concise and easily repeatable procedures, Windsor using passive sonobuoys. is key to maximizing the crews' effective- A CH148 Cyclone helicopter from 12 “This system allows us to track subma- ness in challenging tactical situations,” Wing Shearwater, N.S., recently con- rines without making any active noise, said Maj Weigelin. “These procedures ducted its first anti- warfare thereby denying the submarine knowl- need to be trained and practised to en- (ASW) events with HMCS Windsor o ff edge of the helicopter's location or po- sure peak operational capability of front- the coast of Nova Scotia. tentially even the fact that they are being line crews once they are deployed with The exercise was linked to an ongoing tracked at all. Anti-submarine warfare by the Cyclone.” Operational Test and Evaluation being use of sonobuoys can be challenging, but During their week at sea, CH148 crews conducted by the Helicopter Test and having Windsor as a target allowed the conducted 16 hours of embarked Oper- Evaluation Facility (HOTEF) at 12 Wing crews to hone our equipment and devel- ational Test and Evaluation with HMCS Shearwater. op a solid baseline of performance for Montréal, the first ship to support a Anti-submarine warfare is a compo- the tracking of real submarine targets,” Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility nent of underwater warfare that employs said Maj Weigelin. Detachment. The purpose of ongoing surface warships, aircraft and other sub- When Windsor was otherwise tasked, Operational Test and Evaluation is to marines to find, track, and deter, damage CH148 crews employed Expendable continue to assess the aircraft’s combat or destroy enemy . This was Mobile Anti-submarine warfare Train- effectiveness, develop tactical proce- the first time a Cyclone has engaged in ing Targets to simulate submarine move- dures, and validate doctrine before the such activity, representing an important ments and noise patterns, which allowed new maritime helicopter can be turned milestone in the evolution of this new Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility over to front-line squadrons. aircraft, which provides wings for the crews to further develop those tactical A CH148 progressed planned Oper- fleet and state-of-the-art air power for procedures that will be used by opera- ational Test and Evaluation by partici- the Royal Canadian Air Force. tional crews following CH148 Release to pating in combined warfare exercises in According to Major Erik Weigelin, a Service. the Atlantic Ocean from late October to pilot with Helicopter Test and Evaluation “Accurate and effective initial equip- mid-November.

CYCLONE STATS Weight: 29,300 lbs Fuselage width (W/Stabilator): 12' 9" (17' 3'') Height: 18' 4" Fuselage length: 56' 2"

