Honorary Captain (Navy) Cedric Steele retires from service

News Release

June 19, 2015 Ottawa, ON – Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

After 18 years of loyal and dedicated service, Mr. Cedric Steele will be retiring in December 2015 as an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy. During his tenure, Honorary Captain (Navy) Steele was affiliated with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Protecteur, and most recently with the Canadian Submarine Force. A retirement function was held yesterday evening in his honour at the CFB Esquimalt Officer’s Mess, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Quick Facts

Cedric Steele was appointed as an Honorary Captain (Navy) in 1997 and played an integral role as an ambassador for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on Vancouver Island.
During his tenure, Mr. Steele played a tremendous role in developing an awareness of maritime issues with business and community leaders by tirelessly championing the RCN throughout his tenure. Some of the results he achieved include the “Welcome to Victoria, Home of Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet” highway signs, the Naval Centennial Homecoming statue on the Victoria waterfront, and securing visits of the aircraft carriers United States Ship (USS) John C. Stennis and USS Abraham Lincoln to Victoria.
Mr. Steele has been recognized for his remarkable contribution to many causes and lifelong service to Canada. Some of his awards include the Community Spirit Award by the Salvation Army, the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Chancellor’s Community Recognition Award by Royal Roads University, and the Golden Jubilee Medal. Canadian Military Honours include the Canadian Forces Decoration in 2009 for 12 years of service, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2011.
During yesterday’s retirement function, Mr. Steele was awarded with a RCN Command Commendation by Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. The commendation is awarded to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty.
Honorary Naval Captains act as a bridge between military and civilian communities, and help link diverse areas of Canadian society - from politics and business to journalism and the arts. They bring with them unique skills and connections that help strengthen the Navy's ties to Canadian communities in order to promote a better understanding of maritime defence issues.
Honorary Naval Captains are quite visible, attending significant naval, Canadian Armed Forces, and public events and ceremonies in uniform across the country. The Minister of National Defence, on the recommendations of the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, is the approving authority for all appointments.

Quotes

“I feel very fortunate to have been appointed as an Honorary Captain (Navy) and experience what has been afforded to me. I enjoyed working closely with the Navy, and help promote the good work they do on behalf of all Canadians. I am left deeply impressed by The Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Navy, their team spirit, commitment, and pride. It was an honour to have been given the opportunity to support them as an Honorary Captain."
Honorary Captain (Navy) Cedric Steele

“Mr. Steele played an indispensable role as one of our ambassadors on Vancouver Island for many years. He should be proud of the results he achieved, including his central role in naval engagements and the many meaningful outreach efforts he supported. He provided years of sage counsel to several Base Commanders and will certainly be missed by the naval community.”
Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander Royal Canadian Navy

Associated Links

For more information on the Royal Canadian Navy please visit www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca or follow us on Twitter @RCN_MRC

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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Honorary Captain (Navy) Cedric Steele retires from service

News Release

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