Naval Officers Association of Canada - Cadet Instructor Appreciation Night

4 October 2008 - HMCS YORK, Toronto - The Naval Officer's Association of Canada hosted a Cadet Instructor Appreciation Evening in the Wardroom of HMCS YORK in Toronto. The event was aimed at appreciating the efforts of the Naval Officers from the Canadian Forces Cadet Instructor Cadre as well as Navy League Cadet Officers, in instructing Sea and Navy League Cadets and promoting the culture of the Navy. RCSCC VANGUARD was represented by the Commanding Officer Lt(N) Paul Simas as well as the Executive Officer, Lt(N) Nicholas Armstrong.

Cdr Davies, Commanding Officer of HMCS YORK, alerted the crowed as to the developments on the planning of the Naval Centennial, planned for the summer of 2010. VANGUARD's Commanding Officer also paid tribute to Lt(N) Wong, who was proud to be both a cadet instructor and an active member of the Naval Family.

LCdr Fraser McKee, Ret'd also took the opportunity to launch his new book on Naval History, entitled "The Three Princes"

Also participating on the event were officers from RCSCC HARWOOD, NLCC PRINCE OF WALES and HMCS YORK. The Navy League, the Naval Club, the WREN's and the Toronto Sea Cadet Alumni Assiciation were represented as well.

Lt(N) Simas Interview - Portuguese Language

SLt Lien Interview

SLt Lien is interviewed by Dwight Brown from CityTV
While getting her hair shaved!

VANGUARD Sea Cadet Officers shave head for a good cause!

Toronto, 12 Sept 2008 - "The Officers of RCSCC VANGUARD along with officers from HMCS YORK shaved their locks for a great cause" said Lt(N) Simas, Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD. "What we did today varies a bit from our usual role as cadet instructors. Today we concentrate on doing something as Officers, as friends remembering one of our own, fallen by cancer." he continued. " What we did today, we did for our good friend, Lt(N) George Wong."

The intrepid group included members from HMCS YORK, Toronto's Naval Reserve Unit, including Commander Matthew Davies, Commanding Officer of HMCS YORK.

VANGUARD Officers will shave their heads to support Cancer Research!!!

Toronto, 7 August 2008 - VANGUARD officers will be participating in this year's Terry Fox Great Canadian Head Shave to support Cancer Research! "This is a great opportunity for us to lead by example!" says VANGUARD's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (Navy) Paul Simas. "Besides being a well-worth cause, I just want to see how I look without any hair!" says Mr. Donohue, VANGUARD's Supply Manager, who will not only sacrifice his locks for a good cause, he will also be shedding his beard for the project! "As soon as I heard about it, I knew I wanted to participate!" said Sub-Lieutenant Sally Lien, VANGUARD's Administration Officer, and VANGUARD's only female participant!
If you wish to make a donation supporting this great cause, please contact one of VANGUARD's Officers who will gladly ensure that your kind donation reaches the Terry Fox Foundation. Please check: www.18vanguard.com/contact.htm if you need more info.
You can witness this great act of courage and community leadership on 12 September 2008, at Brookfield Place, Garden Court, 181 Bay Street, Toronto at 12 pm. Please arrive early! Pictures are encouraged!

VANGUARD Sea Cadets were news in Portugal and around the Portuguese language World!

Vanguard cadets were news in Portugal and around the Portuguese language World!

for the video, please follow this link!

mms://195.245.168.21/rtpfiles/videos/auto/contactocanada/canadacont_24072008.wmv

VANGUARD and the Toronto Nautical Festival were a topic of Portugal's RTPi International TV. RTPi is a Portuguese language "CNN/BBC-like" international station, broadcasting worldwide.

VANGUARD Sea Cadets at the Toronto Nautical Festival 2008!!!

Toronto 21 June 2008- The Sea Cadets of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps VANGUARD in Toronto are taking a centre role on this year's Toronto Nautical Festival. VANGUARD Cadets have been instrumental into helping to organize the line-ups to the various tall ships visiting the Toronto Harbour. Besides of the local tall ships Kajama, Brigantines Pathfinder and Playfair, this year we had the visit of Canada's pride, the Bluenose II, escorted by two American ships, the Pride of Baltimore II and the U.S. Brig Niagara.
On Saturday21th, The cadets of RCSCC VANGUARD along side cadets from RCSCC WHITBY and RCACS 618 "Queen City" had an opportunity to literally "climb on board" the U.S. Brig Niagara, where the proud cadets showed their seamanship skills by helping their crew unfold their sails.
For pictures of the event, please go to http://18vanguard.blogspot.com/

VANGUARD's 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Saturday 31 May 2008 - HMCS YORK:
"RCSCC VANGUARD... Where we lead, others shall follow!" These memorable words, which included VANGUARD's motto, were spoken by the Reviewing Officer and former Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD, Lieutenant-Commander Ken Johnstone, as he wrapped up his speech during VANGUARD's 50th Anniversary.


