By Dr. Ann Griffiths, 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.
Image: Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois speaks at the RCN Change of Command ceremony in Halifax on 16 June 2026. Credit: RCN
