FLAG OFFICER REVIEW
Profiling Senior Officers of the Royal Canadian Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) protects Canadian sovereignty and interests at sea, at home and abroad. Whether during times of conflict or peace, the RCN promotes global stability, enforces international law and helps protect both the Canadian and world economies.
The leadership team overseeing the Royal Canadian Navy is composed of the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and Chief of the Naval Staff, along with the leadership of the three main formations: Maritime Forces Pacific, Maritime Forces Atlantic, and the Naval Reserve. These formations are directly responsible to the Commander of the RCN. This leadership team oversees the RCN’s fleet, which includes various classes of ships, such as frigates, patrol vessels, submarines and auxiliary vessels.
In this, the latest edition of CDR’s Flag Officer Review, we are pleased to profile the men and women charged with the responsibility of leading Canada’s Navy.
There have been a number of new appointments, promotions and retirements since the last profile of the Nay’s senior ranks. At the time of this report, the RCN has 2 Vice-Admirals, 10 Rear-Admirals, and 13 Commodores.
Once again, we thank the Navy’s Public Affairs department for their assistance in providing us with the relevant information, and we invite our readers to learn more about the talented officers who are currently leading Canada’s Navy.
VICE-ADMIRAL A.I. TOPSHEE, CMM, MSM, CD
COMMANDER OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee is the 38th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
VAdm Topshee was born in Nepean, Ontario, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990. His first four years were spent at the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada and included a six-month term on exchange at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Upon graduation from RMC in 1994, he was awarded the Canada Memorial Scholarship and, in 1996, earned a Masters of Literature in Strategic Studies from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
READ: Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee – Feature Interview
After six years of schooling and a short posting to the Directorate of Maritime Force Development at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ), VAdm Topshee finally started formal naval warfare officer training in 1996 and then joined his first ship, HMCS Winnipeg, in 1997. He was incredibly fortunate to spend the next nine years largely at sea and completed a succession of very rewarding tours and operational deployments as a Navigating Officer, Operations Officer, and Combat Officer on Canada’s Pacific coast.
In 2005, he was selected to attend the “NSC 10” course at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by appointment as the Executive Officer of HMCS St. John’s in 2006 and then HMCS Toronto in July 2007. VAdm Topshee was subsequently posted to the Directorate of Maritime Strategy at NDHQ where he was assigned to assist in developing a new strategy for the RCN.
In July 2009, he was delighted to be given the best job in the Navy – command of HMCS Algonquin, the flagship of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. His time aboard Algonquin was easily the highlight of his career and included high readiness workups, Op Podium (security for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics), and Op Pacific Amistad (a five-month deployment in the Central and Western Pacific). He turned over command at the end of 2010 and was somewhat surprised to find himself immediately heading to Afghanistan as part of the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan where he spent a year based in Kabul as the Director of Afghan National Police Training Operations. Upon his return from Afghanistan, VAdm Topshee spent six months working with the Canadian Fleet Pacific staff leading up to his role as the Director of Operations for Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2012.
In the summer of 2012 VAdm Topshee assumed command of Canadian Forces Base Halifax, a position he held for three years. He then attended the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto before being promoted to Commodore and assigned as the Deputy Director of the Strategy, Policy and Plans Directorate North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. In July 2018, VAdm Topshee returned to the West Coast to take command of Canadian Fleet Pacific (the second best job in the Navy). He was then promoted to Rear-Admiral and took command of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific from May 2021 to May 2022.
In May 2022, VAdm Topshee was promoted to his current rank, and assumed Command of the RCN.
VICE-ADMIRAL RANK
VICE-ADMIRAL S. BISHOP, CMM, CD
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVE OF CANADA TO NATO
Originally from Vancouver, BC, Vice Admiral Bishop embarked on a naval career by first joining the Naval Reserve at HMCS Discovery in 1983. Two years later, he transferred to the Regular Force and joined HMCS Restigouche as a bridge watchkeeping officer.
In 1995, VAdm Bishop was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant- Commander and posted to HMCS Vancouver as the ship’s Combat Officer. In 2000, he was appointed Executive Officer in HMCS Athabaskan. After being promoted to the rank of Commander in 2003, he was selected to command the frigate HMCS Halifax in 2005.
VAdm Bishop’s operational experience includes OPERATION FORWARD, OPERATION ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, and OPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR. Other Naval command appointments include Commander Maritime Operations Group Five, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, and Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic.
In 2016, RAdm Bishop assumed command of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, until his promotion in 2021 to his current rank and position. Over his career, VAdm Bishop has worked in many staff appointments, including member of the Chief of Defence Staff’s capability action teams; Director of Transformation and Strategic Planning for the Chief of Force Development; Special Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff; Director of Operations with the Strategic Joint
Staff; and Director General International Security Policy.
VAdm Bishop holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of the US Navy’s War College. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of Military Merit in 2016.
REAR-ADMIRAL RANK
REAR-ADMIRAL J.S. ARMSTRONG, MSM, CD
DIRECTOR FUTURE SHIP CAPABILITY
As the son of a career soldier Commodore Armstrong grew up in various army and air force bases throughout Canada, but calls Sault Ste-Marie, ON his hometown. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Maritime Surface Officer in 1989 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, with a Bachelor of Arts Honours History in 1993.