The current unit was formed in 1958, by the merger of two other Sea Cadet Corps, (RCSCC ARK ROYAL and RCSCC HAIDA). At that time, the current RCSCC VANGUARD was born. This is the second Sea Cadet Corps to bear the name VANGUARD. The first Sea Cadet Corps to bear this name and heraldics was formed in the early 1940's by the merger of two other cadet corps, with a full history dating back to the very beginning of the Navy League of Canada.

Lieutenant-Commander, Ken Johnstone CD (Ret'd) proudly served as the Reviewing Officer in this historical event. Ken is one the highest ranking, and also the earliest, former Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD still alive today. LCdr Johnstone served as Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD from 1976-1979, and during his tenure, celebrated VANGUARD's 20th Anniversary. 30 years later, LCdr Johnstone was proud to see that VANGUARD's Sea Cadets are as proud of their ship as their counterparts were in the early history of this corps.
The anniversary included the presence of many former VANGUARD cadets and officers who were present when this unit was formed. There was also some former cadets from the first VANGUARD. The ceremony also included a Colour Guard, which was formed by VANGUARD Alumni. In command of the Colour Guard was Lieutenant (Navy) Peter Dixon, CD (Ret'd), former Executive Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD.

Several members of HMCS YORK were also in attendance, including the Commanding Officer, Commander Matthew Davies. VANGUARD was also represented by former cadets, now serving at HMCS YORK in several successful positions in the Navy. Lt(N) Woolfrey, CD, HMCS YORK, joined as a VANGUARD cadet, and served under LCdr Johnstone. He joined HMCS YORK as an Ordinary Seaman after serving as a Sea Cadet and achieved the highest reserve posting possible for a non-commissioned member in the Navy, serving as the Formation Chief of the Naval Reserves, in the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. Another VANGUARDian to achieve a very high posting is VANGUARD's former Coxswain (1973) Chief Petty Officer 1st Class McLennan, who later became twice Coxswain of HMCS YORK. VANGUARD was further honoured by the presence of Petty Officer 2nd Class Ross and Master Seaman Payton, both former VANGUARD Cadets on their way to success at HMCS YORK. VANGUARD also had the presence of former cadets from the late 90's to the early 2000's.

The relationship between VANGUARD and YORK date back the entire 50 years of the history of RCSCC VANGUARD. As with all relationships, there were some ups and downs throughout their 50 years together, however today this relationship is very solid and stronger than ever, as both units join hands to ensure the success of their sailors, their community and their Navy.

The link to VANGUARD and HMCS YORK's future was proudly represented by the young cadets of NLCC ARK ROYAL, which is named after one of the former corps who formed the current RCSCC VANGUARD

The cadets, who are the heart and soul of RCSCC VANGUARD today, know how to live the present, honour the past, and embrace the future. This is the legacy of a great group of cadets who make up the centre of the greater family of RCSCC VANGUARD.

Bravo Zulu indeed!
Happy Anniversary!

VANGUARD RECEIVES NOAC RECOGNITION!!!

22 April 08 - The Naval Officer's Association of Canada (NOAC) Toronto Chapter, recognized RCSCC VANGUARD as a strong contributor to promoting a Naval presence in Toronto, including VANGUARD's participation and support during the 200th Battle of Trafalgar dinner in 2005. Richard Lewis, President of NOAC (Toronto) presented the Award of Appreciation to VANGUARD's Commanding Officer, Lt(N) Paul Simas, during the NOAC Awards Dinner and Annual General Meeting at the prestigious Toronto Badminton and Racket Club,on 17th of April.

Bravo Zulu, VANGUARD

ZONE SHOOT (Zone 11) 4th Place over all!

VANGUARD cadets participated at Zone 11 Tri-Service Cadet Zone Shoot Competition at HMCS YORK last March 1st. Our team scored Top Non-Army cadet Corps and 4th place over all, out of 9 cadet corps participating in this Zone Shoot. The top 3 positions went to Army Cadet Corps. VANGUARD was the top non-Army Cadet Corps, getting the best position of all Sea and Air Cadet Corps combined!
BRAVO ZULU!!!

