Vice-Admiral Peter William Cairns CMM CD (October 4, 1938 – February 18, 2023) was an officer of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Cairns joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1956 and was appointed a midshipman in 1959.

He became Deputy Commandant of the Canadian Forces Fleet School at Halifax in 1978.

[1] Next he became Chief of Personnel Careers (Officers and Senior Appointments) at the National Defence Headquarters in 1983, Director-General Personnel Careers (Officers) in 1985 and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in 1987.

[1] In retirement Cairns became Director of Business Development at the Aviation Services Division of Spar Aerospace.