Guest Speaker: LCdr Ryan G.S. Bell, CD
Topic: “Maritime Forward Presence and Defence Diplomacy”
LCdr Ryan Bell joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Reserve MARS Officer at HMCS Star in Hamilton in 2002. Upon completion of his MARS training he commenced full time service on the East Coast, serving roles as Deck Officer, Navigating Officer and Operations Officer in Kingston Class vessels. In 2010, LCdr Bell transferred to the Regular Force, serving as Navigating Officer in HMCS Athabaskan and Combat Officer in HMCS Halifax. Ashore, LCdr Bell has served as the Navigation Instructor and Operations Room Officer Course Officer at the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School, as well as serving on the Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic staff. Prior to commencing the Joint Command and Staff Programme, LCdr Bell was posted to the Naval staff in Ottawa in the Directorate of Naval Operations and Plans, serving as the regional desk officer for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Where: Armour Heights Mess.Canadian Forces College, 215 Yonge Boulevard, Toronto
When: Tuesday, 5 November, 2019
Time: 1730 – 1830 for optional dinner at the CFC Armour Heights Officers Mess
1930 for presentation and discussion
Cost: Presentation free but donations to the NAC appreciated,
Tax receipts given for amounts $10.00 or more – (cheques preferred)
Dinner on a cash basis
Dress: Business Casual
Reservations: before noon Tuesday, 5 November 2019
E-Mail: nactoprogram@gmail.com or Call: NAC-TO (416) 366-2630

The Wardroom of HMCS STAR, along with retired members and family gathered at The Hamilton Club on Saturday, 19 October to celebrate Trafalgar Day. A beautiful venue and a great meal. Great contributions from some junior officers on the significance of Trafalgar to the modern RCN, HMCS NIOBE’s arrival in Halifax on 21 October 1910, and a spirited rendition of the poem “Gunner Joe”. The XO, LCdr Marie-Sonya Sowa presided as PMC with Lieutenants DiBerardo and Shim as VPMCs. Thanks to SLt Marko Babic for the organization.

Ordinary Seaman Walter Garnett Armes, V-8307, RCNVR, of HMCS STAR was lost at sea when HMCS BRAS D’OR, on a voyage from Clark City, PQ to Sydney, NS, was presumed sunk with all hands in a storm in the Gulf of St Lawrence.