Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

Transcription

1 Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

2 IN THIS ISSUE From the Commodore From the Deputy Commander From the NAVRES Chief Petty Officer Transformation Transformation What is the Naval Security Team (NST)? A new Basic Military Qualification for the naval reservists The MESO Transition to Marine Technician In the NRDs Rendez-vous 2017 The Royal Canadian Navy s biggest strategic outreach event of the year HMCS Carleton: well established at Dow s Lake Walking the Dog: my travels with SONAR Operations My Two-Weeks with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force HMCS Malahat introduces life at sea to new recruits and divers Atlantic Region NRDs host the first ever Naval Reserve exercise in Sydney "TOUJOURS LÀ, TOUJOURS PRÊT", HMCS Radisson practises disaster response Malahat preps for future Naval Force Protection opportunities General Interest Primary Reservists find civilian employment success Remembrance Day 2016 observed by sailors at the Naval Museum of Québec HMCS Glace Bay Sailors Reuniting with the Community of Cape Breton Blessing from Pope Francis impacts RCN and Naval Reserve History 75 th anniversary of the Battle of the St. Lawrence Prairie Sailors & the Naval Museum of Manitoba Why a Battle of the Atlantic Memorial? Cover photo Royal Canadian Navy Ensign Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017 Editor: Maj Catherine Larose Project manager: Ltv Benoit Plante and Chantal Crepeau Translation: Service de traduction de l EMM Revision : Daniel Garnon Multimedia : Ltv Benoit Plante et Chantal Crepeau Graphic Design: Communication Graphique Recto-Verso Printer : Deschamps Impression (Québec) The Naval Reserve LINK is published two times a year by authority of the Commander Naval Reserve. Views expressed are the authors own and are not to be construed as official policy. Permission to reproduce certain articles will be granted, provided original source is clearly indicated. The editorial committee reserves the right to reject or edit all submissions. Texts longer than 1000 words may be rejected. Artwork and photos will be returned if requested; however, we cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged materials. Contributions are invited. Texts are to be unclassified, submitted in English or in French (preferably both) and can be on any topic relating to the Naval Reserve, especially its members. Please indicate clearly full names and rank, of the author, as well as photographers and all persons mentioned in the article. Articles can be submitted via and must be in an editable format (Microsoft Word format is ideal). Bear in mind that colour or black and white photographs, sketches, maps, cartoons or other artwork enhance the appeal of an article. Include the source of photos or artwork and a brief description or caption. Photos should be 4 x 6 at 300 dpi; it is preferable they be submitted electronically. Please include the author s address, phone number and . All submissions, letters to the editor or other correspondence should be addressed to: The Naval Reserve LINK Naval Reserve Headquarters P.O. Box 1000, Station Forces Courcelette (Québec) G0A 4Z0 Tel: , poste 5336 Fax: catherine.larose@forces.gc.ca Internet: 2 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

3 From the Commodore By Cmdre Marta Mulkins, Commander Naval Reserve FROM THE COMMODORE The last six months have been amazing for the pace of change across the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as a whole and the Reserve in particular. Our transformation has accelerated and touches every level of the institution from the highlevel Establishment Review which will be completed in late spring 2017, our recruitment overhaul which has resulted in our reaching the highest percentage of our planned intake in years, right down to updating the image presented by our Naval Reserve Divisions (NRD) in their communities to better reflect our forward-looking role in the fleet and RCN of the future. While such change is sometimes difficult to communicate and manage in an organisation which relies upon a lot of parttime service, you have risen magnificently to the challenge. Your embrace of new opportunities, your drive to innovate and to lead through change are the hallmarks of superb professionalism. Thank you. Among the internal initiatives launched this past year, the Retention Study working group recently allowed me to have a peek at their findings and they are intriguing. Shamelessly stealing their thunder, here are a few points to ponder: A third of all Naval Reserve (NAVRES) attrition occurs in years 0-2 and almost two thirds before the 5 year mark. The ranks of Ordinary Seaman, Leading Seaman and Lieutenant (Navy) see the highest departure levels but that said, many are component transfers. There also evidently are connections between aptitude, education and retention which may reinforce our recruitment processes. It also demands us to ensure that training be of the highest quality right from the start, to challenge and engage our talented recruits. Fortunately, our Naval Training System is working hard to continue to achieve exactly that, in an increasingly flexible fashion. The study also indicated that the desire to serve one s country consistently outranks pay and benefits as motivators for retention (though they are important as well). Incompatibility between civilian career, family requirements and reserve career demands remains the largest cause of attrition - but on the other hand, high levels of job satisfaction and pride in combat readiness levels are big factors in retention. Sounds about right. The observations around job satisfaction were particularly thought provoking for me. The study does mention that the evolution to the targeted augmentation role presents the challenge of continuing to deliver the current level of skill and capability, and not risking a return to previous era where the Naval Reserve was not making the same institutional contribution that we are making today. Encouragingly, the results of the survey indicated most think the integration of Reservists across all surface ships is going very well one assumes a key to job satisfaction - and we will continue to see this further enhanced in the coming years. After two decades of delivering operational excellence to the Fleet in the Kingston-class, we are, and will remain, equal partners within the One Navy, due in part to the fact that we recruit, train and manage to the same standards as our Regular Force counterparts. As an institutional leader whose own career started in the pre-kingstonm Class era sailing in what we then called Reg Force ships my own conviction remains strong to ensure the structure is in place to set every sailor up for success, notwithstanding our slightly different (typically narrower) career streams in our respective occupations. We must always ensure that reservists are able to join and work with their One Navy colleagues confidently in every platform they sail in or in whatever job they do - our future success as an institution depends upon it. Thinking of those early days, I recall one of my first acquaintances on the Coast was our own Naval Reserve Chief Chief Petty Officer 1st class (CPO1) Dave Arsenault. We have known each other almost as long as I have been in the Navy and so it has been a singular and special experience to have worked with him in our current roles. He has been the consummate professional throughout and in the last couple of years I have especially appreciated his good counsel, extraordinary institutional memory, dedication and yes persistence He is thoughtful, practical, effective and I believe has set a superb example for all aspiring institutional leaders. In the coming weeks he will be starting to help his very worthy successor, CPO1 Mike Giguère, to prepare for the challenges which lie ahead. Though we wait for confirmation on what prestigious role he might take up next, I am confident that CPO1 Arsenault s talents will not be lost but will continue to be put to excellent use within the CAF. Thank you Dave for your excellent service to the Naval Reserve and RCN! LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

4 FROM THE DEPUTY COMMANDER At Wheelover By Capt(N) Chris Ross, Deputy Commander Naval Reserve As everyone is by now aware, the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) is in a state of change. In the fall Link we discussed the importance of our role as a sea going component of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). However our current state of change not only includes those efforts associated specifically with sea going success, but also those mechanisms which ensure the future strength and health of the Naval Reserve. As the RCN transitions to the future fleet the Naval Reserve is also evolving in order to ensure we remain a relevant, sustainable organization capable of attracting new members and delivering trained personnel to contribute to RCN and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) roles and missions, at sea and ashore. There are many components to these changes, but the common thread throughout is that the Naval Reserve will grow in strength and maximize its impact and benefit to the RCN as an augmentation force contributing to RCN operations around the globe. So the challenge before us is how do we increase our strength and achieve the necessary growth? The starting point is creating the environment for success, and establishing the Naval Reserve as an employer of choice. We do this by ensuring we have in place training that can be delivered to a predominantly part time community in order to ensure achievable career progression and meaningful employment both in occupation and in institutional positions, all while maintaining professional qualifications and competencies at all levels. The RCN is continuing to build the organization that will deliver this training. Building on the heels of last year s NAVRES recruiting reorganization, we have now launched an expedited enrolment program and the process that will see a willing applicant enrolled in as little as 21 days and in only three visits, without any compromise to the intake standard. The next step in the recruiting effort will see NAVRES build an independent recruiting group capable of executing all aspects of the intake process. This means we will have complete control over the entire recruiting/ intake process, from attractions, to file processing and finally applicant enrolment. While there remains much work to do in standing up this organization, it is anticipated that when combined with the expedited process for applicant files we should see increased intake that will meet with the mandated growth targets. Once enrolled, in order to leverage the inherent training capability within Naval Reserve Divisions (NRD) these new members will begin their formal Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) and Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) training at their home units. These courses are being modularized for delivery in three phases, with the intent being to culminate in a three week residential phase at Camp Vimy. The first phase, required for BMQ loading, is distributed computer based learning that can be delivered in a classroom environment at the NRD. The second phase is designed for NRD practical delivery. Ideally this module will be delivered prior to BMQ but may be delivered after if necessary. This delivery method is designed to maintain the same standard of BMQ qualification while addressing the increased personnel demand for instructors required to train hundreds of more recruits each year. For members that are enrolled early in the training year, they could conceivably complete the residential phase of BMQ in the spring or early summer and immediately begin occupation training during their first summer! Of course our strength is more than simply a numbers game. It relies on our ability to get trained, to attain new qualifications and work in our occupations at sea and ashore. The new Naval Training System is busy ensuring Reserve access to all of the required individual training, and with the promulgation of the new Regenerative Training Manual for the next training year, NAVRES will begin to track and monitor each individual s level of readiness. This will include a combination of qualifications, regenerative and refresher training, experience gained and ensuring up to date personal administrative requirements (security clearances, FORCE testing, etc). This will play a role in determining an individual s employability for specific opportunities and will also assist in determining which sailors need to be prioritized for certain training and experiential opportunities. The expectation of you is to seize every opportunity allowed by your schedule and circumstances, to ensure an optimal level of individual readiness. I congratulate each of you for your achievements during a very busy training year, and wish you the best success for your summer; whether on course, employed across the RCN or at the NRD preparing for the next training year. 4 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

