Charles Thomas (Canadian admiral)
Charles Thomas | |
---|---|
Born | Kelowna, British Columbia | 31 May 1936
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1954–1991 |
Rank | Vice-Admiral |
Commands | HMCS Fraser 4th Canadian Escort Squadron Maritime Command |
Awards | Commander of the Order of Military Merit |
Vice Admiral Charles Morris Winton ('Chuck') Thomas CMM (born 31 May 1936) is a retired Canadian Forces officer who served as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff.
Career
Thomas joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954.[1] He became Commanding Officer of the destroyer HMCS Fraser in 1971, Senior Staff Officer (Training) in 1973 and Senior Staff Officer (Combat Readiness) in 1973.[1] He went on to be Chief of Staff (Personnel & Training) in 1975, Commanding Officer of the 4th Canadian Escort Squadron in 1976 and Director Maritime Requirements (Sea) at the National Defence Headquarters in 1979.[1] After that he was Director General Maritime Doctrine and Operations in 1982, Chief of Maritime Doctrine and Operations in 1984 and Commander Maritime Command in 1987.[2] His last appointment was as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 1989 before resigning over policy issues in 1991.[1] His resignation reflected his belief that the Canadian Government should have been reducing the network of 40 armed forces bases rather than just reducing the headcount.[3] General John de Chastelain, Chief of the Defence Staff, responded attacking Thomas' motives rather than responding to his concerns.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d Charles Thomas The Nauticapedia
- ^ The Admirals: Canada's Senior Naval Leadership in the Twentieth Century edited by Michel Whitby, Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2006, p. 335
- ^ The admiral's call: close more bases Maclean's, May 13, 1991
- ^ A new era begins Esprit de Corps, 1 April 2009