The Grey Cup trophy arrived in Vancouver ahead of the 111th Grey Cup on Sunday, Nov. 10, and its arrival has a special connection to 19 Wing Comox.

The championship trophy was first flown aboard a Cormorant from 19 Wing Comox, before travelling across Vancouver Harbour via rigid-hulled inflatable boat dispatched from HMCS Discovery.

The Grey Cup then arrived at the Vancouver Convention Centre for an official welcoming ceremony, featuring Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, President Duane Vienneau of the BC Lions, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie and 19 Wing Comox Col. Chris Shapka, who is also a 10-year CFL official.

Shapka recently took over the top job at CFB Comox in late July 2024 (four other CFL officials joined him in Comox at his change of command ceremony). His career came full circle as he was part of the officiating crew during Touchdown Pacific, the inaugural BC Lions versus Ottawa Redblacks CFL game that took place in Victoria over the Labour Day long weekend.

The Grey Cup is set for Sunday, Nov. 17 at BC Place between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts.