POESB Change of Command moves offshore

Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell, center, signs the change of command certificates that officialises passing command of Port Operations and Emergency Services from outgoing Cdr Andrew Muir to incoming Cdr Greg Walker. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper

Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell, center, signs the change of command certificates that officialises passing command of Port Operations and Emergency Services from outgoing Cdr Andrew Muir to incoming Cdr Greg Walker. Photos by Peter Mallett, Lookout Newspaper

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

With Fisgard Lighthouse as backdrop and a brilliant blue sky overhead, Port Operations and Emergency Services Branch (POESB) held its Change of Command ceremony aboard CFAV Glendale.

Base Commander Capt(N) Steve Waddell presided over the on-the-water ceremony held May 29 on the rear-deck of the 95-foot Glen-class tug signing the official Change of Command certificates between outgoing POESB Commanding Officer, Cdr Andy Muir and the incoming Cdr Greg Walker.

Cdr Muir, 53, has spent 32 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. With this Change of Command he will retire to become the Superintendent of both Hydrographic Services Offices in Halifax and Esquimalt. He says the new job offer was too good not to accept.

“I have had a lifelong love of charts and maps, coupled with my navigation experience and my educational background. It was the perfect change of career opportunity for me,” said Cdr Muir.

Cdr Walker, 56, has 22 years as a naval officer, and was previously the Executive Officer for reserve unit HMCS Malahat. He assumes command of a unit that provides coordinated operational and emergency services to the fleet and base, and oversees the management of Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbours for the Department as the Queen’s Harbour Master.

POESB consists of three sections: Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessels (CFAV), the CFB Esquimalt Fire Service, and a small headquarter staff.

This is his first command position, but, like Cdr Muir, he also noted the job opportunity was “too good to turn down.” He said he will now focus on providing operational support and guidance to the civilian employees in his unit.

The idea to hold the ceremony aboard Glendale, instead of the  more traditional shore location, was hatched by the QHM operation staff.

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