A/Slt Melanie Mallet
Assistant to Public Affairs

  • RCSU Pacific welcomed Cdr Benjamin Seaby as its new Commanding Officer following a Change of Command ceremony presided over by BGen Dominique Brais. 
  • Cdr Paula McHale concluded her tenure as Commanding Officer of RCSU Pacific, having led the unit since July 2022. She will transition to command the CAF Transition Unit BC later this month. 
  • RCSU Pacific oversees British Columbia’s Cadet Program, supporting 5,500 cadets  with guidance from over 1,000 dedicated COATS members 

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The Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) Pacific recently observed a Change of Command (CoC) ceremony presided over by Brigadier-General Dominique Brais, Commander of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group. RCSU Pacific, responsible for the British Columbia Cadet Program, transitioned command from outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) Commander (Cdr) Paula McHale to incoming CO Cdr Benjamin Seaby. Cdr Seaby will now assume regional leadership of one of Canada’s top youth development programs.

Born in Ottawa and raised in Aylmer, Quebec, Cdr Seaby graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada. After completing his Naval Warfare Officer Training, Cdr Seaby joined His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax as a Bridge Watchkeeper. Cdr Seaby has also participated in several international deployments during Operation (Op) SEXTANT in 2007, Op SAIPH in 2009, and Op NEON in 2023. Additionally, Cdr Seaby has also held several key staff positions including Recruit Division Commander at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, N31-1 MARLANT Fleet Scheduler, Military Assistant to the Minister of National Defence, Career Manager, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Coordination Center (Pacific), and, most recently, Deputy Commander Submarine Sustainment.

Cdr McHale served as Commanding Officer for RCSU Pacific from July 12, 2022 to July 7, 2025, and will assume command of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Transition Unit BC on July 30.

Guided by over a thousand dedicated members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), approximately 5,500 cadets participate across British Columbia’s 135 corps and squadrons. COATS includes both Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Officers and former members of the Regular Forces and Primary Reserve, all passionate about supporting youth involved in the CAF’s Cadet Program. To learn more about the Cadet Program and explore opportunities to contribute and join, visit www.cadets.ca.