5 LOOKING BACK, AND AHEAD By CPO 1 David Arsenault, Naval Reserve Chief Petty Officer FROM THE NAVRES CPO As I write what will be my last article for the Link as the Naval Reserve Chief Petty Officer, I can t help but look back at all that has happened during the incredible three years I was honoured to serve in this position. When I took on this appointment, the Naval Reserve was being swept up in Naval Transformation and the organizational changes that placed the Naval Reserve under the pan- RCN force generation organization led by the Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific. The time since has seen tremendous change as the Naval Reserve became fully integrated into Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) governance and benefitted from the full weight of the RCN s Strategic Management initiatives such as the RCN Occupation Review, the Naval Reserve Establishment Review, and the Future Naval Training Strategy plan. At the same time, we fully embraced the new mission of augmenting the RCN wherever it deploys, with large numbers of reservists deploying in Halifax, Iroquois and Kingston-class ships on international operations, doing drug-interdiction missions on Operation CARRIBE, and participating in exercises preparing for the first Naval Security Team deployment to South Korea in summer of All of this resulted in great improvements to the way we manage our organization and integrate within the One-Navy concept, while generating incredible opportunities for Naval Reserve sailors to contribute directly to naval operations in the defence of Canada. I m extremely proud of how far Naval Reserve has come over the past three years. It is the result of a clear vision, impassioned leadership, and dedicated hard work on the part of a great many people. It started with the strong commitment to a strengthened Naval Reserve displayed by Admirals Truelove, Couturier and McDonald as Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific, supported by Formation Chief Petty Officers Chief Petty Officer 1 st Class (CPO 1) Feltham and CPO 1 Gregoire. Commodores (Cmdre) Craig and Mulkins have steered the ship skilfully, while Deputy Commanders Captain (Navy) (Capt(N)) Marrack and Capt(N) Ross have driven the outstanding staff at Naval Reserve Headquarters through this tumultuous period of change ably assisted by a trio of exceptional regular force Chiefs of Staff who held all of the moving parts together, another outstanding example of the One-Navy construct. The Regional Capt(N)s and CPO 1s, their regional staffs, and all of the staff at Naval Reserve Headquarter have all likewise demonstrated tremendous dedication and perseverance in enabling this successful transformation and should be commended for their work as should many others. As proud as I am of our collective accomplishments over the past three years, I am equally encouraged by the promising initiatives that are just now taking hold and will continue to transform the Naval Reserve over the next five years. The stand-up of the Naval Reserve Recruiting Group and its featured Expedited Enrollment program will fundamentally alter how the Naval Reserve attracts and enrolls recruits, hopefully allowing us to return to historic strength levels and meet future growth targets. Likewise, the return of recruit training to a significantly in-unit delivery method, supported by a shortened common residential phase, will better meet the availability of our recruits and help reinstate a strong sense of belonging to the home Naval Reserve Division (NRD) while maintaining a robust national standard of training. And finally, as the Naval Reserve Establishment Review Phase II project starts to share its initial findings, I am optimistic that our organization structure including rank and trade allocations, NRD compositions, and an increased focus on attracting former regular force members of all trades will result in a strong foundation on which to build the organization as the Naval Reserve enters its second century of service to Canada in Turning my thoughts to the present, I would like to pass on congratulations to a few members of the Naval Reserve who have been recognized lately. Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Carmen Lapointe (Carleton) received the Commander RCN Commendation for her work in the construction of Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Carleton s new facility, as did CPO 1 Chris Radimer (Star) for his efforts in the initial stand up of Personal Coordination Center (Quebec). Leading Seaman (LS) Spencer Lee (Queen Charlotte) has just been selected to represent the Naval Reserve as one of the cenotaph sentries for the National Battle of the Atlantic ceremony in Ottawa, and LS Marc-Oliver Bélanger-Pagé (Donnacona), LS Luke Greenwood (Cabot), Able Seaman Ryan Romaniuk (Prevost), and Ordinary Seaman Lyne Bonhomme (Donnacona) have all been selected for the National Sentry Program this spring at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. And finally, LS Jennifer Donaldson of Naval Reserve Headquarter was recently announced as the Naval Reserve Sailor of the Year for LS Donaldson demonstrated outstanding dedication in her work at the Headquarter with Senior Staff Officer Personal and Personal Coordination Center (Quebec), in volunteering for ceremonial events and playing with the Montcalm band, and in her community as well. Bravo Zulu to all of these fine sailors, and the many others who have recently received Maritime Forces Pacific and Naval Reserve Bravo Zulu or unit awards. In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge every member of the Naval Reserve for your passion and dedication to this outstanding organization. After almost 33 years of service to Naval Reserve, I am moving on to whatever my next challenge may be with a somewhat heavy heart, but with great optimism that the future of the Naval Reserve is a bright one. I want to close by offering heartfelt thanks to Cmdre Marta Mulkins and Capt(N) Chris Ross it has been my absolute pleasure to serve on the Naval Reserve Command Triad with both of them these last two years. I also wish to congratulate CPO 1 Mike Giguere as he steps forward to take on the role of Naval Reserve CPO he is a very worthy selection and he has my full confidence that the non-commissioned merbers corps of the Naval Reserve will be in good hands under his leadership. Best of luck to these three and to every other member of the Naval Reserve, and fair winds and following seas for the future! LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

6 TRANSFORMATIONS Transformation By Cmdre Marta Mulkins, Commander Naval Reserve The training year in NRDs is drawing to a close; at the HQ we are helping NRDs ready their recruits for the first adventure of their naval careers, waving farewell to sailors headed to the Fleet for some pretty exciting deployments around the globe, and wishing fair winds and following seas to many respected reservists about to make the exciting career leap into the Regular Force - or to retirement. For the spare moments which may creep into your calendars, it is now timely to provide you with a tour d horizon of the efforts underway in support of the transformation of your Naval Reserve. In the coming months, we will see the culmination of several key planning efforts which will better define our way ahead and our overall return to strength. We will be demonstrating new capabilities and benefiting from new levels of true integration within the One Navy. Over the next two editions of the Link, we will celebrate these new achievements and provide more clarity on how transformation will look in two steps. The first, included here in this issue, is to define what exactly are the major components of our transformation. The second step will be to describe what the transformed Naval Reserve will look like laying out the markers for how we will know when transformation has succeeded. What follows here is a framework which enables a systems-oriented review and refocussing of the Naval Reserve within the larger RCN and CAF contexts, based upon principles and sound analysis. Most of the key components of transformation are in varying stages of development right now and the goal here is not only to explain to you what they are but also to provide you with a snapshot of how all the main pieces interconnect and enable each other. Foremost, the framework is based upon the following questions what issue exists for which the Reserve is a solution (the demand signal )? What exactly will the Reserve provide to solve the issue (the supply )? And how will it deliver what are the things which must be in place to enable it to do so, effectively and reliably? First, the demand signal for the Naval Reserve - what the Navy and CAF need from a reserve force - must be tested and redefined. That review was triggered a few years ago through the RCN realignment process which reaffirmed that the Naval Reserve would steadfastly remain a sea-going service and launched the review of the overall roles and missions. The eventual decision taken was to move away from the niche operational Total Force employment concept (predominantly the Kingston Class (KIN Class) mission) to an augmentation mission at sea and ashore. As you all know, in addition to augmenting across the surface fleet, you will now contribute to a variety of teams including Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG), Naval Security Team (NST), Class A Analysis and Production (CAAP, Intelligence), Outreach, Port Inspection Diver Teams (PIDT), Forward Logistics Sites (FLS) and the like. Today, all of these tasks are either already in effect, or are in the process of being launched, as in the case of NST. And more recently, the RCN framework for personnel operational tempo at sea has resulted in a clearer picture of where reserve effect can be more specifically targeted in future to alleviate personnel pressures. This, combined with the roles which may be required in domestic contingencies as directed by the Commander, Joint Operations Command (CJOC), and soon-to be redefined expectations of reserve readiness, is the redefined Naval Output of the Reserve this is the demand signal. How do we deliver this output?. Looking forward, effective Force Generation must address the following: Recruitment including traditional off-the-street applicants and increasingly, in line with the strategic mandate and as directed by the CDS, more component transfers from retiring Regular Force personnel; Training first to Occupation Functional Point (OFP), then beyond OFP to enable occupation progression, and finally, the development of institutional leadership; Staff structure required to ensure consistent, reliable delivery of the above, in the One Navy context (a durable Force Generation machine ). We need to ensure occupation progression is possible right up to institutional leadership (we can grow our own leadership ) and that it delivers sailors and officers at all levels who can step confidently and competently into whatever job they accept at sea and ashore. In principle, your occupations will mirror Regular progression through rank but, post OFP, you will typically have a narrower band of tasks at each rank level (see the new MARTECH occupation structure as a great example). The current assumption is that while reservists will sail in every surface platform in the Fleet, your most viable path for career progression and institutional leadership will likely be through the constabularyoriented missions and platforms (for sea-going occupations) with the small teams and support roles widening out the options for progression for all occupations. The new employment model simply needs to ensure that all of you (including former Regular Force reservists) can be employed wherever your occupation, rank and skill levels permit. So how is all of the above to be delivered in a stable, reliable fashion over the coming year horizon? New roles or tasks may 6 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

7 TRANSFORMATIONS well emerge but the framework being put in place right now will enable the institution to develop and implement new capabilities within the functions described below. The three key functions are: First, Structure: we need the right structure, or establishment within the broader CAF enterprise and the structure of the occupations must also be designed to accommodate meaningful, relevant and achievable reserve components. For establishment, this means positions for each individual to deliver all Force generation, support and management activities, as well as some of the employment / naval output. Second, Processes: we need the right governance to ensure we are delivering the right output at the right time through more appropriate employment model for reservists. We also need to ensure that the support for delivering training is also consistently available. And third, we need key Enablers throughout the CAF and RCN institutions. These include: - The Naval Training System: an innovative and multi-modal system which seeks to deliver all naval training in as flexible a fashion as possible for the benefit of Regular and Reserve forces alike this is an ongoing development; - Stable Funding and the agility to manage it optimally through the year; - The right Reserve Employment Model: An optimal employment model for reservists in the future should explore a range of periods of service and cycles of employment from two weeks to three years, with the intent of achieving the most viable balance between reservist availability and the operational schedules of the platforms, teams or staff positions in which they seek to serve; A Strong Culture of One Navy which sets up all sailors and officers for success through the basic assumption of equality of standards and of training as members of the profession of Arms. The Reserve centre of gravity is the credibility of its output; and There are several other specific lines of effort in the CDS Directive on Strengthening the Reserves, including better utilising specialized (civilian or language) skills that exist within the Reserve Force, enhancing the Component Transfers from Regular Force into the Primary Reserve, improving access to equipment for training and experience and initiating a plan of renewal of infrastructure for Reserve unit facilities across Canada which are being executed at the CAF level. As you can see, there are many parts to get right in this transformation, which takes time. Only in a few years will we all truly benefit from the significant, coordinated efforts and decisions being made today in order to deliver significant solution space to the Admiralty of the future. The Naval Reserve is evolving and re-strengthening right now into something it has never been before something which takes the best of the operational model (KIN Class) and of the old strategic reserve model (the one I joined over 30 years ago), but which seeks to avoid repeating the weaknesses of either. With our new, targeted augmentation reserve, we will seize the pendulum where we win back some of the flexibility of a strategic reserve, without compromising the operational credibility and skills gained through the KIN Class years. It is no coincidence that our key internal initiatives over the last couple of years have been working to provide the most up to date input into many of the elements of transformation, including our efforts on recruitment and retention, readiness, the development of institutional leadership and risk oversight and management. As mentioned at the outset, some very important advances should be made in the coming months which will start to colour in the framework sketched here for you today. And while the RCN will likely continue to evolve and transform throughout your careers, I look forward to sharing our own continuing progress with you in the near future. You have been contributing very directly to our success in transformation through your own engagement in these various initiatives, which as always I urge you to continue to whatever degree you can. We all have a role to play you are a part of this exciting transformation, and more importantly, you are the future of it! The Leverage of Reserve support mechanisms, including updating the suite of pan-reserve policies to better reflect current employment models and engaging support groups like CFLC and Career Edge to enable reservists to better manage and align their military and civilian career aspirations. Finally, in order to truly reach final operating capability, we will also be implementing the systems required to track, measure and report reserve readiness levels and output as required. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

