Naval Security Team change of command

Commanding Officer of the Naval Security Team, Lieutenant Commander Michael Wills (left), is congratulated by Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, Commodore Jeff Zwick (centre) during a Change of Command Ceremony on May 11. LCdr Wills took command of the unit from LCdr Jeff Chura (right). Photo by LS Ogle Henry, MARPAC Imaging Services

By SLt M.X. Déry, MARPAC Public Affairs ~

Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Jeff Chura passed command of the Naval Security Team (NST) to LCdr Michael Wills on May 11.

“I was honoured to be chosen for such a unique opportunity,” said LCdr Chura, “I look back in awe at what we have accomplished.”

In his remarks prior to handing over command, LCdr Chura was thankful for all the hard work put in by the NST over the last two years.

“I was impressed by the energy, enthusiasm and drive of everyone involved,” he said.

Speaking as CO of the unit for the first time, LCdr Wills emphasized that he is open and ready to support them.

“I look forward to the challenge of bringing to fruition the vision of NST,” he said. “Flexibility will be key to providing the Royal Canadian Navy with a deployable and capable security force.”

LCdr Wills was, until recently, the commanding officer of HMCS Oriole, in which he sailed from CFB Esquimalt, through the Panama Canal to CFB Halifax, covering over 16,000 km.

This year, the NST returned from Denmark where they supported the deployment of HMCS St. John’s on Op Reassurance. Members are currently training for deployments to Fiji and Greece in the coming months.

NST members are trained to conduct local force protection operations to address asymmetrical threats in and around sea ports where RCN ships may be located.