By Lieut. Tim Woodworth for The Irish Loop Post
The recent change of command ceremony for the naval reserve unit HMCS Cabot in St. John’s was a Southern Shore affair.
COVID19 has changed the way that most organizations do business, and the Naval Reserves is no exception. This weekend past HMCS Cabot held a virtual change of command ceremony with the head of the Naval Reserve, Commodore Pat Montgomery joining via the internet.
The incoming Commanding Officer (CO) Lieutenant-Commander is Paul Carew who grew up in Shores Cove near Cape Broyle and now lives in Bay Bulls, having moved back to Newfoundland after what he describes as a rewarding career in the regular force.
Carew said he is focused on rejuvenating the naval reserve unit with an eye on recruiting. “I look forward to the opportunity to empowering every Cabot officer and sailor to actively engage in the attraction of new personnel to the RCN, take part in employment opportunities within the RCN/CAF and serving Canada as proud and humble ambassadors around the world,” said Carew. He added he is also looking forward to getting his Victor “Make and Break” on the water this summer.
With a very small group in physical attendance due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the ceremony included virtual guests such as Padre Lt(N) Ian March-MacCuish, who offered prayers for those in attendance from his computer. Other members in virtual attendance included Atlantic Region Command officers and coxswains, as well as members of HMCS Cabot.
The outgoing commanding officer, Commander Alan Brown, calls Witless Bay home.
“I am so grateful to have commanded HMCS Cabot for the last three-and-a-half years,” said Brown. “The officers and sailors loyally supported the Navy and their community in some very difficult times. For assisting others during emergencies such as Snowmageddon 2020, and continuing to train throughout the pandemic, I sincerely thank each and every one of them. I must also recognize their families, friends and loved ones for all the support they give that enables reserve service.”
Brown said he intends to use some of his newly freed time to practicing his surfing skills on the breaking waves of the Southern Shore.