8 TRANSFORMATIONS What is the Naval Security Team (NST)? By Chantal Crepeau, NAVRES HQ, in collaboration with LCdr Chura, OIC NST The Naval Security Team (NST) is a modular, scalable, flexible, and deployable naval team providing enhanced force protection (FP) for the safety and security of deployed Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships and personnel at home or overseas. When the responsibility of force protection is placed on the ship s company, it can be challenging to maintain over time and reduces the availability of personnel to support other tasks, such as ship maintenance. The NST seeks to address this issue by providing an extra layer of enhanced land and sea-based FP capability and expertise to support deployed RCN assets and operational requirements for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) missions. The NST will deploy in support of Government of Canada missions, where it will be responsible for force protection and liaising with host nations while also providing support and intelligence required in foreign ports, over short, medium, and long term deployments. It is capable of operating at home and abroad throughout the year. The inaugural team is to be deployed in the spring and summer of Structure The NST is located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt and reports directly to the Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. The unit consists of a standing core of six personnel that maintains continuity, provides subject matter expertise, conducts planning and scheduling, trains personnel, and addresses emergent needs. Additional personnel will be activated from the Primary Reserve Class A community to augment the core team during missions. The number of these additional personnel will vary based on the requirements of specific missions, but will typically range between thirty and seventy people. Selected personnel will train for and deploy on individual missions, and then will be stood-down when the mission has been completed. When fully constituted, the NST comprises a command and control element, a tactical boat section, a land-based force protection section, a port inspection diver section, and a naval service support team. Operations The NST strive to anticipate and dissuade threats, integrate its operations in consultation with port authorities, and support the CAF as required. The team is trained to provide an adaptable response to maritime threats including terrorist or criminal activity, sabotage or espi- Jeffy Jan II Exhibition (Photo by Naval Museum of Quebec.) The Jeffy Jan II is a yacht that was commissioned by the Royal Canadian Navy as HM HC54 during the Second World War in 1940 to ensure safe passage at the entrance of Quebec City and the transportation of dignitaries and officers. He is the last ship in the Royal Canadian Navy s yacht fleet. This historic yacht is the last naval witness of a time when the Quebec region was the center of the world, at the Quebec conference in 1943, when discussions about the Normandy landings and the Declaration of Quebec on nuclear cooperation between England and the United States were taking place. It was restored in its original form and will be on display from June 20 to August 27 at the A.C. Davie Shipyard National Historic Site in Lévis. In addition, as part of the festivities of the 150 th anniversary of the Confederation, the yacht will be moved from the shipyard of Lévis and displayed at Rendez-vous 2017 in the Old Port of Québec from July 18 to 23. The Royal Canadian Navy is proud to have participated in the project to restore this artifact, a symbol of the Navy s war effort, highlighting one of the great moments in the history of the Second World War. The Naval Museum of Quebec has deployed all its documentary arsenal to reflect its historical value. Both exhibitions will be offered free to the public. 8 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

9 TRANSFORMATIONS onage, underwater explosives, hostile watercraft, and bombs. Other considerations and concerns include accidents, civil disorders, as well as the posture and attitude of local community. The NST is self-sustaining and able to operate in established or rudimentary sea ports. Capability and Equipment In order to respond to a wide variety of missions around the globe, the NST must be capable of fulfilling multiple responsibilities, including maritime surveillance and information collection, increasing the awareness of CAF presence and building trust among local mariners, harbour and unit protection, naval diplomacy, public service and assistance to law enforcement agencies when requested, as well as search and rescue. Women s Day By Chantal Crepeau, NAVRES HQ The NST is trained to conduct local FP operations to address asymmetrical threats in and around sea ports where RCN ships may be located. They work in partnership with other government departments and agencies to enable a coordinated response to any threat at home or overseas. When deployed, the team carry small arms, ammunition, pyrotechnics, as well as communications and personnel protection equipment. Training and Selection The NST is mainly composed of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Primary Reserve Force members and is supported by Regular Force members when required. Training is conducted by the NST command team based out of CFB Esquimalt, and include national and regional Naval Reserve Exercise & Training events, NST specific events, Global Engagement opportunities, CAF and international exercises, and operations. Team members are trained to meet specific mission requirements, such as use of force, rules of engagement training, advanced weapons training, small boat tactics, communications, deployed logistics, and liaison skills. (Photo by Chantal Crepeau, NAVRES HQ.) On March 8, 2017, four speakers shared their experience with members of the Naval Reserve Headquarters to mark International Women s Day. Lieutenant-Commander Lisane Albert spoke to us about workfamily balance, Major Élise Corriveau, gave us a lecture on the place of women in a milieu of men, and more specifically in society, Michelle Joly, (CPO 1 ret) talked about the taboos and stigmatization of women s professional success, and Corinne Bélanger of the Personnel Support Program spoke to us about surpassing ourselves and motivation. Naval Reservists who have completed Basic Military Qualification, as well as their occupational training, can apply for the NST. Any new training requirements will be determined based on the identification of new skillsets needed for NST personnel, and new courses will be developed to address any gaps in occupation training. As well as maintaining their annual regenerative training requirements, qualified personnel selected for individual missions will then participate in a month-long NST Collective Training and validation serial immediately prior to deployment. When fully constituted, the NST is comprised of a Command and Control Element, a Tactical Boat section, a land-based Security section, a Port Inspection diver section, a Naval Service support Team, and, a power generation and maintenance/repair team. And a fully constituted deployed team will be comprised of 129 peoples: the core team (6), a handful of regular force trades that the reserve doesn t hold such as traffic technician, military police (MP), electrical technician (ET), Hull tech and Weapons Engineering Technician (WENG), and the remainder of the positions will be filled by class A reservists across all trades and ranks. This activity ended with a yoga session supervised by Corinne Bélanger, and followed by video-teleconference (VTC) by the units of the 2 nd Canadian Division. Interested in taking up the challenge? LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

10 TRANSFORMATIONS A new Basic Military Qualification for the naval reservists By Lt(N) Benoit Plante, NAVRES HQ I n the last few years, the senior leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) provided direction for the future of the Naval Reserve. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) made it clear that the Reserve Force needs to became a Strategic Reserve and the Commander RCN told the Naval Reserve that it need to transform itself to be fully integrated into a One Navy. From those directives, the Naval Reserve began an important transformation all across the organization to meet the intent of higher leadership. One key aspect of the transformation is the training of the sailors and officers, and that starts with the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) or (BMOQ) training for officers. For the last year, the Naval Fleet School (Quebec) has worked closely with the Naval Personnel and Training Group in order to review the previous BMQ/BMOQ in use by the RCN and to develop a revised delivery strategy of the BMQ/BMOQ that will better serve the Naval Reserve and the new generation of recruits who are choosing to join the organization while maintaining the CAF BMQ/BMOQ equivalency. The updated BMQ/BMOQ delivery plan will be implemented as soon as possible with the residential phase commencing in summer The courses have been restructured to be conducted in three phases. The first two phases will take place at the Naval Reserve Division (NRD) of the recruits with the support and instructional staff from the unit During the phase 1, the recruit will have six (6) training days to complete distance learning (DL) at the Naval Reserve division (NRD) level. The DL training will mainly be oriented toward general CAF knowledge including, but not limited to, ranks and command structure, Dress and Deportment regulations, Code of Service Discipline, personal administration and basic practical knowledge such as C-7 parts, Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) concepts. Following the completion the first phase, they will move on the second one. The phase 2 will also be conducted at NRD level over 18 training days. In order to be flexible with recruits schedule, this training will be done either over 18 separated days or a condensed period of training (Class B). Phase 2 will mainly consist of drill, first aid, correspondence, harassment/operation Honour lectures. Finally, the new members will move on the third and last part of the BMQ/BMOQ. Phase 3 will consist of 3 weeks residential phase in a Training Establishment. For 2017, the BMQ/BMOQ residential portion will take place at Naval Fleet School (Quebec). However, in Recruits on the obstacles course during their Basic Military Qualification. (Photo by Naval Réserve.) the future, this phase could be taught elsewhere in Canada if all required resources are available. The training during the phase will mainly consist of practical CBRN training, maps and compass orientation, weapon stripping and maintenance, Test of Elementary Training (TOETs), firing drill, battle procedures and a field exercise. The transformation of this aspect of training will have positive outcome for the recruits, the NRD and the overall organization alike. For the recruits, it will offered them unprecedented flexibility to received their initial training and therefore be able to progress to their trade training stage more quickly. The NRDs will also benefit from this new course as their members will have more opportunities to fill instructional and leadership role during both phase 1 and 2. Ultimately, this will increasing the overall training capabilities of the NRDs. In conclusion, this transformation of the BMQ/BMOQ delivery approach will allow the Naval Reserve to get a step closer to the higher intent of the CDS and Commander RCN, offering more flexibility to train new recruits on a part-time basis is directly in link with the vision of a more strategic reserve. Also, this fresh strategy to delivery BMQ/BMOQ should bring the sailors to occupational functional point quicker which will in turn enable the Naval Reserve trained personnel to augment RCN on different platforms more efficiently; which is core to the One Navy concept. 10 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

11 TRANSFORMATIONS The MESO Transition to Marine Technician By CPO 2 Shaun Perry, DGPM T he Marine Engineering System Operator (MESO) occupation, after 19 successful years, will move forward to meet the requirements of today s RCN by transitioning to Marine Technician (MAR TECH). For marine engineering in the Naval Reserve to remain relevant, this transition is required just as it was in January 1998 when the Diesel Mechanic (D MECH) occupation transitioned to MESO to meet the changing requirements then. A Regular force sailor training on the Kingston-class simulator at Naval Fleet School (Quebec). (Photo by Chantal Crepeau.) The reserve component of MAR TECH will allow reserve engineering to support the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) mission, in a strategic augmentation role, of force generating trained engineers who can be employed at sea and ashore in a wide range of missions. Employment of NAVRES MAR TECHs will focus on support to Naval Security Teams (NST), Maritime Tactical Operations Group (MTOG) for small boat maintenance, and at sea in the ORCA fleet, as well as augmentation in other surface ships. As the occupation moves forward it will do so with a viable class A career progression that will allow dedicated part time MAR TECHs to progress in rank with opportunities for meaningful employment both at sea and ashore through all classes of service. The reserve component of MAR TECH was created in accordance with RCN direction to include the work of the MESO occupation in the MAR TECH Occupational Analyzes and align it to the One Navy vision. The result was finalized at the NAVRES MAR TECH Reserve Force Working Group that developed a single occupation that aligns with the Mechanic sub-occupation. Although it was visionary plan from senior leadership that gave guidance to the role reserve engineering would provide, the input that was received from all ranks in the MESO community influenced and shaped how the reserve component of MAR TECH would look. Input ranged from being able to get hands dirty through fixing equipment, qualifications that are achievable to part time members, to more exciting roles that are not tied to the Kingston class, etc. Reserve members of MAR TECH will be part of an occupation that is centered on the reserve community to ensure this occupation favors all classes of service equally to support NAVRES missions. Transitioning forward, reserve members of MAR TECH will continue to do the same at sea functions as MESO did through the roundsperson/maintainer and plant watchkeeping jobs with a new role in Helo Crash Rescue Fire Fighter (HCRFF). This also holds true for small boat basic maintenance at Ordinary Seaman (OS)/Able Seaman (AB) but technical training will be increased at Leading Seaman (LS) and above to fulfill NST and MTOG requirements of ensuring its equipment remains operationally ready. Reserves members of MAR TECH will gain a solid background both at sea and ashore. The at sea jobs will better aligned with International Maritime Organization and Transport Canada regulations for Marine Engineer qualifications. The ashore jobs at LS and MS will be trained at a higher technical level. There will also be a new opportunity for reserve MAR TECHs to be employed as a HCRFF. To maintain flexibility and to ensure reservists progress, members will train for the jobs they will do with the ashore jobs being the common progression after the Ordinary Seaman Rank Qualification has been achieved. Requirements to achieve AB and LS qualifications to progress in rank will not be defined until the respective Qualification Standard and Plan boards have been completed. The collective experience gained from the OS to LS jobs will prepare members to advance into supervisory and management rolls within Naval Reserve Divisions, NST/MTOG, Naval Fleet School with some possible roles in ships. As members move up in rank, the management roles will increase to regional and more strategic type responsibilities within and outside of the occupation. This will prepare MAR TECHs to excel in their roles as Chief Petty Officers. MAR TECH will officially be stood up 1 May 2017 triggering Marine Engineer, Electrical Technician, and Hull Technician to be end dated. The MESO end date will correspond with the completion of the Reserve Establishment review that will allow the reserve component of the Military Employment Structure Implementation Plan to be approved and prior to end dating MESO. The reserve engineering will move ahead later in 2017 having incorporated the best from the D MECH and MESO occupations and thus keep their proud legacies alive as reserve engineering moves forward as Marine Technician. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

