A/SLt Do Hyun Kim
HMCS Regina

  • Rear-Admiral (RAdm) David Patchell assumes command of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific from RAdm Christopher Robinson. 
  • RAdm Robinson led key domestic and international missions, including COVID-19 response and deployments across multiple naval operations. 
  • RAdm Patchell brings global experience and a vision for continued investment in the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet. 

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Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) held a Change of Command Ceremony (CoC) on August 5 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s Duntze Head, marking the transfer of leadership from Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Christopher Robinson to RAdm David Patchell.

The ceremony included a land acknowledgement from Mary Ann Thomas on behalf of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG), music by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and a speech from Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) James McCorriston, Formation Chaplain. Additionally, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the RCN, RAdm Robinson, and RAdm Patchell each gave formal addresses to the audience.

RAdm Robinson became the commander of MARPAC and Joint Task Force Pacific ( JTFP) in May 2022. His leadership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic sustained critical domestic and international operations. He oversaw Operation (Op) LENTUS along with the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) nationwide natural disaster relief efforts. Internationally, RAdm Robinson directed deployments across Ops PROJECTION, NEON, HORIZON, RENDER SAFE, CARIBBE, and LIMPID. Under his command, HMCS Max Bernays was commissioned and integrated into the Canadian Pacific Fleet as the first Harry DeWolf-class vessel on the West Coast. HMCS Protecteur was also integrated to enhance fleet support.

“As I pass the watch, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together,” said RAdm Robinson in his farewell message. “Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to Canada and each other.”

Following his address to the audience, RAdm Robinson’s flag was hauled down, signifying the end of his command.

RAdm Robinson will be taking up his new role as the Deputy Vice Chief of Defense Staff in Ottawa. RAdm Patchell began his naval career in 1993 as an Ordinary Seaman at HMCS Carleton and trained as a surface warfare officer. He has served aboard HMC Ships Huron, Algonquin, Vancouver, Halifax, St. Johns, Athabaskan, Iroquois, and as Commanding Officer (CO) of HMCS Toronto during a Middle East deployment that earned a United States Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. In summer 2022, RAdm Patchell was appointed as Vice-Commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Following the signing of the CoC certificates and the breaking of his distinguished flag, RAdm Patchell assumed command of MARPAC after 22 years away from Esquimalt.

In his formal address, RAdm Patchell said, “There is no doubt that Canada needs a strong navy to defend our nation, to work with Americans to defend North America, and to support our allies on the global stage.” With RAdm Patchell also sharing ongoing investment into the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) River-class destroyers, Harry DeWolf-class, Protecteur-class, and submarine fleets, the future of the Canadian Defence Team continues to shine bright.