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Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 Energize the Institution
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Commodore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Message from the Deputy Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Message from the NAVRES Chief Petty Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
In the NRDs
HMCS Montcalm Members Enjoy Carnival Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016
193rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Montreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Editor: Maj Lyne Poirier
HMCS Hunter - Community Outreach Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Project manager: Lt(N) Benoit Plante
The Royal Canadian Navy’s Commitment to our Communities: Contributors:
Cmdre Marta Mulkins, Capt(N) Chris Ross,
The Case of HMCS Radisson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Cdr Jeffrey White, LCdr Alain Auclair,
LCdr Kim Poirrier, Capt Julien Beauchamps-
Rock ‘n’ Roll at HMCS York for a Good Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Laliberté, Lt(N) David Lewis, Lt(N) Daniel Turcotte,
Lt(N) David F. Cochrane, Lt(N) Jocelyn Laroche,
Preserving the "playground of the north end" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Lt(N) Daniel Chicoine, Lt(N) Chris Walkinshaw,
Lt(N) Gwil Roberts, SLt Mary-Jil Coudé,
Teamwork is Key for Strategic Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 SLt Miriam Black, SLt Kris Procyk,
A/SLt Andrew McLauglin, A/SLt Danny Young
Operations NCdt Ryan Lenssen, NCdt Edward Buchholtz,
CPO 1 David Arsenault, PO 2 Michael McRae,
Reservist Sails to Antarctica with the Royal Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MS Brendan Richardson, LS Fabrice Mosseray,
AB Kary-Anne Poirier, Mr. André Kirouac,
Sailing the Seven Seas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Mr. Samuel Venière.
South Sudan Through the Eyes of a Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Translation:
NS Translation Services
Naval Reserve is Set to Grow and Transform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Revision:
Daniel Garnon
A New Opportunity for the Naval Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Multimedia:
Lt(N) Daniel Turcotte
Training Graphic Design:
HMCS Carleton Conducts Exercise EXCELLENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Communication Graphique Recto-Verso
Printer:
East Region Naval Reserve Divisions Simulate Sea Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Imprimerie LithoChic (Québec)
Atlantic Region Reservists Participate in Ex BAY CHALLENGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 The Naval Reserve LINK is published
two times a year by authority of
ORCA’s Deployment for Training Prairie Sailors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 the Commander Naval Reserve.
Views expressed are the authors’ own and
Ex Sentinal Strait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 are not to be construed as official policy.
Prairie Sailors Spend a Weekend on the Ocean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Permission to reproduce certain articles will be
granted, provided original source is clearly indicated.
General Interest The editorial committee reserves the
right to reject or edit all submissions.
The Dream of Paul-Henri Bouchard, 1919-2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Texts longer than 1000 words may be
rejected. Artwork and photos will be
A Canadian Armed Forces Member's Refugee Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 returned if requested; however, we
cannot assume responsibility for lost
Umingmak: Inspiration from a Life Lived . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 or damaged materials.
Contributions are invited. Texts are to be
History unclassified, submitted in English or in
French (preferably both) and can be on
Luxury Yacht and War Effort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 any topic relating to the Naval Reserve,
World War I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 especially its members. Please indicate
clearly full names and rank, of the author,
as well as photographers and all persons
Promotions 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 mentioned in the article. Articles can be
submitted via email and must be in an editable
format (Microsoft Word format is ideal).
Cover photos (from the top) Bear in mind that colour or black
and white photographs, sketches, maps,
The National Band of the Naval Reserve passes at the front of the RCN bus as part of the Grands Feux cartoons or other artwork enhance the
Loto-Québec on August 12, 2015, whose theme "To the rhythm of the sea” was dedicated to the RCN. appeal of an article. Include the source of
(Photo by Lt(N) Benoit Plante, PAO, NAVRES HQ.) photos or artwork and a brief description or
caption. Photos should be 4 x 6 at 300 dpi;
(left to right) Nova Scotian Tall Ship, Bluenose II, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Goose Bay and it is preferable they be submitted
French Ship L'Hermione sail in to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in the early morning of July 18, 2015. electronically. Please include the author’s
(Photo by LS Dan Bard, Formation Imaging Services Halifax.) address, phone number and email.
« November Bravo », a painting from LS Margareta Boivin from HMCS Scotian. 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: 418 694-5560, poste 5369
Fax: 418 694-5377
Email: benoit.plante2@forces.gc.ca
Internet : www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca
2 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016
FROM THE
COMMODORE
Energize the Institution
By Cmdre Marta Mulkins, Commander Naval Reserve
casing the RCN, a core team of officers Framing all of our own efforts to energise
will be tasked with supporting the planning the institution within the ‘One Navy’ is the
of key efforts from Toronto and Ottawa, recently-launched Chief of the Defence
and will also support the Formation Staff’s Directive on Strengthening the
Commanders in delivering the Canadian Primary Reserves – an initiative which will
Leaders at Sea program from Halifax and seek to study and implement measures to
Victoria. This team will be staffed by improve recruitment, retention, infrastruc-
reservists who will work directly for the ture and eventually to increase the overall
Deputy Commander, RCN and the size of the Reserves to 28 500 by 2019.
Commanders MARLANT and MARPAC in While a number of lines of activity are pro-
optimising national and international mulgated, of particular interest is a com-
opportunities to expand the RCN’s ‘con- prehensive review of the Compensation
stituency of support.’ Due to our own and Benefits package available to
extensive footprint across the country, reservists, which was initiated in early
NAVRES units will certainly support the 2016 and is estimated to be completed in
overall strategy and so we will look for- 2018. This review will cover all elements
ward to learning more when the full imple- of the military total compensation con-
mentation plan is briefed in the coming struct (pay, allowances, leave, and select
weeks. Without a doubt, this new level of benefits), and the team has already identi-
effort will build upon the strong foundation fied several key areas for possible quick
of community relations that many of you improvement, including recruitment
have painstakingly shaped over the years. allowances, relocation benefits, trans-
A s I write this update to you all, we
are in the closing months of what
has been an outstanding Fall-
Winter training program that has seen an
On the subject of communications, you
may recall that enhancing our own internal
communications was one of my first prior-
ities upon taking command of NAVRES.
portation / travel expenses and leave enti-
tlements. We will continue to provide
updates as this initiative advances.