12 IN THE NRDs Rendez-vous 2017 The Royal Canadian Navy s biggest strategic outreach event of the year By Capt(N) Denis Thébeau, Naval Reserve Coordinator for Canada 150 I n the past, the Naval Reserve (NAVRES) has always played an integral role in the Rendez-vous naval de Québec. In 2014, through the Royal Canadian Navy, the Chief of the Defence Staff entrusted NAVRES with the task of planning and carrying out the Rendez-vous naval de Québec. The event was deemed to be a great success by Canadian Heritage, the RCN and the Rendez-vous naval de Québec board of directors. On 25 June 2015, the Prime Minister of Canada announced in Quebec City at the Pointe-à-Carcy Naval Complex that the Government of Canada would provide financial support for the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, the first large-scale signature event announced for the 150 th anniversary of Confederation (Canada 150). The Rendez-vous naval de Québec is therefore adopting the name RDV 2017 for this important milestone in Canadian history. Nearly 40 military and civilian tall ships with over 3,000 crew members will set sail in Canadian waters in 2017, stopping at about 35 coastal cities in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes and giving thousands of people the chance to admire the majestic beauty of these giants of the sea. RDV 2017 will attract Canadians to cities, towns and villages along the St. Lawrence River and help to promote a greater understanding of the vital role this iconic Canadian waterway has played in the creation and development of our country. This river journey will culminate in Quebec City, where the tall ships will come together for a big celebration from 18 to 23 July To benefit the Canadian Armed Forces and energize the institution, it has been decided that the RCN will adopt and maintain a proactive stance through NAVRES. This extraordinary opportunity will enable sailors, soldiers and airmen and airwomen to directly engage with Canadians and present the fundamental values of our military institution. This activity will advance the objectives of the outreach program in many ways. Given its expansive Canadian footprint, the Naval Reserve will once again spearhead this activity, as it naturally supports the strategic outreach objectives of the RCN. For that reason, a coordination team has been put together at NAVRES Headquarters to work in cooperation with the RDV 2017 board of directors and the event organizer. Members of the team are as follows: Captain (Navy) Denis Thébeau, Lieutenant Commander Kevin Jutras, Lieutenant (Navy) Michael Savoie and Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Lillie. Our work will consist in identifying possible outreach activities and supervising, planning, and executing the naval elements (RCN) of the project. Ten NAVRES divisions will be involved: Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Brunswicker, HMCS Champlain, HMCS Montcalm, HMCS D Iberville, HMCS Donnacona, HMCS Jolliet, HMCS Queen Charlotte, HMCS Radisson, HMCS Scotian and HMCS Star. Their work will essentially consist in supporting the ships visits and RDV 2017 activities while maximizing outreach, leveraging recruiting opportunities and Logo RDV 2017 (Credit by RDV 2017.) increasing the visibility of the RCN and NAVRES among members of the public. The Quebec Personnel Coordination Centre, Canadian Forces Fleet School Quebec and the National Band of the Naval Reserve will also contribute to the project. RDV 2017 presents the RCN and the CAF as a whole with a unique opportunity to strategically communicate our essential roles to the Canadian public. The NAVRES divisions will be on the front lines, and it is an ideal opportunity to get each and every one of their crew members involved. Don t forget September Let us know your comments and suggestions about your publication by contacting: navres_web@forces.gc.ca For the next issue (October 2017 ) 12 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

13 IN THE NRDs Already a year! HMCS Carleton: well established at Dow s Lake By Fabrice Mosseray T he inauguration of a new building is a fine moment in the history of a Naval Reserve unit and represents an opportunity to renew ties with the community. Carleton s Manning Ship Ceremony, held on November 16, 2015, was marked by joy, pride and emotion. Built facing Dow s Lake, which it has dominated since the Second World War, Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Carleton saw the plans for its new building developed following the collapse of the roof of its parade deck under the weight of snow in Commodore Marta Mulkins is welcomed by the commanding officer of HMCS Carleton, LCdr Carmen Lapointe, for the inauguration. (Photo by Fabrice Mosseray.) HMCS Carleton close to their hearts This ceremony was undeniably a great moment for our Naval Reserve Commander, Commodore (Cmdre) Marta Mulkins, and then-commanding Officer Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Carmen Lapointe, two women who hold HMCS Carleton close to their hearts. Cmdre Mulkins, who reviewed the ship s company, not only joined Carleton in the 1980s as a diesel mechanic, but also took command of the unit from 2013 to The crew can boast of being led by the first woman in our Navy to have commanded a warship. Showing unparalleled enthusiasm and illuminated by the warmest of smiles, she spearheaded operations relating to the demolition of the main building and the reconfiguration of the surviving HMCS Carleton building, all the while maintaining the unit s standard of training. On taking command, she had asked the crew to show flexibility and innovation while awaiting the opening of the new building. In her November speech, she noted, Great minds from the colleges and universities of Ottawa enrolled here, in the Navy. I have spent most of my career with Carleton, and my thoughts go out to those men and women who served, who trained and who forged strong bonds of friendship over the years in these old buildings that now exist only in our imaginations and our memories. I am pleased to bring into this new era a cutting-edge building that will honour its operational vocation. For LCdr Carmen Lapointe, this ceremony marked the completion of a project to which she had given her all, devoting uncounted time and energy. The most poignant moment of the ceremony was undoubtedly the vibrant Hip, Hip, Hurray given by the ship s company from the mezzanine overlooking the parade deck and audience. This heartfelt cry did not fail to move the 200 guests, who included former commanding officers (CO) and coxwains, Admiral Buck, Captain (Navy) Marin and Cmdre (Ret) R. Baugniet. At the command of LCdr Lapointe, the crew grasped the mezzanine railing, which took the place of the ship s guard-rail, a gesture symbolizing taking charge of a new ship. She then declared, We honour those who have served HMCS Carleton, and we will attend to the training of the sailors of tomorrow. This new building offers the facilities that sailors will truly need to maintain their skills and abilities and thus enable them to take part in naval operations both domestically and abroad. A dinner and dance wound up the ceremony. Seeing our recruits share the dance floor with the former members who enrolled in the 1960s and 70s was a treat for the eyes. Departures with Dignity In the year that has followed the inauguration, Carleton marked numerous departures with dignity, including those of Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) C. Hough and the jovial Chief Petty Officer 2 nd class (CPO2) P. Frazier. And that extremely fine individual Petty Officer 1 st class (PO1) Yan McCandless left us with great humility. Last November, five more departures were celebrated. Our Commanding Officer, LCdr M. J. Zandliet, took the opportunity to express the surprise and joy he felt on discovering the unit s strong team spirit. CPO 2 Dean Boettger, who distinguished himself as coxswain, took part in organizing the celebration for the centennial of our Navy. He had the honour of presenting the Centennial Bell to the Senate. We will also greatly miss CPO 2 Joy Gillis for her enthusiasm and great stories of cooking on training craft such as the Porte-class gate vessels. She was moved to receive a Canadian ensign that had flown over HMCS Oriole, our Navy s sail training vessel on which she had had the good fortune to serve. Then came the turn of the author of these lines. Kept at the rank of Leading Seaman since 1993 for medical reasons, I leave behind a historical heritage: Carleton now has a ship s book (1923 to the present) and well stocked commemorative displays. Petty Officer 2nd class (PO2) Julie Soogree and I have made good use of the unit s thousand artifacts, some one hundred uniforms and approximately 3,500 photographs. And I have donated my naval collection of nearly 300 pieces. At the ceremony, mention was made of my record contribution of 60 articles to the Naval Reserve LINK since Then on November 26, 2016, the unit celebrated the departure of Commander (Cdr) Evan Boettger, who took up command of Carleton in His record is impressive. After serving as CO of Port Security Unit 3 (PSU3) in 2003, he deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and South Sudan in Having served on the FORT STEELE and Porte-class training vessels, our former Executive Officer ( ) LCdr Daniel Haché was Executive Officer and then CO of PSU3 from 2002 to In its brand new stone frigate, HMCS Carleton continues to maintain with honour our Navy s presence in the National Capital and demonstrate its ability to deal effectively with the challenges the future holds. Exercises RIDEAU GUARD 2016 and 2017, marked by success, have illustrated this. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

14 IN THE NRDs Walking the Dog: my travels with SONAR By SLt Susannah Anderson, HMCS Brunswicker I t s a busy Saturday in downtown Saint John and I am steering a large mascot, SONAR, through a crowd of eager children. They are excited, bombarding us with questions; because SONAR can only bark, I am frantically providing answers to questions about SONAR s personality, eating habits and history. This is just a normal Saturday as the Flag Lieutenant for the Royal Canadian Navy s mascot. September weather in New Brunswick can run both hot and cold. Drawing on the expertise of sailors with experience in hot weather operations off the coast of Africa, we purchased a cooling vest to wear under the suit. Our first event was a charity walk in 30 degrees Celsius; the vest was a resounding success, keeping the sailor in the suit from overheating while we walked and talked with children. The next event was the Saint John Touch a Truck on a windy wharf; the cooling suit wasn t needed but we were all thankful for the chin strap that kept the large head from sailing away. Over the course of several events, I learned to be the eyes and feet of SONAR, guiding him over cobblestones and into boats. I learned not to walk SONAR, still in his suit, to escort the sailor inside to the heads: a 5 minute walk quickly turned into a half hour of hugging children with an increasingly frantic sailor looking forward to the bathroom. I learned a lot of lessons this September, but the best lesson I learned is how a sailor in a fur suit can bring yells of joy from children and start a conversation about the Royal Canadian Navy in a part of the world that rarely sees warships. Anytime I started to feel tired, loading the costume into the van for another event, I would remember the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy and the mascot they are in charge of, Bill the live goat. SONAR greets a familiar friend at the Parkinson s Superwalk in Saint John, New Brunswick, 10 September, (Photo by SLt Susannah Anderson, HMCS Brunswicker.) SONAR was recruited into the Royal Canadian Navy in 2010 and is based on a large black Newfoundland dog, known for the traits of vigilance and loyalty, qualities embodied by the Royal Canadian Navy. SONAR s name refers to the Royal Canadian Navy s proud history of anti-submarine warfare. He is brought to life by a sailor wearing a furry black dog suit complete with a bright yellow jersey with the Navy s signature anchor. Convincing sailors to don the suit was a test of my persuasiveness; even the head was intimidating, as it sat taking up most of the table in the office. Naval Reservists train in a variety of trades but being a mascot was new to the sailors of Her Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Brunswicker. The suit is strange at first but you quickly get used to it, said Master Seaman Arongaus, HMCS Brunswicker s first SONAR. But it is all worth it, seeing children s eyes light up when they see you! To receive The Link digital version, please forward the following information to navres_web@forces.gc.ca: Subject: The Link digital version subscription; First name, Last name and address. Happy digital reading! 14 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

15 My Two-Weeks with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forcee By SLt Ben Mason, HMCS Scotian OPERATIONS I n early September, I was selected to sail on the flagship of the Japanese Training Squadron aboard Japanese Ship (JS) Kashima for two weeks during her Overseas Training Cruise for newly commissioned officers. My sail aboard JS Kashima was part of the REGULUS program, which facilitates exchanges with partner navies from around the world to provide training opportunities and exposing sailors to the diverse cultures of Canada s allied navies. allowed to drive the ship during manoeuvres which was interesting considering my limited knowledge of Japanese. The foreign officers were also required to deliver a presentation about their respective navy and lead a seminar for the Japanese officers in leadership as a junior officer. When I departed JS Kashima in Manila two weeks later, I had made lots of new friends and gained invaluable experience working with officers from around the world. The Japanese Ship Rider Program in which I participated provided the perfect framework for multinational communication and relationship development at the junior level, which if continued will benefit the RCN and our relationship with the JMSDF at all levels. Junior officers representing allied international navies pose for a group photo on the deck of Japanese Ship (JS) Kashima during Op REGULUS. SLt Ben Mason from HMCS Scotian is located at the far left side of the middle rows. On 8 October, 2016, I left Canada to fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka where I met the ship and many people that I now call friends. I arrived on October 10 th and met my eight cabin mates who I would spend the next two weeks with, as well as thirteen other officers from four different continents, who were also there to learn about the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and Japanese culture. For the two weeks I was with the JMSDF, I watched and learned how the young Japanese officers are taught. The training cruise is similar to a five month long at-sea MARS II that every Japanese Naval officer must complete. The students learn about life at sea as well as a basic understanding of all the departments on the ship which include: bridge watch keeping, engineering, command and control (Communications and operations), gunnery and underwater warfare. They spend two weeks in every section completing a variety of tasks that they are given and then rotate to the next section, giving each person a general understanding of what each department does. Performing well during the training cruise is essential to the students because unlike our military, they do not get to choose which trade they will work in, and at the end of the sail they are told what job they have been selected for based on performance and aptitude. We transited the Strait of Malacca on our way to Manila, Philippines, conducting training such as highline personnel transfers, helicopter operations and Officer of the Watch manoeuvres for three hours every morning to start the day. For the most part I was an observer during this training, but near the end of the trip I was Change of command at HMCS Griffon By MS Caroline Newton, HMCS Griffon On 15 October 2016, in front of numerous family members, friends and fellow service members, Commander Michele Tessier relinquished Command of Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Griffon to Lieutenant Commander Robert Cooke with Captain(N) Michael Hopper, Central Region Captain, as the Reviewing Officer for this ceremony. The 42 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp Vindictive Band provided an afternoon of music as well as performed the depositing of the drums for the official signing of documents. From left to right: Lieutenant Commander Robert Cooke, Captain (Navy) Michael Hopper, and Commander Michele Tessier. (Photo by HMCS Griffon.) Nearly 30 years after he was posted to HMCS Griffon as the Staff Officer of Administration and Training, Lieutenant Commander Cooke took Command of HMCS Griffon while Commander Tessier now has Command of Coastal Forces Pacific in Victoria, BC. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

16 OPERATIONS HMCS Malahat introduces life at sea to new recruits and divers By SLt Rudee Gaudet, HMCS Malahat On a mid-january weekend, members of Victoria s Naval Reserve Division, Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Malahat took advantage of the mild west coast climate by going to sea onboard Patrol Craft Training (PCT) Grizzly. It was the second sailing opportunity for Malahat sailors to refresh skills and introduce new members of the unit to life at sea in an Orca Class vessel since the training year started in September. PCT Grizzly with its Malahat crew embarked, departed Friday Harbor on Sunday morning, sailed through the San Juan Islands and crossed the international border enroute to Esquimalt. As Grizzly returned home, morale among the crew was buoyed by ideal weather conditions, while the majority of Canada remained in the grips of a deep winter freeze, the crew enjoyed calm seas and temperatures relatively balmy at around plus five degrees Celsius. With another productive training weekend successfully completed, the Malahat crew were already looking ahead to their next sailing opportunity. NCdt Elizabeth Mifsud-Sweeney (right) practices a lookout report while Petty Officer 2 nd Class Colleen McInnis (center) and Leading Seaman Manuel Dussault-Gomez (left) provide instruction and guidance. (Photo by Lt(N) Anne Gardam.) Grizzly departed Esquimalt Harbour Saturday morning, crossed into U.S. waters and spent Saturday evening in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington. Among the 23 sailors on board for the weekend training were five of HMCS Malahat s newest recruits, going to sea for the first time in a naval vessel. Training weekends are always jampacked with events to maximize the sailors opportunity to keep their skills sharp, and this weekend was no different. By working through diver training, man overboard exercises, engineering drills and a simulated fire exercise, the new recruits had a solid idea of what to expect as they progress through their training in the coming months. On the bridge, a junior Maritime Surface and Subsurface (MARS) Officer was working under the supervision of an experienced MARS Officer, who provided mentoring and tested his knowledge of emergencies, seamanship, ship-handling and navigation. I am keen to take every opportunity to get junior sailors to sea, said Lieutenant-Commander Michael Lawless, Commanding Officer HMCS Malahat. The mandate of the Naval Reserve is to generate trained individuals and teams for Canadian Armed Forces operations. Training weekends at sea provide real-world experience, establishing a foundation of skills, which are further built upon throughout the year in classrooms and simulators. For one recent recruit, Leading Seaman Christine Gatherum, a highlight of the weekend was the diver training. Gatherum, a former Artillery Sergeant and Afghanistan Veteran loved diving so much that she transferred into the Naval Reserve as a Port Inspection Diver. The dive training and learning some new seamanship skills was amazing, but my favorite part of going to sea for the first time was the 10 a.m. soup, said Gatherum. What a wonderful navy tradition! Exercise ATLAS: Sailors on the Saguenay By A/Slt Marc-Antoine Simard, HMCS Champlain From October 28 to 30, 2016, Exercise ATLAS was held at HMCS Champlain in Chicoutimi. This annual exercise is attended by over 150 reservists from Quebec s six Naval Reserve units. The objective of Ex ATLAS is to upgrade the readiness of members to support objectives set by the Royal Canadian Navy and, thereby, come to the aid of the civil power in crisis situations. The approximately 150 reservists were able to take part in navigation activities. For the first time, they experienced port force protection drills and were able to put into practice the various personnel security techniques. Ex ATLAS essentially focussed on manoeuvring with rigid-hull boats, day and night navigation on the Saguenay River, refuelling, towing and radio communication procedures. The crews also received safetyrelated training throughout the weekend to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise. Several representatives from the Naval Reserve Training Support Cell (NRTSC) were on hand to provide invaluable advice and support. In all, five navigation exercises and one port force protection operation were completed under Ex ATLAS. Coming out of the exercise, our sailors have acquired knowledge and experience to maintain a better level of operability in the various units to which they belong. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the crews involved in the exercise demonstrated their sense of professionalism, braving the cold and storm on the waters of the Saguenay both day and night. Overall, the exercise was a success with many new skills developed, knowledge acquired and OJPRs progressed. Congratulations to all sailors who attended this exercise on the Saguenay. Till next year! 16 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

17 OPERATIONS Atlantic Region NRDs host the first ever Naval Reserve exercise in Sydney By Lt(N) Jamie Tobin, HMCS Scotian The Atlantic Region units made history from October 21-23, 2016 when HMCS Scotian hosted Exercise STEEL SHEILD, a small boat and diving exercise in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The exercise was the first time in recent Naval Reserve history that an exercise was held in Cape Breton. Conducting exercises away from our home units and communities takes sailors out of their comfort zone which adds training value, said Commander Owen Brine, the Commanding Officer of HMCS Scotian. We held a successful exercise in St. Margaret s Bay in March 2016 and based on its success, we decided to go even further from home for Exercise STEEL SHIELD. Having received my Commander s Intent, Scotian planning staff began the herculean task of planning a major road move to conduct a combined small boat and diving operation all while still tending to their full time civilian commitments. I could not be more proud of their accomplishment. After a welcoming and mission brief by staff, 85 sailors, vehicles loaded with Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and other small boats formed a large convoy and began the six hour road move to Sydney. The exercise mission was to conduct small boat and dive training to practice skills that are used to support a wide range of naval operations. The exercises and drills were shaped to allow the newly formed Naval Security Team staff to conduct their own operational analysis. Throughout the exercise, participants performed tasks such as launching and recovering small boats, navigation and manoeuvres, diving operations and port inspections, tactical communications, Command and Control from a tactical operations centre, land based force protection, and more. Conducting a complex 400 kilometres movement of equipment and personnel to conduct training in unfamiliar areas and waterways posed unique challenges for the exercise planners and leadership. The team s ability to overcome these challenges confirmed the Atlantic Region Naval Reserve Divisions ability to deploy in support of domestic operations like Operation LENTUS, the Canadian Armed Forces contingency operation to provide humanitarian aid and disaster response support following a natural disaster or emergency as requested by municipal and provincial authorities. This was the first time in our history that we conducted a coordinated road move. The number of personnel coupled with adverse weather conditions tested both the planning and execution of this exercise, said Lieutenant-Commander Beth Vallis, the Executive Officer of HMCS Scotian and the Officer Conducting Exercise STEEL SHIELD. In the end, the sailors adapted well to a changing and challenging environment, progressed in their training, and continued to build capacity to meet Force Generation requirements. A boats crew conducts a coastal patrol training serial in Sydney Harbour during Exercise STEEL SHIELD, an Atlantic Region small boat and diving exercise that was held in Sydney, Nova Scotia from October 21-23, (Photo by Leading Seaman Valerie LeClair.) While in Sydney, participants stayed in the Victoria Park Armouries, home of the Cape Breton Highlanders Infantry Battalion. Not only did they provide outstanding accommodations and security support, their staff taught lessons on small arms and land based force protection measures to enhance interoperability and promote force integration. This built the foundation for a long history of positive working relationships with the Army Reserves in Cape Breton. The City of Sydney was receptive of our plan to utilize the harbour and shore facilities and they were gracious hosts throughout our time there, we truly appreciate them letting us train in their community, said Major Bradley MacAskill, Cape Breton native and HMCS Scotian s Administration Officer. Additionally, the amazing support that we received from the Canadian Coast Guard College and our Army Reserve colleagues made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. The exercise also created a great opportunity for the Atlantic Region recruiting staff to travel throughout the area to visit schools and set up information booths in public areas to inform potential recruits about part-time employment opportunities with the Naval Reserves. Exercise STEEL SHIELD presented us with a great opportunity to recruit in a community that does not normally get a lot of exposure to the Royal Canadian Navy. One of the highlights of the trip was being welcomed into four local aboriginal communities to present about the Naval Reserves, said Petty Officer 2 nd class Mia Lynch, a member of the Atlantic Region recruiting staff currently serving at HMCS Cabot. In addition to the recruiting initiatives, the leadership met with community leaders to inform them about the current state and future plans for the Royal Canadian Navy and the role of the Naval Reserves. Overall, all of the interactions that sailors had with Sydney residents were positive. Small boat and diving exercises provide Naval Reservists with valuable training in challenging environments in order to support the Royal Canadian Navy s core mandate and by that standard, Exercise STEEL SHIELD did not disappoint. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

