Change of Command ceremony for RCN Commander

Haflifax (12 June) – Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd turns over command of the RCN to Vice-Admiral Art McDonald during a Change of Command ceremony presided over by General Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff. VAdm Lloyd retires after three years as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy as part of his distinguished 38 year naval career.

During the ceremony, Vice-Admiral Lloyd also presided over the change of appointment in which Chief Petty Officer First Class David Steeves will assume the role of Command Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy from Chief Petty Officer First Class Michel Vigneault.

Vice-Admiral McDonald assumed Command today as the 36th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. He has served in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career, most recently serving as Deputy Commander of the RCN.
 
From Canada's Northern waters to the Asia-Pacific, from West Africa, and the Caribbean Basin to the Mediterranean and Europe Atlantic, Canadian sailors are globally deployed, supporting Government of Canada priorities and making significant contributions to operations with allies and trusted international partners. The RCN currently has three ships deployed on international operations throughout the world, in the Mediterranean, Asia-Pacific and the North Sea.

Speaking to the assembled crowd, VAdm McDonald says he is "honoured to assume the watch as Commander Royal Canadian Navy and to be charged with caring for and enabling the amazing Canadian sailors, my shipmates – and the families that support them. Together we will ensure the great people-delivered successes for which the RCN is known can continue to be realized. Inspired equally by a rich history and the bright future that the ongoing fleet recapitalization – the largest in our peacetime history – ensures, today’s sailors are equal parts warriors and diplomats. They work successfully alongside allies and partners at home and around the globe to combat crises – man-made or naturally occurring. They are ready to help, lead and fight. I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue supporting and enabling them and their successes by building on the enormous momentum created by my predecessor. I congratulate Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, and our outgoing Command Chief Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer First Class Michel Vigneault (pictured above), for their exceptional service and leadership. We all salute you as you retire.”