A unique double ceremony was held on Wednesday April 7, 2004 at Devonport Naval Base, where the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Peter McHaffie and the Maritime Component Commander, Commodore David Ledson handed over their commands.

HMNZS CANTERBURY, a Leander class frigate, fired a 17-gun salute to the out going Chief of Navy. HMNZS PHILOMEL replied with a 7-gun salute.

The Ceremony is a formal parade, which incorporates inherited traditions and elements of New Zealand's unique cultural heritage, as well as procedures adopted by other navies.

During the first part of the ceremony Commodore Jack Steer replaced Commodore David Ledson as the Maritime Component Commander. The Maritime Component Commander heads all of the RNZN's operational elements.

The second command change saw Rear Admiral Peter McHaffie, who is retiring from the Navy after 37 years service; hand over control of the RNZN to Commodore David Ledson.

Commodore Ledson will be promoted to Rear Admiral today, 8 April 2004.

Ends

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HMNZS Canterbury prepares to farewell the Chief of Navy at Change of Command Ceremony at Devonport Naval Base

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The formal parade at the Change of Command Ceremony at Devonport Naval Base

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The crew from HMNZS Canterbury gives three cheers to the out-going Chief of Navy

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Rear Admiral Peter McHaffie at the Change of Command Ceremony addressing the Parade

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