Commodore (Cmdre) Michael Hopper assumed command of Canada’s Naval Reserve from Cmdre Marta Mulkins, at a Change of Command ceremony at Esquimalt, B.C., July 20. The Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, Rear-Admiral (RAdm) J.R. Auchterlonie, presided over the ceremony.

“Under Commodore Mulkins’ leadership the Naval Reserve has succeeded in the delivery of a specialized capability, the Naval Security Team, which provides a flexible security option in support of Royal Canadian Navy deployment activities,” said RAdm Auchterlonie.

Appointed Commander of the Naval Reserve in June 2015, Cmdre Mulkins is the third woman to head the Naval Reserve, and was the first woman to command a warship, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Kingston, in the Royal Canadian Navy.

“I am extremely proud of the work done by Naval Reserve members during the three years of my command,” Cmdre Mulkins said. “The transformation of the Naval Reserve ensures a new level of skill and capability is being generated to support Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces operations. My sincere thanks to all who have enabled the hard work we have accomplished over the last few years.”

“As we continue to progress modernization across a number of fronts I am confident the Naval Reserve is in good hands with Commodore Hopper,” RAdm Auchterlonie said.

The incoming Naval Reserve commander, Cmdre Hopper, enrolled in the Naval Reserve as a cook in 1986 at HMCS Carleton in Ottawa. He commanded HMCS Summerside from December 2001 to December 2002 and HMCS Carleton from 2009 to 2013. In his civilian career, he works for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as a specialized educator.

“Commodore Mulkins is passing me an extremely capable and relevant organization, and I am honored and humbled to take command,” said Cmdre Hopper. “I look forward to new challenges to come and to working with the One Navy team in continuing to grow the institution and achieve the Naval Reserve’s vision. Fair winds and following seas to Commodore Mulkins.”

The Naval Reserve, headquartered in Quebec City, is made up of 24 Naval Reserve Divisions (of up to 150-200 personnel each) located across Canada. Its goal is to help generate trained individuals and teams for Canadian Armed Forces operations, including domestic safety operations as well as security and defence missions, while at the same time supporting the Navy’s efforts in connecting with Canadians through the maintenance of a broad national presence.