Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur assumed command of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) in a change of command ceremony aboard the HMCS William Hall on August 11.

“My priorities here are very much the same as those that have been identified in our commander,” Belhumeur told reporters at HMC Dockyard Halifax following the ceremony. “Developing our people, taking care of our people, because people are our capability.”

It is important for the navy to be ready to fight today and prepared for the future, said Belhumeur.

“The government of Canada has invested heavily in our navy,” he said. “We want to be ready in all respects.”

Belhumeur said it is an exciting time to be in the navy while they are developing so many new capabilities. He said it was also an exciting time for Halifax.

“I really learned to be a mariner and a leader here in Halifax,” he said. “This is where I was married, this is where my kids were born.”  

Belhumeur said he was impressed by the addition of the Irving Shipyard and the investment that comes with the development of River Class destroyer and submarine programs since he left the city in 2010.

“I know the impact it will continue to have for a community that’s always supported the Navy,” he said. Infrastructure is a big priority for the government, he said.

Belhumeur assumes command of all the Navy’s forces in Halifax in his new role and the joint task force that defends the province’s and provides disaster relief. They work closely with the air force and coordinate with NATO, he said.

“I haven’t liaised with them in my short tenure yet,” Belhumeur said. “I am looking forward to fostering the relationships with NATO as we also prepare to take on the flag ship duties of standing NATO Maritime group, which will happen early next year in January.”

Until then, Belhumeur says they will focus on training and readiness after several years of banner recruitment.

“One of the challenges with that is ensuring that we have the platforms available,” he said. “Which is something we’ve been working hard to ensure; that every time we go to sea that we provide training opportunities.”

The ceremony closed out Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz’s tenure at the helm of the Eastern Canadian navy. Belhumeur thanked Kurtz and her team for their service and said they were helpful during the transition.

“Truly a remarkable career,” Belhumeur said. “38 years in service.”