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VOLUME 71 NUMBER 22 | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
MORALE & WELFARE NEWS | CFB ESQUIMALT, VICTORIA, B.C.
Esquimalt Poppy Pinning Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a Month of Remembrance On Oct 23, a pinning ceremony at Esquimalt Dockyard Branch 172 of the Royal Canadian Legion marked the beginning of the Legion’s 2026 National Poppy Campaign. A small symbol carries a lasting reminder. Join the Defence community in wearing a poppy to honour those who have served and sacrificed.
Capt(N) Douglas Layton, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, pins a poppy to a member of the Royal Canadian Legion at Esquimalt Legion Branch 172 on Oct 23. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging
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“The CAF members who have died were beloved family members, teammates, friends, and fellow Defence Team colleagues.” A joint message from Chief of the Defence Staff General (Gen) Jennie Carignan, CAF Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Bob McCann, and Deputy Minister Christiane Fox
The Canadian flag sits at halfmast at the Victoria Cenotaph on Oct 18. Photo: A/SLt Mike Samuels, CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs
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Private Aidan Goulding
Private Hayden Lykkemark
Private Shaun Farrell
Sergeant Morgan Wong
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
Loyal Edmonton Regiment serving with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
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Photos provided by the Government of Canada.
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Local Defence Community Mourns Loss at CFB Wainwright Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper with files from the Government of Canada
Following the sudden directional change of the grass fire, emergency responders, military personnel, and civilian partners worked to control the fire and assist those
The loss of four Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members in a fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, Alta, has sent waves of grief through the Canadian Defence community. As Canadians mourn those who lost their lives and support those recovering from injuries, the focus remains on caring for the people affected by the tragedy.
affected. Ultimately, the incident led to the fatality of four
The incident began when a grass fire ignited at approximately 4 p.m. at CFB Wainwright on Oct 17 during a training exercise.
large areas of the province and gusts reaching up to 100
“[The exercise is] to prepare for two roles, to become what’s called our global response task force, ready to move within hours to any hotspot around the world,” said Major General (MGen) Liam Wade Rutland, adding that the intent behind the training was to prepare for an upcoming deployment in Latvia in 2027. “This was high intensity combat training with live munitions.”
David J. McGuinty made a formal address, stating,
“During the conduct of the training, a grass fire ignited in the training area,” continued MGen Rutland. “Uncommonly strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction towards the range administrative area.”
CAF members and 39 others injured, with 19 of those injured in critical condition. (As of Oct 22, 27 members remained hospitalized and 12 had been released from the hospital.) Earlier in the day, Environment Canada had issued a warning of high winds, with a windstorm hitting kilometres per hour. In response to the incident, Minister of National Defence “My thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event. I would also like to thank the first responders and personnel who continue to work tirelessly.” He also noted that the CAF is working with partners across the federal government to support all those affected by the tragedy. In a joint message, Chief of the Defence Staff General (Gen) Jennie Carignan, CAF Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Bob McCann, and Deputy Minister Christiane Fox acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy.
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MORALE & WELFARE NEWS CFB ESQUIMALT, VICTORIA, B.C. A Division of Personnel Support Programs The Lookout Newspaper and Publishing provides morale and welfare news to CFB Esquimalt, Maritime Forces Pacific, and is nationally distributed bi-weekly online at lookoutnewspaper.com with social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Reach out to us, we'd love to hear your feedback and story ideas! Published every other Monday, under the authority of Captain(N) Douglas Layton, Commander, CFB Esquimalt. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or reject copy or advertising to adhere to policy as outlined in PSP Policy Manual. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of National Defence.
