Earlier today we received the news that charges have been laid against two of our personnel related to the death of Petty Officer Second Class Gregory Applin. There is no doubt that this is difficult news for all of us, and it highlights the challenging realities of our service in the Royal Canadian Navy. We operate in a demanding environment where mistakes and errors can have fatal consequences, and we must be accountable for our actions and our inactions.
There will be a fair, independent and impartial process to determine the outcome of these charges and those accused deserve every opportunity to defend themselves. We are also extremely mindful that an incident like this almost never results from a single cause or single error, and it is most likely the outcome of a combination of factors.
Accountability is not limited to legal proceedings; it is a principle that guides our profession and maintains the trust placed in us by Canadians. The expectations of all members of the Royal Canadian Navy are clear. We must:
- Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and safety in all that we do;
- Foster a culture of accountability at every level;
- Look out for one another, speak up when we see risks, and take action to prevent harm; and
- Continually learn and improve from every experience, especially our most difficult ones.
To command teams at all levels: you are entrusted with the responsibility of leadership, oversight, and stewardship of your people and your operations. We expect you to lead with clarity, compassion, and resolve. You must be vigilant, proactive, and uncompromising in enforcing safety standards and operational discipline. The lives of your sailors depend on it.
The loss of one of our own weighs heavily on us all. Let us honour Petty Officer Applin's memory by committing ourselves to the highest ideals of naval service and ensuring that every sailor returns home safely.
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee Chief Petty Officer First Class Pascal Harel
Commander Royal Canadian Navy Command Chief Petty Officer Royal Canadian Navy
