Photo: Cpl Annabelle Marcoux, Formation Imaging Services
Background
The annual Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax High School Navy Outreach Program provides local high school students actively considering future career choices with a unique opportunity to better understand the Canadian Armed Forces lifestyle while promoting Department of National Defence civilian job opportunities as well. This year’s program ran from March 20-May 29.
One day a week for 11 weeks, 12 students from Halifax Regional Centre for Education and Le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial high schools visited different units across the Base to experience both observational and hands-on learning activities. Over the next few weeks, we will recap some of what they saw, did, and learned!
Photo: Cpl Annabelle Marcoux, Formation Imaging Services
Session One: March 20
During their first session of the 2025 High School Navy Outreach Program, students gathered at the Naval Museum of Halifax for a brief introduction to the program, a safety and security brief and a Q&A with the Commander of CFB Halifax, Capt(N) Annick Fortin and the Base Chief, CPO1 Troy Beazley. Before the morning wrapped up, the students were given the opportunity to explore the museum and learn about the history of the Royal Canadian Navy through a scavenger hunt activity.
Following a lunch break, the students received a tour of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial, where the students learned about the experience of sailors during the Second World War.
Photo: Cpl Antonio Garcia Alvarez, Formation Imaging Services
Session Two: March 27
The second week of the program kicked off at the Base Logistics Material Control Division’s Main Warehouse in His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard. During a tour of the Main Warehouse, the students were introduced to the five main sections of the warehouse and observed how they provide different services. While visiting the warehouse’s Packaging and Crating section, the students practiced making cardboard boxes to the exact size required using an automated box maker. Before leaving the Main Warehouse building, the students stopped by the Clothing Stores to learn about how military clothing and kit is issued.
The students finished off the morning with a visit to the Meteorological and Oceanographic unit and were introduced to the meteorological technician trade. The students learned how meteorological technicians observe, brief on and forecast weather conditions in support of CAF operations.
In the afternoon, the students went to the Fleet Fitness and Sports Centre and completed the FORCE fitness test with assistance from the gym’s PSP Halifax fitness instructors.
Photo: S3 Angela Morrison, Formation Imaging Services
Session Three: April 3
During the third week of the program, the students toured King’s Harbour Master headquarters in His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard and learned how tugboat pilots guide naval vessels to and from port. After the tour, the students visited the Marine Environment Emergency Response Organization and learned how the unit responds to naval vessel spills and other marine environmental emergencies.
After a lunch break, the students visited Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott and explored the different trade workshops. The students stopped by the Rigging Shop where they learned how rope and wire strength is tested for rigging. They also visited the Shipwright Shop where they discussed different types of wood and watched how wood is cut, planed, and assembled for blueprints.
Photo: Cpl Gregory Cole, Formation Imaging Services
Session Four: April 10
The fourth week of the program kicked off at the Military Police Unit at Windsor Park where the students had the opportunity to explore a Military Police vehicle and familiarize themselves with the unit’s equipment. Then the students received a presentation on aspects of the military police occupation and learned how they provide policing and operational support to the Canadian Armed Forces community.
Next, the students headed over to the Base Logistics Transport, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering Division at Willow Park. The students toured the facility and had the opportunity to explore General Purpose and Special Purpose Department of National Defence Vehicles.
Before the day wrapped up, the students visited the Willow Park Armoury, where they were briefed on the history of the Halifax Rifles and the opportunities available for Canadian Armed Forces Reservists. They were introduced to the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle Trainer and Remote Weapon Systems.
Session Five: April 17
During the fifth week of the program, the students visited the Tribute Tower Galley and were introduced to the military cook trade. The students observed the production area of the large commercial kitchen and helped decorate cookies, prepare salads, and build boxed lunches for military members.
In the afternoon, the students stopped by Naval Fleet School (Atlantic) and were introduced to the Ship Control Trainer, Weapons Discharge System Trainer, Machinery Control Trainer, and Bridge Simulator.