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“The CAF members who have died were beloved family members, teammates, friends, and fellow Defence Team colleagues,” they wrote. “Our immediate focus remains on supporting those directly affected, including their loved ones, friends, and unit members. We are committed to helping them access the care and support they need in the days and weeks ahead.” The message also acknowledged the efforts of military members, civilian colleagues, emergency services personnel, and surrounding communities who responded to the incident and continue to care for those affected. At CFB Esquimalt, members of the Defence Team observed a two-minute period of silence at 11 a.m. on Oct 21, joining military communities across the country in remembering the CAF members who lost their lives. The observance also recognized those who remain critically injured, the many families and CAF members affected by the incident, and the importance of supporting one another through times of tragedy. Further circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation. The CAF has stated that additional information will be shared as it becomes available, while respecting those most directly affected by the tragedy. Across the country, this loss will continue to be felt well beyond the immediate circle of those involved, underscoring the deep connections that run between CAF members, Defence families, military bases, and communities across the country.
We will never forget.
Written in honour and memory of:
For those in need of support, please reach out. Support services are available to Defence Team members and their families via:
CF Health, Support, and Casualty Services Employee Assistance Program:
1-800-663-1142 CF Member Assistance Program:
1-800-268-7708 Family Information Line:
1-800-866-4546
Sergeant (Sgt) Morgan Wong, 26 years old, from the Loyal Edmonton Regiment based at Edmonton, Alberta serving with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Wong, born in Edmonton, graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and was a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance before enlisting in the CAF. Private (Pte) Shaun Farrell, 23 years old, from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) based at Edmonton, Alberta. Farrell, from Prince Albert, Sask., was known among those in his battalion as a “Grand Master of Chess.” Private (Pte) Aidan Goulding, 23 years old, from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) based at Edmonton, Alberta. Goulding, from Vancouver Island, B.C., attended Dunsmuir Middle School, Royal Bay Secondary School, and Camosun College. He worked in Langford before enlisting in the CAF. Private (Pte) Hayden Lykkemark, 19 years old, from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) based at Edmonton, Alberta. Lykkemark, from Langley, B.C., attended Langley Secondary School, where he played rugby.
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Welcome to the Month of
Remembrance Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper As November begins to unfold, so does our collective duty to remember. Welcome to the month of remembrance, a time to express gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed for Canada, honour those who never returned home, and recognize the lasting impact of service and conflict on Canadian families, communities, and generations. For the Defence community, remembrance is personal. Behind every name on a memorial is a life, a family, friends and colleagues, a community, fulfilled dreams, and unfulfilled hopes. In November, we remember the Canadians who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all other conflicts. We remember those who served in peacekeeping missions and operations around the world, as well as current members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who continue to serve at home and abroad. We also remember those who lost their lives during peacetime, and the veterans with us today who returned home carrying both physical and invisible wounds. A wider circle of remembrance includes Defence families, whose lives are shaped by deployments, separation, and loss; Defence communities who support each other during times of both tragedy and peace; and civilians whose lives are changed by conflict.
moment of national reflection, it is important that the responsibility to remember extends beyond this single day. As such, choose to engage with concepts of remembrance throughout the month of November, and well past. The first observance of Canadian Remembrance Day marked the anniversary of the armistice that brought an end to fighting in the First World War on Nov 11, 1918. Today, Canadians gather at cenotaphs, attend commemorative ceremonies, and observe two minutes of silence, always at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Remembrance also makes space for those who served and lost their lives in peacetimes along with military stories that have not always received recognition, such as those of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As such, Indigenous Veterans Day, observed on Nov 8, offers an opportunity to recognize their service and acknowledge historical injustices faced by Indigenous veterans despite their contributions and sacrifices. While the act of remembering may begin with a moment of silence or a name spoken aloud on Nov 8 and 11, true remembrance lives on in what we choose to learn, the stories we choose to tell, and how we care for one another, always. Thank you for your service. Lest we forget.
While Nov 11 continues to provide a shared
Page top: A poppy is placed alongside others as a symbol of remembrance at Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C., on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: Avr Rebecca Mainardi, MARPAC Imaging Centre: A member of the CAF stands during a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Grand Parade Sqaure, Halifax, on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: Cpl Mitchell Paquette, CAF Imagery Right: An RCN sailor places a poppy during a Remembrance Day Ceremony at BeaumontHamel during Op REASSURANCE on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: Cpl Annabelle Marcoux, CAF Imagery
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Sailors from HMCS Cabot march through St. Johns, NL, during a Remembrance Day Parade on Nov 11, 2025. Photo supplied.
