A holiday message from the Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt

The coming of a new year is often seen as a moment to pause and take stock – celebrating our accomplishments and reflecting on our challenges. As I look back over this year, I am full of appreciation for the work of the Defence Team here at CFB Esquimalt.

Successful deployments in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific have seen us strengthening partnerships with our allies and partners abroad, monitoring United Nations Security Council sanctions, and disrupting illicit drug trafficking. These successes at sea and stability for families at home while loved ones are deployed would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our One Navy Base team here in Esquimalt.

This year also saw us return to fulfilling our ceremonial duties in person, including Remembrance Day and respectfully marking the passing of our monarch, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We connected with our community through important outreach initiatives such as Defence on the Dock, Military Appreciation Nights, and local celebrations. I recognize that our participation in these events requires considerable effort, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to help share what we do with our community. As we move into 2023, be assured that the Base Chief Petty Officer and I are laser-focused on ensuring that we’re doing the right ceremonial activities for the right reasons and with the least footprint with which the mission can be accomplished so that extracurricular duties are reduced as much as possible.

While there is a lot to be proud of, we are all aware that much work lies ahead. It’s no secret that our organization is in the midst of great change that will have implications for years. That change must be a positive one. Our No. 1 priority remains a shift in culture, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all. We are committed to a detailed analysis of mandate versus available resources to ensure that we’re dedicating our efforts to those tasks that are fundamental to our business. We are also working within the Royal Canadian Navy and the community to address long-standing concerns affecting members’ ability to continue to serve, such as the cost of living, accommodations and access to family support. Ultimately, we want to increase career satisfaction and quality of life for all Defence Team members.

I know many of you have questions, and I won’t pretend to have all the answers yet. What I do know is that all levels of leadership are seized with these issues and are committed to making the changes needed within our organization. Our future depends upon what we choose to do today, and it will take leadership and collaboration at all levels to create the change we need to see.

As another year comes to a close, I want to thank you for your professionalism and dedication to our work and for skillfully rising to every challenge we faced. There is no other team I would rather be a part of. I am grateful for the privilege of serving as your Base Commander.

From my family to yours, I wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday and all the best in the coming year.

Captain (Navy) J. Jeffrey Hutchinson
Base Commander, CFB Esquimalt