RAdm Armstrong, upon completion of Naval Warfare Officer training in 1994, joined the Pacific Fleet. Since then, he has served onboard HMC Ships on both coasts conducting a number of international deployments including NATO, WESTPLOY, Op AUGMENTATION, and Op ALTAIR. He has had the honour and privilege of commanding three of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships during his command tour and deployed onboard HMCS Toronto as Commanding Officer for Op REASSURANCE in 2014-2015.
RAdm Armstrong has served in staff positions at Maritime Pacific and Canadian Fleet Atlantic Headquarters. He has served in the National Capital Region in Naval Force Development and
as the Chief of Staff for the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
In June 2021, he was promoted to Commodore and assumed his current role. He was promoted to RAdm in 2025.
RAdm Armstrong is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and the National Security Program. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies and a Master’s degree in Public Administration both from the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston.
REAR-ADMIRAL L. CAROSIELLI, CD
CHIEF OF STAFF – CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER GROUP
Rear Admiral Luciano Carosielli was born in Montreal, QC in 1969. In June 1990 he enrolled in the Navy through the Regular Officer Training Plan as a Maritime Engineer. He achieved his Head of Department qualification onboard HMCS Montréal in September 1995 and was HMCS St. John’s Combat Systems Engineering Officer from March 1998 to July 2000.
Significant shore duty included tours in the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School as the Laboratory Support Officer and then later as the Commandant, Navy’s Applications Manager in Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management; Naval Technical Officer Career Manager; Joint Operations Centre Information Management Officer in Naples, Italy; Director Maritime Training & Establishment 2; Combat Systems Engineering Manager for the Halifax Class Modernisation/Felex Life Extension project; Chief of Staff, Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager for the Canadian Surface Combatant project; and, Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management.
RAdm Carosielli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University, a Master of Applied Science in Software Engineering from the Royal Military College in Kingston and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Program and the National Security Program.
In June 2022 Rear Admiral Carosielli was appointed to his current position.
REAR-ADMIRAL D.A. CHARLEBOIS, MSM, CD
DEPUTY COMMANDER ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
Rear-Admiral Dan Charlebois was raised in Kingston, ON and joined the CAF in 1992 as a Naval Reservist, then to the Regular Force in 1994 under the Regular Officer Training Program.
As a junior officer RAdm Charlebois served as a Bridge Watchkeeper, Above Water Warfare Officer, Weapons Officer and Combat Officer in the frigates Charlottetown and Halifax, deploying overseas to the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Mediterranean in support of missions such as Operation AUGMENTATION, Operation APOLLO and Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR.
Following a posting to Sea Training Atlantic, he attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he completed Staff College and a Master of Science degree in Management. He was then appointed Executive Officer of HMCS Fredericton and thereafter was promoted and appointed to the Naval Staff in Ottawa in Force Development. In May 2013, RAdm Charlebois assumed command of HMCS Regina and led her through a mission re-role to the Mediterranean Sea joining NATO assurance measures in support of Operation REASSURANCE.
RAdm Charlebois was appointed Director Strategic Readiness, on the Strategic Joint Staff, and then attended the National Security Program at the CFC in Toronto in 2017.
In 2020, he was appointed Commander Combined Task Force 150, and in July 2021 was appointed Director General Readiness, at Canadian Joint Operations Command in Ottawa.
In 2022, he was appointed Director General Future Ship Capability, and was then appointed Deputy Commander of the RCN in the summer of 2025.
REAR-ADMIRAL M.A. HOPPER, OMM, CD
CHIEF OF RESERVES
Born in Ottawa, ON, in March 1969, Commodore Hopper enrolled in the Naval Reserve at HMCS Carleton in 1986 as a cook. He transferred to HMCS Scotian in Halifax as he pursued his studies at Dalhousie University and commenced training as a Naval Cadet in 1989. He was granted his Minor War Vessel Bridge Watch-keeping Certificate aboard HMCS Porte St Jean. He subsequently served his summers at sea in all classes of Naval Reserve vessels, as well as with stints minesweeping with the RNR and US Navy. In 1993, Cmdre Hopper earned his Minor Warship Navigation Officer qualification, and soon after was posted as the Navigating Officer of HMCS Anticosti. He was granted his Minor War Vessel Command Ticket in August of 1996.
Cmdre Hopper moved back to Ottawa in 1996 where he completed his BA and BEd at the University of Ottawa and commenced employment with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). Back at Carleton he served in a variety of staff positions and continued to spend his summers at sea. He was the Commanding Officer of HMCS Summerside from December 2001 until December 2002. Returning to Carleton, he was appointed the Executive Officer and subsequently served as the Commanding Officer 2009 to 2013.
Upon his promotion to Commander, he was appointed the Naval Reserve Command Development Officer. Cmdre Hopper was named as the Chief of Staff to the Central Region Capt(N) in August 2014. Promoted to Capt(N) in April 2015 he was appointed the Central Region Capt(N).
