The Royal Canadian Navy issued the following statement regarding the removal of the Commanding Officer of HMCS Ottawa:

“Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, has relieved Commander Adriano Lozer of his duties as Commanding Officer of HMCS Ottawa, currently deployed on Operation HORIZON, due to loss of confidence.

“This measure was deemed necessary to ensure effective leadership in HMCS Ottawa as it continues its deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. The incidents that gave rise to this decision do not concern any form of misconduct.

“Commander Landon Creasy, an experienced naval officer and former Commanding Officer of HMCS Regina, will assume command and will continue HMCS Ottawa’s deployment until the ship returns home to its home port in Esquimalt, B.C. in late-March. The ship’s company has been informed of this decision.

“Upon his repatriation to Canada, Commander Lozer will serve in other roles within Maritime Forces Pacific. Procedural fairness will continue to be respected throughout all follow-on administrative processes. As this is a personnel matter, no further information will be released at this time.”