RCN Leadership Changes

By Dr. Ann Griffith, 14 August 2026

In case you haven’t been paying attention, there have been some changes to the RCN leadership. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, who was Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, is being promoted to Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, second-in-command of the Canadian Armed Forces. He replaces the retiring VCDS Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey. Rear-Admiral Dan Charlebois is being promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral and will assume command of the RCN.

Rear-Admiral Pascal Belhumeur was installed as the commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic in Halifax this week. In addition to this role, he also takes on the role of defending the Atlantic provinces from threats, search-and-rescue missions and leading the response of the armed forces when called upon during natural disasters. He replaced Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz who was appointed to the role in June 2023.

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Current Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

Our first article explores China’s rise as a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second marks the 35^th anniversary of the Gulf War by discussing Canada’s role. The third argues that RCN veterans are strategic assets who should be treated and trained accordingly. The final essay reviews defence capabilities now being ordered or built, especially for the Arctic, despite the lack of a new defence policy.

We also include our usual Making Waves commentaries. Prompted by Broadsides discussion, one asks whether geography defines Canada’s defence options beside the United States. Others examine naval art, Arctic naval capabilities, and how the RCN can become more visible to Canadians.

Our regular columns also return: “A View from the West” considers whether China can or intends to invade Taiwan in 2027; “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy; and “Warship Developments” covers recent naval updates.

And, naturally, we include our usual amazing photos.

The spring issue will be in the mailbox of people who are lucky enough to be subscribers! See here for the Table of Contents.

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