HMCS Regina Observes Change of Command at Sea with Sailors and Families Aboard

A/Slt DoHyun Kim
HMCS Regina

On May 23, HMCS Regina marked a leadership milestone with a Change of Command (CoC) ceremony held at sea.

Presided over by Commodore David Mazur, Commander, Canadian Fleet Pacific (CANFLTPAC), the ceremony saw command pass from outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) Captain (Navy) Jeremy Samson to the incoming CO Commander (Cdr) Darren Sleen. Notably, the CoC also took place during a Family Day sail that united Regina’s command and crew with their loved ones.

Promoted to his current rank during the ceremony, Capt (Navy) Samson honoured the expertise and courage of the ship’s company, expressing emotion over his departure. That sentiment resonated throughout members of the crew, many of whom described Capt (Navy) Samson as a sailor who understood the nuances of both commanding a warship and strong leadership. Prior to his appointment aboard HMCS Regina, incoming CO Cdr Sleen served as CO of HMCS Venture, the Naval Officers Training Centre. Well reputed for his ability to foster community Cdr Sleen arrives aboard Regina with a strong track record of camaraderie-building and leadership.

Following the ceremony, both incoming and outgoing COs and their families gathered at the captain’s cabin to symbolically pass the torch. In addition to recognizing the responsibilities that come with command, both leaders acknowledged and paid tribute to the ongoing sacrifices made by their loved ones. As part of the Family Day sail that coincided with the CoC ceremony, sailors also got the opportunity to give loved ones a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of naval life. The occasion saw crew members guiding loved ones through Regina, sharing both operational insight and stories of the extensive teamwork needed to maintain a mission ready vessel. The event not only strengthened bonds between sailors and their families but highlighted the dedication and sacrifices that come with life at sea.

Both the day and ceremony concluded in classic naval tradition, with Capt(Navy) Samson transported ashore on a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) as the ship’s company and their loved ones cheered proudly over a naval chapter well led.