He was subsequently promoted to Cmdre and assumed the position of Reserve Advisor to the Commander Royal Canadian Navy in July 2018. In December 2023, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral and assumed his current position as Chief of Reserves.
REAR-ADMIRAL M.T.J. KURTZ, OMM, MSC, CD
COMMANDER MARITIME FORCES ATLANTIC AND JOINT TASK FORCE ATLANTIC
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz was born in Joliette, QC, and joined the RCN in 1988 as an officer. Following initial naval training, she specialized in
navigation. She navigated frigates and deep draught vessels and served as a navigation instructor.
On graduating from the year-long Operations Room Officer Course in 1997, RAdm Kurtz served in HMCS Vancouver as Weapons Officer and Combat Officer. She was Executive Officer in HMCS Ville de Québec from 2007 to 2009. Immediately following her second-in-command tour, she was appointed as Commanding Officer of HMCS Halifax from 2009 until 2011. The ship’s operational program included a tasking to the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission in Haiti following the devastating January 2010 earthquake. Her major warship command was
followed by an appointment as Commandant of the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School from 2011 to 2012.
In addition to service at sea, RAdm Kurtz has gained staff experience from Desk Officer up to Director General level – on the coast, with the Naval Staff, and at NDHQ, in the areas of operations, personnel, and security.
RAdm Kurtz was Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, the Alliance fleet in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, from June until December 2019, and Commander of
Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers in 2020-21. She was appointed Commandant and Vice-Chancellor of RMC Kingston, on 8 July 2021. In June 2023, she was promoted to her current rank and assumed Command of Maritime Forces Atlantic.
RAdm Kurtz holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Defence Studies from RMC Kingston. She is a graduate of the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
REAR-ADMIRAL D.E. MAZUR, OMM, CD
VICE COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES 2ND FLEET
A native of Kitchener Ontario, Rear-Admiral Mazur enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on completion of High School, completing his Basic Officer Training in Chilliwack, BC in December 1988.
Following training ashore and at sea, RAdm Mazur went on to specialize in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), in HMC Ships SKEENA and GATINEAU.
After instructing ashore, and fulfilling various sea going positions, RAdm Mazur was posted to the West Coast to join HMCS Regina as the Operations Officer for a deployment to the Middle East. Successfully challenging his Command Board during this period, RAdm was employed in the Pacific Coast Fleet Staff, before returning to sea in 2006 as the Executive Officer in HMCS Vancouver.
In 2007, he was promoted to Cdr, and after a short period in MARPAC HQ, he attended the Australian Command and Staff College, where he also completed a Master of Maritime Studies from the University of Wollongong. He was then posted to Ottawa where he served as the Senior Staff Officer Maritime in CANSOFCOM HQ.
RAdm Mazur assumed Command of HMCS Vancouver. After a short but intense 18 months of sailing, he relinquished Command of the ship and assumed Command of Sea Training Pacific. Promoted to Captain (Navy) in May 2015, he assumed the duties of N3/J3 in MARPAC/JTF(P). In September 2016, RAdm Mazur was posted to Ottawa as the Director Strategic Plans within the Strategic Joint Staff. In 2018, he was posted as Commander of CFB Halifax.
In June 2021, RAdm Mazur graduated from the year-long National Security Programme and was promoted to Commodore. He moved back to Esquimalt BC and assumed Command of Canada’s Pacific Fleet, where he served for the next four years.
In July 2025, RAdm Mazur relinquished Command of the Canadian Fleet Pacific, was promoted to his current rank, and was posted to his current position.
REAR-ADMIRAL K.W.A. MONAGHAN, CD
CANADA’S DEFENCE ATTACHE IN THE US AND COMMANDER CANADIAN DEFENCE LIAISON STAFF (WASHINGTON)
Rear-Admiral Kristjan Monaghan joined the CAF in 1992 and attended the RMC in St. Jean, QC and graduated from the RMC in Kingston, ON in 1997 with a Degree in Business Administration.
On completion of his naval training, he joined HMCS Charlottetown as a Bridge watch keeper and served again as the ship’s Navigation Officer from 2000-2002.
He was later posted as the Assistant Fleet Scheduler at the Maritime Forces Atlantic HQ from 2002-2004. After completing his Operation Room Officer Course, he sailed in HMCS Toronto as the Deputy Combat Officer and as the Operations Officer and Combat Officer in HMCS Charlottetown in 2006.
From 2008-2010, he was posted to Sea Training Atlantic as both the Weapons and Combat Officer. In July 2011, he was appointed Executive Officer of HMCS St. John’s.
In 2012, he was appointed as Executive Officer of Sea Training Atlantic and was promoted in June 2013 to Commander. He was posted to the Canadian Joint Operations Command in Ottawa as the Director of the Canadian Forces Integrated Command Centre. In July 2014, he assumed command of HMCS Montréal.
In 2017, he was appointed as the Naval Defence Attaché in Washington D.C. In 2021, he graduated from the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College Toronto and was appointed as Chief of Staff Project Navy Generation. He was promoted to Cmdre in 2022 and was appointed Director General Readiness, Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Rear Admiral Monaghan was promoted to his current rank and assumed Command of Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington and Canada’s Defence Attache to the US as well as Canada’s Head of the Inter-American Defence Board in 2025.
