Naval Training Group turns ten!

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“Everyone in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) shares the same professional goal: to force generate maritime capabilities for employment at the direction of the Government of Canada,” said Commander (Cdr) Darren Sleen, Commander Naval Training Group (CNTG), during a recent address.

The assembly of military and civilian members gathered at Work Point’s Nixon Building to commemorate the creation of Naval Training Group (NTG) on June 11th a decade earlier.

Today, NTG employs approximately 1,000 military and civilian personnel at its modest headquarters and across four training establishments in Halifax (Naval Fleet School (Atlantic)), Quebec (Naval Fleet School (Quebec)), and Esquimalt (Naval Fleet School (Pacific) and HMCS Venture).

“We have made many incremental improvements over the past ten years,” said Cdr Sleen, “and will continue striving to improve our efficiency and effectiveness”.

NTG is the principal organization responsible for developing and delivering individual training and education across the RCN. Its mission is to enable and equip all personnel with the knowledge, skills, and leadership attributes essential to Canada’s Navy.  That translates into roughly 8,000 training sessions annually.

The event coincided with the start of National Public Service Week (June 9-15). Appropriately, Cdr Sleen thanked NTG’s civilian Defence Team members and acknowledged the service of two original members, Laura Brackenbury and Josée Lafontaine, who were invited to perform the ceremonial cake cutting.

“Being a part of the NTG leadership team since its creation has been highly rewarding,” said Josée Lafontaine, Head of Department: Group Services. “I am proud to have contributed to the progress we’ve made collectively over these past ten years. There certainly have been challenges coordinating the programmes of four geographically dispersed training establishments, but we are better managed today than any point in our history.”

“I tell people there’s never a dull day at work,” said Laura Brackenbury, Head of Department: Training Technologies. “Training infrastructure is the key component for success. The past decade has largely been an effort towards recapitalization and digitization of aging facilities; however, the next ten years will emphasize the introduction of new vessel platforms and the trainers and schoolhouse required to prepare our sailors for what’s ahead. From Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships to Joint Support Ships to Canadian Surface Combatants – the future is fast approaching and exciting.”

“There are several values we espouse in the military and your service over the past decade exemplifies excellence, accountability and loyalty,” stated Cdr Sleen. “Like most endeavours, NTG’s successes are based on the talent, energy, motivation, and determination of our people.”

“So, Happy 10th Anniversary Naval Training Group! Your efforts help assure the continuing vitality, professionalism, and operational excellence of our navy!” concluded Cdr Sleen.