CROSSING THE BAR - CDR HEDLEY,CD (Ret'd), Former CO of RCSCC VANGUARD

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to a former Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD.
Cdr Hedley,CD (Ret'd) was in command of VANGUARD twice, from 1963 to 1967 and from 1971 to 1976 to a total of 8 years in command of our Ships Company. (The normal period of command is 3 years)

We all wish him Fair Winds and a Following Sea.
(For more details on Cdr Hedley, please follow this link:)

http://www.18vanguard.com/co-history.htm

RCSCC VANGUARD will honour its former CO on : (FULL UNIFORMS with Cadet Parkas)

LOCATION - MCDOUGALL AND BROWN AT 2900 KINGSTON RD (EAST OF ST. CLAIR AVE. E.) TORONTO

THURSDAY 06 MARCH 1000 TO 1100.

SERVICE - THURSDAY 06 MARCH IN THE CHAPEL AT 1100.

IF DESIRED, DONATIONS IN BILL'S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE NAVY LEAGUE ONTARIO DIVISION

STEAMSHIP ASSOCIATION DINNER!!!!

Once again VANGUARD was a proud participant at the Toronto Steamship Association Gala Dinner, marking the association's 50th Anniversary. VANGUARD cadets LC Goodwin, LC Fougere, AC Stephen Li, and AC Darnley proudly represented our Ship's company.
The cadets did have some duties, from ceremonial colours to collecting ticket sales for a fundraiser. Their hard work earned the VANGUARD Navy League Branch another very generous donation from the Association!
We thank the Toronto Steamship Association for their kind donation, and we are very happy to participate on their festivities!

Bravo Zulu VANGUARD!!!

VANGUARD PLACES 2ND ON SEAMANSHIP COMPETITION

Ajax 17 Feb - RCSCC VANGUARD placed 2nd, during this year's Don Flotilla Seamanship Competition. "Our cadets did a fantastic job, and I'm very proud of their achievements, considering the amount of extra training we had. These are cadets that really know their stuff" said Lt(N) Armstrong, Executive Officer and Seamanship Coach at RCSCC VANGUARD. " BRAVO ZULU!!!

VANGUARD HELPS NAVY VETERANS

Toronto's Only Naval Club is changing locations from its current historical building. The Club has been established in the early 20th century as a place for naval types to socialize and share their common love for the Navy.
In March 2008, the building is slated for demolition, as a new developer will be building a new skyscraper for Toronto on its place. The Naval Club asked VANGUARD for help packing and removing some of their memorabilia from the walls and move boxes from the basement. From the words of Michael Rogers, Vice-President of the Naval Club of Toronto: "VANGUARD Sea Cadets were excellent! They were very helpful and we could trust them to work independently and get the job done. We felt they truly respected the importance we deposit in our club and we were very impressed with their disposition!"
The Commanding Officer of RCSCC VANGUARD issued the following statement: " I was confident of VANGUARD's performance. Our Cadets are dedicated individuals who understand and value our Naval Family! Bravo Zulu to all cadets involved!"

For more information on the Naval Club of Toronto, please check its website at : www.navalcluboftoronto.com

CORPS TRIP - POSTPONED

Due to the high cost of the trip, approx $11000,00, the trip has to be postponed once again until we have enough money in the pot. The current target date for the trip will be Sept 26-29 2008,in the fall. With the new target date, comes new possibilities for destinations.
Therefore in order to pay for the trip, cadets will have several opportunities to participate on fund raising activities while at VANGUARD. TAG DAYS are our major fund raising events so keep these dates on your calendar: May 2-4 and Sept 26-27!!!

We will also start our penny drive once again! Keep an eye on fund raising opportunities!

Although the trip has been postponed, VANGUARD will be hosting two training weekends at HMCS YORK:
7-9 March and 14 -16 March. It has been agreed that VANGUARD will participate in several fun events in our City and you will have a chance to vote on what you want to do. Keep an eye on 18vanguard.com for details!

CORPS PICTURE - Postponed - March 08

UPDATED - 03 Feb 05 - CORPS PICTURE POSTPONED TO CD'S - FIRST TUESDAY IN MARCH!

Next Tuesday, CD's VANGUARD will be taking its annual corps photo at HMCS YORK. Wear your best uniform and come down! Be part of the VANGUARD History!!!

Also since its CD's, the dress will be C1
cadet uniform with gunshirts.

REMEMBER TO POLISH YOUR BOOTS!!!!

BOATSHOW VISIT

Vanguard will be visiting the Boatshow next Tuesday, January 15th. Cadets are to report to VANGUARD at the usual time in full uniform. BRING CADET PARKAS! We will march over to the CNE. Dismissal will be from the CNE, and not from HMCS YORK. There will be no storage facilities, so do not bring anything you cannot carry with you.
For any questions see your DPO.

VANGUARD 2008!

Please note that VANGUARD will start regular operations for 2008 on

8 JANUARY 2008
1800Hrs (6pm)
Full Uniform.