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Navy welcomes public to torpedo test range

Anyone wanting to learn more about the operations at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges will have their chance Saturday (Sept. 17).

Anyone wanting to learn more about the operations at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges will have their chance Saturday (Sept. 17).

In celebration of Armed Forces Day, CFMETR is opening its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Overshadowed by the Comox air base to the north and the sprawling naval base to the south in Esquimalt, the Nanoose base has seen progressive developments in the secretive and often unseen world of underwater warfare.

Every two years the unit seeks to change that by inviting the public for an in-depth look at the operations of this unique, joint Canadian /U.S. facility, the only deep-water torpedo tracking range on the West Coast of North America.

Visitors will be able to climb inside a Sea King helicopter, walk the decks of two U.S. naval ships and watch a Buffalo patrol aircraft and a Cormorant rescue helicopter conduct a search and rescue demonstration.

Displays include an explosive ordnance from Comox, a bomb truck from  Esquimalt and members of the Canadian Coast Guard, Nanaimo Coast Guard Auxiliary, local cadet units, the Naden naval band and RCMP National Underwater Recovery Training Centre will also be on hand.

As well, 300 passes will be available for boat trips to Winchelsea Island, home to CFMETR’s Range Operations Centre.

The range is at 3400 Fairwinds Dr. in Nanoose.