News Release
College Math Professor Assumes Command of the Naval Reserve
July 9, 2021 – Ottawa (ON) – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
There is a new commander at the head of Canada’s Naval Reserve.
Commodore Patrick Montgomery assumed command from Commodore Michael Hopper during a ceremony today in Ottawa, at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Carleton. The ceremony was presided by Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Quotes
“The Naval Reserve plays a vital role in the defence of our country and in the operations of the Royal Canadian Navy. I’m very grateful to Commodore Hopper for his vision and leadership in strengthening Reserve sailors’ training and operational readiness. Commodore Montgomery is an outstanding sailor and leader, and I know he will serve the Naval Reserve well in his new role.”
Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
“Leading the Naval Reserve has been the greatest privilege of my military career. I’m so grateful to our teams spread across the country, who balance civilian and military commitments to serve as Reservists. In the last few years, I was so proud that Reserve sailors deployed on operations both abroad and at home, including in support of civil authorities’ responses to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish Commodore Montgomery well as he takes over the helm of the Naval Reserve.”
Commodore Michael Hopper, Outgoing Commander, Naval Reserve
“The appointment is an honour, and I am indebted to Commodore Hopper and his predecessors for their dedication, leadership and mentorship. To the members of the Naval Reserve family, thank you for continuing to volunteer every day to serve our country wherever you may be: deployed, at sea in the fleet, or in your community. I will do my utmost to ensure that you will continue to be ready for the next operation while connecting with Canadians across the country.”
Commodore Patrick Montgomery, Incoming Commander, Naval Reserve
Quick Facts
Naval Reserve
- The Naval Reserve consists of more than 4,100 part-time sailors, serving within 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across the country.
- The four tasks of the Naval Reserve are:
- Respond to domestic safety operations with trained sailors and small boat expertise.
- Provide specific unique skill sets for security missions for the Royal Canadian Navy.
- Augment the fleet on any platform or shore capacity for defence missions, both at home and abroad.
- Provide the linkage for the Royal Canadian Navy to our local communities.
- In line with the “One Navy” concept, Reserve sailors can integrate seamlessly within teams, ships and operations when they work alongside their colleagues in the Regular Force.
Commodore Hopper
- Commodore Hopper enrolled in the Naval Reserve as a cook in 1986, in Ottawa.
- He commanded HMCS Summerside from December 2001 to December 2002, and was Commanding Officer of HMCS Carleton from 2009 to 2013.
- He assumed command of the Naval Reserve in 2018.
- In his civilian career, he works as a special-education teacher with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, working with children from kindergarten to Grade 8.
Commodore Montgomery
- Commodore Montgomery enrolled in the Naval Reserve in 1986.
- He was the Commanding Officer of HMCS Edmonton (2008-2010) and HMCS Saskatoon (2010-2012).
- Commodore Montgomery holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Alberta and currently teaches mathematics at Camosun College in Victoria, BC. He has published research articles on several topics including gravity currents, insect dispersion and wood rehydration.
- He plays the tuba with the Greater Victoria Concert Band.