REAR-ADMIRAL J.P. OLIVIER, MSM, CD
DIRECTOR GENERAL PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND DEVELOPMENT
Commodore Jacques P. Olivier joined the Canadian Forces in 1986 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada Kingston, with a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and as the recipient of the Navy League of Canada Prize. After completing initial training in Victoria, BC and Plymouth, England, he moved to Halifax, NS, in 1992 where he served in various ashore establishments and operational ships before his appointment as the marine systems engineering officer of the frigate HMCS Halifax from 1999-2001. He subsequently gained experience in complex program management while serving at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and as an exchange officer in the Royal Navy in Bristol, England.
A licensed Professional Engineer and certified Project Management Professional, Cmdre Olivier holds several post-graduate studies including Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Science in Engineering and Management from the University of Portsmouth, England. A graduate from the Canadian Forces College 37th Joint
Command and Staff Program, he also holds a Master of Defence Studies.
Promoted to Capt(N) in 2016, he occupied the positions of Chief of Staff for the Major Project Delivery division, Director Naval Platform Systems and Naval Materiel Regulatory Authority, and Director Innovation and Digital Navy. Promoted to his current rank in 2021, he is now the Director General Professional Conduct and Development.
In September 2024, he was promoted to his current rank.
REAR-ADMIRAL D.J. PATCHELL, CD
COMMANDER MARITIME FORCES PACIFIC
Rear-Admiral David Patchell joined HMCS Carleton as an Ordinary Seaman in 1993, transferred to the Regular Force in 1994, and graduated from
the RMC Kingston, in 1998. He was
posted to HMCS Alqonquin, then HMCS Huron, and earned a Bridge Watch Keeping Ticket in 2000. After successfully finishing Director Level training, he joined HMCS Vancouver enroute to the Persian Gulf as part of Canada’s contribution to the war on terror. In 2005, he attended the Operations Room Officer Course and
was posted to HMCS Halifax and then HMCS St. John’s as Weapons Officer. After two years as an operations officer, he proceeded to Sea Training Atlantic as the Combat Officer.
In 2009, he attended Canadian Forces College and undertook the Joint Command and Staff Program. Upon completion of a Masters in Defence Studies, he was appointed as Executive Officer of HMCS Athabaskan, and subsequently Executive Officer of HMCS Iroquois. In July 2012, he was appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto, deploying to the Middle East in January 2013 in support of Operation Artemis (Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force 150). Shore tours include, Squadron Commander at the RMC,
Chief of Staff to the CFB Halifax Base Commander, and Director Naval Strategic Management with the Naval Staff in Ottawa.
In 2019, he completed the Royal College of Defence Studies Program in London, UK and was promoted to the rank of Commodore in 2020, serving as Director General Naval Strategic Readiness at National Defence Headquarters, in Ottawa. Promoted to his current rank in 2022, Rear-Admiral Patchell currently serves as Vice Commander United States 2nd Fleet.
REAR-ADMIRAL C.A. ROBINSON, OMM, CD
DEPUTY VICE CHIEF OF DEFENCE
Rear-Admiral Robinson grew up in Hudson Québec. He began his military career in the Canadian Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer. He subsequently joined the RCN and underwent Naval Warfare Officer training aboard patrol craft, mine-sweepers, and destroyers before volunteering for the silent service.
He served aboard the Canadian submarines Onondaga, Ojibwa, Victoria, Corner Brook, Windsor, and the British submarine Unseen. He commanded Corner Brook between 2007 and 2009.
RAdm Robinson was appointed as the inaugural Commander Submarine Sea Training in 2011 until 2014. He was appointed Commander of the Canadian Submarine Force and Commander 4th Maritime Operations Group from 2017-2019. He was the Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic between 2021 and 2022, and was appointed Commander Maritime Forces Pacific & Joint Task Force Pacific in May 2022.
His ashore assignments have included the Joint Command and Staff Program at the CFC in Toronto, the Naval Command College at the U.S. Naval War College in RI, and he served three times on the Naval Staff, initially as the Submarine Requirements Section Head, next as the Director of Naval Requirements, and most recently as the Director General Naval Force Development.
RAdm Robinson is a graduate of the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Submarine Command Course, the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Command Course, and the Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Executive Officer Course. He holds a Master of Business from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Defence Studies from the RMC, a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, and a Certificate in Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University.
REAR-ADMIRAL S.M. THORNTON, CD
CHIEF OF PROGRAMME
Commodore Steven Thornton joined the CAF in 1989. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the RMC Kingston, a MS in Guided Weapons Systems from the RMC of Science in Shrivenham, UK and an EMBA from the Rotman School of Management.
As the Area Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator in HMCS Iroquois in 2007, he deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One in support of Operations SIRIUS and SEXTANT. As the Executive Officer in HMCS Toronto in 2009 to 2011, he participated in three deployments that supported the Joint Interagency Task Force South and US Coast Guard in the war on drugs. In 2012, he graduated from the Joint Command and Staff Program in Toronto.
