Naval Reservist celebrates 40 years of service

Navy News / October 29, 2021

By Joanie Veitch

When Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Peggy Bradford joined the Naval Reserve in 1981, she had no idea she had found her lifelong career — she was just a Grade 11 student thrilled to have landed a great summer job.

This July CPO1 Bradford celebrated 40 years of service as a naval reservist.

“I’ve loved it all the way and I’m still enjoying what I do,” said CPO1 Bradford.

“Being in the military helps to bring out skills you didn’t even know you had. You learn so much and have lots of opportunities for leadership. I think it’s a wonderful career.”

Having always lived on the East Coast she was excited to move with her husband, a Regular Force engineering officer, to the West Coast when he was posted to Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa in Esquimalt. There she worked as the Naval Reserve training coordinator at Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt.

When their son was born in 1993 the couple had to balance two full-time navy schedules.

“It wasn’t always easy,” said CPO1 Bradford. “We were lucky to have grandparents who could pitch in when we were both away. It was still really hard when we were both on deployment.”

But one of those deployments was a career highlight when she was appointed Coxswain with HMCS Whitehorse in 2004.

“That’s the pinnacle job for any non-commissioned member,” she said. “It was a bit scary, as it had been some time since I was posted to a ship.”

“Things had changed and with a more senior role it was a challenge, but I was able to put those worries to rest as I was fortunate to have a really good crew — they all did their jobs exceptionally well.”

Her time on board Whitehorse from 2004 to 2006 included trips to the Arctic as well as a memorable Exercise Rim of the Pacific off of Hawaii.

Currently an advisor with the Naval Reserve Support Branch at HMCS Scotian in Halifax, CPO1 Bradford feels fortunate that she hasn’t faced many difficulties throughout her career — until COVID-19 hit.

“It wasn’t so much for me personally, but how it affected the sailors,” she said.

“We spent a lot of time making sure they were all right and working through all the logistical details... it’s been difficult at times, for sure.”

CPO1 Bradford encourages young people, especially to young women, thinking about their future to give the Naval Reserve a shot.

“There are so many opportunities for young people. You get an exciting career, a chance to see the world and you meet so many great people. It really is an incredible experience.”