February 8, 2005 OTTAWA – On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Mr. Mel Cappe, High Commissioner of Canada to the United Kingdom, presented Commander Charles David Lightfoot, of the British Royal Navy, with the Meritorious Service Medal (military division) earlier today, February 8, 2005. The ceremony took place at the Canadian High Commission, in London, United Kingdom, at 10:00 a.m. local time. The Meritorious Service Decorations may be awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians. The Meritorious Service Decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to their community or to Canada. The following text is the official citation for Commander Charles David Lightfoot: Commander Charles David Lightfoot, M.S.M. (British Royal Navy) Rhu, United Kingdom and Helensburgh, United Kingdom Meritorious Service Medal (military division) In 1999, Cdr Lightfoot, British Royal Navy, then LCdr, began successive commands of three UPHOLDER class submarines as they were each reactivated, trialed and transferred from the United Kingdom to Canada to become VICTORIA Class submarines. Commanding Officer of all Canadian personnel assigned to crew each submarine, Cdr Lightfoot collectively transitioned them into trained, safe and effective UPHOLDER-class crew. His professionalism, commanding presence and actions during several at-sea emergencies instilled complete crew confidence in both his abilities and their own. Cdr Lightfoot's exemplary performance has been instrumental to the successes achieved in the UPHOLDER programme, bringing great credit to the Royal Navy and considerable benefit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. -30- For more information on the Meritorious Service Decorations, please visit our web site at http://www.gg.ca/honours/msd_e.asp. Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office Eric Richer (613) 998-7280 Lucie Brosseau (613) 998-0287 www.gg.ca Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office (613) 996-2353/54 Public information Chancellery of Honours Rideau Hall 1 800 465-6890
