OTTAWA -Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson assumed command of the Canadian Navy at 10:30 a.m. today during a Change of Command ceremony held at the Ottawa Congress Centre. More than 250 people were on hand to witness the event and to bid a fond farewell to the outgoing Chief of the Maritime Staff, Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier.
"As Vice-Admiral Robertson takes the watch from Vice-Admiral MacLean, I know the leadership of the Navy is in good hands," said General Hillier. "During his tenure, Vice-Admiral MacLean has charted the Navy's course to fully support CF Transformation. I have every confidence that his replacement, Vice-Admiral Robertson, will ensure the Navy remains relevant, responsive and effective well into the future."
"It has been an honour to command the Navy, but like command at sea, we are only as successful as the ship's company with whom we serve," said Vice-Admiral MacLean. "I have been greatly impressed with the positive attitude, perseverance and professionalism demonstrated by the entire Navy family. As I move on, I am confident that I am turning over the watch to an officer who is exceptionally prepared for this key leadership role."
"I am honoured to be taking command of the Navy from Vice-Admiral MacLean," stated Vice-Admiral Robertson. "Under his command the Navy has been successful, both at home and abroad, and fully engaged in the transformation process of the Canadian Forces. I look forward to tackling the on-going challenges of building the future Navy."
Following 35 years of distinguished service, Vice-Admiral MacLean will retire from the CF. He spent much of his career as a submariner serving in Canadian, Australian, and British submarines, including command of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Okanagan as well as two Australian boats. He assumed the duties of Chief of the Maritime Staff on Aug. 25, 2004.
Vice-Admiral Robertson has served in the Canadian Forces for 32 years in a variety of key positions, including command of the destroyers HMC Ships Annapolis and Athabaskan, and command of the first Canadian Task Group during its six-month Operation APOLLO deployment to Southwest Asia in 2001. Operation APOLLO was the name given to the initial Canadian Forces contribution to the international campaign against terrorism. Most recently, he was the Director General International Security Policy at National Defence Headquarters.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: General Hillier, Vice-Admiral MacLean and Vice-Admiral Robertson will not be available for further comment at this time. Complete transcripts of speeches made during the Change of Command ceremony will be made available, along with event imagery, at www.navy.forces.gc.ca .
