Vice-Admiral Baines assumes Command as the 37th CRCN. He has served in a variety of command and staff roles throughout his career, most recently serving as Deputy Vice CDS. The outgoing CRCN, Vice-Admiral McDonald, will be promoted to the rank of Admiral and will succeed General Vance as the 20th CDS.
“As I assume Command from Vice-Admiral McDonald, I would like to recognize the significant leadership that my shipmate has provided to the Royal Canadian Navy throughout his command. It goes without saying what an honour and privilege it is to become the 37th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Without question, the biggest part of this honour, is continuing to serve with a group of outstanding Canadians who wear a uniform on behalf of their country, often serving in a complex environment far from home. We will continue to prioritize support to our Sailors, Defence Team members and their Families while managing ongoing cultural change, domestic and international operations, fleet recapitalization, training and readiness, all while innovating throughout our organization to make us the most inclusive, respect- driven Navy we can be. We remain committed to be READY to help, READY to lead, and READY to fight for Canadians.”
Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, Incoming Commander Royal Canadian Navy
Vice-Admiral Baines’ career in the Royal Canadian Navy has been a combination of sea-going appointments and staff officer positions throughout his 33 years of service. He started his career as bridge watch-keeping officer in Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Saguenay, specializing in navigation and naval warfare en route to an appointment as Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg in 2007. He held the appointment of Base Commander of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt between July 2010 and July 2012. After serving as the Commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic between 2014 and 2017, he was appointed Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic until he assumed the position of Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2020.
About the Royal Canadian Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy is Canada’s naval force consisting of approximately 8,300 Regular Force and 3,600 Reserve sailors, supported by approximately 3,800 civilian employees.
The mission of the Royal Canadian Navy is to generate combat-capable, multipurpose maritime forces that support Canada’s efforts to participate in security operations anywhere in the world, as part of an integrated Canadian Armed Forces.
The Royal Canadian Navy fleet, divided between the Atlantic (Halifax, N.S.) and Pacific (Esquimalt, B.C.) coasts, is composed of 28 warships, submarines, and coastal defence vessels, plus many more auxiliary and support vessels.