LEAD LINE • 5 & EAST COAST NAVY NEWS HMCS MONTRÉAL DEBUTS AS X-SHIP

By Darlene Blakeley Navy Public Affairs Ottawa

HMCS Montréal recently embarked on its first deployment as the Royal Canadi- an Navy’s (RCN) experimental ship. The modernized Halifax-class frig- ate deployed Oct. 24, 2016 with a full schedule of missions including combat enhancement training, crew trials and operational testing and evaluation of the new Cyclone shipborne helicopter. The experimental ship – or X-Ship – program is designed to advance innova- tive and leading-edge naval concepts in all areas of warship deployment, crewing and sustainment. Many of the trials con- ducted focused on human factors such as variations of crew size and impacts The Canadian Task Group, supported by Spanish Navy replenishment oiler ship on crew rest and performance, as well as Patino (centre), conducts at-sea operations as part of Spartan Warrior 2016 off the some operational trials. east coast of North America this fall. “We have been given the extremely im- maintenance), meetings, fitness, meals, ments and continued to participate in portant mission of setting the course for and so on, in accordance with their regu- scheduled engineering repair, docking the future fleet in manning, innovation lar shipboard routine. work periods and fleet training exercises. and air operations,” said Commander The crew filled out daily question- The ship increased its operational read- Chris Sherban in advance of the mission. naires on their activities and wore acti- iness with other RCN ships, as well as For the sea portion of the X-Ship pro- graphs (sensors that measure activity) to USN ships and Patino during Exercise gram, Montréal transited south with the monitor work/rest balance. The intent Spartan Warrior 16 in November. rest of the Canadian Task Group – HMC is to confirm that estimates made with “I have been blessed with an amazing Ships Fredericton, St. John’s and Athabas- respect to the time needed to complete bunch of young, dedicated and thor- kan – along with Spanish Navy replen- evolutions and the time available for oughly professional men and women ishment oiler ship Patino, conducting activities other than watches and evolu- who understand how important our mis- force generation and force development tions is consistent with reality. This data sion is and are equally as passionate as I to work. will enable improvements to be made to achieve mission success,” says Cdr Sher- According to Cdr Sherban, the first the SCORE model and provide greater ban. “The success of the X-Ship program part of this trial was called the SCORE confidence in crew requirements for rests on their shoulders and I could not 217 trial, which will be used to validate a future platforms. have asked for a better crew to achieve it.” crewing model used by defence research “The crew is very excited that their ef- After this deployment, Montréal en- scientists in Toronto. forts will directly influence the structure tered enter a work period that ends early This evaluation required the X-Ship and shape of the future fleet,” said Cdr this month, after which it will return to to conduct a modified work-ups scenar- Sherban. “As an example, defence scien- sea in support of the Cyclone project. “We io with its full crew of 217. The scenario tists hoped that we would have 150 offi- will be searching for the worst weather in was specifically developed by the Direc- cers and sailors willing to conduct sleep the North Atlantic so that we can test the torate of Naval Personnel and Training in and fatigue studies. We had 178 sailors operating limits of the helicopter,” Cdr Ottawa with experts from Sea Training volunteer.” Sherban says. (Pacific). Outside of the evolutions in the Although Montréal has a dedicated Montréal is expected to continue tri- scenario, the crew was asked to conduct trial program, it was not completely re- als as part of the RCN’s experimental watches, departmental work (including moved from everyday naval require- program for five years. 6 • LEAD LINE & WEST COAST NEWS SUBMARINERS INVITED TO COMMEMORATIVE DINNER The 50th anniversary of the commissioning of HMCS Onondaga will occur in 2017. To commemorate this event, the Submariners’ Associa- tion of Canada (West) plans to hold a formal dinner with partners on June 22, 2017 in Victoria. At this time, the association wishes to get an indication of how many people plan to attend. Once we get this information, organizers can ar- range a venue and obtain costs. It is requested that those who plan to attend email their intentions by the end of 2016 to Lloyd Barnes, lw- [email protected]. Honorary Captain (Navy) Mandy Farmer during Base Divisions. ACCENT INNS CEO NAMED HONORARY CAPTAIN Third generation Victoria resident and prom- inent local business person, Mandy Farmer, has been named CFB Esquimalt's newest Honorary Captain (Navy). HCapt(N) Farmer took over the role, which was vacated by Cedric Steele, this fall during a Base Divisions ceremony at the Naden Drill Shed. HCapt(N) Farmer has been the CEO of Ac- cent Inns since 2008. In recent years, the com- pany opened the retro-themed Hotel Zed in Victoria and Kelowna and was named the sixth best employer in B.C. in 2011. RCN MOURNS THE LOSS OF SAILOR HCapt(N) Farmer was ranked No. 25 in IN ACCIDENT AT 443 SQN Profit Magazine’s annual list of Canada’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs and was a finalist Master Seaman (MS) Guillermo Morales Castellon passed away in Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Nov. 25 from injuries sustained on Nov. 21 in an industrial accident Award. at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron. Though she readily admits to knowing very The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) little about the local military before her ap- will conduct an investigation into the accident with support from pointment, HCapt(N) Farmer has some affil- Formation Safety. Further, a Board of Inquiry will be convened into iation with the military in her family. Two of the circumstances surrounding MS Castellon’s death. her great uncles served in the RCN – her Uncle MS Castellon joined the Army Reserve, 2nd Field Artillery Reg- Hugh Neuman was a Merchant Marine during iment, Royal Canadian Artillery, in 1995 and transferred to the the Second World War while her Uncle Hugh Naval Reserve, HMCS Donnacona, in 1998. Gunning patrolled the North Atlantic during In 2014, he accepted a transfer to the Regular Force where he was the same period. Her Great Grandfather Harry posted to CFB Esquimalt Base Logistics. MS Castellon served as Farmer served in the First World War with the part of the Patricia Bay Supply Team supporting 443 Squadron. United States Army.

LEAD LINE • 7 & WEST COAST NEWS

HMCS Vancouver returned home to CFB Esquimalt on Dec. 14, 2016 after a six-month deployment. – Photo by MCpl Brent Kenny, MARPAC Imaging Services HMCS VANCOUVER RETURNS HOME After six months at sea, HMCS Van- riety of training exercises including the couver sailors returned home to family world’s largest international military and friends last month. exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC); The ship’s company was greeted by KAKADU, a joint biennial exercise host- a cheering crowd of 250 who held ed by the involv- welcome home banners high. ing 20 nations; and WESTPLOY 16, a “There is no better time than when deployment aimed at building ties with a ship comes alongside after a long de- Asia-Pacific nations. Vancouver was also ployment and this moment is just per- HMCS Vancouver contributed to emer- involved in relief efforts after a 7.8 mag- fect for the [holiday] season,” remarked gency relief operations following an nitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Art McDonald as earthquake in Kaikoura, New Zealand. South Island on Nov. 14 – Photos by LS Sergej Krivenko he stood on the jetty beside Lieutenant Vancouver’s return was its second Governor of B.C. Judith Guichon mo- homecoming for 2016 and brought the ments before the sailors disembarked. total deployment time this year to nine “When I look around and see all the months. The ship was away from home families and sailors who have made big for an additional three months earlier sacrifices and they are reunited, it warms this year between February and April as my heart.” it participated in SOUTHPLOY, a train- Since departing Esquimalt in June, ing exercise aimed at strengthening ties Vancouver operated extensively in the with several South American nations Pacific region and participated in a va- including Peru and Chile. 8 • LEAD LINE & NATIONAL NEWS MILITARY CHILDREN'S HEALTH FOCUS OF STUDY Queen's University is looking for mil- "Almost all the information we have As very little has been done on this itary families, educators and health care available is based out of the U.S. – like topic in Canada, Dr. Cramm believes her providers to take part in a study on the 98 per cent of it," says Dr. Cramm. work will form a base for future research. mental health of children in military The reason may be the difficulty in "This becomes a formative piece of re- families. gathering information, she says. The search in that it’ll be one of the first Ca- Dr. Heidi Cramm initiated the study American miltiary health system treats nadian studies to look at military family after finding that very little information the entire family so the data is all in one health, especially that of children," she says. exists about the effects of the Canadian central place. In Canada, only the mili- The study is currently in the inter- military lifestyle on children. tary member is treated within the mili- view phase. Participants from across the As an occupational therapist, Dr. Cramm tary system. The family falls under pro- country are interviewed over the phone noticed that a disproportionate number of vincial care. So mental health issues that to collect an initial set of data for analy- the children she was seeing were from mil- arise in a military member's children sis. Once that is complete—in about six itary families. She searched for answers as cannot easily be tied to a posting, a de- months—Dr. Cramm and her team will to why, but found very little. ployment or any other military activity. travel across the country to meet with "There wasn’t any research that I could Dr. Cramm says military familes face focus groups to see if they can validate look at that could tell me about Canadian a formidable trifecta: mobility, risk and their findings. military families and their health," says separation. Families can be frequently Military families interested in partic- Dr. Cramm. posted, the member's job can be dan- ipating in the study should contact Dr. While plenty of information has been gerous, and one or both parents may be Cramm at [email protected] or gathered and analysed for their Amerian gone frequently and/or for long periods. 613-533-6094. She is particularly in need counterparts, very little is known about These three aspects of military life of the perspective of teenaged children. the mental health of Canadian military are incredibly stressful and need to be All participants will have their name families. managed carefully, she says. put in a draw to win an iPad.

