On 26 June, LCdr Marie-Sonya Sowa succeeded Cdr Stephen Churm as the 36th Commanding Officer of HMCS STAR and Lt(N) Mike DiBerardo, on promotion to LCdr became Executive Officer. Cdr Churm has been appointed as Special Advisor Workplace Relations at NAVRESHQ. Congratulations to all.
LCdr Marie-Sonya Sowa,
36th CO of HMCS STAR
LCdr Mike DiBerardo, XO
The Battle of the Atlantic is always remembered on the first Sunday of May. Being the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), this year’s ceremonies were to be very special. COVID-19 has resulted in an amended program. A virtual commemoration will take place on Sunday 3rd May, on the Navy’s national Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Battle of the Atlantic content and programming will begin at 0700 EST and continue throughout the day.
The content includes:
0800 EST: Battle of the Atlantic feature video;
0900 – 1000 EST: Historical overview of key victories and events; and
1100 – 1130 EST: Modified wreath-laying ceremony by Vice Admiral Art McDonald, Commander of the RCN, and CPO1 David Steeves, Comand Chief Petty Officer.
These times are tentative and subject to change. For more information, please visit:
www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/navy-life/history-boa-75th.page
Bill joined the RCN(R) at HMCS STAR in 1946 as an Ordinary Seaman (Officer Candidate) at McMaster University. During his training, he sailed in the cruiser HMCS UGANDA in 1947. He eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Supply) in 1958 before retiring. He served as a Hamilton City Councillor and Controller for over thirty years. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the HAMILTON & SCOURGE by the City of Hamilton as well as being involved in numerous other historical and heritage endeavours.
Some information courtesy of Mark McNeil of the Hamilton Spectator – https://www.wellandtribune.ca/opinion-story/9940586-flashbacks-remembering-hamilton-heritage-crusader-bill-mcculloch/
