New Commander for Maritime Forces Atlantic & Joint Task Force Atlantic
Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) welcomed Rear-Admiral Pascal L. Belhumeur as their new Commander. Rear-Admiral Belhumeur assumed command from Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz during a ceremony held at sea aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship William Hall, which was attended by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, key staff, family, and friends.
The Commander of MARLANT and JTFA is responsible for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on the East Coast, as well as for conducting routine and domestic operations, and leading Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continental operations across Atlantic Canada to defend Canadian interests and values at home and abroad.
READ: CDR EMBEDDED – Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz
“It is a tremendous honour to assume command of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic. I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and look forward to serving alongside our exceptional military members and civilian employees. The professionalism, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by our people is recognized across the Canadian Armed Forces and with our Allies, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation established by Rear-Admiral Kurtz.”
Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur, incoming Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Joint Task Force Atlantic
“Serving as Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic has been a privilege. What impressed me most throughout my time in command, and really energized me to show up for work every single day, has been the people: the military personnel and civilian employees whose commitment to the mission, resilience in the face of challenges, and care for one another have been the foundation of everything we have achieved together as a team. As I prepare to turn over command, I do so with confidence in the future and with sincere appreciation for everyone who make Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic truly exceptional organizations. Bravo Zulu and thank you, everyone!”
Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz, outgoing Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic & Joint Task Force Atlantic
ADDITIONAL INFO
- Rear-Admiral Belhumeur assumed command over Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic and will become the Maritime Component Commander within Canadian Joint Operations Command. He has served in a variety of different command and staff roles throughout his career.
- There are approximately 10 700 trained and experienced military and civilian personnel who form the Maritime Forces Atlantic defence team.
- Maritime Forces Atlantic is a key contributor to marine security through its strategic location in Halifax, astride the major trading routes to and from Europe, the United States, South America, and all points of the globe for that matter.
