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.
[mappress] Press Release, June 21, 2013; Image: Canadian Navy