Upon completion of his studies, Cmdre Thornton was appointed the Commanding Officer of HMCS
Ville de Québec. He then assumed command of HMCS Montréal and guided her through the first stages of her re-activation on completion of her extensive midlife refit. Cmdre
Thornton was subsequently appointed as the Commandant of the Royal Canadian Navy’s senior warfare school in Halifax.
In 2015, Cmdre Thornton attended the Naval Command Course at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He was subsequently appointed as the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Joint Task Force North in Yellowknife.
Thornton was posted to Ottawa as Director Strategic Plans for Strategic Joint Staff. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Cmdre and appointed as the Director General Defence Force Planning in Ottawa. He subseqently assumed the position of Director General Digital Enterprise Modernization in August 2021.
Rear-Admiral Thornton was promoted to his current rank and position in December 2023.
COMMODORE RANK
COMMODORE M.J. BAREFOOT, CD
COMMANDANT OF THE CANADIAN FORCES COLLEGE
Commodore Michael Barefoot enrolled in the RCN in 1993, joining the Naval Reserve at HMCS Chippawa as an Administration Clerk. In 1996 he transferred to the Wardroom and after obtaining his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate as a Naval Warfare Officer and completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba, he transferred to the Regular Force as an Intelligence Officer in 1999.
After qualifying as an Intelligence Officer in the summer of 2001, Cmdre Barefoot held several staff positions at the operational and strategic level in both Canada and the US. Key staff positions included serving as the Senior Intelligence Analyst for the Afghanistan Intelligence Response Team in 2005-2006. Between 2008-2011, he was posted to the US to lead the Afghanistan Team within the Intelligence Directorate of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization HQ, for which he was awarded the US Army Meritorious Service Medal. Other senior staff appointments include serving as the Director of Naval Intelligence Plans within the Naval Staff HQ and serving in the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command as Deputy Director of Intelligence Production Management, Deputy Director of Transnational and Regional Intelligence, and Targeting Supervisor. Cmdre Barefoot also served as the J2 for CJOC and as Special Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Carignan.
His command appointments include Commanding Officer of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command HQ (2016-2017), Commandant Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence (2017-2019), Commanding Officer Canadian Forces Intelligence Group HQ (2019-2020), and Commander Canadian Forces Intelligence Group (2022-2024). He was promoted to his current rank and position in 2025.
COMMODORE P.L. BELHUMEUR, MSM, CD
COMMANDER MILITARY PERSONNEL GENERATION GROUP
Commodore Pascal Belhumeur embarked on his military career in 1992 by joining the Governor General’s Foot Guards, a Reserve infantry unit in his hometown of Ottawa. In 1999, he transferred to the Regular Force as a Naval Warfare Officer.
Upon Completion of his naval officer training, Cmdre Belhumeur was posted to HMCS Iroquois as a Bridge Watchkeeper and deployed on OP APOLLO. In 2003, he completed the Above Water Warfare Course and again deployed with HMCS Iroquois on OP APOLLO. In 2005, as the Deck Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec, he deployed with the NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic.
In 2007, Cmdre Belhumeur attended the Operations Room Officer (ORO) course and was posted to HMCS Halifax as the Operations Officer. In 2008, he completed the Anti-Air Warfare Controller (AAWC) course and deployed with HMCS Iroquois with CTF-150, conducting maritime security operations and counter-piracy off of the Horn of Africa.
In 2011, he was appointed the Executive Officer (XO) of HMCS Algonquin where he deployed on OP CARIBBE. He assumed Command of HMCS Winnipeg in 2013 on an around the world deployment that saw service on three operational missions to include service with both Standing NATO Maritime Groups on OP REASSURANCE. His most recent command was as Commander of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group.
Over his career Cmdre Belhumeur has worked in many staff appointments, including as a recruiter, an ORO and AAWC instructor, XO with Sea Training Pacific, in Targeting Force Development, as Director of Naval Personnel, and as Special Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Cmdre Belhumeur holds a BA in Law and Political Science from Carleton University, an MA in International Relations from Salve Regina University, a Post Grad Certificate in Security and Strategy from Kings College London and is a graduate of the US Naval War College and the UK Royal College of Defence Studies.
COMMODORE T.W. BONNAR, MSC, CD
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT MODERNIZATION – MILITARY
Commodore Todd Bonnar joined the CAF in 1997 from the Naval Reserves. After completing Maritime Surface Officer training in HMCS Vancouver in 1998, he was selected to represent Canada in an exchange with the Royal Australian Navy. He returned to Canada’s West Coast fleet in 2000 and subsequently served as the CANFLTPAC Flagship’s Above Water Warfare Officer in HMCS Algonquin.
Cmdre Bonnar completed his Operations Room Officer course in 2004, returning to Algonquin as both the Flagship’s Weapons Officer and Combat Officer, and completed his Area Air Warfare Commanders qualification. He was promoted to the rank of Commander and Executive Officer, HMCS Protecteur in July 2010. In January 2012, he “Fleet’ed Up” and assumed the position of Commanding Officer. In 2017 he was Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of NATO’s high readiness maritime Task Group, Standing NATO Maritime Group One, participating in Operation REASSURANCE, earning NATO’s top honour with the Secretary General’s Meritorious Service Medal as well as Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross.
