John R. Anderson

Admiral John Anderson was born in Trail. He attended the University of British Columbia as a Naval Officer Cadet, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Physics. On graduation in 1963, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy.f
During his career, Admiral Anderson served on HMC ships: HMC New Glasgow, Fraser, Saskatchewan, St. Croix, Bonaventure, and Iroquois, in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. His professional training included Long Operations Officer's Course, the United States Navy Computer Programming Course, and the Canadian Forces Command and Staff Course. In 1978, Admiral Anderson was appointed Commanding Officer of the Esquimalt - based HMCS Restigouche. On promotion to Captain in 1982, he assumed command, in Halifax,of the first Destroyer Squadron. Service on the staff at National Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, followed in 1983.

Admiral Anderson was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 1986 and was appointed Director General, Maritime Doctorate in Operations. In 1987, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and, shortly afterwards, was tasked to head the Canadian Nuclear Submarine Acquisition Project. This was followed by his appointment as Chief, Maritime Doctorate in Operations in 1989.

He was appointed a Command of the Order of Military Merit, in July 1989. He has also been awarded the Canadian Decoration and Good Service Medal.

Promoted to Vice Admiral in 1991, Admiral Anderson assumed command, in Halifax, of Canada's Navy, until his appointment as the Vice Chief of Defense Staff in 1992. In January 1993, he was promoted Admiral and appointed Chief of Defense Staff.

On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Admiral Anderson was appointed as Canada's Ambassador and permanent representative to the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He assumed his appointment in May 1994.

On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Admiral Anderson was appointed as Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He assumed his appointment in May 1994. Admiral Anderson completed his tour of duty in August 1997 and returned to Canada. He and his wife, Anne, now reside in North Saanich, British Columbia.

Admiral Anderson continues his association with NATO through participation in a series of high-level exercises, sponsored by various NATO Military Headquarters. He is a Senior Fellow at the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre, and a member of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Branch. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Society.