Finally, during Prevost’s recent March
unprecedented level of unit, regional and
national-level activities including - at last Since then the team at the Headquarters ORCA weekend, I had the immense hon-
count - 15 different ORCA training events. has been working very hard at diversifying our to relay congratulations and farewell to
We have witnessed a burst of unit-driven our media offerings – from the continua- three long-serving stalwarts of our commu-
innovation and creativity in how to best tion of the video messages established by nity who will be retiring soon – LCdr Rob
deliver exciting, effective training, and the my predecessor at key milestones, a new, Kamphuis and Lt(N) Samantha Cakebread
enthusiasm has been noticed throughout very rich on-line version of the Link, Town from Prevost, and PO 1 Ray Carlyon of
the Navy. As CPO 1 Arsenault mentions in Hall summaries on our web page and even Tecumseh. Without going into great
his own message to you in this Link, we expanding use of Twitter. I was so pleased detail, we simply could not be the institu-
are truly stepping out on ensuring the with the last edition of the Link that I have tion we are today without the year-in-and-
delivery of ‘Excellence in Operations.’ As directed that it be sent to the mayor of year-out efforts of dedicated folks like
we look ahead to improving our recruit- every NRD city, so they may better under- them. Please join me in wishing them –
ment and training for new tasks and roles, stand what talented and motivated citizens and all of our other respected retirees -
this level of effort is key. are at work in those ‘HMCS’ buildings in ‘Fair winds and following seas.’
their midst. In short – we want to be where
One of the other lines of focus in the RCN you are in order to get you the information
Executive Plan is ‘Energize the Institution’ you need to make informed decisions
– and we have taken to heart the need to about your NAVRES career. Nothing
tell our story in the ongoing RCN replaces the good old fashioned NRD visit
‘Conversation with Canadians’. One of or Coastal Town Hall however – and I was
our own roles in the Naval Reserve very pleased to see quite a few of you dur-
(NAVRES) is to “Support the RCN ing the training year – thanks again for
Strategic Communications effort” – and to your hospitality and the great questions
that end, the RCN recently unveiled the asked along the way. Your input is crucial
new RCN Outreach Program. While every to helping me make the best decisions for
naval unit will have a role to play in show- the institution.
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 3
FROM THE
DEPUTY COMMANDER
“Ship’s Company to Muster …”
By Capt(N) Chris Ross, Deputy Commander Naval Reserve
emphasize for all Naval Reservists the Looking ahead, next training year will see
important role each of you play in our the RCN continue to build and execute its
communication efforts, both formally and Outreach Program which relies on our
informally and both from an outreach and Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs) situated in
recruiting perspective. each major Canadian community, many of
which have only you from the NRD to be
No one is better equipped to tell the RCN the voice for the larger RCN community. It
story than our sailors. As a whole, it is you will also see the first year of a new Naval
who understand what it means to be a Reserve (NAVRES) recruiting model
member of the RCN, to articulate the intended to provide a more coordinated
requirements, the challenges, the benefits and regional based effort designed to grow
and most importantly the rewards that and strengthen NAVRES. You will be
come with wearing this uniform. It is you asked to be involved in both efforts, either
who can explain what it was like to sail to directly through supporting specific
the Caribbean to participate in a multina- events, or indirectly by your actions and
tional campaign against illicit trafficking, engagements in public and with the public.
or to share your account of sailing to Finally, in the 2017 calendar year,
Canada’s Arctic to experience a part of Canada will celebrate its sesquicentennial
our world seen only by the smallest frac- and each of us will be called upon to sup-
tion of the global population. port the Government of Canada in
describing, celebrating and commemorat-
ing RCN contributions to the broader
Specifically, as reservists it is you who can
Canadian story.
A s detailed throughout this edition best explain to people why it is that you
of the Link there are many initia- leave work or school to attend a training
These are initiatives that require all of us
tives underway that are intended, night or weekend event. It is you who can
to be engaged and to be aware of where
at least in part, to Energize the Institution. explain to your friends, family, classmates
and how we can provide any amount of
Internally, these efforts are designed to and coworkers why you had to fly to
influence by our words or actions. I ask
provide meaningful and exciting training Halifax for the weekend, or to Victoria for
that you consider how you can assist and
opportunities for each of you, as well as the summer. The addition of your voice to
support both the recruiting and outreach
provide opportunities for operational the strategic level messaging and the artic-
efforts. This may be as simple as wearing
experiences for those who find themselves ulation of your experiences provide
your uniform in public as appropriate or
in a position to consider short or longer increased value and impact. Outlining
required, where you are identified as a
term contracts. As Cmdre Mulkins men- what it is that the RCN does, why it is
proud member of the RCN. More direction
tions as well, we are looking at new and important and what is the benefit to
and guidance will be provided through
increased methods intended to allow for Canada are all important, but part of the
your NRD leadership but I wish to thank
increased communications with all Naval RCN story is also your story; your engage-
you all in advance, not only for your dedi-
Reservists, be they traditional town hall ment is key.
cation and professionalism in fulfilling our
events or the use of on line tools, commu- force generation and employment roles,
nication and information sharing are The desired outcome is that we will build a but also for the role you will play in telling
important aspects to strengthening our stronger relationship with Canadians and our story.
organization. that in sharing our story Canada will get to
know the RCN. In doing so, people will
Communication and information sharing have a better appreciation of what it is we
externally are also key factors in energiz- do, why we are necessary, and some will
ing the institution. We need to consider want to join our ranks and build their own
how our engagement with the Canadian experiences. The success of both the RCN
public in general, as well as with specific Outreach Program and our own recruiting
individuals or groups, can serve to efforts require that we establish these rela-
strengthen the organization. I would like to tionships with key constituents.
