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News Release
Statement from Commanding Officer and Crew of HMCS Chicoutimi
MARLANT 20/05 - May 5, 2005
HALIFAX -- “My crew and I very much welcome today's public release of the Board of Inquiry's Report. This has been a long and difficult period for everyone involved and we wish to recognize the hard work and dedication of the many individuals who have brought this report forward. Now that the process of review is completed, we will be able to have long-standing questions addressed fully, in the light of day.
On a personal note – As Commanding Officer of HMCS CHICOUTIMI, I consider myself privileged to command and serve with this crew of which I am very proud. I have also always understood that this privilege comes with great responsibility. I spoke with Vice Admiral MacLean yesterday morning and clearly understand his assessment and fully accept his decision, as I have always been prepared to do.
Together, as a crew, we in CHICOUTIMI have experienced much turmoil in the past months, as have our families. So too has Gwen and her children, and the extended family of Chris Saunders. The release of this report marks a very important milestone on the road to gaining some greater measure of control in our lives.
We also wish to take this opportunity to thank the many people (military and civilian) from across Canada for their expressed support, which has been overwhelmingly appreciated by all of us onboard. The crew and I do not intend to accept requests for media interviews and we ask that our privacy be respected.”
Thank you,
J.R.L. Pelletier Commander
Commanding Officer
HMCS CHICOUTIMI
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