Canada announces defense appointment

OTTAWA, June 16 (UPI) -- Canada's chief of the defense staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, announced Monday the appointment of a new vice chief of defense staff.

Hillier named Rear Adm. Denis Rouleau as the new vice chief of defense staff. Officials say Rouleau, who is replacing Lt. Gen. Walt Natynczyk, will be responsible for ensuring that the policies and strategic objectives of the Canadian military forces are accomplished, Canada National Defense reported.

"Rear Adm. Rouleau's experience in operations and more recently as chief of program at National Defense Headquarters makes him the right person to assume the role of vice chief of defense staff and to help shape the future and priorities of Canada's military," Hillier said in a statement.

With the appointment, Rouleau will be promoted to the rank of vice admiral. Before serving as chief of program at National Defense Headquarters, Rouleau was the commander of the Multi-National Standing NATO Maritime Group One.