At a ceremony at NATO’s operational headquarters in Belgium on September 7, Brigadier-General Darlene Quinn assumed command of Canada’s Formation Europe – an appointment that includes the accompanying duty of National Military Representative to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

The ceremony was presided by the Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Major-General Frances Allen, and attended by Canadian officers employed in key NATO leadership roles, including Lieutenant-General Chris Whitecross, Commandant NATO Defense College – Rome, and Rear-Admiral Darren Hawco, Canadian Representative to the Military Committee – NATO HQ Brussels.

“Canada has a long history of contributing to the causes of peace and freedom in Europe; a legacy that began over 100 years ago during the First World War, and continues through our efforts with NATO,” said MGen Allen.

Formation Europe is a community of approximately 1200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, civilian employees and their families stationed in Europe. It is Canada’s permanent military contribution to NATO operational and transformational commands.

“I wish to thank BGen Greg Smith for all he has done to create the conditions for our future success in this challenging yet rewarding multinational environment,” declared BGen Quinn. “I intend to represent Canada the best I can in every way I can. I am particularly looking forward to partnering with our neighbours at the City of Mons as we prepare to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the end of the First World War and the liberation of that city by the Canadian army this coming 11^th November.”