Prestigious occasion as CFB Esquimalt changes leadership

Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson addresses the crowd gathered on museum square July 15 following the change of command of CFB Esquimalt. The speech marked his first as the new Base Commander. Photo by S1 Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging Services, Esquimalt

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer

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Managing CFB Esquimalt is now the responsibility of Captain(Navy) Jeff Hutchinson, as he took ownership of the base on July 15.

With approximately 70 guests in attendance, Capt(N) Sam Sader transferred command to Capt(N) Hutchison with Rear-Admiral Angus Topshee presiding over the ceremony held at Museum Square. Capt(N) Sader now moves on to Ottawa as Director Operational Sustainment.

Rounding out the dignitaries were The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean; Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, and Chief Rob Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation.

First to take the podium and address the crowd, RAdm Topshee lauded Capt(N) Sader for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You had the ability to transform this organization so rapidly, to re-imagine all of those services, and to deliver them in the most demanding conditions possible,” said RAdm Topshee. “As a former fleet commander, I can say with certainty that you came through and made sure the fleet could stay safe and complete their mission of keeping Canadians safe.”

He continued on, noting several other high level achievements including the historic cleanup of industrial contamination in the harbour and the successful National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign, with over $440,000 raised under less than ideal fundraising circumstances over the past two years.

The Admiral then turned to Capt(N) Hutchinson, describing him as an outstanding leader and an experienced sailor.

“Being a base commander is not just about leading a great institution, it is also about understanding the mission. I know you bring those qualities to us and I am excited to see you take command today.”

As part of his priorities as Base Commander, Capt(N) Hutchinson noted everyone’s obligation to respect the dignity of all persons in the defence community while citing the Government of Canada’s Fundamentals of Defence Ethics. He asked for all to join with him in combatting individual biases and prejudices.

“There are no footnotes or caveats when it comes to respecting the dignity of all persons. It is a huge task to live up to; so, see if you have any caveats in your mind and work to overcome them.”

Capt(N) Hutchinson concluded, declaring to all: “I have the watch.”