Military opens doors at Ogden Point
See first-hand the equipment and military assets the Canadian Armed Forces use in the defence of Canada at Defence on the Dock, an open house put on by Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on Sunday.
You don’t have to go to the base to discover the changes, as Defence on the Dock brings CFB Esquimalt to you by staging the open house at Ogden Point, with a collection of interactive displays and demonstrations from units found at the base.
Highlights of the day will include tours on three ships: HMCS Vancouver, Whitehorse and Chicoutimi, a chance to see the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter up close, demonstrations from the Fleet Diving Unit and a search and rescue demonstration.
“Defence on the Dock is a chance to see what happens every day behind the gates of CFB Esquimalt,” said Capt. Jason Boyd, Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt. “This free and fun family event is an opportunity for everyone to meet our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen as well as take part in interactive displays, tour ships and see numerous vehicles up close.
“We hope this helps show how diverse the local defence community is, and what a large part it plays in the region.”
Displays include military vehicles and interactive and dynamic hands-on displays including artifacts recovered from Esquimalt Harbour environmental projects and cadet displays.
Participants get a chance to interact with military and civilian personnel, including members from the Naval Tactical Operations Group, who work on the base. And there will be a chance to learn about the activities and missions that they are engaged in on a daily basis.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by music from the Naden and the 5th Field Regiment bands.
There will be ample family-friendly activities, as well as information on both military and civilian career opportunities.
All three ships will be open for tours starting at 10 a.m. (no high heels), and rigidhulled inflatable boat rides start at 10:30 a.m. (children must be 50 inches or taller).
A flypast by a CP-140 Aurora and a CH-149 Cormorant takes place during the day as well as a demonstration by the SkyHawks parachute team.
Food trucks will be on site and there will be water refill stations.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ogden Point cruise ship t erminal.
Opening ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. with a First Nations blessing and welcome from the base commander.
Bicycle parking/lock up is available. The site is served by B.C. Transit route No. 2.
For more information, go to cafconnection.ca or Facebook.