Policy

22nd Royal Canadian Navy Command Chief Petty Officer Announced

Mishall Rehman May 15, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The 22nd Command Chief Petty Officer (CCPO) of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was recently announced by the VAdm. Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN.

This prestigious mantel will now be taken up by Chief Petty Officer First Class Pascal Harel, a 28 year veteran of the RCN.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to CPO1 P.G. Harel on his upcoming appointment, which will take effect at APS 2024,” stated Topshee in CANFORGEN 029/24, which announced the new appointment.

Image from 2020 when Chief Petty Officer First Class Pascal Harel was HMCS Winnipeg’s Coxswain. Photo by Sailor 1st Class Valerie LeClair. Image courtesy of HMCS Winnipeg Facebook page.

Twenty-Eight Years of Service

CPO1 Harel joined the RCN at the age of 19 as a marine electrician. After completing all of his training, he was deployed aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Regina in the Persian Gulf, according to his biography.

Over the course of almost three decades, Harel has completed seven deployments, several iterations of RIMPAC, WESTPLOYS, and OP CARIBBEs, three postings as an instructor and UCPO at the Fleet School, FMF, MOG4, Sea Training, Base Administration UCPO, PCC(P) UCPO, and a posting to the NCR as the Career Manager for the new Marine Technician trade, according to the Department of National Defence (DND).

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship WINNIPEG conducts surveillance operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation CARIBBE on June 21, 2015. Photo: OP Caribbe, DND.

Significant Posts

Other significant posts held by the Chief Petty Officer include becoming the first regular force Coxn to be on a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel on the West Coast.

In 2020, he was appointed as HCMS Winnipeg COXN and, in subsequent years, served as Director General Military Careers / Director Senior Appointments Chief Warrant Officer. Before taking up his new role, Harel has been serving as the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture.

Lead by Example

“This appointment reflects your significant contributions to both the CAF and RCN. As my senior non-commissioned advisor on all issues concerning the welfare and services of our sailors, Defence Team members, and families, as well as RCN culture and our readiness to fight, I know that you will embody the CAF Ethos, lead by example and exemplify the high level of trust, which our members deserve,” noted Topshee.

VAdm. Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN recently announced the 22nd Command Chief Petty Officer (CCPO) of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Above image: When VAdm. Topshee was Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, he addressed the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) CALGARY during the Battle of the Atlantic 75th anniversary ceremony held on the flight deck while at anchorage in Plumper Sound on 3 May 2020. Photo: Corporal Jay Naples, MARPAC Imaging Services.

Fair Process

According to the CANFORGEN, CPO1 Harel was chosen after “objective and consistent” process. The selection process now implements improvements made to the RCN Strategic Leadership Team selection processes.

Acknowledging all the other applicants for the position, the RCN Commander stated: “I would like to congratulate all the applicants for their interest in the position and impressive career accomplishments to date. Their continuing service to the RCN and Canada is greatly appreciated.”