Vice Admiral Mark Norman assumed the duties of Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy from Vice Admiral Paul Maddison yesterday morning at Cartier Square Drill Hall in a formal ceremony attended by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and presided over by General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Minister MacKay has recently approved the promotion of Vice Admiral Norman to his current rank on the recommendation of General Lawson.

 “Vice Admiral Paul Maddison demonstrated superb leadership ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy’s future success by overseeing fundamental projects, such as the modernization of the Halifax-class patrol frigates,” said Minister Peter MacKay. “He was a committed advocate of trust and cooperation amongst the world navies in pursuit of collective security and prosperity. To his successor, Vice Admiral Mark Norman, I offer my congratulations as he prepares for the challenges of moving the Royal Canadian Navy forward in its transition from the fleet of today into the fleet of tomorrow.”

“The quality of life and prosperity of Canadians is, in part, underpinned by a rules-based, maritime-law enabled, freedom of the seas. This system requires a navy to maintain it. I would like to thank the government for its continued investment in the Royal Canadian Navy and its people,”said Vice Admiral Maddison. “I believe that the Royal Canadian Navy has arrived at a moment of unprecedented strategic opportunity for Canada, for Canadian industry and for those in naval service. You have an exceptional leader in Vice Admiral Mark Norman, in whom I have the greatest confidence, as your new commander.”

“It is an absolute honour and privilege for me to assume Command of the Royal Canadian Navy, especially at such an exciting time in our history,” stated Vice Admiral Norman. “I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the amazing sailors, soldiers, aircrew and civilians that protect Canada’s maritime interests day after day at sea and alongside. I am very proud to serve alongside them.”

Following 38 years of distinguished and dedicated service, Vice Admiral Maddison will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in a variety of key positions throughout his career, including command of a joint Space Control Center crew in Colorado Springs, Director General of Maritime Force Development, Commander Maritime Forces/Joint Task Force (Atlantic), Sea Training (Atlantic and Pacific), Commander of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Calgary and Iroquois, and command of the experimental Standing Contingency Force.

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Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: Canadian Navy

More than 200 soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces are training alongside United States Marines and other allies during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2013, an amphibious exercise at Camp Pendleton, California, which began June 11th and runs until the 28th of the month.

 “We are committed to being a reliable partner in the defence of North America,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “This requires carrying out training exercises and remaining interoperable with the United States. With this exercise, we are working to fulfil that commitment.”

The exercise’s primary focus is on offensive manoeuvres, but also includes training in defensive manoeuvres. It culminates in an amphibious assault using “Assault Amphibious Vehicles” and tanks. During this last phase, Canadian soldiers from the Quebec-based 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, under the command of 2nd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, train with ground forces from New Zealand, and with air support from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

 “Exercise Dawn Blitz is a unique opportunity for Canadian soldiers to develop their expertise in amphibious operations and practice working in partnership with allied forces to further develop interoperability,” said Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Canadian Army. “This improves our understanding of amphibious operations and provides us with valuable operational experience with coalition partners.”

Approximately 5000 soldiers from naval and ground forces from Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. are participating in the planning and execution of this major amphibious training exercise.

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Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: US Navy

Employees joined guests from the Brazilian Navy and UK Royal Navy, to watch as members of the ship’s company raised the ensign for the first time, formally marking the handover of the Brazilian Navy’s newest vessel.

Mick Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships business, said: “We are extremely proud to deliver Araguari. She is a highly capable ship, and with her sister ships, will be a great asset to the Brazilian Navy.

“We have written a new chapter in BAE Systems’ relationship with Brazil with the completion of the Amazonas class of ships.  We look forward to continued partnership with the Brazilian Navy for many years to come.”

Vice Admiral Francisco Deiana, the Brazilian Navy’s Director of Naval Engineering, said: “The three Amazonas class units make up an important contribution to both our ability to provide security, safety and protection to the Brazil’s Jurisdictional Waters and to deliver our commitments to the Brazilian Maritime Authority.

He went on to say: “Araguari, the third and last vessel, together with her sisters are no doubt a very important asset to the Brazilian Navy’s inventory and is a clear indication of a very good relationship that has been developed between the Brazilian Navy and BAE Systems.”

First of the class, Amazonas, was handed over to the Brazilian Navy in June 2012. The second ship, APA, was completed in November of last year.

During the preparation of the three ships, Portsmouth has hosted 250 Brazilian crew members as they underwent extensive training and preparation to take ownership of the new ships.

The Ocean Patrol Vessels will provide Brazil with enhanced maritime capability. With a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as well as two rigid inflatable boats and a helicopter flight deck capable of landing a medium-sized helicopter, the ships are ideal for performing maritime security in Brazil’s territorial waters, including the protection of the country’s offshore oil and gas reserves. The vessels accommodate a crew of 80, with additional accommodation for 40 embarked troops or passengers and ample deck space for container storage.

The three ship contract, announced in January 2012, also includes a manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval re-equipment programme and strengthen its maritime industrial capability.

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Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: BAE Systems