Shore duties include Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt as the Acting Division Commander for Warfare Training Division, and the J3 Operations at Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command. He commanded the Naval Officer’s Training Centre followed by command of Naval Fleet School (Pacific). After his duties at sea in Europe, he was promoted and assigned the position of Warfare Analysis (CJOS COE) within the US Navy’s Second Fleet in Norfolk, VA. Most recently, he was Special Advisor to the Deputy Vice Chief of the Defence Staff prior to promotion to Commodore in 2024 and duties within Human Capital Management Modernization – Military.
COMMODORE M. BOWEN, CD
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT, U.S. INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND
Commodore Matthew Bowen, originally from the Prairies, joined the military in 1988 as a Reserve engine technician on Sea King helicopters, but subsequently heard the call of the sea, joining the fleet in 1996 where he specialized as a navigator.
He has served in numerous positions at the operational and strategic level, including with east and west coast Fleet Staffs, RCN Headquarters, and the Strategic Joint Staff.
Before assuming his current duties, Cmdre Bowen was the Commander of the Sea Training Group, which followed his assignment as J5 Plans at the Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Prior to that, he was appointed as Commander of Sea Training Atlantic and also had the privilege to command the frigate HMCS Toronto. This included a deployment as Commander TF ARTEMIS in
the Arabian Sea, where the ship’s company received a US Meritorious Unit Commendation.
His deployments include two with Standing NATO naval forces in Europe, two others in the Arabian Sea – Op APOLLO in response to the 9/11 attacks and Op ALTAIR with Combined Task Force 150, and a year on exchange with the Royal Australian Navy.
Cmdre Matthew Bowen served on exchange as the Vice J5 at the United States Cyber Command prior to assuming his current position in August 2023.
COMMODORE M.D. COATES, OMM, MSM, CD
DIRECTOR GENERAL READINESS CANADIAN JOINT OPERATIONAL COMMAND
A native of Halifax Nova Scotia, Cmdre Coates is a Naval Warfare Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. He graduated from the RCM Kingston, with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1998, and from Salve Regina University in 2010 with a Masters in Management.
Cmdre Coates has held numerous staff and sea-going appointments, deploying multiple times on operations around the globe. Memorable highlights include a 2011 deployment as Executive Officer in HMCS Charlottetown in support of NATO operations off the coast of Libya, and his appointment in 2013 as the Commanding Officer of HMCS Iroquois, a Tribal Class Destroyer.
After his time in Iroquois he assumed command of Sea Training Atlantic.
In July 2017, he assumed the post of Director Naval Strategy, providing Force Development guidance in support of the future Navy. During this time Cmdre Coates was selected to participate in the RIMPAC 2018 Executive Steering Committee and then deployed with the Chilean Navy as Deputy to the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander. In July 2019, he assumed the post of Director Human Rights and Diversity within Chief Military Personnel, working to ensure the CAF, along with the Defence Team, are an inclusive, equitable and diverse organization.
After two rewarding and educational years in CMP, he returned to Navy lines, moving to Victoria
BC to take up the appointment as Commander, Naval Personnel and Training Group. Cmdre Coates was subsequently appointed Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, from July to December 2024. He assumed his new position in 2025.
COMMODORE R.B. CREIGHTON, CD
CHIEF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Commander Bruce Creighton, a native of Sussex, New Brunswick, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces on 21 June 1990. He graduated from CMR de St Jean sur Richelieu in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in administration.
Over the course of his career, Cmdre Creighton served in HMC Ships Algonquin, Huron and Vancouver. In October 2001, he deployed as the Logistics Officer in Vancouver on Op APOLLO ROTO 0.
He has held various staff positions at CFB Esquimalt, Maritime Forces Pacific HQ, J4 Mat/DG Log, CANOSCOM HQ, RCN Staff, DG Military Careers and CJOC. He completed the Joint Command and Staff Program at the Canadian Forces College in 2012 where he also obtained a master’s degree in Defence Studies.
From 2013 to 2015, he was the Commanding Officer of 3 Canadian Support Unit in Montreal. He was promoted to Capt(N) in 2016 and was appointed as CJOC J8/Comptroller.
In May of 2018, he was appointed as the Royal Canadian Navy’s Director of Naval Logistics. In November of 2020, he assumed Command of the Canadian Materiel Support Group. He completed the National Security Program in June 2022. In July 2023, he joined DGCB as Director Compensation and Benefits Operations.
In April 2024, he was promoted to his current rank and was appointed Chief Financial Management/Deputy CFO within ADM(Fin).
