In a ceremony held on July 12 in Halifax, Rear Admiral John Newton assumed the duties of Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) as well as Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) from Rear Admiral Dave Gardam. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and the new Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Norman, were in attendance.
“I congratulate Rear Admiral Gardam for the leadership and dedication he demonstrated as Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic of our Canadian Armed Forces,” said Minister MacKay. “As a leader, Rear Admiral Gardam has shown an incredible ability to meet the day-to-day operational requirements of the Atlantic region, and has demonstrated a great appreciation for the men and women who work under his command. I welcome Rear Admiral John Newton to this post.”
“During his three-year tenure, Rear Admiral Gardam has been a tireless leader, making impressive strides in promoting the vital role of the Royal Canadian Navy both at home and abroad,” stated Vice Admiral Norman. “I offer my sincere gratitude for all of his efforts and wish him well in his new position in Ottawa.”
“It has truly been an honour to be the Commander of MARLANT and JTFA, as I have had the opportunity to work with many great Canadians in the service of our country,” said Rear Admiral Gardam.
“I consider it an honour to assume command of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic, relieving Rear Admiral Gardam after three tremendous years of dedicated leadership to his sailors and the people who they so proudly serve,” said Rear Admiral Newton.
The Commander of MARLANT and JTFA is responsible for Canada’s Navy on the east coast, as well as for conducting routine and contingency domestic operations within the Atlantic area of responsibility to meet Canada’s defence and security objectives.
[mappress] Press Release, July 17, 2013; Image: Canadian National Defence