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An RCN sailor places a poppy during a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel during Op REASSURANCE on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: Cpl Annabelle Marcoux, CAF Imagery
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Members of the RCN participate during a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Victoria, B.C., on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: MS Bryan Underwood, MARPAC Imaging
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Members of the CAF participate in a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Grand Parade Sqaure, Halifax, on Nov 11, 2025. Photo: Avr Guillaume Roy, CAF Imagery
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01 from
The Archives This edition of Remembrance from the Archives was published on Thursday, Oct 24, 1968.
Reverend W. J. Boland CFB Esquimalt Base Chaplain (Roman Catholic) “Remember” according to the Oxford Dictionary means “retain in the memory, not forget, recall to mind.” Traditionally, the month of November is the month to remember, as we recall to mind those who have died. The Nation too pauses to remember. Remembrance Day is set aside each year so that we do not forget those who laid down their lives for us: “Lest we forget.” The practice of praying and offering sacrifice to and for the dead has come to us from antiquity. A handful of food by a grave in the wilderness, a massive pyramid, a majestic cathedral, all bear witness to this practice. The Book of Maccabees relates to how Judas offered sacrifice for the dead. “... sent about two thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem to offer an expiatory sacrifice, acting properly and appropriately considering the resurrection... Hence on behalf of the dead, he offered this expiation.” (2 Mach 12). Apart from any discussion on the biblical authenticity of this book, the incident does point out historically the existence of this practice among God’s Chosen People. The Church begins November with the Feast of All Saints. She recalls to our minds those who have attained victory and now are
enjoying their eternal reward. She wants us to remember that they and we are made of the same flesh and blood; that they were in the same war as we are now with the “World, the Flesh, and the Devil.” Young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong, sick and heathy, married and single, all have won in their own particular arena of life. That should be a great encouragement for us. The kitchen, the office, the classroom, the playground, is the battleground where victory must be won. In the Mass for this day, the first Scripture reading is from John’s vision of the countless multitude of the saved: “I saw in vision a great throng which no one could count, from every nation – from all tribes, people and tongues.” The second reading is from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount – the Beatitudes – or as it has been called, the Character of his Kingdom here on earth. Christ described in a simple yet dramatic way the ideals to be expected of his people. That human beings like ourselves have been able to live up to these ideals and now enjoy and eternal reward should indeed be an inspiration for us. The Church follows up the day of victory with All Souls Day. She remembers the “hospitalized” victors (if we may use the expression), those who carried with them to the grave the scars of battle. They have to “recuperate” and be brought to spiritual perfection to enjoy the
happiness of Heaven. Tradition calls them “the Souls of Purgatory”. When we pray for the dead, these are the ones we have in mind. The name “Purgatory” is not important. May be there is a better name. What really matters is the existence of a place, or a means, beyond the grave where souls still imperfect at the time of death can be brought to perfection. Indeed, this has been called one of the most consoling and hopeful doctrines of Christianity. It is interesting to note that prayer, in some form or other, is usually associated with death regardless of the belief of those involved. The hope is expressed in prayer that the deceased are enjoying an eternal reward, that the good they did and the example they set will continue to be felt for ages to come. Also, there is a prayer that those surviving will not give way to bitterness or useless grief, that they will use this moment of sorry to think about preparing for their own, and that they will cherish the memory of the deceased. If there was something very special about the life or death of those departed, then the community, the family and the individual may well be inspired to future greatness. Thus, they will not have died in vain. They and we together may make our own the words of St Paul: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory.” (1 Cor. Xv).
