A Saskatchewan man has taken the reins of naval reserve HMCS Queen in Regina.
Lieutenant Commander (LCdr) Clark Northey was introduced as the new commanding officer (CO) of the unit at a ceremony on Saturday, replacing outgoing CO LCdr Trent Nichols.
Northey, who was born and raised in Saskatchewan, said he’s looking forward to this very unique challenge of commanding the unit.
“I feel very fortunate to be given this opportunity and I’m excited to work with the fine men and women of HMCS Queen,” he said following the change of command ceremony.
Northey studied at the University of Saskatchewan and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in April of 2006. As an intelligence officer by occupation, he has taken on a number of roles around the globe during his time with the Royal Canadian Navy.
Northey served as a liaison officer during wildfire operations in Northern Saskatchewan and assisted at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. He has also been deployed to locations including Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
He assumed command of HMCS Queen in July of this year.
“An appointment to command definitely comes with a degree of gravity being responsible for the well-being of the unit, including most importantly personnel and material as well.”
LCdr Trent Nichols, former CO of HMCS Queen. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
Outgoing CO LCdr Trent Nichols, who now lives in Victoria with his wife and two children, held the position at HMCS Queen since August 2016. Back then, he was given the task of growing the unit’s numbers and spreading the word of their facility in the city.
Nichols feels he accomplished the start of their unit’s goals.
“The unit grew twice in size during my tenure and there are more people who know more about the Navy,” said Nichols. “If not – hi. We’re the Navy and we’re here!”
He added that Northey will do a great job as the CO of HMCS Queen.