4 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016
FROM THE NAVRES CPO
Measure and Adjust
By CPO 1 David Arsenault, Naval Reserve Chief Petty Officer
A s the 2015/16 Training Year
comes to a close, the Naval Reserve
(NAVRES) is well into its most trans-
formational change since the transition twen-
sharp increase in training opportunities for
Class A sailors through increased ORCA
deployments and other NRETS (NAVRES
Exercise Training Schedule) activities is
ty years ago to a modern, professional force clearly paying dividends to the morale and
sailing the Kingston class and taking on real engagement of many sailors in our NRDs.
world sovereignty and coastal constabulary We truly hope to build on these early suc-
missions. Back in 1995, NAVRES was mov- cesses and continue to foster that engage-
ing to adapt to these new ships and new ment and positive energy in all of our sailors
roles, but its basic structure as a distinct for- moving forward.
mation left largely to its own affairs remained
the same. Twenty years after that revolution- There is also much to look forward to in the
ary change, the One-Navy reorganization near-future for NAVRES. The RCN has
kicked off with NAVRES shifting to a Level 2 released its Outreach Strategy and NAVRES
formation as part of Maritime Forces Pacific has a key role in delivering this mandate.
(MARPAC), and we have not looked back Addressing recruiting and improving our
since. There is no clearer sign of the new- intake of new sailors is a focus of not only
found position that NAVRES finds itself in NAVRES and MARPAC, but of MILPERS-
than the fact that Cmdre Mulkins, as GEN Command as ordered in the CDS
Commander NAVRES and as Deputy Initiating Directive on Strengthening the
Commander MARPAC, has been tasked to Primary Reserve. A full review of pan-
take on the role of Acting Commander reserve compensation and benefits is also
underway as part of that initiative. As well, done with the “Silver Destroyer” trophy
MARPAC on several recent occasions –
the RCN continues to focus on recreating a from 1952-1992. The inaugural winning
effectively putting her in charge of the Pacific
small-boat, force protection capability that NRD of this new award for the 2015/16
Fleet and all CAF in British Columbia. The
will heavily engage NAVRES and hopefully Training Year will be announced later this
One-Navy transition is now mostly complete,
provide continued operational deployment summer and a trophy will be presented for
and within the Plan, Execute, Measure and
opportunities for the part-time community. display at the unit next fall.
Adjust management framework we are now
at the “measure and adjust” steps to ensure In closing, I would like to take the time to
Of course, despite our many successes there
that the NAVRES organization is optimally recognize and thank all of the HQ and NRD
are still areas we need to focus and improve
set up to work within this new structure to staff who contributed so much to making the
upon. Operation HONOUR is still a CAF
deliver Force Generation excellence for the 2015/16 Training Year so very successful,
and CDS focus and the RCN is moving for-
RCN. Changes from this point forward as well as to thank every sailor of NAVRES
ward with its own Code of Conduct roll-out
should be more subtle as we make those fine for the outstanding efforts that have con-
as well. It concerns me that I continue to
adjustments deemed necessary. tributed to our very many accomplishments
hear some reports of improper conduct
amongst our sailors, and especially so when over the past year. Your efforts are recog-
Cmdre Mulkins and I have been pleased to that conduct is directed at a sailor’s own nized and greatly appreciated. And more
have the opportunity to speak to a large shipmates. We must all continue to remain specifically, I am very pleased to recognize
number of naval reservists over the past sev- vigilant and speak up when necessary to PO 2 Michal Mlynarczyk from HMCS York,
eral months. Through townhall events with ensure that the NAVRES remains a safe and who has been selected as NAVRES “Sailor
the full-time communities on both coasts secure organization where we treat each of the Year” for 2015. Then-MS Mlynarczyk
and in Quebec City, and in visiting with a other as family to ensure everyone is assured distinguished himself in operations and
number of NRDs, we have heard that of a positive environment in both work and training, serving in HMCS Shawinigan and
reservists continue to be passionate about social circumstances. Charlottetown, and as Operations Training
their training and the contributions they are Coordinator at HMCS York. He also orga-
making to the RCN’s mantra of excellence On a far more positive note, I am pleased to nized a unit food-bank drive, helping York
in operations. There are of course issues of say that at the NAVRES Board in February, connect with the community in which they
concern but all of these sailors are working Commander NAVRES authorized the cre- serve, and is a very deserving recipient of
hard to do the best they possibly can, and ation of the “Commodore’s Cup”, which will this award. Bravo Zulu to you, PO 2
the Headquarters staff is working to address serve to re-establish the recognition of the Mlynarczyk!!
those concerns wherever possible. The “Top NAVRES Division” similar to what was
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 5
IN THE NRDs
HMCS Montcalm Members Enjoy Carnival
Weekend
By SLt Mary-Jil Coudé, PAO, HMCS Montcalm
F or the past few years, HMCS Montcalm has been strength-
ening its ties with the organizers of the Quebec Winter
Carnival, and Montcalm’s involvement in the Carnival and
the ice canoe race has grown in importance. Thanks to this partner-
ship, Montcalm members devoted the weekend of 5 to 7 February
2016 to Carnival activities.
They began on a festive note with the cocktail party for volunteers,
held at the combined mess at Pointe-à-Carcy. Members of HMCS
Montcalm organized the event as a way of thanking the volunteers
and highlighting the importance of their involvement in the
Carnival. Several canoeists were also in attendance. Traditionally, in
honour of the partnership between HMCS Montcalm and the
Quebec Winter Carnival, Lieutenant-Commander Guy Boulet,
Commanding Officer of Montcalm, is presented with the Quebec
Winter Carnival President’s medal. The Commanding Officer of HMCS Montcalm, LCdr Guy Boulet, accompanied by Bonhomme
Carnaval and his duchesses, during the presentation of the Quebec Winter Carnival President’s
medal.
During the party, the organizer also unveiled the Jean Anderson (Photo: SLt Coudé, PAO, HMCS Montcalm.)