This November, Remembrance from the Archives revisits stories published in The Lookout that explore reflection, military service, war, and the people behind the uniform from the perspective of years long past. By returning to these accounts, we reflect on the experiences and sacrifices of serving members that continue to shape our understanding of remembrance today.
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Padre Krystal Sheremeta recites a prayer during a Remembrance Day ceremony held in the Baltic Sea on Nov 10, 2025. Photo: Cpl Laura Landry, CAF Imagery
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Cobble Hill Memorial Remembers Military Members Lost During Peacetime Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper contributions by A/SLt MIchael Samuels, CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs Every Oct 22, veterans, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Legion representatives and community members gather at the Cobble Hill Cenotaph for the annual Peacetime Service and Sacrifice Memorial Vigil. The ceremony pays tribute to military members who died while serving in non-combat circumstances, including during training and those lost to operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This year’s remembrance included Sergeant (Sgt) Morgan Wong, Private (Pte) Shaun Farrell, Pte Aidan Goulding and Pte Hayden Lykkemark, who died during a training incident at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright on Oct 17. The vigil also honours Corporal (Cpl) Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer (WO) Patrice Vincent, whose deaths prompted the annual vigil, and remembers the nine sailors killed and injured in the Oct 23, 1969 HMCS Kootenay explosion. Lest we forget.
COBBLE HILL CENOTAPH INSCRIPTION [front] ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF OUR LOYAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THIS DISTRICT WHO FELL IN THE WAR 1914 — 1918 IN SERVICE TO CANADA KOREA 1950 — 1953 PEACEKEEPING 1954 — (PRESENT) GULF WAR 1990 — 1991 AFGHANISTAN 2001 — 2014
[right side] 1914 — 1918 A.C. LYE J.D. MACFARLANE JAMES MCCLURC BEAVOIR NELSON C. NEWLING J. NEWNHAM C.F. PALMER A.R. PHILLIPS W. PERUNE H.L. RAVENHILL E.O. SHERINGHAM MISS DOROTHY P. TWIST J.S. WHITE T. YOUNG
[back] WM. H. DANN JAMES K. DONEY JOHN FRASER MURDOCK FRASER A.E. FREEMAN HARRY J. GARDINER THOS. E. GUNS DUNCAN HOOK ROBIN HOOK THOS. J.T. JEFFREY N.A. JESSOP ARTHUR E. JONES
Inscription information from Veterans Affairs Canada
Moments from the Oct 22 Peacetime Service and Sacrifice Memorial Vigil observed at the Cobble Hill cenotaph. Photos: Lt(N) Wilson Ho, CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs
[left side] IN MEMORY OF OUR LOYAL SONS OF THIS DISTRICT WHO FELL IN THE WAR 1939 — 1945 W.S. MCMULLEN T.J. BREWER W.R. SLOAN H.N. MONK C.N. MATTHEWS W.L. STEWART-MACLEOD T. ROBERTSON
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Indigenous Beaded Poppy Workshops
Bringing Cultural Learning to Remembrance at CFB Esquimalt Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper For some Defence Team members at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, preparing for the month of remembrance meant learning a new skill to honour those who served. Three Indigenous-led beaded poppy workshops hosted by the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) invited uniformed and civilian Defence Team members to learn Indigenous beadwork; create their own beaded poppies; explore the significance of Indigenous-crafted symbols of remembrance; and honour the service, contributions, and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans. The workshops were facilitated by Emjay Bailey, civilian co-chair of the MARPAC DIAG, and Sergeant (Sgt) Nathan Spence, military co-chair of the Pacific Region DIAG. For Bailey, her beading journey began last year through a project connected to poppies. Bailey said she had previously been unsure how to approach the craft in a way that was respectful. “I wanted to learn and experience things, but also not appropriate,” she said during the workshop. “Learning the craft of beading as a way to honour Indigenous Veterans seemed like an absolutely perfect opportunity for me to get started.” The red poppy is a widely recognized symbol of remembrance used to honour those who served and passed away in military service. The poppy is associated with John McCrae’s First World War poem, In Flanders Fields. Building on this meaning, the beaded poppy carries particular significance in recognizing
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis contributions to military service, including the experiences of Indigenous Veterans whose service have not always been fully acknowledged. Beaded poppies were authorized for wear on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) uniforms for the first time in 2025. “We’re here not as instructors today, nor as teachers, but just as people who have a passion and a love for beading,” said Bailey. “We’re in a learning space. We should be giving ourselves grace, and patience, and understanding that maybe what comes out on our very first try isn’t going to be what we’re happy with, but it’s part of a learning process.” While beadwork is a craft that requires careful attention to each stitch and bead, its significance extends well beyond the finished piece. “Beading is far more than decoration for Indigenous people,” said Sgt Spence, of Anishinaabe/Ojibwe heritage from Treaty 1 Territory in Manitoba. “It’s a form of cultural expression, storytelling, identity, spirituality, and connection between generations.”
