Married couple makes history
First to take turns commanding the same Canadian navy ship
HALIFAX — Victoria and Chris Devita say they’re in the same boat as many other married couples trying to strike a balance between work and family.
There’s just one big difference: the Devitas’ boat is a warship.
The lieutenant-commanders are the first married couple to have skippered the same Canadian naval ship, according to naval historians.
“In today’s day and age, it’s so important to demonstrate gender equality and that work-life, family-military balance,” says Chris. “It’s also good that it seems to be the time for these kinds of things to just be happening naturally now.”
Victoria commanded HMCS Glace Bay between 2013 and 2015, and Chris succeeded her at the helm in August.
Chris says the Glace Bay was the first East Coast ship he sailed on as a young officer, so returning to the vessel felt like “coming home” — in more ways than one.
“It’s been a very supportive environment,” he says. “A couple of sailors have come to me and said, ‘You know, I sailed with your wife, sir. It’s kind of neat to sail for both mom and dad.’”
While some officers might be intimidated to take over command from their spouse, Chris says it only felt natural for him and Victoria, who now works at Maritime Forces Atlantic headquarters in Halifax.
They met in Chilliwack, B.C., as reservists fresh out of basic training and have spent the past two decades as partners in marriage, he says.
“Victoria has been a great source — a resource, quite frankly — for advice,” says Chris. “I can share problems with her and she can do the same with me, and you have that professional level of analysis you can get to in a very safe environment.”
While their relationship is built on mutual support, Chris says they also make room for “professional ribbing” between ship commanders. Victoria has jokingly warned him to “not scratch the paint” on the Glace Bay, he says.
The Devitas have been on parallel career paths as their 13-year-old daughter and 11-yearold son grew up, Victoria says, and the couple switches off duties so one parent can look after the home while the other pursues professional ambitions.
“As we progress, sometimes one of us has to do something first,” Victoria says. “By allowing each other to have the time to pursue command at sea, we will both have fulfilling careers, and yet be able to have a fulfilling home life as well.”