Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois assumed command of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee this morning during a formal change of command ceremony, presided over by General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Star in Hamilton, Ontario.

“Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee has led the Royal Canadian Navy through a period of significant transformation with determination and an unwavering commitment to the people of our Navy—sailors and civilians alike. I thank him for his leadership and for his efforts to strengthen readiness and prepare the institution for the challenges ahead. As Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois assumes command, he brings the experience, character, and commitment required to lead our Navy into its next chapter. I am confident that, under his leadership, the Royal Canadian Navy will continue to deliver operational excellence at home and abroad, advance modernization, and serve Canadians with pride well into the future.”

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

“To lead as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy has been a true honour and privilege. I have been inspired daily by the skill, grit, and ingenuity of our regular and reserve sailors and the wider Navy team whether in uniform or out, who deliver results for Canadians at home and abroad. I particularly thank the families and loved ones whose support makes our service possible. I am proud of how much we have achieved over the past four years, and grateful to have served alongside the remarkable people who delivered those results. While we have made a lot of progress, there is still a lot of difficult work to be done, and I can’t imagine anyone better to lead those efforts than Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois.”

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Outgoing Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy 

“I am humbled and honoured to assume the watch as Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Our sailors, together with our civilians and the families who support them, are the foundation of everything we do. I’m grateful for Vice-Admiral Topshee’s leadership and for the momentum built on his watch, and I look forward to working with the One Navy Team to strengthen our culture, support our people, sustain readiness today, and continue delivering the Navy Canada needs. I will strive to be worthy of the trust placed in me, and to lead with transparency, professionalism, and respect.”

Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois, Incoming Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy 

• Vice-Admiral Charlebois assumes Command as the 39^th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. He has served in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career, most recently serving as the RCN’s Deputy Commander. 

• After four years as RCN Commander, as part of his distinguished 36-year naval career, Vice-Admiral Topshee will assume the position of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff during a separate ceremony planned for later this summer.

• There are approximately 13,000 full- and part-time military members and about 3,700 civilians in the RCN, stationed across Canada and deployed around the world.

• The RCN and its sailors represent the Government of Canada across the globe. They are deployed internationally and domestically, making significant contributions to operations with our allies and trusted international partners. 

Associated links

• RCN Leadership Biographies

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
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