18 OPERATIONS "TOUJOURS LÀ, TOUJOURS PRÊT", HMCS Radisson practises disaster response By NCdt Jean-François Chapdelaine, HMCS Radisson On 11 February 2017, the third edition of the winter exercise TOUJOURS LÀ TOUJOURS PRÊT was held. About 50 members of HMCS Radisson braved the cold and snow to simulate a response to a domestic disaster. Throughout the day, the Radisson members acted out a realistic scenario in which the civil authorities, grappling with a natural disaster, requested assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A scenario like this is reminiscent of the CAF s previous intervention in New Brunswick as part of Operation LENTUS. Quebec is experiencing more and more natural disasters, and it s not unusual for the Canadian Army to be called in to help. Just think of the Saguenay floods in 1996, the ice storm in 1998 or, more recently, the Montérégie flooding in 2011, said Lt(N) Charles Bélanger, the officer in charge of the exercise. The HMCS Radisson members set up a command post in the field, secured it, and responded to requests from the civil authorities. The tasks involved were varied and included replenishing gasoline and water supplies, transporting key personnel, responding at the scenes of road accidents, and assisting a family whose home had been destroyed. These scenarios are designed to test our sailors reactions in emergency conditions. The members were divided into independent teams, which gave a lot of responsibilities to the different team leaders, but also a lot of freedom in deciding what actions to take when an unforeseen situation arose. In disaster response, it s essential to establish good communication between the teams on the ground and the people at the command post, and the participants really understood that, added Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Bélanger. For the commanders at HMCS Radisson, the scenario began even before the day of the exercise, Lt(N) Bélanger explained. For the command team, the exercise started on Thursday, when we activated our member callout system. It was important that we test the system and know our response capability. If Radisson was called upon to deploy tomorrow morning, we d need to know how many members we could mobilize and how long it would take us to become operational. In addition to training the reservists to respond to a disaster in Canada, Exercise TOUJOURS LÀ TOUJOURS PRÊT also covered various aspects of the work done by the new Naval Security Teams (NSTs). Setting up a command post in the field and securing an area in accordance with a force protection plan are two important aspects of the missions that will be assigned to the NSTs, and there are not a lot of exercises that train reservists for these types of tasks. Exercise «TOUJOURS LÀ TOUJOURS PRÊT» is the only one of its kind, said Lt(N) Bélanger. Able Seaman Marylie Laplante patrols the perimeter of HMCS Radisson. (Photo by LS Savoie, HMCS Radisson.) Naturally, there was a great deal of curiosity among other Naval Reserve members about the results of this type of exercise. However, the Radisson team was not expecting a visit during the exercise from the Naval Reserve Commander, Commodore Marta Mulkins! We were very happy that she accepted our invitation, and it was very motivating for us, said Lt(N) Bélanger. She was impressed by what we were able to accomplish. It did add a bit of extra stress, especially during the morning briefing, but everything went well. Mission accomplished! 18 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

19 OPERATIONS Malahat preps for future Naval Force Protection opportunities By NCdt Donald Den, HMCS Malahat On Saturday October 29, 2016, approximately 50 members of Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Malahat executed the first of a series of local Naval Force Protection exercises with their boat and dive teams in local waters. The exercise was comprised of a basic force protection scenario where there was an immediate need to provide protection and perimeter security around HMCS Malahat, a Royal Canadian Navy Reserve Unit located in Victoria s inner harbour, as well as the surrounding area. The exercise called for the ship s company to respond to the scenario, utilizing capabilities from a variety of trades within the Naval Reserve Division. Malahat sailors developed their skills during this training exercise while acting as land sentries, Combat Information Operators, Communicators, as well as through the deployment of multiple Dive Teams and with Small Boats Teams operating Malahat s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). A small boat from HMCS Malahat establishes a security checkpoint near the Ogden Point breakwater at the entrance to Victoria Harbour, on Saturday October 29 th, Also participating in the exercise as an opposing force were members of HMCS Chippawa, from Winnipeg, who were concluding their own independent small boats exercise. Exercise participants were given refresher briefs on Rules of Engagement and force protection roles and responsibilities. Throughout the exercise gameplay communication skills and learning were emphasized, giving crew members an opportunity to refresh existing skills and work on some new ones. Training at HMCS Griffon By MS Caroline Newton, HMCS Griffon With the challenges of inclement weather Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Griffon has rallied to complete numerous training opportunities both on the water and ashore. On Saturday, 24 September 2016, the Ship s Company gathered at the boatshed and performed numerous tasks which included weapon s familiar- (Photo by HMCS Griffon.) ization, boat ops and casualty retrieval while on the water. HMCS Griffon members participating at a training activity The cool wind and choppy lake kept things interesting for those on the water but overall it was a successful training venture, which led to almost the entire Ship s Company travelling to the Welcome Islands. The exercise provided members of the ship s company an excellent opportunity to refresh and regenerate their naval skillsets in preparation for both further force protection exercises and operations, as well as their own training and deployments said Lieutenant- Commander Michael Lawless, Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat. By the successful completion of the exercise, several members were discussing room for their own improvements, having had their first exposure to the new role that is expected of them in future planned force protection training exercises. The exercise came together well with all participants putting in a great effort to coordinate the interaction of the various sections added Lieutenant (Navy) Robin Whitney. Members of HMCS Malahat now turn to the next planned Force Protection exercise, set to occur in later in the year. There is always a continued emphasis on skill development and readiness for Naval Reserve members. The local focus on enhancing force protection training will ensure that HMCS Malahat continues to be prepared for future naval operational priorities such as the Naval Security Team providing force protection for our marine assets both at home and abroad. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

20 GENERAL INTEREST Primary Reservists find civilian employment success By David Calconi, Carrer Edge Anew program is helping members of the Primary Reserve Force secure work opportunities that align with their civilian career goals, and that support and respect their continued service with their respective reserve units. Primary Reservists play a critical role in Canada s strategy to develop a diverse and qualified pool of military personnel, yet many leave the force when faced with limited job prospects within their civilian communities. Training for Primary Reservists represents a significant investment for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), so keeping active Reservists living, working, and serving in their community is vitally important to Canada s national defence. To help Reservists connect with local civilian employment, Career Edge a Canadian social enterprise has launched the CAF Reservists Paid Internship Program. Supported by Employment and Social Development Canada, in partnership with the Department of National Defence, the program is reinforcing the Government of Canada s Youth Employment Strategy, as well as the CAF s mission of retention and high readiness in the Reserves. GETTING A FOOT IN THE DOOR Compared to the average job seeker, Primary Reservists face greater barriers when it comes to finding civilian jobs that can accommodate their training schedule and other military commitments. Recognizing this challenge, Career Edge works with its network of employers to educate them on the type of accommodations Reservists need, while creating work opportunities that allow Reservists to get their foot in the door with employers that are committed to supporting the Canadian Forces. Since the program s implementation phase began last year, Reservists have already secured career-related internships in targeted corporate industries such as financial services, IT and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and professional services. GAINING CIVILIAN EXPERIENCE After breaking into the civilian workforce through the internship model, Reservists are able to gain meaningful work experience that reflects their education and career objectives, while leveraging the skills they have developed through their military training and service. The internship has provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn, and apply the skills and knowledge I ve acquired throughout my military career and academic studies, said Master Caporal (MCpl) Roy Liang of the 32 Signals Regiment, who secured an internship opportunity with a major Canadian pharmaceuticals company through the program. Overall, [the internship] has been a great support in helping me launch my career in the field of human resources management, he said. Commodre Marta Mulkins, David Calconi of Career Edge, Capitaine (Navy) Chris Ross. Prior to completing his placement, MCpl Liang was offered a permanent role with the same company that provided his internship opportunity. Similarly, Private Andrés Lapeña of the Royal Regiment of Canada also secured his civilian dream job following his internship. I received an offer of employment from RBC s Know Your Client department as an Analyst. It starts as soon as my internship is over. This was the exact role I was aiming for when I started the internship so the fact that it all came together is amazing for me, said Lapeña. RETENTION IN THE RESERVES Securing a civilian job near their reserve unit has enabled Reservists to shift their focus back to their military training and remain settled in their community. Employers that have hired Reservists through the program recognize the value they bring to the workforce, and have made accommodations that allow for parade nights, weekend exercises, and summer training. Civilian employers are also more understanding of Reservists needs and have augmented their recruitment strategies in order to be more military-friendly. This has paved the way for more Reservists to connect with civilian employment opportunities, without having to limit their training, relocate, or leave the military altogether, which is contributing to greater retention in the Reserves. 20 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

21 GENERAL INTEREST For instance, Scotiabank has amplified its military recruitment strategies within its Diversity Recruitment Team by hiring Sergeant (Sgt) Ryan Vine, a Reservist with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. With his knowledge of the Canadian Forces rank structure and qualifications, Sgt Vine is responsible for the sourcing and facilitation of Veteran, active and former Reservists included, recruitment within the bank, while working with community partners to recruit Syrian newcomers. Since he started his own internship in August 2016, Sgt Vine has helped fellow Reservists join the bank through the recruitment and promotion of candidates with military experience. Being able to have a direct positive effect on the hiring of Veterans and Reservists makes my job extremely rewarding, he said. I was able to hire a new Financial Advisor Trainee in Hamilton, Ontario straight from the Career Edge CAF Reservists Program. The member was having difficulty finding civilian employment in his field and wanted to work up the ranks as a Financial Advisor. Finding another member from the same brigade a position that is in-line with their career goals felt like a major accomplishment. HMCS Donnacona enrol the first recruit under the Expedited Enrolment By Lt(N) Benoit Plante, NAVRES HQ The CAF Reservists Paid Internship Program is a three-year pilot project, but Career Edge is focused on making it self-sustaining, with plans to expand across Canada within the next year. To learn more visit: The Executive Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Mathieu Leroux, swears Naval Cadet Alanna Grace at HMCS Donnacona on March 15, The Navy Bike Ride First Edition The Navy Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, May 20. Participants can choose either a 10K or a 30K route. This noncompetitive event is open to everyone, and will take riders past Parliament Hill and through the streets of downtown Gatineau. In the words of Vice- Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, The Navy Bike Ride is a great way to encourage physical activity, celebrate Canada s sesquicentennial, and promote the Royal Canadian Navy in the National Capital Region, not to mention help out our naval families in need. Under this new initiative, HMCS Donnacona s recruiters enrolled Naval Cadet Alanna Grace an aspiring Logistics Officer. She has been enrolled in exactly 21 days from her first contact with the recruiters at HMCS Donnacona. This is a significant improvement over previous recruiting timelines and supports the Chief of the Defence Staff s initiative to strengthen the Primary Reserves. We are always happy to have new members join the Naval Reserve family. However, this one is special as she is the first to join us under the Expedited Reserve Enrolment Program. I want to congratulate the recruiting team here at HMCS Donnacona who made this first happen for the Royal Canadian Navy, said Commander Robert Taylor, Commanding Officer HMCS Donnacona. For more details, visit LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

