HALIFAX - A former director of NATO's training operations for the Afghan National Police in Kabul has assumed command of Canada's largest military base.

Naval Capt. Angus Topshee replaces naval Capt. Brian Santarpia, who took command of Canadian Forces Base Halifax in July 2010.

A change of command ceremony was held today at the base.

The military says Topshee joined the Canadian Forces in 1990 and has completed a number of tours and operational deployments during his career.

In July 2009, the Ontario native was given command of HMCS Algonquin, the flagship of the navy's Pacific fleet.

He held that post until the end of 2010 when he was transferred to Afghanistan as part of NATO's training mission.

The military says Santarpia is headed to the Canadian Forces College in Toronto where he will take part in a national securities program.