SUMMARY OF CANADA'S MILITARY MISSIONS Operation IMPACT an international crisis situation to address Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway Op IMPACT is the CAF's contribution both symmetric and asymmetric threats. cross the Selkirk Mountains in B.C. The to the multinational Coalition to disman- As part of NATO's enhanced Forward CAF has supported Parks Canada in this tle and ultimately defeat Daesh. The CAF Presence, Canada, a Framework Nation, endeavour for more than 50 years. conduct air operations, provide advice and will be responsible for establishing and From late November to April, an artillery assistance to the Iraqi security forces, and leading a combat capable rotational mul- task force is deployed with 105-mm how- provide capacity building capabilities to the tinational NATO battlegroup in Latvia in itzers modified for precision firing from regional forces. 2017. roadside gun platforms. In coordination with Coalition forces, Operation UNIFIER Search and Rescue CANSOFCOM advisors assist Iraqi securi- Op UNIFIER is Canada's contribution to The Canadian Search and Rescue (SAR) ty forces in planning defensive and offen- support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain program is based on cooperation and sive operations, and developing their mil- sovereignty, security, and stability through teamwork between the Royal Canadian Air itary skills. They are not part of a ground capacity building and training Ukraine Force, the Canadian Coast Guard and the combat mission. forces' personnel. network of Federal, Provincial/Territorial Operation REASSURANCE Since the start of the training in Sep- governments, civilian organizations and Op REASSURANCE refers to the CAF's tember 2015, more than 2,600 Ukrainian volunteers, and various and police forces. activities in support of NATO's assurance Armed Forces members have been trained As of Dec. 11, the three Joint Rescue Co- and deterrence measures. by the CAF. ordination Centres have tasked CAF assets The most recent naval activity involved Operation PALACI 1,056 times to conduct SAR operations this HMCS Charlottetown participating in the Op PALACI is the CAF's contribution to year: 200 taskings from Victoria, 461 task- Greek-led Ex Naias from Dec. 12 to 16. This Parks Canada's avalanche-control program ings from Trenton, and 395 taskings from maritime exercise focused on response to in Rogers Pass where the Trans-Canada Halifax. LEAD LINE • 9 & NATIONAL NEWS

AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER MINE DETECTION

The area surrounding Scotland’s Isle of Skye was speckled with ships, and un- manned vehicles in the sky, on the ocean’s surface and below it, all working together to detect and neutralize a minefield on the seafloor. This was Exercise Unmanned Warrior 2016 led by the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre in Scotland; one of the largest demonstrations of unmanned vehicles ever. The Hell Bay portion of the exercise was led by The Technical Cooperation Pro- gram (TTCP) Mine Warfare Technical Panel. TTCP is an international organiza- tion that collaborates in defence, scientific Defence Research and Development Canada’s unmanned surface vehicle USV-2600 and technical information exchange and performs an autonomous mission in the water at Loch Alsh. – Photo by Janice Lang, shared research activities for five nations: DRDC Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United to a command and control centre on the who make the decisions,” said Dr. Mae States (US). Four of the nations partici- shore. Working together, the aerial and Seto who was Canada’s lead scientist for pated this year. This was the fourth and fi- surface vehicle allows the underwater ve- the Hell Bay component. nal trial in the Hell Bay series, all of which hicles to stay submerged and not have to DRDC’s participation in the exercise focused on unmanned vehicles used in surface to share their detection informa- helps inform eventual decisions on pro- mine counter-measures. tion. curement, training, concepts of oper- This year’s experiment explored, among This capability was demonstrated with ation, and the way-ahead for the role of other objectives, networking unmanned seven unmanned underwater vehicles, unmanned vehicles, explains Dr. Seto. vehicles both below and on the water’s two unmanned surface vehicles, and one “Ex Unmanned Warrior was an ideal surface to detect and neutralize an under- unmanned aerial vehicle in collaboration opportunity for our sailors and research water minefield. between Canada, the UK and the US. teams to work together with allied forces. Defence Research and Development One of the goals of the exercise was to Exercises like these prepare us to better Canada's (DRDC) team brought three test the interoperability between the ve- implement these technologies on our own vehicles: two unmanned underwater ve- hicles brought to the trial by allied part- or with our allies during operations,” said hicles (UUV) called IVER3 UUV, and ners. Testing included communications Lieutenant-Commander David Botting, one surface vehicle called the USV-2600. between unmanned vehicles, transmit- the Director of Naval Requirements for Both underwater vehicles, which are tor- ting images from underwater to Naval Mine Warfare. pedo-shaped free-swimming underwater above water, automatic target recognition Unmanned underwater vehicles can be robots, have side-scan . The side- of mine-like targets, and unmanned used not only to detect mines but in sev- scan sonars use acoustic waves to take vehicles adapting to the actions of other eral other ways such as for underwater images of the seafloor, like an underwa- unmanned vehicles. surveys to generate maps of our water- ter camera, to look for underwater mines. “Our unmanned vehicles were able to ways that guide vessels to travel on a clear The surface vehicle is able to communi- interoperate with those from allied na- and safe path. cate with the submerged vehicles to relay tions. The implication for the navies is The Hell Bay experiment at the heart their detection information above-water that it is possible to network unmanned of Exercise Unmanned Warrior is part to a circling unmanned aerial vehicle. The vehicles towards achieving a timely mis- of DRDC’s current Naval Mine Counter- aerial vehicle can further relay the under- sion goal and to transmit the information Measures Project, which is coming to a water vehicle’s detection information over from the underwater sensors to those close in 2017. 10 • LEAD LINE & NATIONAL NEWS

