Canada Victoria
Posted in Uncategorized on 12/13/2004 05:20 am by admin
Canada Victoria
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US $4.99
CFB Esquimalt - Victoria Navel Base
Explore the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, one of Victoria’s most historical visitor attractions. Situated west of downtown Victoria just over the blue bridge, the CFB was formerly a tactical naval port for the British Empire in the mid nineteenth century. Today it is Canada’s west coast naval base, a part of the Maritime Command (Navy) Element of the Canadian Forces and home to the Joint Task Force Commander. The CFB Esquimalt stretches across 10,300 acres and contains 1,500 buildings; the base also employs an estimated 4200 military and 2000 civilian workers. Learn more about the heritage of the naval base, the services it provides and how you can see it for yourself
Heritage and History
During the mid-nineteenth century, growing anxiety of American and Russian invasion into British Columbia led to an intensified British presence in Western Canada. The narrow entrance depth of Esquimalt Harbour provided the perfect spot for the development of a naval port.
While the port was first created to treat the potentially wounded for the Crimean War, the base proved to be a strategic locale for many naval assemblies in the Pacific. It quickly became part of a worldwide system of a network of coaling stations vital to the Royal Navy’s duty in defending the British Empire around the world.
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, British occupation in the Pacific slowly dwindled as the cost of upholding a global fleet sky-rocketed. Unable to afford the expense of the base, Esquimalt was decommissioned and Canada officially became responsible for its own maritime defense. Under Canadian commission, the naval base was renamed HMCS Naden after a small wooden schooner previously used on base and the Naden clan of BC’s Haida people. The arrival of the Second World War made Naden an integral training facility for Western Canada and the base developed quickly with the necessity of increased personnel in the war effort.
As of April 1, 1966, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt came to be as part of organizational changes which incorporated the navy, army and air force.
Why it’s Here and What Happens There Today
The duty of the CFB Esquimalt is to aid the Joint Task Force Pacific (JTFP) Commander and the Canadian Pacific Fleet. The task of the JTFP is to congregate the Canadian Fleet, civilian authorities, as well as allied forces and agencies in the incident of any defense, security, or emergency necessity in BC or the Pacific Ocean area. From the times of the British Empire to the WWII effort, Esquimalt has demonstrated to be a strategic location for a naval base in the Pacific and this is why it continues where it is today.
The base also provides a variety of other services including police, fire, ambulance, postal, legal, social work and chaplains. It has also become a community of its own with fitness facilities, a library and an established base newspaper.
Discover the Base First-Hand!
The base offers year-round bus and walking tours once a week, however during the summer months, tours are held on a daily basis. Bus tours depart from Museum Square and are approximately an hour and a half in length. Walking tours begin at the main gate of HMC Dockyard and are approximately two hours in length. Anyone over the age of 12 years must bring a photo ID and any children under 12 must be with a responsible adult.
You are welcome to bring cameras and take pictures and since the Dockyard is an industrial area undergoing construction, visitors are required to wear closed-toed shoes. Don’t forget to also take a look at the Naval and Military Museum in Naden. This facility is open year-round and includes a variety of military displays that have made a significant impact on Canada’s history.
About the Author
Devon O’Malley is a staff writer for AlluraDirect, a vacation rental website featuring Victoria lodging direct from the Owner and instantly bookable by secure credit card payment. Learn a little more about Canada’s maritime history and discover CFB Esquimalt!
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