Award, which will be presented annually to an ice canoeist in recog-
nition of his or her exemplary contribution to the sport. For this
inaugural year, the award went to a member of the Calgary ice the most famous and the one that every team really wants to win.
canoe team who has participated in the race at the Quebec Winter This year, 58 canoes were entered in the race. The canoeists were
Carnival every year for the past 25 years! “We don’t have rivers like given space in the HMCS Montcalm hangar so that they could get
this out West. When one of my friends told me he wanted to enter warm and have access to everything else they needed.
this race and cross from the other side (Lévis) in an ice canoe, I told
him he was crazy! Twenty-five years later, I’ve come back every year The Royal Canadian Navy was doubly involved, with two ice canoe
to do this race. It’s the best experience of my life!” he said, eyes teams entered: one from HMCS Montcalm and one from HMCS
sparkling. Ville de Québec. The members of HMCS Montcalm were proud of
their 10th-place finish in the sport category, and they will continue to
None of this could have taken place without Bonhomme Carnaval shine in the upcoming races on the 2016 circuit. HMCS Ville de
and his duchesses. They made their entrance as the HMCS Québec had had just one week of training and familiarization with
Montcalm band played the Carnival theme song, creating a much- the ice canoe but managed to finish the race with smiles all around.
appreciated ambiance for the evening. Congratulations, and see you next year!
Topping off the weekend was the big event that fits perfectly with
the values so precious to HMCS Montcalm members: willingness to
challenge themselves, team spirit, and fierce determination. The
Carnival canoe race is one of a circuit of seven in Quebec, but it is
The Commanding Officer of HMCS Montcalm, LCdr Guy Boulet, presents the gold medal to
the winners of the sport category.
(Photo: MCpl Jonathan Barrette, Canadian Forces Combat Camera.)
The members of the HMCS Montcalm ice canoe team (LS Lamontagne, LS Raco, LS Goupil,
MS Tallis and Lt(N) Richer) finishing their race at the Quebec Winter Carnival.
Photo: MCpl Jonathan Barrette, Canadian Forces Combat Camera.)
6 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016
IN THE NRDs
193rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Montreal
Naval Reserve musicians widely praised for their performance
By AB Kary-Anne Poirier, HMCS Donnacona
A few years ago, the Royal Canadian Navy started a new
tradition by getting involved in the St. Patrick’s Day cele-
brations in Montreal, and it has continued to participate
annually. On 20 March 2016, the 193rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade
was held in downtown Montreal. Tens of thousands of people
turned out, including the musicians from the Naval Reserve band.
The weather was particularly mild, with sunshine to enhance the
festive mood.
Year after year, the parade is an opportunity for people to come
together and celebrate Irish heritage. It’s also the perfect occasion
for the Naval Reserve band members—from all over Canada—to
get together with the other musicians in the organization, share
what they have learned, and blend their musical skills for parade-
goers’ enjoyment.
The Naval Reserve band during the 193rd St. Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal, 20 March 2016
This year’s celebrations were especially satisfying, as the musi-
(Photo: LS Corinne Simard, HMCS Donnacona.)
cians had the chance to practise together the night before, on
Saturday, 19 March, in a rehearsal space provided by Her
Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona, the Naval Reserve
division in Montreal. And the parade itself was a rousing success In any case, with more than 60 members of the Naval Reserve in
compared with last year’s. In 2015, the extremely low tempera- attendance, including those from HMCS Donnacona, the annual
ture completely disrupted the parade—it was so cold that some of parade is a great opportunity to raise the organization’s profile.
the members’ instruments froze. Even so, our musicians still man- Being part of such a large, festive public gathering brings Naval
aged to be chosen as best military band. This year, they won the Reserve members closer to the people of Montreal. See you next
prize again. year!
Don’t forget
Naval
Reservist
Finds True
September 15 2016 Potential in
the CAF
Let us know your comments
To read the article of
and suggestions about Anne Duggan and
your publication by Natalie Flynn, see the
contacting: RCN website/Navy
News/March 8, 2016.
navres_web@forces.gc.ca
For the next issue
(October 2016 ) Commodore Marta B. Mulkins, Commander Naval
Reserve (left), inspects Acting/Sub-Lieutenant
Nicole Shingoose on board of Her Majesty’s
Canadian Ship (HMCS) Unicorn on March 2,
2016, in Saskatoon.
(Photo: LCdr Karen Wallace, HMCS Unicorn.)
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 7
IN THE NRDs
HMCS Hunter - Community Outreach Machine
By SLt Kris Procyk, PAO, HMCS Hunter
H er Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Hunter’s motto is
“ready when required” and the ship has certainly lived
up to it this past year in terms of community relations
and public affairs. Throughout the year, HMCS Hunter has par-
ticipated in and organized numerous events with the aim to
engage and connect with the local community. Hunter has
recently organized and participated in the Windsor Spitfires
Military Appreciation Night and the Windsor Express’s Hero
Night. Both events recognized local Military and first responders
in the Windsor-Essex Region. Hunter was at the forefront of both
events with the SONAR mascot engaging the crowds in addition
to the ship’s Hurricane on display.
Members of HMCS Hunter hold the Canadian Flag during the National Anthem at the Windsor
Family Credit Union (WFCU) Centre for a Military Appreciation Night hosted by the Windsor
Spitfires, on February 25, 2016, in Windsor, ON.
(Photo by SLt Procyk, PAO, HMCS Hunter)
Hunter will also be participating in Windsor’s Police Week orga-
nized by the Windsor Police Community Services Branch. This
three day event is hosted at Devonshire Mall where all first
responders, military organizations, and Provincial and Federal
civil servants showcase their respective organizations. Hunter will
typically interact with people during this three day event that
attracts more than 10,000 visitors and pick up 10 completed
recruiting applications from the event.
Members of HMCS Hunter’s ships Company pose with SONAR at the Windsor Express Hero
Night on March 4, 2016, at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, ON. One of the largest events the unit participates in is the July 1
(Photo by OS Wong, HMCS Hunter.) Canada Day Parade. The Parade consists of over 100 floats and
is attended by over 25,000 people from all across Canada and
the United Stated. Hunter brings the RHIB with four personnel
Both events were a fantastic way for the population of Windsor who walk behind and hand out NAVY swag and Canada flags.
to not only learn a little about HMCS Hunter and the Royal This event is a very high profile affair and affords another great
Canadian Navy (RCN) but to also see and interact with the men opportunity for the local community to see and experience the
and women that comprise Windsor’s Naval Reserve Division and RCN at large.
realize just how active the RCN is within their local community.
The 2015-2016 training year at Hunter has been a very busy
Hunter has always taken a very active role within the community, one in all regards, but one of the most important things we do is
taking time to connect with the citizens of Windsor. Throughout connect with and engage our local community. With all the public
the year, the public affairs and recruiting branches seek out affairs outreach events in the Windsor-Essex County region this
opportunities to not only get out into the community but also past year, local citizens never lose sight of the importance and
bring the community to us. This takes the form of open houses, benefits of the RCN and the men and women that comprise this
parades, community clean-ups, appreciation nights, colour par- organization.
ties, school visits…
In the coming months, Hunter will host its third annual Battle of
the Atlantic dinner which is attended by local stakeholders, gov-
ernmental representatives, various veteran organizations and the
unit itself. The last two dinners have seen around 200 partici-
pants, which is a great way for the public to not only see the unit
but to interact with and experience first-hand the people that
make up the Royal Canadian Navy.
8 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016
IN THE NRDs
The Royal Canadian Navy’s Commitment to our
Communities: The Case of HMCS Radisson
Local units play a key role as a vector of community involvement
By Capt Julien Beauchamp-Laliberté, UPAR, HMCS Radisson
O ur Commanding Officer has assigned us a clear mission: We
must engage in a proactive conversation with Canadians.1
This mission remains current and necessary in a political
and global context where our Navy is called upon to intervene all over
the world.
Positive, ongoing and efficient community involvement has a
favourable impact on Canadians’ opinions by raising the profile of the
Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with leaders and other influential people.
By stepping up our proactive community involvement with key stake-
holders, we enhance the RCN’s credibility as an essential player, both
nationally and locally.
Although our sailors are still the RCN’s best ambassadors, we must On 21 January 2016, at the second Soirée de la communauté maritime conference, the
Commanding Officer of HMCS Radisson, Lieutenant-Commander Martin Bouchard, hosted
also learn to develop and use a network to get our message out. That representatives of more than 62 political, business and community organizations in the
will create a ripple effect. The reality is that the image we project, just Trois-Rivières area to discuss the RCN and its global and local involvement. In this photo are
a senator, a provincial minister, directors of the ports of Trois-Rivières, Bécancour and Sorel,
like the message we deliver, will directly affect the success of our oper- a president of a Royal Canadian Legion branch, an honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, and repre-
ational missions around the globe. sentatives from local community organizations.
(Photo: LS Janick Daigle, HMCS Radisson.)
Our communications and relations with our communities are vital: if
we neglect them, we neglect to highlight our operational successes
and we deprive ourselves of opportunities to meet with influencers and The following list contains examples of influential individuals and orga-
decision makers to discuss our Navy’s place in a global geopolitical nizations that HMCS Radisson maintains relations with.
context. We must not underestimate the power and extent of the net-
Influential organizations and individuals
works that the political, business and social leaders in our communities
may have. Instead, we must use them to our advantage! Strategic Outreach to the maritime
communication community
Clearly, the more the RCN becomes involved with local community - Federal MPs and provincial MNAs. - Port Authority.
organizations and individuals, the better placed we will be to engage - Senators. - RCN community.
in a conversation with Canadians. The more opportunities the RCN is - Mayors and municipal - Maritime agencies
able to create proactively by developing a network of influential peo- administrations. and enterprises.
ple, the more success we will have in steering the conversation. - Federal and provincial - Maritime business
administrations. and professional
These premises form the foundation for local planning of our commu- - Emergency services. - Marinas.
nity relations. - CF Liaison Council. - Boating clubs.
- Honorary captains. - Local nautical events.
In concrete terms, HMCS Radisson must take up all opportunities - The business community.
offered to the unit, but we must also create opportunities to make con- - Universities and colleges.
tact with people of influence and our leaders. - Veterans’ associations.
No matter where our units are located across Canada, we have avail-
able to us a potential network of influential people who are interested maritime and economic sectors, and we invite elected representatives
in knowing more about the RCN and the CAF. When we get them to participate in many of our activities.
involved in the RCN community, we are demonstrating that we think With the “One Navy” concept, the Naval Reserve divisions give the
they are important. In return, they will be more inclined to pay atten- RCN a unique capacity for local involvement across Canada, from sea
tion to the messages we communicate to them. to sea.
HMCS Radisson creates and strengthens ties with these stakeholders We must not forget that we are the standard-bearers in local commu-
through a variety of activities that we organize or participate in. For nities across Canada. We have put down roots in those communities,
example, the Commanding Officer of HMCS Radisson takes part reg- and we have the ability to reach out to people with regional and local
ularly in the activities of the Trois-Rivières Chamber of Commerce, we influence, who in turn can convey our message to our national leaders.
host veterans’ groups and emergency services organizations in our
division, we organize an annual conference with stakeholders from the We must venture off the beaten path and occupy ground that we may
not have occupied before. However, the effort will be worthwhile. We
1 The primary mission set out in the RCN Communication Strategy 2012–2016 by
will not see quantifiable results from this involvement overnight, but
the Commander of the RCN at the time, Vice-Admiral (VAdm) Paul A. Maddison, the benefits will come soon enough, and they will be commensurate
and reiterated by the current Commander, VAdm Mark Norman. with the importance of the institution we represent.
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 9
IN THE NRDs
Rock ‘n’ Roll at HMCS York for a Good Cause
By NCdt Ryan Lenssen, HMCS York
O peration Glowing Hearts is an annual charity fundraiser for
the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre, hosted by the
Junior Ranks’ Mess at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS)
York, otherwise known as the Golden Dolphin Club. This year, the
Golden Dolphin Club expanded the scope of the occasion from a
mess event to a unit wide charity concert. The goal was to unite
Toronto’s military community for this worthy cause, and invitations
were extended to all CAF personnel and their families.
Stella Ella Ola, the headliner for the night, rocking out at HMCS York for Operation Glowing
Hearts 2016, an annual charity fundraiser for the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre, on
January 30th, 2016.
(Photo by Alysha Lenssen.)
