OTTAWA, Aug. 25 -- After more than three years as commander of Canada's Navy, Vice-Admiral Ron Buck will relinquish command to Vice- Admiral Bruce MacLean at a Change of Command Ceremony in Ottawa, on Wednesday August 25. The ceremonies will commence at 11 a.m. at the National Conference Center, 2 Rideau Street, Ottawa. Vice-Admiral Buck became Chief of the Maritime Staff on June 21, 2001. His previous appointment was Commander Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). "It has been a tremendous honour to lead the men and women of Canada's Navy," stated Vice-Admiral Buck. "The reputation of our sailors and ships give Canada credibility around the world." Vice-Admiral Buck guided the Navy through Canada's military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism from October 2001 to October 2003, known as Operation APOLLO. In Op APOLLO Canada deployed 16 out of 18 major warships, 14 Sea King helicopter air detachments, and over 4000 sailors, representing 95% of our sea-going personnel. It was the single largest naval deployment since the Korean War. General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff, will preside at the Change of Command. The ceremony will include a 50-person Guard of Honour and the Central Band of the Canadian Forces. Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean has over 30 years of leadership experience in the Navy, including command of HMCS Okanagan, a submarine, and command of the supply ship HMCS Provider. His previous appointment was to the post of Canadian Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee in Permanent Session, in Brussels, Belgium. "The training and professionalism of our sailors is second to none, and I am confident the navy is ready and able to respond to any task that is asked of us, at home and abroad," said Vice-Admiral MacLean. Vice-Admiral Buck will move to the position of Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa. - 30 - For further information please contact: Lieutenant (Navy) Paul Pendergast Navy Public Affairs (613) 945-0902, email: Pendergast.T@forces.gc.ca
