Archana Cini
Lookout Newspaper

  • On July 23, Commander (Cdr) Donna Crosman succeeded Cdr Nicolas Bruzzone as Commanding Officer of Base Administration (BAdm). 
  • Cdr Bruzzone’s tenure emphasized people-first leadership, logistical excellence, and modernization of key base services. 
  • Cdr Crosman, a lifelong military member, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead. 

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From a poetry reading to lighthearted memories, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Change of Command (CoC) ceremony for the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Base Administration (BAdm) Branch was one to remember.

The CoC was held on July 23 at Work Point’s Nixon Gym. Presided over by Captain(Navy) Kevin Whiteside, Commander (Cdr) of CFB Esquimalt Base, command was passed from outgoing CO, Cdr Nicolas Bruzzone, to incoming CO, Cdr Donna Crosman. The ceremony united military and civilian members of the Defence Team, along with family, to both honour Cdr Bruzzone’s service and celebrate Cdr Crosman’s arrival.

Cdr Bruzzone’s career reflects both global reach and local leadership, with time served in Canada, Chile, and at sea. A logistician, he has supported Canadian naval operations and base functions for nearly two decades.

“Over my tenure, I laughed with many of you, got to know some of you, and cried with a few of you,” said Cdr Bruzzone during his speech. “What we have in this country really is worth fighting for.”

During the ceremony a poem composed by Cdr Bruzzone, Through Every Storm (featured below), was recited, and illustrated his sentiment on his branch’s solemn commitment to duty and service. To Cdr Bruzzone, some of his most noteworthy accomplishments during his time as BAdm CO includes: implementing a genuine, people-first mindset; reopening the Wardroom galley for meals; and modernizing the Lookout Newspaper and Creative Services.

When asked what he would like to leave with Esquimalt’s BAdm Branch as he passes command, Cdr Bruzzone said, “Thank you for your commitment and tireless effort towards the needs and wellbeing of our people. The work each of you does is sacred, seen, and appreciated — from managing information and providing nourishment to sharing spiritual guidance and building community.” Cdr Bruzzone’s next chapter remains in Esquimalt, where he will serve as the Formation Logistics Officer at MARPAC headquarters.

To Cdr Crosman, serving at CFB Esquimalt as Commanding Officer will fulfil a lifelong ambition.

“It will be a privilege to serve, with this role allowing me to continue to do some incredible work,” said Cdr Crosman. She also acknowledged the sacrifices made by military families. Born into a military family and raised on military bases across Canada, Cdr Crosman has served in the RCN since 2002. As the incoming CO of the BAdm branch, Cdr Crosman is honoured to keep her focus on people.

 

Through Every Storm

By Commander (Cdr) Nicolas Bruzzone

We honour the vast and restless sea,
Its depth, its might, its mystery.
It tests us through unyielding tides,
The edge of fear, the swell of pride.

Your Majesty, our oath is sworn,
With loyal hearts, through every storm.
For Crown and country, strong and free,
Each sailor bears a legacy.

May we withstand the sea’s command,
Be steered safe by steady hand.
With shipmates close and purpose known,
We do not face these seas alone.

Let this Fleet and all who sail,
Hold fast through storm and piercing gale.
A shield for peace, our burden grand:
Defend our sea, sky, and land.

Beyond our shores, when duty calls,
Where fragile peace too often falls,
We sail to guard, to aid, to stand,
With allies strong, in distant lands.

We hold in heart those gone before,
Their names still echo on the shore.
Through sacrifice our freedoms grew;
Their history now sails with you.

And when we dock, from mission done,
May pride and purpose blend as one.
In steadfast trust, as shipmates true,
We serve with honour in all we do.