On January 30th, 2016, the team transformed the drill deck of HMCS
York into a professional concert venue with support from MetalWorks
Production Group, who generously donated their expertise and equip-
ment. The very talented Canadian TV star Kristian Bruun hosted the
Birds of Bellwoods playing to a packed house at HMCS York during Operation Glowing Hearts
evening; Bruun’s own military history brought a personal touch to his
2016, an annual charity fundraiser for the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre, on master of ceremonies duties, while his impeccable improvisation skills
January 30th, 2016. kept everyone in stitches. Three incredible local bands provided the
(Photo by Alysha Lenssen.)
main entertainment: Birds of Bellwoods, The Order of Good Cheer,
and Stella Ella Ola. Their donated performances absolutely rocked the
ship. One of the best food trucks in Toronto, Mustache Burger, pro-
vided catering, driving right up to the ship’s breezeway and filling
everyone’s bellies with delicious fare, while the Junior. Ranks’ Bar
served drinks. The Toronto Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)
set up an impressive booth, and a key member of their staff, Kim
Frost, also took the stage to say a few words about Toronto’s military
community, and the services available at the MFRC. She and Bruun
delighted the audience with an impromptu rendition of ‘Happy
Open House Birthday’ to Cyndi Mills, who attended on behalf of Canadian Military
at HMCS Family Magazine.
Malahat An event this size would not have gotten off the ground without sup-
port from the senior leadership at York, who believed in the Junior
To read the article of PO
Ranks to organize and run the event. Special thanks go to
2 Beth-Anne Salzer, see
Commander Johnston, the Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant-
the RCN website/Naval
Commander Harrald, the Administration Officer, for enabling this
Reserve News/February
effort to grow. The Golden Dolphin Club also extends sincere appre-
26, 2016.
ciation to all the volunteers who contributed to the evening’s success.
In the end, the third annual Operation Glowing Hearts raised a sizable
donation for the Toronto MFRC. It is hoped that Operation Glowing
Hearts will become a staple celebration at HMCS York that continues
to bring together the Toronto military community in support of won-
derful causes such as the MFRC.
PO 2 Beth-Anne Salzer discussed the benefits of a
part-time career in the Naval Reserve with interested
visitors during the open house of HMCS Malahat, on
January 30, 2016.
(Photo by PO 2 Albert van Akker, HMCS Malahat.)
10 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016IN THE NRDs
Preserving the "playground of the north end"
By A/SLt Andrew McLaughlin, HMCS Star
O n a beautiful Saturday morning in October, nine members
of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Star arrived at
Eastwood Park to help preserve a city landmark that was
once the pride of the community, and which was recently adopted
by the local Naval Reserve Division.
The sailors are part of Adopt-a-Park, a year-round program run by
the City of Hamilton designed to help maintain local parks, linking
park users and community groups by providing clean and safe
spaces for everyone.
“Adopt-a-Park is a great way to get involved with the community
and provide an opportunity for the unit to give back at a local level
to Hamilton, which has shown and continues to show the utmost
support for our sailors,” said Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Jesse Shim, who
organized the effort.
Community groups volunteer to maintain their adopted park for PO 2 Kevin Clements participates in Adopt-A-Park in Hamilton, Ont., on October 10, 2015.
(Photo by A/SLt Andrew McLaughlin, PAO, HMCS Star.)
three years at a time, and hold litter clean ups, gardening events,
weeding, and graffiti removal under the motto, "clean-up efforts cre-
ate great parks, and great parks make great neighbourhoods!"
Sporting protective gloves and carrying large bags to collect both The effects of wear-and-tear and urban sprawl have crept in since
recycling and litter, the team adopted a classic extended line forma- the park's glory days, however, and the Adopt-a-Park organizers at
tion led by SLt Shim and SLt Akash Pathak, along with Petty Officer HMCS Star recognized a need to help bring back some of that lost
2nd Class Kevin Clements, to ensure maximum coverage of the area glory to an area often used by members of the unit for sports and
by using a search pattern that covers ground in a sweeping fashion, physical training.
section by section.
The Thanksgiving holiday and the warm sunny conditions drew sev-
The naval reservists effectively scoured the park for plastic bottles, eral young families to the park that day and they noticed the differ-
pop cans, plastic bags, cigarette butts and various other pieces of ence that the sailors had made. Michelle Gillis, whose family has
trash. Thanks in part to their military efficiency using extended line lived across the street for generations and who frequents the park
sweeps, the team was able to collect numerous large bags of waste with her young children said, "It's nice to see this; the children are
that would otherwise litter the park and surrounding neighbourhood. playing and there's no mess!"
Eastwood Park is one of Hamilton’s oldest parks and is located in SLt Shim says that HMCS Star sailors can be proud of what they've
the city's north end adjacent to HMCS Star and Canadian Forces accomplished in the neighbourhood, and that they look forward to
Reserve Barracks Hamilton, straddling the border between the maintaining this connection to the community: “Despite it being
Hamilton Yacht Club to the west, and the industrial heart of the city Thanksgiving weekend, there was a great turnout from the unit. I am
to the east. very pleased with the enthusiasm that was present and the work that
was accomplished," he said."I look forward to our next clean-up,
Sixty years ago, this land-locked park extended all the way down to which will take place closer to the end of the training year.”
the shore of Hamilton Harbour. The City of Hamilton purchased the
site in 1886 to build a new wharf, as at the time, the area was actu- The locals see the value in this partnership too. "It's an absolutely
ally covered by water. In the early 1900s, it was filled in with refuse excellent endeavour," said Shawn O'Connor, a Hamilton resident,
and top soil and opened as the North End Park in 1908. Its name while taking a break on a park bench from a long bike ride.
was changed to Eastwood Park in 1911, and became known as the "Hopefully what they're doing will inspire others in the neighbour-
"playground of the north end" by the 1930s, as people enjoyed a hood to do the same; even on their front lawns and in other
large skating rink in the winter, and fishing, swimming, and boat parks."
rentals in the summer. The park became the centre of amateur
sports in the area, hosting hockey, football, baseball and rugby
games that once drew crowds in the hundreds.
