Submariner takes the helm of base

Outgoing Base Commander, Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie (far left); Reviewing Officer and Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, RAdm Bill Truelove (centre); and Incoming Base Commander Capt(N) Luc Cassivi sign the Change of Command certificates.

A well attended ceremony under the lofty rafters of the Naden Drill Shed saw Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie pass on the post of Base Commander to Capt(N) Luc Cassivi last Tuesday.

Cmdre Auchterlonie received his promotion during the morning’s proceedings, and conducted his first inspection to the thundering tune of famous composer John Williams’ “Imperial March” performed by the Naden Band.

Following his sweep of the gathered companies, Cmdre Auchterlonie spoke about his short time as Base Commander to those assembled.

“I didn’t know when I was coming in that I’d only be spending a year as Base Commander, but what a year it has been. I couldn’t have done this job were it not for the amazing people I worked with every day, and I know that Luc will be in good hands as Base Commander.”

RAdm Bill Truelove then took the stage, taking a moment to thank Cmdre Auchterlonie for his work.

“You’ve done a lot of good work in your time commanding the base Bob,” said RAdm Truelove. “You’ve destroyed our roads, dug up our lawns, and wrecked our buildings [referencing the start of infrastructure upgrades]. In all seriousness you had a huge task ahead of you and performed admirably. I look forward to working with you as the Pacific Fleet’s new Commodore.”

Following his speech, he joined Capt(N) Cassivi and Cmdre Auchterlonie in signing the change of command certificates. The Commodore’s pennant was lowered and presented to him by Base Chief CPO1 Shawn Taylor, signifying the end of his tenure as Base Commander.

In a burst of applause, Capt(N) Cassivi then took to the podium for the first time as Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt, addressing the crowd and honouring his friend and predecessor.

“I just hope you left some buildings for me to wreck,” he said, drawing a laugh from the crowd. “I just don’t think I’d be getting the most out of the position if I couldn’t tear something down.”

Capt(N) Cassivi acknowledged he has assumed the post at a vital time for the base.

“The work Cmdre Auchterlonie has done in the last year will make the work I have to do easier, but there is still much to be done,” he said. “With your help, and the help of our community leaders, we can serve the people of Canada in an effective and efficient way. I look forward to working with you all.”

-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer