Command team of Maritime Forces Atlantic

Rear-Admiral 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, RAdm Belhumeur was posted to HMCS Iroquois as a Bridge Watchkeeper and deployed on OP APOLLO, Canada’s commitment to the War on Terror. 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 Quebec, he deployed with the NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) as well as in response to Hurricane Katrina on OP UNISON.

In 2007, RAdm 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 the Horn of Africa.

In 2011, he was appointed the XO of HMCS Algonquin where he deployed on OP CARIBBE, CAF’s contribution to the elimination of illegal trafficking of narcotics in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. He assumed Command of HMCS Winnipeg in 2013 and had the honour of bringing a modernized frigate to high readiness prior to deploying 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. Subsequently, he served as Commander Canadian Forces Recruiting Group, leading the Canadian Armed Forces' national recruiting organization. Prior to assuming Command as Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic, RAdm Belhumeur served as Commander Military Personnel Generation Group.

Over his career RAdm 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.

RAdm 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. He is married to a very understanding and supportive service spouse, and they have 2 children.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Patrick Mackey enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Signalman (262) in his hometown of St. John’s, N.L., and commenced basic training on April 1, 1996 at the age of 21. Upon completing basic training in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., he attended the inaugural Naval Communicator (277) course in Esquimalt, B.C. Following his operational training, he was posted to HMCS Montréal.

From 1997 to 2001, CPO1 Mackey served in several ships, including HMCS Provider, St. John’s, and Athabaskan, completing two NATO deployments prior to his first shore posting at HMCS Trinity in the summer of 2001.

In January 2003, he was promoted to Master Seaman and posted to HMCS Toronto, where he deployed on Operation (Op) ALTAIR.

In January 2007, he was posted to HMCS Charlottetown as a Petty Officer 2nd Class and deployed on Op ALTAIR for a second time. Following that deployment, he was promoted to Petty Officer 1st Class in June 2008 and posted to Maritime Operations Group 5 as the Information Management Manager. During this shore posting, CPO1 Mackey completed the Officer Professional Military Education program.

In July 2010, CPO1 Mackey was posted to HMCS Iroquois as the Senior Naval Communicator, before being posted to Canadian Fleet Atlantic in July 2011 as the Fleet Senior Naval Communicator.

In July 2013, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and subsequently posted to MARLANT Visits and Protocol. He remained there until May 2015, when he was posted to HMCS Halifax as the Combat Chief.

In 2016, CPO1 Mackey was selected to attend the Non-Commissioned Member Executive Professional Development Programme at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont., where his studies focused primarily on psychology and international relations. In 2017, he attended Second Language Training, completing the program in June 2018.

Upon completing French training, he was selected to serve as Executive Assistant to the Royal Canadian Navy Command Chief Petty Officer, a position he held until July 2020. He was then appointed Coxswain of HMCS Fredericton and subsequently deployed on Op REASSURANCE. In 2022, he was appointed Coxswain of Sea Training Atlantic, where he served until becoming Fleet Chief Atlantic in June 2024.

In 2025, CPO1 Mackey was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for his service as Coxswain of HMCS Fredericton. He assumed his current role as Formation Chief Atlantic in August 2026.

Beyond his military duties, CPO1 Mackey enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley. When possible, he also enjoys vacationing with his daughter and grandson, who reside in North Bay, Ont.

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 French has a wife and two daughters, who love being on the water and getting a camping adventure in whenever they can find the time.

Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO1) Paul Greene was born in Scarborough, Ont. His early introduction to service and leadership began with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Scarborough, where he developed a strong foundation in seamanship, discipline, and teamwork. During his final year as a sea cadet, CPO1 Greene served as Coxswain, an experience that helped shape his commitment to leadership and supporting those around him.

CPO1 Greene joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1999 as a Steward. In December of that year, he was posted to his first ship, HMCS Charlottetown. While serving aboard Charlottetown, he deployed on Operation (Op) AUGMENTATION and Op APOLLO. These early operational experiences provided valuable exposure to life at sea, the demands of deployed operations, and the importance of professionalism in support of Canada’s military commitments abroad.

In 2004, CPO1 Greene completed Flight Steward training and was posted to 437 Transport Squadron. Four years later, he was posted to 412 Transport Squadron, where he flew VVIP missions in support of the Governor General, the Prime Minister, visiting heads of state, and the Chief of the Defence Staff. During his time in the air mobility community, he accumulated more than 2,900 flying hours. These assignments demanded the highest standards of discretion, service, adaptability, and attention to detail, while further broadening his experience across the CAF.

In 2010, CPO1 Greene was selected for a position within Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, where he served until 2015. He then returned to the fleet and was posted to HMCS Fredericton as the Senior Steward. During this posting, he deployed on Op REASSURANCE, contributing to Canada’s efforts in support of NATO assurance and deterrence measures. In 2017, he completed a year of French language training.

Following language training, CPO1 Greene was appointed Coxswain of HMCS Glace Bay. In this role, he deployed as part of Exercise FORWARD PRESENCE and participated in Fleet Week New York. In 2019, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and posted to the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre at Borden, Ont., where he served as Company Sergeant Major of the Logistics Leadership Division. In the summer of 2020, he was posted to the Director of Military Careers in Ottawa, Ont., serving as Career Manager for the Steward and Musician occupations.

