Her Excellency Sharon Johnston Appointed Honorary Captain (Navy)

The Governor General was present during the ceremony to congratulate Mrs. Johnston on her honorary appointment.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston was appointed honorary captain (Navy) for Military Personnel Command of the Canadian Armed Forces for her work in supporting military families and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness.

During the investiture ceremony, Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, Commander of Military Personnel Command, presented Mrs. Johnston with an official scroll signed by the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Defence.

“I am deeply honoured to accept this appointment as honorary captain of Military Personnel Command. Since the beginning of my husband’s mandate as governor general, I have had the privilege of meeting with Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, which has given me a great appreciation for how much they sacrifice for our country.”

Honorary naval captains act as a bridge between military and civilian communities. The minister of National Defence approves all honorary appointments, on the recommendation of the chief of the Defence Staff. These appointments are generally for a period of three years, although extensions may be granted.