The West Shore is hosting the biggest public navy event in a decade.

Despite having approximately 5,000 employees with the Department of National Defence living in communities across Greater Victoria, Capt. (N) Steve Waddell said the work of their military staff is still a mystery to some. So, the forces are looking to pull back the curtains.

B次元官网网址淭his is an opportunity to open the door, invite folks down to see what we do, the type of resources and equipment (we have) B次元官网网址� and to meet most importantly the people who (use it),B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important for (the community) to resonate with the passion and pride our workforce has.B次元官网网址�

West Shore Navy Day, welcomes the entire family to the relatively unknown facilities and jetties in Colwood on Saturday, June 11. The day will be highlighted with search and rescue demonstrations, army displays, a helicopter display, music from the Naden Band and tours of both HMCS Winnipeg and Saskatoon. ItB次元官网网址檚 a rare opportunity that the public last enjoyed 10 years ago at Ogden Point in Victoria.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 really an open house and itB次元官网网址檚 not just the navy that will be represented,B次元官网网址� Waddell said. B次元官网网址淭here will be other units and forces, the air force will be there, the army and civilian and support agencies linked to the force B次元官网网址� we are proud to showcase all of the capabilities and equipment that are presented across all the armed forces.B次元官网网址�

There will also be interactive areas where visitors can undertake a military fitness test, take photos on a search and rescue plane or experience bomb squad activities.

B次元官网网址淚f we see children and families leave with a smile on their face and a better understanding, thatB次元官网网址檚 our goal,B次元官网网址� Waddell said. B次元官网网址淧eople will leave better informed and know that their neighbour works on the base and supports activity that happens on the base.B次元官网网址�

Visitors are asked to park at the View Royal Casino or the top parking lot at Royal Roads University, where free shuttles will run back and forth every 20 minutes. The first shuttle leaves at 10:15 a.m. The all-ages event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for more information, including other transportation options, visit the CFB Esquimalt Facebook page at .

alim@goldstreamgazette.com