New Commander for Naval Reserve

News Release

July 9, 2015 - Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

Commodore Marta Mulkins officially assumed command today of the reserve component of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from Commodore David Craig during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Officer Training Centre Venture, in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The ceremony was presided over by Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.

Quick Facts

In her 30 years of service as a Naval reservist, Commodore Marta Mulkins was the first Canadian woman to command a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, serving as the Commanding Officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Kingston, as well as Naval Reserve Division HMCS Carleton. She also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, for a six-month tour with Operation ARGUS, the Canadian Forces' Strategic Advisory Team - Afghanistan.
This ceremonial event recognizes the traditional passing of the torch from one naval commander to another.
Commodore David Craig commanded several classes of vessels on both coasts and was the Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat from 1992 to 1995. He also served as the Director of the Joint Command and Staff Course (Reserves) at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. After four years as the Commander of the Naval Reserve and more than 40 years of service with the Naval Reserve, Commodore Craig will retire in Victoria, BC.
The Reserve component of the RCN is composed of 24 Naval Reserve divisions across Canada, from St John’s, NL, to Victoria, BC, and is headquartered in Québec City.
The Naval Reserve provides trained sailors for Canadian Armed Forces operations ashore, at sea or abroad. Naval reservists typically serve part-time on evenings and weekends throughout the year, and can volunteer to serve full-time.

Quotes

“I thank Commodore David Craig for his many years of dedicated service to the Royal Canadian Navy. Congratulations to Commodore Marta Mulkins, who previously served as the first female captain of a Canadian warship and as the Commanding Officer of HMCS Carleton. I am confident she will use her extensive knowledge and experience to move the Naval Reserve forward.”
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“Commodore David Craig led the Naval Reserve through a period of significant change and his leadership and professionalism has helped make this transformation smooth and successful. I am confident that Commodore Mulkins, with all her experience, will excel as she takes command of the reserve component of the Royal Canadian Navy. This ceremony marks the change of command between two exceptional leaders of our Navy.”
Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

“I am grateful to have this opportunity to take the command of the Naval Reserve. I would like to thank Commodore Craig for his leadership during the last years. His works and dedication will be an inspiration for me as the new leader of the Naval Reserve.”
-Commodore Marta Mulkins, incoming Commander Naval Reserve

“During the last four years, I’ve had the chance to lead a great team of sailors and officers across the country. Together, we’ve answered the call from the Royal Canadian Navy and produced first rate men and women that can be employed at sea and ashore to great effect. The success of this organisation has always been a team effort and will continue to be so.”
Commodore David Craig, outgoing Commander Naval Reserve

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Contacts

Lauren Armstrong
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Lauren.Armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-5789
Email: marpac@shaw.ca

After Hours: 250-888-6775 or ESQMARPACDUTYPAO@forces.gc.ca

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

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