Naval reserves

Royal Canadian Naval Reserve welcomes new commandant

Cassandra Kerwin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

cassandra@qctonline.com

Under a bright blue sky at Quay 22 on July 19, the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve gave a final salute to its outgoing commandant Patrick Montgomery and welcomed the newly appointed Commodore Beth Vallis. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), presided over the Change of Command ceremony, which included a parade of Naval Reservists and band.

The Change of Command ceremony marks the transfer of leadership and management of the Naval Reserve. Naval reservists are civilians who work in various fields outside the military while having a military career through part-time service. They generally serve evenings, weekends and during the summer. The Naval Reserve includes 24 units, called divisions, from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Six of them are located in the province of Quebec.

Montgomery began his naval career in 1986 when he enrolled in the Naval Reserve. He has had a fruitful naval career, which included commanding the Maritime Coastal Defence vessels HMCS Edmonton (2008- 2010) and HMCS Saskatoon (2010-2012). As a civilian, he holds a PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Alberta and teaches mathematics at Camosun College in Victoria, B.C. When he is not researching gravity currents or working for the Navy, he plays the tuba for the Greater Victoria Concert Band. In his retirement, he plans to continue to teach and do research.

“Commodore Montgomery, on behalf of the formation, the Navy, and all those you have served with such dedication, I extend our heartfelt thanks for your vision, commitment and exceptional service,” said Topshee. “You leave this command with honour, having strengthened the Naval Reserve for the future, and can approach your next chapter with confidence. Commodore Vallis, as you take command today, you do so with full authority, well-earned legitimacy and the trust of those around you. Your career stands as a testament to your unwavering commitment to the institution and your ability to lead this formation to new heights.”

To serve as Naval Reserve commander, a person needs to be able to juggle civilian life and military life while demonstrating impressive leadership qualities. According to an official biography provided at the ceremony, Vallis has extensive experience as a public servant within the Department of National Defence and as head of business development and property for Vallis Law and Strategic Solutions. She is actively engaged as a board governance, risk management and policy consultant for youth, sport and nonprofit volunteer associations. In recognition of her exemplary service and outstanding leadership, Vallis was awarded the Order of Military Merit.

Following tradition, Montgomery departed in a boat and was saluted by the troops standing on the quay as he sailed past them.