A St. Albert resident and Gazette columnist is now commanding officer of HMCS Nonsuch after a change-of-command ceremony in Edmonton Saturday.
Lt.-Cmdr. Tim Cusack, a local resident and columnist for the St. Albert Gazette, received command of the naval reserve unit in a formal ceremony Saturday at the naval memorial at the Village at Griesbach, a neighbourhood along 137 Avenue in Edmonton.
Cusack took over command of HMCS Nonsuch from Lt.-Cmdr. Frank van Staalduinen.
The hands fell in at 11 a.m., followed by the singing of O Canada, with the reviewing officer, Commodore David Craig, arriving. After the general salute from march-on unit, Craig inspected the members.
Prayers were followed by the official change-of-command signing and presentations, including the passing of the sword to Cusack.
“I know our ship will be in good hands with you at the helm,” van Staalduinen said, noting that he and Cusack had worked together for more than a decade.
Craig said Cusack is taking over at an important time in naval history.
“We’re in the midst of becoming a new navy,” said Craig.
He noted the navy is taking on new ships and new initiatives, and the naval reserve is an important part of that.
Craig thanked the outgoing commander and said Cusack had all his confidence.
“I know you’re going to uphold the example of leadership as commanding officer of Nonsuch,” said Craig.
Cusack said he was honoured to receive command, as HMCS Nonsuch is the hub of Edmonton’s naval community.
“Many times I am asked by my colleagues, ‘Why does Alberta have a navy?’”
Cusack said Western Canada has a proud tradition of contributing to Canada’s navy and the reserve continues to do so.
“As the commodore mentioned, the naval reserve has an important mission,” said Cusack, noting naval reserves are ready to strengthen the navy.
Cusack said he looks forward to his command.
“We have much to learn, and much to accomplish,” he said. “It is time to single out all lines and prepare to leave harbour.”
