Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Gilles Grégoire retires as CAF CWO
April 20, 2023 - Defence Stories
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Signing of the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer (CAFCWO) Change of Appointment Scrolls between outgoing CAF CWO, Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire and incoming CAF CWO, Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann and presided by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, at the National Defence Headquarters (Carling) in Ottawa, Ontario on 14 April, 2023. Photo Credit: Corporal Jonathan King, Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau)
The Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer (CAF CWO) is the most senior Non-Commissioned Member in the Canadian Armed Forces. Established in 1978, this role requires exceptional leadership qualities, as well as an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of military ethos.
After 36 years of devoted service, we bid farewell to Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Gilles Grégoire and welcomed the 15th CAF CWO, CWO Bob McCann in a change of appointment ceremony. The event took place on April 14 at Carling Campus and was livestreamed on CAF Facebook and YouTube to allow people who could not be present to witness the event.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, who reflected on the past two years working with CPO 1 Grégoire. He highlighted CPO 1 Grégoire’s instrumental role in the development of the new military ethos, Trusted to Serve, and recognized his significant contribution as the Champion of the Osside Institute, the Centre of Excellence for NCM Professional Development. Gen Eyre’s words reminded everyone of the importance of CPO 1 Grégoire’s tremendous contributions that brought welcome stability to the institution.
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On his last day at sea, Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire, outgoing Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, addresses gathered members of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) OTTAWA near Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, British Columbia on 15 March 2023.
Photo: Sergeant Malcolm Byers, MARPAC Imaging Services
In a heartfelt address, CPO 1 Grégoire was visibly emotional while sharing some memories from his watch as a sailor and CAF CWO. He thanked his family, friends, shipmates and mentors and left us with some kind words for the future generation, ‘’to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces… you are the best sailors, soldiers, aviators, and operators Canada has to offer. You are the future, you are instrumental to Canada’s safety and prosperity.’’
In closing his address, CPO 1 Grégoire asked a final question of the CDS, ‘’Sir, as routine, the watchkeeper must seek permission from the officer-in-charge. Gen Eyre, my watch is complete, permission for Chief Warrant Officer McCann to take the watch?‘’
With permission granted, and the change of watch now complete, we welcome CWO Bob McCann as the new CAF CWO, and wish CPO 1 Grégoire fair winds and following seas as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.