NAVY WRAPS FRIGATE LIFE EXTENSION PROJECT

As HMCS Toronto returned to the (RCN) Nov. 29, it marked the completion of the Halifax-class Modernization/ Frigate Life Extension project. A ceremony was held at Irving Shipbuilding Halifax shipyards, where leaders involved with the project, including VAdm Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, gathered to mark the occasion and spread the good news that the project had been completed on budget and on time. The HCM project had a budget of $4.3 billion, and while final total costs aren’t available, ADM(Materiel) Pat Finn said a portion of that FIRST RCN VISIT TO budget is already being returned. The HCM/FELEX project began more than a decade ago and involved a refit of all 12 Halifax-class frigates and the installation of CUBA IN 50 YEARS modern equipment. The process involved Irving Shipbuilding on the HMCS Fredericton visited Havana, Cuba, in November East Coast, Seaspan Shipyards on the West Coast, Lockheed Martin making it the first Royal Canadian Navy ship to visit in Canada, and more than 30 other firms working with the Government more than 50 years. of Canada. Fredericton visited the ports of Havana, Cuba; Cartage- The modernized frigates have been fitted with enhanced radar and na, Colombia; and Veracruz, Mexico, to enhance mutual electronic warfare systems, upgraded communications, and missiles understanding, cooperation, and capacity with partners that integrate with a new combat management system. in the region. “We basically changed out two brains of the ship,” VAdm Lloyd ex- The deployment aimed to strengthen existing defence plained. “The Combat Management System, the manner in which you partnerships and establish new bi-national and multina- fight with the ship, is completely new, and then the Integrated Plat- tional relations in order to achieve greater interoperabili- form Management System, which looks after the propulsion and other ty and enhanced delivery of defence capabilities for future maritime engineering aspects, is also brand new and state-of-the-art.” operations.

LGEN WHITECROSS ASSUMES COMMAND OF NATO DEFENSE COLLEGE

Lieutenant-General Christine White- has a significant appreciation of the cross has assumed command of the value of professional development for North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders in Canada, within the NATO (NATO) Defense College in Rome, Alliance and in the global community. taking over from Major-General Janusz The NATO Defense College is re- Bojarski of the Polish Air Force. nowned for training senior officers LGen Whitecross is the third Cana- from the 28 allied nations in strategic dian and the first female to take on the planning for multi-national operations command of the college in its 65-year such as those NATO undertakes. Of- history. ficers learn valuable lessons and gain In this capacity, LGen Whitecross critical skills in multi-nation plan- can continue her life’s passion of mak- ning, consensus building, and stra- ing the defence community a more tegic level problem-solving. In this respectful and inclusive environment. context, Canadian officers are widely Since June 2015, she has been the respected and sought-after and come commander of the Military Person- to the learning environment with field nel Command, the Canadian Armed personnel management, including experience acquired through NATO Forces organization responsible for training and education. As such, she operations.

LEAD LINE • 11 & INTERNATIONAL NEWS CANADA ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 150 Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson of the Canadian Commodore Bilal Abdul Armed Forces (CAF) officially Nasir, Pakistan Navy (left) assumed command of Com- hands over command of bined Task Force 150 (CTF Combined Task Force 150 150) on behalf of Canada (CTF 150) to Commodore during a change of command Haydn C. Edmundson, ceremony held at Combined Royal Canadian Navy Maritime Forces (CMF) Head- (right) while Vice Admi- ral Kevin M. Donegan, quarters in Bahrain in early Commander, U.S. Naval December. Forces Central Command, Cmdre Edmundson took U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined over command from Cmdre Maritime Forces (centre) Bilal Abdul Nasir of the presides on Dec. 8, 2016 Pakistan Navy. at Naval Support Activity, “I am honoured and privi- Manama, Bahrain. leged to command this count- er terrorism task force and to work alongside our maritime security partners in the wid- er region over the next four months,” said Cmdre Ed- mundson. “Combined Task Force 150 will continue to build upon the achievements of our colleagues before us and we will continue to promote se- curity and stability across some busiest shipping lanes in the of the world’s busiest and most world. important shipping lanes.” Canada has deployed 28 CAF The deployment is part personnel and two Depart- of Operation Artemis, the ment of National Defence ci- CAF’s ongoing contribution vilian employees to lead CTF to counter-terrorism and 150 until April 2017. maritime security operations The Canadian command across the Red Sea, Gulf of contingent is supported by Aden, Arabian Sea, and Gulf personnel of the Royal Austra- of Oman. Through maritime lian Navy. The combined na- security operations, region- ture of this team demonstrates al engagements, and capacity the close relationship between building, CTF 150 works to Australia and Canada as well deter and deny terrorist orga- as our shared values and inter- nizations from using the high ests. seas for smuggling weapons, il- CTF 150 is one of three mul- licit cargo and narcotics, while tinational naval task forces op- Members of HMCS Regina’s boarding party board a dhow for ensuring the safe passage of erated by Combined Maritime inspection during Operation Artemis in 2012. – Photo by Cpl merchant ships in some of the Forces. Rick Ayer, Formation Imaging Services, Halifax 12 • LEAD LINE & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CANADA MARKS 10 YEARS OF OP CARIBBE

HMCS Edmonton and United States Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton sail in the eastern Pacific Ocean during Operation CARIBBE on November 20, 2016. – Photo by MARPAC Imaging Services On Dec. 10, the Canadian Armed seizure or disruption of approximately States Navy and other allied warships Forces (CAF) marked its 10th year of 5,750 kg of cocaine and 1,520 kg of and aircraft. Operation CARIBBE. Since 2006, the marijuana. Operation CARIBBE is Canada's par- Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal During the 10 years of Operation ticipation in Operation Martillo, a U.S. Canadian Air Force have supported CARIBBE, the Royal Canadian Navy Joint Interagency Task Force South-led the seizure or disruption of more than deployed ships and submarines 63 multinational effort among Western 66 metric tonnes of cocaine and just times and sailed for a total of 1,881 hemisphere and European nations to under 4 metric tonnes of marijuana. days in direct support of the mission, prevent illicit trafficking in the Caribbe- In 2016 alone, CAF assets and each time working closely with the an Sea, the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and personnel directly contributed to the United States Coast Guard, the United off the coast of Central America.

IN BRIEF

US NAVY PLANS TO EXPAND CHINA HOLDS FIRST LIVE-FIRE DRILLS ITS FLEET TO 355 VESSELS WITH AIRCRAFT CARRIER, WARSHIPS The US Navy (USN) recently released its Force The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted its Structure Assessment (FSA), calling for expanding first-ever live-fire carrier battle group drill last week in the Bohai the fleet to 355 ships from the current total of 308, Sea, near South Korea. suggesting that the fleet detailed will be sufficient The group included the PLAN's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, to cover US strategic interests with a "reasonable" and nine other vessels, which practiced aerial interception, anti- likelihood of success. The increase of 47 vessels air, anti-missile, and anti-ship skills, including firing live missiles would primarily be spread among large combat- at a target at sea. ants, including 18 attack submarines, 16 cruisers The drills come amid heightened tensions with Taiwan, as re- and destroyers, and one additional aircraft carrier. cently-elected Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has been cir- The drive to expand the USN is said to be motivat- cumspect on the issue of independence, and following US Presi- ed both by developments within foreign navies, in- dent-elect Donald Trump's call with Tsai earlier this month, after cluding the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy which he suggested he would renegotiate the "One China" policy. and the Russian Federation Navy, as well as domestic China is steadily building carrier operation expertise as it is politics, as the incoming Trump administration has constructing at least two other aircraft carriers, which are predict- called for a larger Navy. ed to be operational around 2020.