Sgt Spence also spoke about the “spirit bead,” an intentionally imperfect detail often found in Indigenous beadwork. The bead, usually a different colour or shape than the rest of the completed piece, serves as a reminder that only the Creator can make something that is truly perfect, offering a different perspective on the mistakes and frustrations that arise while beading. As the workshop concluded, participants walked away with not only a new skill to build upon, but the deeper opportunity to honour Indigenous veterans this November through handmade beaded poppies. Under CAF dress instructions, Indigenouscrafted poppies must be 3.8 to 5.1 centimeters in diameter, with beads and other materials either red or black in colour. Please note that the colour limitation does not apply to traditional, culturally significant Indigenous materials that may also be incorporated into poppy designs, such as shell, seal skin, moose hair, deer hide, feather, porcupine quill, or bone.
Indigenous peoples have historically worked with natural materials such as shells, bone, stone, seeds and porcupine quills while beading. Glass beads became more widely available through the fur trade, after which Indigenous artisans adapted them into their own designs and traditions. “As you’re beading, each stitch is something from you,” said Sgt Spence. “And trust me, there’s going to be some stitches where some of it’s going to be your blood, your tears, and your frustrations. But it’s very soothing.”
A beaded poppy begins to take shape alongside materials and instructions provided to participants of the Oct 15 beaded poppy workshop. Photo: Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper
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Moments from the return of HMCS Ottawa to its home port of CFB Esquimalt on Oct 9. Photos: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging
HMCS Ottawa Returns Home from Indo-Pacific and Arctic Deployment
Archana Cini Lookout Newspaper with files from the Government of Canada
continental defence before returning home to reunite with friends and family just in time for Thanksgiving.
surface and subsurface threats.
demonstrated the RCN’s ability to oper-
Following RIMPAC, Ottawa supported Op
ate across multiple regions while supporting Canada’s defence commitments.
His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa returned to its home port of Esquimalt on Oct 9 following a fourmonth deployment to the Indo-Pacific and northern waters under Operations (Op) HORIZON and LATITUDE.
The deployment began with Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, one of the world’s largest multinational military exercises. During RIMPAC, Ottawa operated alongside allied forces and successfully fired two Mark 46 torpedoes in support of anti-submarine warfare training. The ship also embarked a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)-led team that commanded Task Group 170.1, and served as Sea Combat Commander for 14 ships. In this role, the team fulfilled a key leadership role by coordinating multinational assets to screen United States Ship Theodore Roosevelt against
HORIZON, sailing alongside HMCS Regina and Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix as part of
“From strengthening partnerships
an all-Canadian task group. The deploy-
and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific
ment then transitioned north under Op
to supporting continental defence in
LATITUDE, where Ottawa conducted simu-
northern waters, His Majesty’s Canadian
lated maritime strikes in the Bering Sea
Ship Ottawa demonstrated the profes-
in coordination with the United States Air
sionalism, readiness and versatility of
Force. The activities strengthened inter-
the Royal Canadian Navy,” said RAdm
operability with the United States in sup-
Patchell. “We proudly welcome the
port of continental threat detection, deter-
ship’s company home to Esquimalt.”