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 11IN THE NRDs
Teamwork is Key for Strategic Social Media
By Lt(N) David Lewis, PAO, HMCS Prevost
E ach Naval Reserve Division (NRD) is tasked with repre-
senting the Royal Canadian Navy in their respective com-
munities. The visibility we receive in accomplishing this
mission is greatly affected by the tools we use. Social media has
At HMCS Prevost, we have enjoyed reasonable success in pro-
moting our brand on various social media platforms. This is great-
ly a result of what we refer to as our Strategic Visibility Team
(SVT). The SVT consists of the public affairs officer, the UPAR,
become mainstream media as the Internet is the primary source both recruiters, the ships photographer/videographer, and a
of information for individuals born after 1987. Facebook has social media tech. At least once a month, we sit together and for-
become the entry point for most internet activity with over 9 mil- mulate a battle plan assuring we can maximize everyone’s efforts.
lion Canadians logging on daily. Together, we scour community calendars, upcoming events,
sports and entertainment venues, team schedules, convention
With this in mind, we must maintain a highly visible presence center programs, etc. We evaluate anything and everything for
wherever the population congregates. Our message and means the potential of visibility, attraction and outreach.
must focus on the receiver not the sender. This new matrix
demands that we push content to the user rather than expect There’s an upcoming OHL hockey game with 12,000 in atten-
users to seek us out. Static websites alone, which simply broad- dance? Can we get our Colour Party on the ice for the national
cast information, no longer meet today’s social expectations. anthem? Can we have an ‘information’ booth? Would they be
willing to recognize a ‘hometown hero’? Can ships photographer
attend? Can we schedule the Navy Display Bus? Will civilian
media attend? And then we move to the next potential event
which is a drag race at a local speedway. We explore the obvious
but we also push the envelope far outside the box. A colour party
at Orchestra London’s concert of patriotic music, the CO as guest
judge for the Mayor’s charity ‘Dancing with the Stars’, having the
Navy RHIB present at the Dragon Boat Festival, and offering the
local bridal show the opportunity to have sailors in whites escort
models on the runway for a wedding gown fashion show. The
Naval Communicators: team leaves no stone unturned.
Not your Typical
The battle plan is in place and all team members are self-tasked.
Geek Squad The next month will provide a wide variety of visibility for the
RCN through the NRD. This however is only the beginning.
To read this article, see the RCN website/Navy Every event must be captured and converted to content for social
News/March 8, 2016. media. That content can be pushed ambitiously on social media
to increase the reach from 12,000 at the OHL game to hundreds
of thousands online.
HMCS Prevost’s SVT has an aggressive after action SOP (stan-
dard operating procedures) to make that happen.
The senior naval communicator
on Her Majesty's Canadian Ship
(HMCS) Summerside takes down
the ship's call sign following the
ship's departure from Colon,
Panama on February 20, 2016,
during Operation CARIBBE.
(Photo: Public Affairs, HMCS
Summerside.)
12 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016OPERATIONS
Reservist Sails to Antarctica with the Royal Navy
By Lt(N) Daniel Turcotte, PAO, Naval Reserve Headquarters
F or the first time in 80 years, the Royal Navy has returned to
the Ross Sea in Antarctica. Sub-Lieutenant (SLt) Mathieu
Simard, a reservist with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN),
participated in the deployment. Sailor exchanges with allied navies
are possible through the RCN’s REGULUS program.
Aerial view of HMS Protector in Antarctic field ice, January 5, 2016.
(Photo: Leading photographer Nicky Wilson.)
“The crew was very proud of that. It means a lot to me too. Two
months before joining the ship, I took part in Operation QIMMIQ
in the Canadian Arctic aboard HMCS Moncton. In the space of a
year, I’ve had the chance to sail and see the Arctic and the
Antarctic,” SLt Simard concluded.
SLt Mathieu Simard on a mission in Antarctica, February 14, 2016.
(Photo: Leading photographer Nicky Wilson.)
A member of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montcalm, the
Naval Reserve Division in Quebec City, SLt Simard joined the ice
patrol vessel HMS Protector in Hobart, Australia on December 15,
2015. Two days later, the military icebreaker left port and headed
for the Ross Sea on a mission to support the work of the
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR) and protect the region’s unique ecosystem.
“It took us about a week, including two days of icebreaking, to get REGULUS in Antarctica: Learning
to the Ross Sea. Once we got there, we began searching for fishing
vessels to board and inspect,” explained SLt Simard. the tricks of the trade
To read the article of A/SLt Kyle Reed, see the RCN web-
In addition to inspecting fishing vessels, HMS Protector conducted site/Navy News/March 3, 2016.
surveys of the seafloor in the Cape Royds and Cape Evans areas.
“We also got the opportunity to conduct three excursions.
Obviously, we hoped to see penguins. We weren’t disappointed as
a very large group was waiting for us near the disembarkation point
on the ice,” said SLt Simard.
On January 6, 2016, the crew also got the chance to visit Captain
Robert Falcon Scott’s hut, built in January 1911 during the British
Antarctic expedition.
HMS Protector established a new record during this deployment –
it was the first Royal Navy ship to have ventured so far south in 80
years. In fact, it was the first Royal Navy ship to have sailed south of Aerial view of HMS Protector in Antarctic field ice, January 5, 2016.
(Photo: Leading photographer Nicky Wilson.)
the 77th parallel since the Second World War.
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 13OPERATIONS
Sailing the Seven Seas
By Lt(N) David F. Cochrane, HMCS Scotian
O n HMCS Fredericton’s deployment from December
2014 to July 2015, her ship’s company was afforded not
only the opportunity to participate in Op ACTIVE
ENDEAVOUR and Op REASSURANCE, as well as the largest
EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR in memory, but to visit and explore
the Mediterranean, a place as rich in history as any spot on the
Earth that you could care to name.
The term ‘Seven Seas’ has had many definitions over time; one of
them being the seven major seas contained by the Mediterranean.
The Adriatic… the Aegean… the names by themselves conjure up
so much in the imagination, but to actually visit them is akin to
replacing a pencil-sketch with an oil painting.
Upon entering the Mediterranean through the Straits of Gibraltar in
early January 2015, it is the Alboran Sea – between Spain and
Africa – that we visited first. Fredericton transited through the Straits
in the middle of the night, but the bright lights of Gibraltar and Crewmembers of HMCS Fredericton heave in on a line as the ship comes alongside in Catania,
Sicily during Operation REASSURANCE on January 21, 2015.
Morocco still allowed us a splendid view of this bridge of empires: (Photo by Maritime Task Force - OP REASSURANCE, DND.)
Carthage from Africa to Spain, Rome from Spain to Africa, and the
Caliphate back into Spain again, with Gibraltar a reminder of the
last and biggest empire of them all, to which Canada owes its cre-
ation. Our transit of the Balearic Sea in late January 2015, while it did not
afford us a sight of the famous islands, did allow us to pay homage
to Catalonia with a visit to Barcelona, one of the prime centers of
Having passed through the gate to the Mediterranean, Fredericton’s
resistance against Franco’s nationalists and – in spite of the reprisals
next visit was to the Tyrrhenian Sea – more specifically, a visit to
after his victory in 1939 – still one of the greatest cities in Spain and
Naples. Mount Vesuvius, perhaps the most infamous volcano of
Europe. Fredericton proceeded on national taskings for a short time
them all, loomed large astern of us, while spread at her feet were
after leaving Barcelona, which saw her navigate the Strait of
the modern-day towns that she still threatens to bury, along with the
Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia; for the second time, we
ancient ones that she did. Our visit to Naples also afforded the crew
could see the shores of two nations at once.
the chance to visit Rome, where empires and invaders from
Hannibal Barca to Benito Mussolini have clashed for more than two
thousand years. The Strait of Messina, crossed by Canadian troops to reach the
Italian mainland during the Second World War, saw us reach the
Ionian Sea and the port of Catania on the east coast of Sicily. While
there,Fredericton was paid a visit by the Chief of Defense Staff who
expressed appreciation for our efforts, as well as by Team Canada,
who conveyed the Canadian public’s appreciation. Even more
meaningful than that, however, was the opportunity to visit Agira
War Cemetery, which contains the graves of more than five hundred
Canadian soldiers from the Sicilian campaign of July 1943. This site
impressed upon us all the legacy of past Canadian endeavours –
almost all done for the benefit of other nations rather than for our-
selves – that we must continue to maintain.
In late February, the next stage of Fredericton’s sojourn, through
the Libyan Sea to conduct hails for Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, did
not afford us a glimpse of any historic cities, but rather for the first
time a period of several days of seeing nothing but the sea and the
commercial traffic moving back and forth upon her, as it has in this
part of the Mediterranean since the days of the Phoenicians and
their great trading empire. This part of our journey concluded, how-
ever, with a visit to Crete at the beginning of February. This island
HMCS Fredericton sails under a display of aurora borealis off the coast of Scotland during was not only the place where ancient Greek civilization began, but
Exercise JOINT WARRIOR as part of Operation REASSURANCE on April 16, 2015.
(Photo by Maritime Task Force – OP REASSURANCE , DND.)
14 LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016OPERATIONS
might very well have been the spot where Greece ceased to exist as Hungarian Empire was followed by unions, divisions and civil wars
the defeated Allies completed their withdrawal before the still- between the numerous groups living in the Balkans. Contrast this
unbeatable German armies in 1941. with the western side of the Adriatic, which touches only Italy – a
product of union between various warring states that has lasted for
Upon departing Crete, our next stops were in the Adriatic Sea in nearly a hundred and fifty years.
mid-February; the astonishing figure of five nations bordering its
eastern side is testament to the turmoil that has wracked this region Last, and perhaps greatest, of the seas of the Mediterranean for
over the last century. These tensions helped precipitate the First Fredericton to visit was the Aegean in late February; we had a brief
World War, while the subsequent collapse of the old Austro- stop in Athens, which did not disappoint with its ancient structures,
teeming marketplaces and magnificent vistas. The only sight that
could possibly top the view of Piraeus Harbour is what greeted us all
when we finally departed the Mediterranean for the Black Sea: the
entrance to the Dardanelles, which, like the Straits of Gibraltar,
afforded us the glimpse of two continents at the same time. Cape
Helles’ beaches, cliffs and rugged top would be striking enough on
their own, but the approaching hundredth anniversary of the
Gallipoli landings – with not one, but two memorials in plain view as
we passed by – provided an added pungency that was lost on no one
Food For Thought as we passed out of the Mediterranean, with some members of the
By SLt Miriam Black, PAO, HMCS ship’s company paying respects to relatives lost on that very ground.
Brunswicker
Although Fredericton carried out a busy programme while navigat-
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined ing the seas of the Mediterranean, it will be the magnificence of the
well.” cities and the coastlines, whose splendor is enriched by their varied
- Virginia Woolf, writer histories that will remain in all of our memories far longer than any
exercise.
For the past two years, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS)
Brunswicker has participated in a local city program called Lunch
Connection every month. The program focuses on vulnerable
neighbourhoods within Saint John to provide free hot lunches to
children and youth. In Saint John, there are over 450 registered
participants in the hot lunch program, reaching more than 45,000
lunches served each year.
Each month, the full-time staff of HMCS Brunswicker attends St.
John the Baptist King Edward School where they serve the pre-
pared meals to the participants. Commenting on Brunswicker’s
particpation, Lt(N) Zac Townson, Executive Officer and Training
Officer of HMCS Brunswicker, summed it up, “We care about the
community where we work and live, and this is one way we try to
Saskatoon Native Takes on
show it.” Operation CARIBBE
For more information on the Lunch Connection program, visit: To read the article of Lt(N) Linda Coleman, see the RCN
http://www.lunchconnection.org/ website/Navy News/March 23, 2016.
Lieutenant-Commander Jason Bergen, the Executive Officer of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship
MS Michelle Eisen and Lt(N) Zac Townson serve up meals during the program Lunch (HMCS) Saskatoon stands on the bridge during Operation CARIBBE on March 9, 2016.
Connection on January 21, 2016.
(Photo by Public Affairs Officer, Op CARIBBE.)
(Photo by A/SLt Susannah Anderson, HMCS Brunswicker.)
LINK Vol. 25, No 2, April 2016 15You can also read
