A high-ranking sailor with Maritime Forces Pacific has been relieved of his appointment after an investigation found he made “inappropriate comments” about a junior sailor’s appearance at CFB Esquimalt, navy officials say.
Timothy Blonde was relieved of his role as Formation Chief Petty Officer of Maritime Forces Pacific — the most senior non-commissioned appointment with MARPAC — following comments he made at a May 6 social event at the base, according to the Royal Canadian Navy.
While the evidence did not support charges against Blonde under the Code of Service Discipline or Criminal Code of Canada, it “clearly showed that his conduct was unacceptable, and incompatible with his duties and responsibilities…eroding the credibility necessary to execute the duties associated with this appointment,” said Royal Canadian Navy Cmdr. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee in a statement.
Topshee said the navy has been clear that any form of misconduct is “unacceptable” within its ranks, and because of that, Blonde has been relieved of his leadership duties, adding he will continue to serve in the navy.
The role Blonde occupied is meant to represent the interests and perspectives of non-commissioned MARPAC members, including maintaining discipline and promoting Canadian Armed Forces ethics and values.
“A Formation Chief Petty Officer cannot effectively carry out their duties without the trust of both leadership and the sailors of the Formation,” said Topshee.
Earlier this year in an unrelated incident, CFB Esquimalt shut down a naval training course following alleged racist and sexual misconduct events among students.
Several senior Canadian military officers have faced a wave of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations in recent years, prompting a year-long review in response.
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