Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

  • Cdr Michael Edmonds assumed command of HMCS Vancouver from Cdr Malorie Aubrey during an Aug 7 ceremony at C Jetty.
  • Cdr Aubrey, who commanded Vancouver since May 2025, reflected on her time with the ship’s company as one of the most rewarding periods of her career.
  • Cdr Edmonds brings a career that began as a Naval Reservist in 1995 as Vancouver continues its longstanding operational service.

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On Aug 7, the company of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver gathered at C Jetty, His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, for a Change of Command ceremony. The event saw command of the vessel pass from Commander (Cdr) Malorie Aubrey, outgoing Commanding Officer (CO), to Cdr Michael Edmonds, incoming CO. The ceremony was presided over by Commodore (Cmdre) Blair Brown, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific (CCFP).   

(Left to right) Cdr Malorie Aubrey, Outgoing CO of HMCS Vancouver, and Cdr Blair Brown, CCFP, pose for a photo during the Change of Command ceremony on Aug 7. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging

Following the arrival of Cmdre Brown and the singing of the national anthem, both Cdr Aubrey and Cmdre Brown addressed those gathered before official Change of Command certificates were signed. Cdr Edmonds then addressed the ship’s company for the first time as Vancouver’s CO. Cdr Aubrey was also presented with gifts from the Junior Ranks Mess, Wardroom, and Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Mess before the ship’s company manned the side and  Cdr Aubrey, the outgoing CO, walked ashore off the brow. 

Cdr Aubrey, who was born and raised in Petawawa, Ont., joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in 2006 after developing a love of the water on the Ottawa River. She assumed command of HMCS Vancouver on May 5, 2025. Cdr Aubrey credited the ship’s company for making her time in command “the most rewarding period of her career.” 

(Left to right) Cdr Michael Edmonds, Incoming CO of HMCS Vancouver, and Cdr Blair Brown, CCFP, pose for a photo during the Change of Command ceremony on Aug 7. Photo: S1 Kyle Maguire, MARPAC Imaging

Cdr Edmonds, born and raised in Halifax, N.S., began his naval career as a Naval Reservist in 1995 before transferring to the Regular Force.  

HMCS Vancouver, the third RCN vessel to carry the name, was commissioned in 1993 and has served on deployments from the Indo-Pacific to the Arabian Sea in support of Canada’s domestic and international operations ever since. 

Thank you, Cdr Aubrey, for your leadership and dedication aboard HMCS Vancouver; fair winds and following seas. Cdr Edmonds, welcome aboard; the company looks forward to following Vancouver’s next chapter under your command.