This appointment also includes the title Chief of the Naval Staff and is based at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario.

This individual reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff, who then responds to the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In August 1964 the position of Chief of the Naval Staff was abolished.

Responsibility for naval matters was split between the newly established Defence Staff in Ottawa and operational headquarters in Halifax (for Flag Officer Atlantic Coast) and Esquimalt (for Flag Officer Pacific Coast).

[2][3] The following table lists all those who have held the post of Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy or its preceding positions.