Real Property Operations Unit (RPOU) Atlantic held a change of appointment July 25 for the outgoing and incoming officer commanding (OC) of RPOU Detachment (Det) Greenwood.
Though it is not common to have a change of appointment ceremony for the OC position, the event’s guest of honour, RPOU Atlantic’s commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel James Legresley, informed guests RPOU Atlantic, which covers four of the 32 detachments, has begun the practice.
“They’re not traditional but, here in Atlantic, we like to prioritize them. I was an OC here from 2015 to 2019, and we had done a change of appointment ceremony when I relinquished command. I thought it was a very important milestone because, just like the COs across the base, the OC isn’t called a commanding officer – but he acts like one. He carries that posture, and he briefs the wing commander – just like the other ones do. It’s an important milestone for everybody involved, and it’s one of those things that, the alternative is, you just show up one day and you start your job and there’s no actual transition from old to the new.”
Legresley also took the time to thank Major Jordan Vadala, who accepted the interim position in January.
“Major Vadala, you stepped into the breach and kept the ship running. I’ve heard a lot of praise about your leadership abilities and compassion towards people. It’s not too often I get to do a demotion ceremony, but I thank you very much for stepping up. A true testament to leadership and the team as well.”
Although Vadala passed on the unit’s golden shovel to incoming OC Major Ray Doiron, he’s proud to continue working on the RPOU Det Greenwood team.
“I want to thank the people at RP Ops and Construction Engineering: all you folks are very professional, hard workers, and you almost run yourselves. You made it easy for me. You’re going to do great with Ray. I was on course with him, and he’s a very good fit for this. I’m so happy that I get to stick around and see it play out and make sure things go smoothly for the transition.”
Doiron commended his predecessor on his exceptional job over the last seven months, and spoke of his own excitement at beginning this new chapter.
“I’ve only been here for a few days but, what I’ve seen and from things I’ve heard, I’m really looking forward to working with you and supporting you and make sure that we keep up this work that’s been going on. It’s great to see that there is such a good involvement between all the units on the wing with RP Ops. I’m looking forward to keeping that with all of you, in regards to what you need and what we can do to support those operations.”