LEAD LINE • 13 & RCAF NEWS CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NEW FIXED- WING SEARCH AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT

The Royal Canadian Air Force’s fixed- wing search and rescue (FWSAR) fleets of CC-115 Buffalo and legacy CC-130H Hercules aircraft will be replaced by the C295W aircraft, manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. The announcement was made Dec. 8 at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The Government of Canada awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space, which has partnered with Newfound- land-based PAL Aerospace for mainte- nance and support services. The contract will provide a complete, modern and technologically advanced search and res- cue solution, including maintenance and support services up to 2043. “Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue community are among the best trained in the world and support services. respond to incidents in every type of envi- The new aircraft will include state-of- ronment, whether in the Arctic, over the the-art communications systems that Rockies or in the middle of the ocean,” will allow search and rescue personnel said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. to share real-time information with part- “Canadians in distress can count on them ners on the ground. Using integrated sen- to give their very best to save lives. With sors, crews will be able to locate persons this technology, we are giving our women or objects, such as downed aircraft, from and men in uniform the tools they need more than 40 kilometres away, even in to continue to deliver effective and essen- low-light conditions. tial search and rescue operations.” The RCAF’s current CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130H Hercules have served Canada well over the last 20 to 40 years. The C295W aircraft (top) will replace WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, These aircraft perform more than 350 the CC-115 Buffalo (middle) and CC- WE ARE GIVING OUR missions annually and are responsible for 130H Hercules (below) as Canada's fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft. WOMEN AND MEN IN saving thousands of Canadian lives every year. During the transition, the existing UNIFORM THE TOOLS THEY fleets will continue to be maintained and NEED. operated to ensure search and rescue responsibilities. The initial contract, for a period of 11 years, is valued at $2.4 billion (plus ap- Airbus will provide 16 C295W aircraft plicable taxes) and includes six years to support Canada’s search and rescue of acquisition and set up, including the operations, construct a new simulator- construction of a new training centre in “equipped training centre in Comox, B.C., Comox, B.C., as well as the first five years and provide ongoing maintenance and of maintenance and support services. 14 • LEAD LINE & VETERANS CORNER B.C. LAUNCHES MEMORIAL CROSS LICENCE PLATES By Capt Graeme Kaine There is no fee for this special licence cipients. Memorial Cross eligibility is de- 39 CBG Public Affairs plate and Memorial Cross plates are only termined by the Department of National available to official Memorial Cross re- Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada. Recipients of the Memorial Cross who live in British Columbia now have a new commemorative licence plate. At a ceremony, held at the Beatty Street Drill Hall in Vancouver on Nov. 10, Ron McCully was the first Memorial Cross recipient to receive the special plate. “This new licence plate is meaningful for my family, as this pays tribute to my son, Corporal Matthew McCully,” said McCully. “Thank you to the B.C. govern- ment and ICBC for developing and pro- ducing this new licence plate for those of us who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.” The Memorial Cross is an award that has been granted since 1919 to loved ones NAC-VI Executive Committee of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) per- sonnel who have died in service or whose President Bill Conconi [email protected] 250-652-1634 death was attributed to their service. It is Past President Michael Morres [email protected] 250-592-8897 granted by the Government of Canada and is often referred to as the Silver Cross. Vice President Rod Hughes [email protected] 250-652-6580 In the past, it had only been given to Secretary Mike Brossard [email protected] 250-544-1425 mothers and widows, but recent changes now allow CAF personnel to designate up Treasurer Peter Bey [email protected] 250-652-2225 to three Memorial Cross recipients. Director at Large David Collins [email protected] 778-265-0872 Besides British Columbia, Saskatche- Director at Large David Cooper [email protected] 250-472-8905 wan is the only other province that cur- rently offers a Memorial Cross plate. Director at Large Bill Macdonald [email protected] 250-661-3731 The licence plate features purple letters Director at Large Gerry Pash [email protected] 250-658-6509 on a white background, with the Memo- Director at Large Steve White [email protected] 250-652-8215 rial Cross symbol on the left and the Ca- nadian flag on the right. Both front and rear plates will be issued and both must be special appointments affixed to the vehicle. Editor Carmel Ecker leadandlineeditor@ 250-661-1269 There will be an additional option of a gmail.com keepsake plate for Memorial Cross recip- Member Services Bill Macdonald [email protected] 250-661-3731 ients who want to receive a plate, but not display it on their vehicle. Photography John Webber [email protected] 250-920-4159 Official Memorial Cross recipients may List Master Michael Morres [email protected] 250-592-8897 request a B.C. Memorial Cross licence plate by contacting ICBC headquarters List Master Jim Dodgson [email protected] 250-592-0264 at 604-982-6467 or they can visit the Historian Stan Parker [email protected] 778-441-3933 website: www.icbc.com/vehicle-regis- Webmaster Eric Griffiths eric.griffiths2012@gmail. 250-537-0608 tration/licence-plates/Pages/memori- com al-cross-plates.aspx. LEAD LINE • 15 & COMMANDER PREPARING FOR ARCTIC SHIP

