FORMATION IMAGING SERVICE
RAdm Belhumeur takes command at MARLANT, JTFA
By Trident Staff
The new commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) says he’s putting the focus on people as he begins his appointment as the senior Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officer in the region.
Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Pascal Belhumeur officially began his new role on August 11 following a change of command ceremony at sea held aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall.
The Commander of MARLANT and JTFA is responsible for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on the East Coast. This includes conducting routine and domestic operations, as well as leading Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continental operations across Atlantic Canada to defend Canadian interests and values at home and abroad.
He arrives during a busy and dynamic time for the RCN. Halifax-class frigates, Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, and the remaining Kingston-class vessels have all seen heavy tasking, deploying on multinational operations and exercises stretching from Eastern Europe to the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. At the same time, the fleet is preparing for major change on the horizon, with work underway to ready the Formation for the arrival of the future River-class destroyers and Joint Support Ships, and eventually a new fleet of submarines under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. That transition will bring significant training requirements and infrastructure work in the years ahead.
Looking ahead to potential challenges in the coming years, RAdm Belhumeur pointed to recruitment, retention, and training as vitally important as the Atlantic Fleet prepares for the future. Recruitment has already been trending in the right direction; building those new recruits into effective sailors will be key, he said.
“We want to ensure that every time we’re at sea, we provide training opportunities to train those new recruits that we’ve brought into our ranks – so we can deliver effect for the government of Canada.”
He referenced a recent Flag-hoist message from Commander RCN Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois, which placed people as the top priority. RAdm Belhumeur said he’s aligned with that approach for the East Coast.
It’s all about our people—developing our people, and taking care of our people, because people are our capability.”
RAdm Belhumeur takes over from outgoing Commander MARLANT and JTFA RAdm Josee Kurtz, who began her appointment in June 2023 as the first woman to lead Formation Halifax. In a statement issued following the changeover, RAdm Kurtz expressed confidence in her successor and the future of the RCN overall, while offering thanks to the team members who supported her through a successful three years in command.
“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,” she said.
RAdm Belhumeur echoed those comments about the workforce he’ll now be overseeing.
“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.”
