Timothy Blonde has been relieved of his role as Chief Petty Officer of Naval Forces Pacific — the most senior petty officer appointment at MARPAC — after 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 the Criminal Code of Canada, it “clearly demonstrated that his conduct was unacceptable and inconsistent with his duties and responsibilities … eroding the credibility required to perform of 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” in its ranks and because of that, Blonde has been relieved of his leadership duties, adding that he will continue to serve in the navy. The role held by Xanthia is intended to represent the interests and perspectives of non-MARPAC members, including maintaining discipline and promoting the ethos and values of the Canadian Armed Forces. “A Formation Chief Petty Officer cannot perform his duties effectively without the confidence of both the leadership and the Sailors of the Formation,” Topsy said. Earlier this year, in an unrelated incident, CFB Esquimalt closed a naval training course after alleged incidents of racial and sexual harassment among students. Several senior Canadian military officers have faced a wave of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations in recent years, prompting an annual review in response.
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