Darlene Blakeley creased external interests in Navy Public Affairs Ottawa the Arctic – the RCN’s role in the North is expanding rap- The commanding officer of idly and the new Arctic Off- the Royal Canadian Navy’s shore Patrol Vessels will bring (RCN) first Arctic Offshore new responsibilities. Patrol Vessel has already been Construction of Harry De- chosen, and work has begun Wolf began in September to ensure everything is ready 2015, and Irving Shipbuild- when HMCS Harry DeWolf is ing in Halifax is building the delivered in 2018. Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel Lieutenant-Commander using a progressive build ap- Corey Gleason, along with a proach. Over the course of small preliminary crew, are time, 65 smaller units become preparing for the new vessel, 21 larger blocks, which then one of six ice-capable offshore Lieutenant-Commander Corey Gleason, Rear-Admiral John become three mega-blocks. patrol ships that will conduct Newton and Captain (Navy) Michael Davie in Norway during LCdr Gleason says the en- sovereignty and surveillance staff talks. gines have now been installed, operations in Canada’s ocean Below: Artist's rendering of the Harry DeWolf. the middle section is upright, areas of interest, including in summer, maritime coastal de- says RAdm Newton. “We and the entire ship will soon the Arctic. fence vessel HMCS Moncton have engaged in new partner- be sitting in the water. “It’s truly exciting to have was patrolling in Hudson Bay, ships with government agen- “Trials will begin in 2018 this role as first commanding while its sister ship HMCS cies that are keen to benefit and more routine seasonal officer,” says LCdr Gleason. Shawinigan was far west along from the support of the RCN.” deployments will be under “The first ship in its class is al- the Northwest Passage, creat- As things continue to way commencing in 2019,” ways a lot of work and there’s ing new learning experiences change at a fast pace in an he says. “However, there is a a long road ahead – about five for sailors in the fleet. increasingly accessible Arc- great deal of work to do be- years between shore office “For several years now our tic – whether it’s the historic fore those deployments can work and the first operation- crews have been increasingly passage of the cruise ship take place.” al cruise for the lead ship. We busy familiarizing themselves Crystal Serenity through the Also assigned to the ship at get the opportunity to pave with Arctic waterways and Northwest Passage this sum- this time are LCdr Scott Me- the way for everyone else.” the communities that strug- mer, a refueling port for the agher as executive officer and This is essential work as gle with shifting economies, navy at Nanisivik, Nunavut, Chief Petty Officer First Class the navy prepares for a busy climate and human activities,” scientific research or in- Gerry Doucet as coxswain. future in Canada’s North, ac- cording to Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Mari- time Forces Atlantic. “We take note of the sig- nificant changes being felt in the environment, industry, commerce, tourism, society and culture. It is a timely de- velopment that the RCN will soon take delivery of the first Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel.” He adds that the pending arrival of these vessels in- spires the RCN to undertake bolder activities in all of Can- ada’s ocean areas. This past

16 • LEAD LINE &