Captain Samuel Patchell has officially become the new commander of the Canadian navy's Pacific fleet. At a change of command ceremony aboard the HMCS Vancouver at the Burrard Dry Dock Pier on Wednesday, he took over for outgoing commander Rear-Admiral David Mazur.."We realize that the global situation is getting more and more at risk, and more dire," Mazur said, citing the wars in Ukraine and Israel and the nautical advances made by Russia and China. "For decades and decades, we've been a little complacent as a country. We've felt very comfortable with a superpower to the south, a large expanse of frozen, beautiful land to the north, and two large oceans that protect us and kept the threat away.".Mazur, who was appointed commander in 2021, pointed out that the Canadian navy is up to the challenge, and has been working with allies to hone their "critical war-fighting skills" off the coast of Vancouver Island for the past two weeks."Canada needs a Royal Canadian Navy that is able to go out and secure our approaches, and if necessary, defend," Mazur added. "It's clear the Canadian government has recognized that, and I think the Canadian public feels that. We stand ready to accept, we stand ready to answer the call, we stand ready to expand our numbers and get to sea."Mazur went on to thank his sailors for their service over the past four years under his command.."The sailors are workin’ hard, spending a lot of time away from family," he said. "I'm so proud.".Before the change of command was finalized, Patchell's wife was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a thank you for the sacrifices she's had to make over the years so her husband can help defend Canada..Mazur and Patchell were then joined by Royal Canadian Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee to sign documents making the transition of power official..Patchell, who was born in North Vancouver, then addressed the crowd of family, friends, and sailors as commander for the first time, noting how special it was to be receiving the promotion in his hometown.."I'm truly humbled to be asked to lead our fleet," he said. "Who I need to thank are my two families — obviously my family that has supported me throughout and continues to support me, and my second family, which is the navy."Patchell added that he was inspired to join the navy after his grandfather took him on a ship when he was 10 years old, and that he's truly "a sailor through and through.""We need to be ready to defend Canada," he continued. "We just did a swearing in ceremony yesterday, brand new Canadians that are here to live in prosperity, security, and peace — something that is under threat more so than it has been in a long time.".Also in attendance was West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Lynne Block. When asked what it meant for her to have the new commander be from the North Shore, she told the Western Standard it was "exciting.""I think North Van is very proud," Block added. "It's amazing."The changing of command took place during Fleet Week at North Vancouver's Shipyards district. The packed event runs from July 1 to 6 and festures ship tours, boat rides, information booths, and bands.