COMMODORE J.F. FRENCH, MSM, CD
COMMANDER CANADIAN FLEET ATLANTIC
Commodore Jacob French joined the Canadian Forces in 1994 in Saint John, NB as a Maritime Surface/SubSurface Officer, and attended Dalhousie University (BSc Earth Sciences Honours) under the Regular Officer Training Plan. He commenced in the fleet as a Bridge Watchkeeper onboard HMCS Algonquin and Calgary, including OP AUGMENTATION in the Arabian Gulf. He completed a Navigation Officer tour onboard HMCS Vancouver and was an instructor at the Naval Officer Training Centre. As an Ops Room Officer, he deployed twice to the Middle East under Operation ALTAIR and Operation SAIPH. He was appointed as Executive Officer HMCS Calgary and subsequently Executive Officer Sea Training Pacific. His most recent sea posting was as Commanding Officer HMCS Regina in 2018 – 2019, which included an Indo- Asia Pacific and Northern Arabian Sea deployment under Operation ARTEMIS and PROJECTION.
His shore appointments include Executive Assistant to Comd MARLANT and Director Navy Strategy – Concepts and Project Director Interim AOR. As a Captain(N), he was appointed to Deputy Commander Joint Task Force North in Yellowknife, NT from 2020 – 2023.
He holds a Masters of Defence Studies from Australia National University as a graduate of the Australia Command and Staff Course. He is also a graduate of the Naval Command College at the United States Naval War College.
He was promoted to his current rank of Commodore in 2024 and is currently appointed as the Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic.
COMMODORE M.S.J. LESSARD, CD
DIRECTOR GENERAL, NAVAL STRATEGIC READINESS
From Jonquière, QC, Commodore Jeanne Lessard joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994. Her academics include a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 1999, the one-year National Security Program offered in Toronto (NSP 15), the Joint Command and Staff Program (JCSP 40), and a master’s degree in Defence Studies.
After initial Logistics Officer training, Cmdre Lessard began her naval career in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2003, she was posted to HMCS Montréal as Assistant Logistics Officer. After a brief shore posting, she returned to sea in 2005 as the Logistics Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec, where she deployed on Operation UNISON, a humanitarian mission to the Gulf of Mexico to provide disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina. In 2009, her homeport changed to Esquimalt, BC, while she served as the Logistics Officer aboard the supply ship HMCS Protecteur.
During her career, Commodore Lessard has held staff and command positions within Maritime Forces Atlantic, Maritime Forces Pacific and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Headquarters in Ottawa. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Belgium, where she received a commendation for her work in supporting Canadian families during the pandemic. As Comptroller to the Chief of Military Personnel, she was responsible for one of the largest and most complex budgets (over $7 billion) of the Department of National Defence. Following her employment as Chief of Staff of the Royal Canadian Navy, she was promoted to her current rank in 2024 and provided the opportunity to continue to serve within the RCN as Director General Naval Strategic Readiness.
COMMODORE M.B. MULKINS, OMM, CD
RESERVE SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
Commodore Mulkins is a professional landscape architect and officer in the Naval Reserve. She began her naval career in 1985 in Montreal and has since served as a Naval Warfare (formerly Maritime Surface) officer in Reserve units across the country and as a ship’s officer in several classes of ships. Taking time while in university and through occasional leaves of absence from her civilian career, she served in sea-going positions of increasing responsibility which culminated in July 2003 with her assumption of command of HMCS Kingston.
After two years in command at sea, she worked in Strategic Communications at National Defence Headquarters and in 2006 deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan for a six-month tour with Operation ARGUS. Once back in her civilian career she served in other part-time appointments with the Naval Reserve including as the Operations Branch and Maritime Surface Occupation Advisor, and the Commanding Officer of HMCS Carleton. In late 2014, she was appointed Regional Captain for Central Region (Ontario), and was subsequently appointed as Commander, Naval Reserve, in June 2015. Since 2018 she is the Reserve Special Advisor to the Royal Canadian Navy and advisor to the Chief of Reserves.
Cmdre Mulkins holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the U of T,
a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the RMC, and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University. Upon completion of three years as Commander of the Naval Reserve she returned to her civilian career, now as an executive in the Department of National Defence where she has worked in the Data, Innovation, Analytics (DIA) branch and currently leads the Departmental Litigation Oversight team.
Cmdre Mulkins is a member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.
COMMODORE J.L. MURRAY, OMM, MSC, MSM, CD
STRATEGIC JOINT STAFF – DIRECTOR GENERAL PLANS
Commodore Jeff Murray joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Direct Entry Officer in 1999 following his graduation from Carleton University in 1996. His tactical experience has included service in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Fleets where he sailed in Iroquois, Halifax, and Protecteur class ships.
Cmdre Murray’s Command positions at sea have included appointments as the Executive Officer aboard HMCS Protecteur from 2012- 2014, and as the Commanding Officer of HMCS Fredericton from 2014-2015.
Gaining experience in the institution, Cmdre Murray has completed a variety of postings in both Naval and Joint Commands. His postings have included Staff Officer assignments in the Headquarters of both Maritime Forces Atlantic and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, as the Tactics Officer at the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School, Chief of Staff – Operations to the Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff, and Director Structure Integration within the Chief of Force Development, and Director General Naval Strategic Readiness. In June 2022, he was appointed Director General Naval Strategic Readiness. He assumed his current appointment as the Director General Plans in June 2024.
Cmdre Murray is a graduate of Joint Command and Staff Program 37, National Security Program
12, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree with a major/minor in Law and English from Carleton University. He continues to struggle through the final credit required to complete a Master of Public Administration degree.