CPO1 Greene was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 1st Class in the summer of 2022 and appointed Coxswain of HSCM Ville de Québec. During this appointment, he participated in Op AMARNA, REASSURANCE, and HORIZON, including a seven-and-a-half-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region during which he circumnavigated the globe. Upon Ville de Québec’s return in November 2025, he was appointed Coxswain of HMCS Montréal.

In 2026, CPO1 Greene was appointed as the Fleet Chief Petty Officer at Canadian Fleet Atlantic, replacing CPO1 Patrick Mackey. Throughout his career, he has served across the fleet, air mobility, special operations, training, and career management environments, bringing a broad operational perspective and a people-focused leadership style to each appointment. His career reflects sustained dedication to the CAF, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the sailors, aviators, and personnel with whom he has served.

CPO1 Greene is the proud father of three children, Nathan, Dylan, and Londyn, and is married to his wife, Brandis. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, cooking, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends.

Originally from Trois-Rivières, Québec, Captain(N) (Capt(N)) Annick Fortin joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1991. Following initial training as a bridge watchkeeper, she joined the fleet as a member of HMCS Huron in 1998 and participated in the intercept of the GOLDEN BRIDGE, a vessel smuggling illegal migrants.

She specialized in Above Water Warfare and subsequently was posted to HMCS Vancouver. In response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Capt(N) Fortin deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation APOLLO where Vancouver was an integrated unit within the USS JOHN C. STENNIS Carrier Battle Group. In 2006, Capt(N) Fortin deployed to the Persian Gulf as the Deck Officer in HMCS Ottawa and operated with the USS BOXER Expeditionary Strike Group in support of Operation ALTAIR.

As an Operations Room Officer aboard HMCS Algonquin, she led the team through Operation PODIUM, Canadian Naval Centennial Pacific Fleet Review, Missile Readiness Inspections and RIMPAC 2010. From 2010 to 2013, Capt(N) Fortin was posted to Sea Training Pacific as the Operations and Combat Officer.

Capt(N) Fortin was appointed Executive Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec in 2017 and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Canada’s ongoing contribution to NATO mission in central and Eastern Europe under Operation REASSURANCE and Operation SEA GUARDIAN.

She has served at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Vancouver, Naval Fleet School Esquimalt as the Fleet Support Training Officer, as well as within National Defence Headquarters in the Strategic Joint Staff, Director Naval Strategic Management, Director General Naval Force Development as Staff Officer Arctic/Capacity Building Strategic Framework in the Directorate of Naval Strategy and served as the Director Current Operations of the Canadian Fleet Pacific.

Capt(N) Fortin was Naval Fleet School Pacific Commandant from July 2019 until May 2021. She assumed Command of HMCS Regina in June 2021. In March 2022, Capt(N) Fortin assumed Command of HMCS Winnipeg, participated in RIMPAC 2022 and deployed to the Indo-Pacific for Operation PROJECTION.

Capt(N) Fortin is a graduate of Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston (Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Commerce, 1997), Canadian Forces College in Toronto (Master of Defence Studies, 2016), and has completed the Canadian Forces College’s National Security Programme (2024). On July 24, 2024, Capt(N) Fortin assumed command of CFB Halifax.

CPO1 Carlos Esquivel emigrated from Nicaragua to Canada in 1988, beginning his Canadian journey in Winnipeg, Manitoba before settling in Windsor, Ontario. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1998 as a Naval Electronic Sensor Operator (NESOP), completing Basic Training in St‑Jean, Quebec.

Following his initial NESOP training in Victoria, BC, he was posted to HMCS IROQUOIS in Halifax, NS, where he deployed on a NATO operation in 1999. He subsequently completed two consecutive deployments on OP APOLLO as a member of the Boarding Party Team, demonstrating early aptitude in high‑readiness operations.

In late 2003, CPO1 Esquivel transferred to CFB Esquimalt and joined HMCS ALGONQUIN. Promoted to Master Sailor, he was posted to the NESOP School at Black Rock in 2005, followed by his first frigate posting to HMCS VANCOUVER in 2006. After earning his Electronic Warfare Supervisor qualification, he was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class and posted to HMCS WINNIPEG, deploying on OP ALLIED PROTECTOR in 2009.

His progression continued with the completion of the Surface Warfare Supervisor course and promotion to Petty Officer 1st Class in 2011, leading to a posting with HMCS CALGARY. His expertise with the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) program resulted in an assignment to Sea Training (Pacific) in 2015. Selected as Operations Chief for HMCS REGINA in 2016, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class.

In 2018 attended the Non‑Commissioned Member Executive Professional Development Program (NEDP) at the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON. A strategic staff posting with CNAVY in Ottawa followed, culminating in his promotion to Chief Petty Officer 1st Class in 2019, where he managed the NESOP, SONAR OP, and NCIOP occupations.

In 2021, CPO1 Esquivel was selected as Coxswain of HMCS HALIFAX, deploying on OP REASSURANCE for the fifth and final operational deployment of his sea‑going career. Upon returning, he contributed to the Run for Wishes Foundation, supporting the fulfillment of wishes for children across Nova Scotia as part of the ship’s charitable team.

In early 2023, he renewed his French BBB profile and participated in the Restorative Engagement Program, supporting cultural change initiatives within the Canadian Armed Forces. He subsequently attended the Language Training Centre in Shearwater to achieve a CBC profile before assuming his position as Unit Chief at Personnel Coordination Centre Atlantic.

Most recently appointed to his new position as Base Chief Petty Officer for CFB Halifax, CPO1 Esquivel is honoured to serve the Base and humbled by the trust placed in him by the Royal Canadian Navy.