The Halifax-class frigate departed Esquimalt on June 1, sailing approximately 25,000 nautical miles during its deployment. Approximately 245 sailors, soldiers, and aviators were deployed aboard the ship, operating alongside allies and partners to strengthen military cooperation and support
rence and defence.
Commander (Cdr) Justin Simmons,
Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell,
Commanding Officer (CO) of HMCS
C omm a n de r Ma ri t i m e Force s
Ottawa, highlighted the crew’s accom-
Pacific and Joint Task Force(Pacific)
plishments and the support they
(MARPAC/JTF(P)), said the deployment
received from home. Article continues next page
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“His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa demonstrated the professionalism, readiness, and versatility of the Royal Canadian Navy,” ~Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force(Pacific)
Article continued from page 16
“Operating alongside our allies and partners during RIMPAC and Operations HORIZON and LATITUDE demonstrated the interoperability, capability, and professionalism of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa’s sailors,” said Cdr Simmons. “I am incredibly proud of what the crew accomplished throughout this deployment, specifically their commitment to regenerating sailors, and am grateful for the steadfast support of our families and friends back home.” After more than four months away, the ship’s return to CFB Esquimalt on Oct 9 brought the deployment to a close and reunited its crew with loved ones. As Ottawa arrived alongside, Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Saidy Mayer and PO1 Alexsander Antonovic shared the traditional first kiss, marking the ship’s homecoming.
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Testing Tomorrow’s Technology to Protect Canada’s Harbours
EXERCISE PHANTOM LINK
Highlights from Ex PHANTOM LINK conducted at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt from Sept 14 to 18. Photos: Cpl Brandon Lin, Royal Westminister Regiment
Article continues next page
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Highlights from Ex PHANTOM LINK conducted at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt from Sept 14 to 18. Photos: Cpl Brandon Lin, Royal Westminister Regiment
EXERCISE PHANTOM LINK Article continued from page 16
SLt Mana Vostakolaee MARPAC Public Affairs Exercise (Ex) PHANTOM LINK, led by Joint Task Force(Pacific) (JTF(P)) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt from Sept 14 to 18, brought together Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members to test emerging technologies, modernize communications systems, and enhance harbor security capabilities. More than 40 participants from JTF(P) headquarters (HQ), including Advanced Naval Capabilities (ANC), Fleet Diving Unit(Pacific) (FDU(P)), 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) and 39 Canadian Brigade
Group (39CBG), took part in the exercise. Conducted over five days, the exercise emphasized innovation and capability development rather than traditional training objectives. The exercise focused on digitalizing and modernizing communications across the Navy element within JTF(P) while supporting collaboration between sailors, soldiers, aviators, Rangers, and industry partners. Major (Maj) Saajan Sarai, JTF(P) J6 Signal Officer and Exercise Director,
said : “The most challenging aspect of the exercise was the time constraint. Participants were required to identify technical issues, test solutions, and gather feedback at a rapid pace and during a short period of time.” Maj Sarai also compared the network to a bridge, where continuous testing and refinement are essential to achieving success. Ex PHANTOM LINK was conducted in support of future ANC taskings, and provided an opportunity to test, integrate, and evaluate new technologies in realistic operational conditions.
A key highlight of the exercise was the integration of autonomous and uncrewed systems. These technologies were employed to enhance situational awareness during a harbour security scenario designed to detect and deter potential intruders. The exercise also made use of the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), which helped provide a shared operational picture for participants. Exercise outcomes included a mobile tactical operations centre, beyondline-of-sight communications, and a unified common operating picture for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the CAF.
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HMCS Ville De Québec’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter “AVALANCHE” conducts flight operations in the vicinity of the Lofoten Islands, Norway, while deployed on Operation REASSURANCE on 26 September 2026. Photo Credit: Corporal Gregory Cole, Canadian Armed Forces Photo