COMMODORE S. SADER, CD
DEPUTY CHIEF OF COMBAT SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
Commodore Sam Sader enrolled in the CAF in 1996 and graduated from the RMC with a BBA. As a Naval Logistics Officer, he enabled sustainment at sea with HMCS Vancouver from 2002- 2003 and then from 2005-2007 as the Head of the Logistics Department in HMCS Ottawa while deployed on OP ALTAIR Task Force Arabian Sea. Ashore, he held the position of Base Comptroller at CFB Esquimalt following the completion of his MBA in 2011. His second operational tour from 2012-2014 was spent as the Logistics Officer of Maritime Operations Group Four supporting OP CARRIBE deployments as well as submarines with HMCS Victoria’s first RIMPAC and MK48 SINKEX.
Cmdre Sader is a graduate of the Joint Command and Staff Programme 41 and was the recipient of the General Morelos Sabre of Honour award for top graduate. On completion of a Master of
Defence Studies at CFC Toronto in 2015, he joined NDHQ Naval Staff as section head within the Directorate of Naval Logistics. While in Ottawa, he assumed the role of RCN lead for strategic supply chain analytics and developed a passion for modernizing the Navy’s supply systems.
In July 2017, he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of Base Logistics Esquimalt enabling the Fleet’s materiel readiness with the implementation of digital supply chain initiatives. He was the first logistician to assume the role of Base Commander CFB Esquimalt in 2019, delivering support to more than 7000 military and civilian members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In August 2021, he was selected to establish the newly created position of Director Operational Sustainment with the Chief of Combat Systems Integration (CCSI/ VCDS). He assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Combat Systems Integration in July 2023 and was promoted to his current rank in October 2023.
COMMODORE J.R.M. THIBAULT, CD
DIRECTOR GENERAL MARITIME EQUPMENT PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT & CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE RCN
Commodore Thibault joined the CAF in 1992 and graduated as a Naval Combat Systems Engineer from the RMC in 1997.
Promoted to Lt in 2000, he served onboard HMCS Vancouver, obtaining his Engineering Head of Department qualification in 2001. He was then posted to the Directorate of Maritime Equipment and Program Management (DGMEPM) until 2004.
In 2006, he was promoted to LCdr and posted to the National Defence Command Center, followed by staff duties within the VCDS and the CDS offices. In 2009, he completed his Junior Command and Staff College course as well as a M.A. in Policy and Strategy from the University of New South Wales. In 2010, he was posted back to DGMEPM as Combat Systems Manager for the Halifax Class Modernization program
Promoted to Cdr in 2013, he was posted to NAVRES HQ in his hometown of Québec city, as Chief-of-Staff and N4/ N6. At the same time, he assumed Command of HMCS D’Iberville from 2013-2014. In 2015, Cmdre Thibault was posted to MARLANT at FMF Cape Scott. In 2017, he was Deputy Class Program Manager for Non-Combatants in DGMEPM. In 2018, he was assigned to the Director General Major Project Delivery (Sea) and subsequently promoted to Capt(N).
Cmdre Thibault then assumed responsibility of Deputy Project Manager (Transition) until 2019. He was then transferred to Chief of Staff Materiel as the Director Materiel Group Strategic Plans until his appointment as Commanding Officer of FMF Cape Scott in April 2020.
Cmdre Thibault was promoted to his current rank in 2022 and appointed Project Manager for the River-Class Destroyer project. In June 2025, he assumed his current appointment as Director General Maritime Equipment Programme Management.
COMMODORE B.A. VALLIS, MMM, CD
COMMANDER NAVAL RESERVE
Commadore Vallis enrolled in the Naval Reserve through HMCS Scotian’s Summer Youth Employment Program in 1987 as a Shipping Control Operator. In 1989 she was accepted into the University Naval Training Division program as a Naval Warfare Officer (NOW).
In major and minor warships, she completed NWO training, earned her Bridge Watch Keeping Ticket, and was commissioned to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant. She served primarily in minor warships over the course of her career, filling the roles as Deck, Mine Warfare, Navigating and Operations Officer. A highlight was an exchange with the Swedish Navy, LANDSORT Class, conducting mine hunting operations in the Baltic Sea.
Her staff experience includes Planning and Operations for the Fifth Maritime Operations Group, Division Commander in Naval Fleet School Atlantic, Senior Staff Officer Naval Reserve, and project manager for Maritime Forces Atlantic Operational Research, Science and Technology.
Cmdre Vallis Commanded HMCS Scotian and the Atlantic Region Dive Centre from 2017-2019. She was subsequently appointed as the Chief of Staff, Atlantic Region Naval Reserve, and the Director for the Naval Reserve Centennial. Upon promotion to Capt(N), she was appointed as the Naval Reserve Atlantic Region Commander from 2021-2023 and in 2022, accepted the position as the Chief of Staff to the Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic.
Cmdre Vallis is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a degree in Political Science and the Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College, Toronto. She holds a certificate in Agile Workplace Development from the Saint Mary’s University Executive Programme.
