Royal Canadian Navy welcomes new Commander

June 16, 2026 – Hamilton, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois assumed command of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee this morning during a formal change of command ceremony, presided over by General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Star in Hamilton, Ontario.

The RCN is Canada’s fighting force at sea. It protects Canadians and Canada’s sovereignty, supports the secure maritime trade that underpins our economy, and stands ready to respond in times of crisis at home and abroad. As the RCN continues to adapt to a changing world, this change of command marks the transition of leadership for a force that serves Canadians every day.