OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/05/12 -- The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) formally stood-up today in the presence of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and stewarded by General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff, during a ceremony conducted at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

"This new command provides leaders with the ability to allocate resources where they are most needed and support domestic and international operations in a timely, uninterrupted manner," said Minister MacKay. "Joint Operations Command will support the Government in steering the Canadian Forces to a more agile and efficient first-class modern military."

Led by Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare, CJOC is the part of the Canadian Forces that is responsible for the planning and conduct of operations across the full spectrum of military activity from humanitarian assistance, through peace support and stabilization, to combat.

"I look forward to working with new colleagues and continuing long-established relationships," said Lieutenant-General Beare. "The fore-runners of CJOC served Canada well, and my job is to ensure that their work goes on without interruption, as we form one cohesive team."

By integrating the functions of Canada Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, and Canadian Operational Support Command, which it replaces, CJOC closes functional gaps, eliminates administrative duplication, and permits the allocation of resources to new and emerging demands. CJOC will work closely with other government departments, the armed forces of traditional allies, like-minded nations, and multinational organizations.

For more information about Canadian Forces operations, visit www.cjoc-coic.forces.gc.ca.

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For information about Lieutenant-General Beare, visit: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dsa-dns/sa-ns/ab/index-eng.asp.