22 GENERAL INTEREST Remembrance Day 2016 observed by sailors at the Naval Museum of Québec By Samuel Venière, Naval Museum of Quebec On 10 November 2016, the day before Remembrance Day, the Naval Museum of Québec welcomed several members of the Royal Canadian Navy and many from the Naval Reserve Headquarters for one of many commemorations dedicated to veterans. The Director of the Naval Museum, André Kirouac, and its historian, Samuel Venière, were present to comment on Heirs of Wars, an exhibition dedicated to the memory of Second World War veterans. Even if very few of those who fought for the free world in that bloody conflict are still alive to talk about it, we have to ask ourselves, once those last veterans are gone, what remains of their stories, their experiences of war, the objects they used, and their dayto-day lives. It is their descendants (children or other relatives) that carry this tangible and intangible heritage which is the true legacy of those who served. For example, that day was an opportunity to feature a sailor named Émile Beaudoin. Shortly after enlisting in the Navy, he was torpedoed twice. The second time, in 1944, while he was on board HMCS Athabaskan, he was rescued by members of the German crew that had sunk the ship. Beaudoin spent the rest of the war in a Nazi concentration camp, but he did not hate his jailers. Instead, he used his time in captivity to teach French to other prisoners and learn about German culture. When he returned to Canada, he created the Cercle Goethe, a discussion group focused on cultural exchanges between Canada and Germany. He was one of the people who, after years of turmoil, worked to bring people together and restore peace after the war. Even today, little is known about the role of women in the war. The story of Germaine Perry, a woman from the Gaspé region who left home to join the Navy as a WRENS (the nickname for the members of the Women s Royal Canadian Naval Service), sparked lively discussion. She became a nurse, then a radiologist, travelling from base to base, from one military hospital to another, caring for sailors in need. But at that time, radiologists taking X-rays of other people were constantly bombarded with radiation themselves, because somebody had to hold the broken arm or shattered leg in place under the projector. When Germaine Perry died, she was very sick and almost blind. She really had given her life to help others. Mr. André Kirouac, Naval Museum of Quebec director, talking to Naval Reserve HQ members. (Photo by Naval Museum of Québec.) All of us, in some way, owe a debt to these veterans, who fought so that we could enjoy the world we live in today. By learning about them, especially on this day, we also become bearers of our common heritage and history. We too become Heirs of Wars. On Remembrance Day, we still need to know what we are remembering, and so many stories and sacrifices have yet to be told. By taking the time to listen to those featured in Heirs of Wars, current members of our Navy upheld one of its oldest traditions: honouring the fallen heroes. The heirs of those veterans offered the stories of day-to-day lives, stories which were carefully recorded by the team of the Naval Museum of Quebec. Their stories reveal the people behind the uniform, their wartime memories, their souvenirs, the effects of war on their daily life after the war, their family stories, their habits, their personalities, etc. Naval Museum of Quebec (Photo by Wikipédia.) 22 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

23 GENERAL INTEREST HMCS Glace Bay Sailors Reuniting with the Community of Cape Breton By LCdr Emily Lambert, HMCS Glace Bay On 18 September 2016, friends, family and the community of Cape Breton gathered to celebrate a milestone in one of Sydney, Nova Scotia s prominent figures, Dr. Winnifred Chafe. Mrs. Winnifred (Winnie) Chafe is Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Glace Bay s ships sponsor and turned 80 years old on 25 Dec Winnie is an icon in the community who has spent a life time playing her fiddle and bringing the wonderful sounds of music into the heart of the community. 18 September 2016 was the date chosen so that people from the community could attend to celebrate her lifetime achievements. Many persons were in attendance, including the Mayor (Mr. Cecil Clarke), family members and members from the RCN who have sailed onboard HMCS Glace Bay. Mrs. Winnie Chafe was born in Cape Breton and was the first woman to become International Fiddling Champion in Pembroke, Ontario. Winnie is still a very active member and prominent figure in her community. She teaches classical and Cape Breton Scottish Fiddle Music and has lectured on the History of Celtic Fiddle Music. Winnie has also performed for royalty and received two honorary doctorates in recognition of her contribution to the legacy of Cape Breton s music. In fact, many of Winnie s fiddle students attended this momentous celebration. Winnie has spent many years playing music for all different types of audiences, but on the day of her 80th celebration it was her turn to enjoy wonderful music played by her students and friends. Anyone who has had the chance to meet Winnie knows how actively involved she is with the ship, corresponding regularly with the crew and helping to plan Namesake City visits. Winnie s personality has made her a very warm, giving, vibrant, caring individual felt by many who have had the pleasure of meeting her and her daughter Pat Chafe and heard them play music together. Winnie has often seen herself as an honourary mom to the crew of HMCS Glace Bay. She always has a warm embrace for all the sailors onboard when the ship visited Sydney, NS and glows with pride when she talks about the ship and the crew. Chief Petty Officer 2 nd class Rick Bungay, GLA commissioning crew member, Dr. Winnifred Chafe, GLA ships sponsor, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Emily Lambert, former Executive Officer GLA and Mr. Cecil Clarke, Mayor of Cape Breton in attendance at the celebration. (Photo by Lcdr Emily Lambert.) HMCS Glace Bay had many success in the last few years, of particular note was in 2014 during Operation CARIBBE deployment, Glace Bay made a major drug seizure resulting in 97 bales of cocaine being taken off the street. Following their return home, the ship was awarded the Admirals Cup. The Admirals Cup is awarded each year to the ship that demonstrated the best overall efficiency, morale and leadership. This was the first time that an Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel has won the cup since its inception in HMCS Glace Bay recently conducted a Namesake City visit to Sydney, NS on October 2015 before the ship went into refit. HMCS Glace Bay is due to come out of refit and will be sailing again in early Anyone who has served onboard HMCS Glace Bay is proud of the ship and boasts about how supportive the community is of its sailors. From all the sailors who have sailed onboard Glace Bay, we just want to wish mom a very Happy Birthday. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

24 GENERAL INTEREST Blessing from Pope Francis impacts RCN and Naval Reserve Lt(N) Catherinanne George, Acting NAVRES Chaplain & Chaplain to HMCS PREVOST When selected to represent Canada at the Vatican s IV World Congress on the Pastoral Care of International Students in Rome, I could never have imagined the impact this would bring for the many people, communities, and sailors I am privileged to serve. Religious leaders, academics, and university students 130 delegates in all gathered from around the world to address the many concerns of students living and studying in a global community. We worked long days to examine the issues faced and to provide advice on how best to support international students. Part of this significant work included the opportunity for an audience with Pope Francis, where he called us to action, specifically to help those less fortunate in our world, and to use our knowledge to advance the common good in society. A Brescia student, Maggie McLellan, had been chosen in a blind selection process to be Canada s student delegate. Together, we presented Pope Francis with gifts we had brought. As Director of Campus Ministry for Brescia University College, I had collaboratively designed a resource for our community with a team of 18 students. The Messengers of Hope program included: You are Loved ~ a journey in colour, an adult colouring book promoting wellness, multicultural, and multifaith dialogue, and a five foot tall mural coloured by over 500 members of the community. We gave Pope Francis the book, a framed photo of the mural, and a book of messages from the community, including messages from Her Majesty s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Prevost sailors, two of whom are Brescia students. (Of note, Brescia has also graduated two of the first four female Catholic Chaplains in the CAF, Padre Teresa Tess Drabick, currently serving Maritime Forces Atlantic, and me, currently Acting NAVRES Chaplain, serving HMCS Prevost.) Brescia Student, Maggie McLellan (L) and Padre Catherinanne George (R) present Pope Francis with gifts from the You are Loved ~ Messengers of Hope program (Photo by L Observatore Romano.) Beyond the gifts given, we had gifts to bring back. In a basket I carried with me small metal doves which Pope Francis blessed. I brought these to the Brescia, London, and Chaplain communities. A number of these doves, and copies of You are Loved ~ a journey in colour have also been distributed throughout the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). They were presented to Commodore Mulkins, to the Chaplain General, and to RCN and Naval Reserve (NAVRES) Chaplains. They are also sailing the Pacific as the course is set for Asia on Poseidon Cutlass 17. HMCS Winnipeg and Ottawa and their crews are accompanied by doves blessed by Pope Francis as they embark upon a six-month deployment for the maintenance of regional peace and security in the Indo-Asia- Pacific region. They will visit China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka. Each deployment brings a period of great personal sacrifice for our sailors and their families. Padre Joachim Nnanna requested the doves and the colouring books to improve the morale and well-being of the sailors he will journey with. In some small way now, they are accompanied by each of us in spirit, and joined inexplicably to a Pope praying for peace in the world and the common good of society, to a women s university in London, Ontario, and to a World Congress attended last December by delegates from that Indo- Asia-Pacific region. May peace prevail as they journey. 24 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

25 HISTORY Torpedoes in the St. Lawrence 75 th anniversary of the Battle of the St. Lawrence By Fabrice Mosseray W hen German submarines the famous U-boats fired their torpedoes in the St. Lawrence River, they wreaked death and destruction. From 1942 to 1945, 23 merchant ships and warships were torpedoed by eight submarines. Those attacks gave rise to many rumours that the German submariners had not only won a great military victory, and that they had also landed at the nearest coastal village and come ashore to gather intelligence or have a drink. Some considered the Battle of the St. Lawrence a humiliation for Canada, but others regarded it as the price paid by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for engaging with the enemy far from home. Torpedoes away! Beginning in 1939, the Nazi submarines ruled the Atlantic. Operating in packs, they harassed the Allied convoys tasked with connecting the United Kingdom, the USSR and North Africa. Although the Third Reich had no specific plan for the St. Lawrence, U boats hunted for convoys there. From May to October 1942, four submarines sank 19 cargo ships and two warships between Rimouski and Gaspé. The attacks were alarming as no one was expecting to see the enemy so close to our shores, and barely 300 km from Quebec City. MPs accused the federal government and the RCN of neglecting national waters in favour of the United Kingdom. The Allies, like the Germans, considered the St. Lawrence a secondary objective and, due to their limited resources, they abandoned vast sections of the trade routes linking the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard of the United States with the United Kingdom. The RCN had its hands full in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and could not adequately protect the St. Lawrence. In addition, its ships had difficulty detecting submarines in the St. Lawrence because the mixture of saltwater and freshwater interfered with their sonar. The closing of the river These losses, though relatively minor, were disturbing enough that on September 9 the Canadian government ordered the St. Lawrence closed to trans-atlantic traffic. That decision created the impression that Canada had lost the battle, but it actually afforded no strategic advantage to the Germans. The movement of supplies and equipment continued apace, with merchandise being transported to Halifax by train. However, that did not prevent the torpedoing of a ferry, SS Caribou, in October, resulting in the deaths of 136 of its 237 passengers. Although the U boats never stopped at the villages along the coast, two German spies did land, one on the Bay of Fundy in May 1942 and one in New Carlisle on the Gaspé Peninsula in November of that year. One was caught by the RCMP, and the other was taken prisoner in November In Labrador, a U boat installed a miniature automatic weather station. 1 However, the air patrols out of Gaspé, Mont-Joli and other airfields were so effective that in 1943 the German navy prohibited any attacks in the St. Lawrence. German submarine: A Type VII U boat could cover 7,000 to 15,000 km, carried up to 15 torpedoes and was armed with an 88 mm gun. The tide turns In 1943, the U boats began to sustain heavy losses when pitted against the Allies naval, air and technological power. The RCN was now better armed and equipped: in 1939 it had had only a few ships and 2,000 men, but now its strength was 50 times greater. It escorted 48% of the convoys and proved more than a match for the U boats. The St. Lawrence was reopened in April 1944, and the Nazi submarines hunted for isolated prey. Between October 1944 and May 1945, two U boats damaged the frigate HMCS Magog off Pointe-des-Monts and sank a cargo ship near Matane and the corvette Shawinigan in the Cabot Strait. The last battle in the St. Lawrence, in May 1945, ended with two U boats surrendering to the RCN. The St. Lawrence River was never a high-priority target for the Germans, but the U boats launched sporadic attacks because they knew that the convoys were poorly protected. A total of 2,600 ships were sunk during the Battle of the Atlantic, 23 of them in the St. Lawrence by eight U boats in the space of three years. The Battle of the St. Lawrence was won in the Atlantic, where the RCN distinguished itself. The Navy made almost 26,000 crossings and transported 165 million tonnes of supplies and equipment. On its own or with the assistance of Allied ships, it destroyed about 50 German and Italian submarines. By the end of the war, with a strength of 90,000 men and women and more than 400 vessels, the RCN was the third-largest naval power in the world. 1 The antenna and batteries are at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

