CFB Halifax welcomes new base commander

Outgoing CFB Halifax Base Commander Capt(N) Paul Forget, left, and the new Base Commander Capt(N) David Mazur.

Ryan Melanson, Trident ~

It was 15 years ago that Captain (Navy) David Mazur was last posted to Halifax, serving in HMCS Halifax as the ship’s Command Control Information Officer.

Since then, he has built a diverse resume that includes Canadian Fleet Pacific Operations Officer, Commanding Officer of HMCS Vancouver, and Commanding Officer of Sea Training Pacific.

His latest tasking will make full use of that experience as he settles in as Base Commander of Canada’s largest military base.

He officially took command of CFB Halifax July 11 from Capt(N) Paul Forget.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back in Halifax. I recognize the key role CFB Halifax plays in supporting the fleet and other operations, and it’s clear that I’m taking over the helm of a very dedicated and professional team,” he said during the change of command.

He thanked the outgoing Base Commander for his work and leadership in the position as well Rear-Admiral Craig Baines, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), for having confidence in him to lead the base through the coming years, and his family, including wife Marise and sons Kevin and Eric, who attended the ceremony.

Along with senior leaders and a cross-section of uniformed and civilian employees, the change of command was also attended by Arthur J. Leblanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; Halifax Mayor Mike Savage; Halifax Regional Police Chief Jean Michel Blais; and other members of the wider community, highlighting the links that exist between the base and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

In his address RAdm Baines noted that being a good community neighbour and maintaining relationships with all levels of government is one of the ways the job differs from other command appointments.

“The job of base commander is a complex one, requiring a unique set of skills to manage the diverse portfolio and workforce that encompasses CFB Halifax,” he said, while also expressing confidence in Capt(N) Mazur’s abilities in his new role.

“The size and scale of this task is considerably larger, but I know he’s ready for the challenge and I know he’ll make the best of this opportunity to hone his skills in areas that are atypical for a naval warfare officer.”

Capt(N) Forget was lauded for successes during his short time leading CFB Halifax, and his year spent as MARLANT Chief of Staff before that. This included spearheading Canada 150 events at the base in 2017, facilitating the handovers of Canadian Forces Station St. John’s and Detachment Cape Breton to the Canadian Army, and working with the province on a new health care strategy to support military families in the region.

Capt(N) Forget has now taken a position with the Director Military Careers Administration in NDHQ.