New Fleet Commander highlights changing culture and new ships as priorities

Rebuilding trust and improving culture across the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) are top priorities for Commodore Trevor Maclean, who took command of Canadian Fleet Atlantic (CANFLTLANT) on June 22.

Following allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour by RCN senior officers, Commodore MacLean is not shying away from the upcoming challenge that is transforming the RCN environment.

“We have to ensure for Canadian Fleet Atlantic that our culture change and our leadership climate continues to move forward with swift momentum, which is absolutely crucial work,” he said, following a Change of Command ceremony for the Fleet on board HMCS Margaret Brooke.

The allegations of misconduct by senior RCN members underpinned what the new Commander RCN, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee described as an era of “diminished trust in senior leadership.”

Cmdre MacLean pointed to the release of the new Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Ethos and recent messaging from the top of the RCN and CAF as encouraging, but acknowledged the need to follow up these statements with real action and progress on the ground.

The organization needs to right the ship to ensure a strong Atlantic Fleet going forward, and to attract and recruit the personnel needed over the coming years, Cmdre MacLean said.

“Our top priority must be to ensure that the work environment in all of our units is second to none… business as usual isn’t going to cut it.”

Looking ahead, Cmdre MacLean said preserving the Fleet’s fighting shape will be another top priority. This involves supporting and maintaining the current equipment and the Halifax-class Frigates, while also planning and training for an influx of new ships. Recruitment challenges mean this needs to be done carefully, ensuring sailors have the support needed to prevent burnout, he added.

“We’re facing a world that’s at an inflection point, with an increasingly complex and dangerous security environment. We know Canada will continue to play an important role, and we’ll ensure Canadian Fleet Atlantic will continue to be a major contributor.”