New commanding officer takes helm at Rocky Point

Kate Bandura, Lookout Editor 

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In a milestone ceremony on June 25, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Chantal Woolley made history as she became the first female commanding officer (CO) of Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point.

 

She takes over from LCdr Craig Newman, who led the depot for the past three years. The change of command ceremony marked the continuation of CFAD Rocky Point’s proud 70-year history of providing ammunition and explosives support to the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

 

LCdr Woolley brings a unique perspective to the role: having previously served at Rocky Point, she returns with both familiarity and fresh vision. In her remarks, she expressed excitement about returning to the depot.

 

“It truly is an honor and a privilege to be the commanding officer of a unit which has great history and a lot of wisdom,” LCdr Woolley said. “It’s a great responsibility for which I’m grateful, and for the trust bestowed in me.”

 

The event marked not just a leadership transition, but also highlighted the evolving face of Canada’s military logistics and support operations. LCdr Woolley’s appointment is part of a broader shift in ammunition depot leadership across Canada: by summer’s end, women will command three of the country’s four ammunition depots, a milestone LCdr Woolley noted with pride.

 

The ceremony underscored the vital, yet often overlooked, role of ammunition depots. In his farewell address, LCdr Newman reflected on his tenure as the depot supported fleet operations worldwide.

“Giving as much as I did to the unit for them to succeed in whatever they’re working on – that’s what I’m most proud of,” said LCdr Newman.

 

He noted key accomplishments included support to Ukraine, exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, and numerous ship ammunition loadouts.

 

Looking ahead, LCdr Woolley emphasized the importance of teamwork and leveraging the depot’s collective expertise.

 

“I see this as a collaborative relationship,” she said. “We are all members of the ammunition community, regardless of our trade or occupation. This depot has the depth and breadth to be successful in these exciting times.”

 

She also identified maintaining a cohesive team and infrastructure improvements as top priorities. With major naval projects on the horizon, she emphasized the depot’s vital role in supporting new capabilities.

 

“I’m hoping that’s something I can continue to champion at the right levels,” LCdr Woolley said. “My hope is to leave this place better than I found it.”

 

As CFAD Rocky Point enters this new chapter, it stands as a testament to the CAF’s commitment to diversity, expertise, and operational excellence in meeting the ­challenges of 21st-century naval warfare support.