HMCS VILLE DE QUÉBEC

Command Team

Commanding Officer

Commander Steven Thornton Commander Steven Thornton

Commander Steven Thornton joined the Canadian Forces in 1989. He completed his initial officer training in Chilliwack, BC, and attended the College Militaire Royal de St. Jean. He then attended Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.

On completion of his naval training, Commander Thornton joined HMCS TERRA NOVA in 1995. While there, he was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and his Certificate of Competency Level 2. He then successfully completed his Above Water Warfare training and joined HMCS HALIFAX as the Above Water Warfare Officer.

In 2000, Commander Thornton was selected for post-graduate training in the United Kingdom at the Royal Military College of Shrivenham, where he earned a Master of Science in Guided Weapons Systems. Upon graduation, he served at the Directorate of Maritime Requirements Sea where he progressed the Canadian Navy’s research and development efforts.

Following the successful completion of the Operations Room Officer course in 2004, he joined HMCS IROQUOIS as Deputy Combat Officer, and during his tour, achieved the Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator qualification. HMCS IROQUOIS deployed as the Standing NATO Maritime Group One Flagship and participated in OP SIRIUS and OP SEXTANT/ OP ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR. He subsequently became the Combat Officer of HMCS ATHABASKAN.

In 2007, Commander Thornton was posted to the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare Centre, where as the Above Water Battlespace Operational Test and Evaluation Coordinator, synchronized all the Canadian Navy’s missile firings and various other activities.

In 2009, Commander Thornton was appointed as the Executive Officer of HMCS TORONTO. In TORONTO, he participated in Op NANOOK 09, and Op CARIBBE 09. During the Royal Canadian Navy’s Centennial celebrations TORONTO escorted the Standing NATO Maritime Group One and participated in HALCYON RV and the Fleet Review. During Op CARIBBE 10&11, TORONTO conducted the inaugural integration and deployment with a United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. He completed the Joint Command and Staff Program in Toronto in June of 2012.

Commander Steven Thornton assumed command of HMCS VILLE DE QUEBEC on 31st of August 2012, stationed in Halifax, where he resides with his wife Tasha have three children: Andrew, Kelsey and MacKenzie.

Date modified:
7/21/2010