26 HISTORY Prairie Sailors & the Naval Museum of Manitoba By A/SLt Iain Frame, HMCS Chippawa Winnipeg, Manitoba When one thinks of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the cities associated with it names such as Halifax and Victoria/Esquimalt come to mind. Winnipeg, Manitoba is not usually included on this list. Located at the longitudinal centre of Canada, over 1,000 km from the nearest ocean, Winnipeg is more often associated with cold winters and mosquitoes than the senior service. But delve a little deeper and the prairie city s close ties to the sea can be found. Winnipeg is home to HMCS Chippawa, a Naval Reserve division founded in 1923 to help increase the presence of the Navy across the country. HMCS Chippawa has seen many conflicts and trying times but one thing has remained constant over her 93 years of history, true to her motto of SERVICE she is always ready to serve. During the Second World War HMCS Chippawa recruited 297 officers and 7,567 sailors for the RCN and raised the second largest contingent of Women s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) volunteers in Canada. Making it the third largest source of recruits despite her land locked location. These men and women worked both ashore and at sea, to help bring about the end of the war. Sailors from HMCS Chippawa participated in the longest battle of the war, the Battle of the Atlantic and not all of them returned home. Following the war Winnipeg and HMCS Chippawa continued to contribute to the operational success of the RCN with sailors serving in many capacities during the Korean Conflict, Cold War, and in the ensuing years. With these sailors in mind the Naval Museum of Manitoba was established in Located within HMCS Chippawa the museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Manitoba s naval personnel by telling their stories through the preservation and display of important artifacts and stories. As well, over the years the museum has provided a place for Winnipeg s naval veterans to come and socialize with their brethren. Every Wednesday, men, such as Bob Watkins, Bert Jolly and Harold Hughes all veterans of the Second World War and Al Smith, veteran of the cold war RCN and current President of the White Ensign Club veterans association and member of the Board of Directors for the Naval Museum, come to HMCS Chippawa. They spend their time volunteering in the museum; helping to preserve the heritage they helped build, as well as taking the opportunity to visit with old friends. They are joined by current museum Curator Claude Rivard and Chair of the Display Committee, Mike Shortridge, who, along with a team of dedicated volunteers, are the driving force behind the museum and the efforts to increase awareness about Manitoba s naval heritage. Bob Watkins speaks at HMCS Chippawa s Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony (Photo by Cpl P. Shapka, 17 Wing Imaging.) I had a chance to sit down with a few of these dedicated volunteers who are also Navy veterans and learn a little about their experiences in the Navy as well as what the Naval Museum of Manitoba and HMCS Chippawa mean to them. Bob Watkins joined the RCN in July 1943 at the age of 18. The decision to join the RCN was an easy one as he had spent time in the sea cadet corps, had many friends already in the RCN and, as he put it, there was a war going on. Trained as a radar plotter and quartermaster he spent the majority of the war in the North Atlantic participating in the Battle of the Atlantic escorting convoys between North America and the United Kingdom. Spending a total of 13 years in uniform, 3 during the war as a member of the regular force and an additional 10 as a reservist with HMCS Chippawa, Mr. Watkins reflects back on his times in the navy with pride. When asked what some of his most vivid memories of his time in the navy are Mr. Watkins recalls participating in the sinking of U-1006 while a member of HMCS Loch Achanalt with HMCS Annan. As well as an instance where, when HMCS Loch Achanalt was off the coast of England, a mine was spotted floating on the surface. Mr. Watkins was tasked with destroying the mine, using an Oerlikon cannon he was able to sink the mine but couldn t get it to blow! After the war Mr. Watkins left the RCN to work with Winnipeg Transit but the call of the sea was hard to ignore and in 1949 he joined HMCS Chippawa as a reservist. He has served in a variety of positions including spending 10 years on the Board of 26 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017

27 HISTORY Directors of the Navy League, a term as the National Vice-President of the Navy league and President of the Naval Officers Association of Canada Winnipeg Branch. Mr. Watkins was the first President of the Naval Museum of Manitoba in 1980 and has served on the Board of Directors ever since. As well, Mr. Watkins has honoured HMCS Chippawa by speaking at many different occasions including her 50 th Anniversary and numerous Battle of the Atlantic Ceremonies. Into his nineties now, Mr. Watkins has become a fixture at HMCS Chippawa with ties stretching back over 7 decades. He takes pride in the Naval Museum and HMCS Chippawa and sees in them a way to preserve the heritage he helped build. Burt Jolly joined the RCN in March When asked why he chose the navy he grins and quips they were the only ones who would take me! Having been first turned away from the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for poor eyesight I ask him why he believes the Navy chose to overlook this fact. Simple, he says the recruiter looked at me and told me stokers don t need to see! Mr. Jolly spent a total of two years in the navy during the war serving as a stoker on corvettes performing convoy escort duty during the Battle of the Atlantic. After his discharge in November 1945 he became a certified machinist, eventually finding his way back to the armed forces joining the Air Reserve and spending 5 years with 402 Squadron as a bartender. Reflecting on his time in the RCN, Mr. Jolly recalls being in New York City after the war had ended and attending a ball room dance with some of his shipmates. Finding the punch served not to their tastes the sailors instructed their hosts in how to make a good stiff punch and then had a boisterous good time. Mr. Jolly joined the Naval Museum of Manitoba in 1980 putting his skills as a machinist to good use helping to fix pews and refurbish the 4 inch gun that is now located on HMCS Chippawa s quarterdeck and over the ensuing years continued to put his skills to use whenever a museum artefact needed refurbishing. Now 91 years old, Mr. Jolly, raising his hands, laments his great sadness that he is no longer being able to help out by working Bert Jolly celebrates his 91 st birthday (photo by LCdr I.A. Gillis, HMCS Chippawa.) with my hands. While he may no longer be able to help repair artefacts Mr. Jolly continues to be an active participant in the Naval Museum of Manitoba and comments that the comradery is great for me, it gets me out of the house. In addition to the time he spends at HMCS Chippawa with the Naval Museum Mr. Jolly spends 2 days a week volunteering with the Air Museum. Initially intending to join the RCAF Mr. Harold Hughes was turned away due to poor eyesight. Not to be discouraged, he became aware of the Navy s need for experienced machinists while reading a newspaper article. Mr. Hughes, a trained machinist, jumped at the opportunity and on December 29, 1942 he joined the RCN. The early portion of his career was spent training in Hamilton and Halifax for his new position as a stoker, more specifically as an Engine Room Artificer (ERA) apprentice, where he learned about all the machines of the ships, what they did and how to fix them. Upon completion of his training Mr. Hughes was sent to St. John s, Newfoundland, and from there to the fleet. His first sea posting was to the destroyer HMCS Niagara where he learned to apply the skills he had acquired during training and, in his own words, learned how to really be a stoker. After HMCS Niagara Mr. Hughes spent on HMCS Lanark working as an ERA while the ship escorted convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. In 1945 he was sent to HMCS Outremont, where he qualified as a watch keeping ERA as the war ended. Regarding his time at sea, Mr. Hughes comments that the convoy work was boring and monotonous but at least I was on a frigate and not a corvette referring to the notoriously uncomfortable and wet, nature of life at sea on a small corvette. After the war, Mr Hughes worked for Canadian National Railway as a machinist. He also spent 46 years working for the Canadian Grain Commission as a machinist. His first experience with HMCS Chippawa came in the winter of when, though not at that time a member of the military, he was transferred from his Transcona hockey team to the HMCS Chippawa team where he played for several years. It was not until 2000 that Mr. Hughes again became associated with HMCS Chippawa when he joined the museum after having been encouraged to do so by some of the museum staff. He has worked there ever since. When asked what it is about the museum that keeps him coming back Mr. Hughes, like Mr. Watkins and Mr. Jolly, speaks to the community of likeminded people and the sense of camaraderie that he gets from being part of the organization, almost as if he never left the Navy. It is through the dedicated efforts of museum volunteers like Mr. Watkins, Mr. Jolly and Mr. Hughes, as well as all the members of the organization, that the legacy of Manitoba s prairie sailors is kept alive. True to HMCS Chippawa s motto of SERVICE these men and women have dedicated themselves to preserving that legacy. Through their service the Naval Museum of Manitoba has become a naval pearl in the heart of the prairies. LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April

28 HISTORY Why a Battle of the Atlantic Memorial? By Lt(N) David Lewis, HMCS Prevost Ukrainian immigration to Canada was largely agrarian and waves of settlers had concentrated in the prairie provinces. Philemon and Christina Leskiw, both of Ukrainian extraction, had made a home in Saskatoon. The great depression hit the area hard and the population of Saskatoon and other urban areas surged as people searched for jobs. Their son, young Anthony (Tony) Leskiw had seen the struggles and was determined to rise above them. With a strong work ethic inherited from his parents he was already employed as a printer s apprentice by the age of 17. When the dark shadow of war crept across Canada he began to see other young men in uniform. Like all young men he dreamed of seeing the world. He had never been out of Saskatchewan, never far from Saskatoon. The poster in the shop-keepers window for the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve immediately caught his eye. It was a rainy day at the CP Rail station when Philemon and Christina said goodbye to their son. A teary-eyed embrace from mom, a firm handshake from dad, and Tony boarded the train. For days the train rumbled across new and exciting scenery. The sadness of homesickness was displaced by the anticipation of adventures to come. Cornwallis was hard, but it was supposed to be hard. Tony knew that. It was the new bonds of friendship which helped him through. Now that the training was over, Halifax was an exciting town, much different than Saskatoon. Tony was proud to be a sailor, a man, not a boy in Saskatoon. Daily he would watch the Royal Canadian Navy warships, and the dozens of Merchant ships in Bedford Basin, as convoys were assembled. He couldn t wait to find out what his assignment would be. When his orders came Tony he was excited to learn that he had been assigned as an RCN anti-aircraft gunner on the merchant ship SS Whitford Point. The RCN escorted the convoys and also posted navy gunners on the larger merchant ships to man the temporary guns. The day came. From the deck of SS Whitford Point Tony could see the ships begin to move; whistles blew. Ships of every size and many flags exited the basin and found their station moving out into the open ocean. Tony watched as the small RCN Corvettes moved in like shepherds guarding their flocks. Tony dreamed that one day he would be stationed on a corvette. For now, he was proud as punch to be manning his gun. His first convoy. His first duty. For doors open: Battle of the Atlantic Memorial. (Photo by Lt(N) David Lewis.) What would his friends back in Saskatoon think when, in just over a week, he would send them a postcard from England. He would buy his mom a silk scarf and for his dad, maybe some pipe tobacco. He imagined them receiving his package all the way from England. The merchant men treated Tony and the other young Navy men well. He messed with them and the food was good. He kept most of it down as seasickness didn t seem to bother him much. The flash of the explosion was blinding. The sound deafening. The torpedo from U-47 had skimmed through the convoy and made a direct hit on SS Whitford Point. The cargo she was carrying, almost 8,000 tons of steel, had no mercy. She plunged to the bottom of the North Atlantic. Anthony (Tony) Leskiw (Photo by Naval Reserve Archives.) With wartime security and communications, it would be almost a week before the telegram boy would lean his bike against the fence at the home in Saskatoon, and walk to the door. Tony s story is just one of over 2000 individual stories. We will never know most of them. The Battle of the Atlantic Memorial at HMCS Prevost in London serves as a reminder. A reminder of service, of sacrifice, but also of ultimate victory. 28 LINK Vol. 26, No 1, April 2017