Kurtz new Maritime Atlantic commander

Today, Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA) welcomed Rear-Admiral (RAdm) Josée Kurtz as their new Commander. RAdm Josée Kurtz assumed command from RAdm Brian Santarpia during a ceremony held at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 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.

“I am deeply honoured to take command over a group of dedicated sailors, aviators, soldiers, and Defence Team members that exemplify the hard work, dedication and professionalism that Canadians expect from their Canadian Armed Forces," RAdm Josée Kurtz said. "As I take command, I will maintain a steady and faithful watch, continuing that standard of professionalism and dedication that Rear-Admiral Santarpia upheld during his tenure. I have been proud to represent the sailors, soldiers, aviators, and civilian members who form the foundation of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic. Maritime Forces Atlantic consistently and skillfully operated at home and abroad with the utmost of commitment to Canada, persevering through challenging times, and I am thankful for my time working alongside these incredible CAF and Defence Team members.”

RAdm Josée Kurtz joined the CAF in 1988 as an officer in the RCN. After her initial training, she earned her Bridge Watchkeeping certificate and specialized in Navigation. In 1997, She graduated from the Operations Room Officer course and served as the Weapons Officer and Combats Officer aboard HMCS Vancouver.

She was the Executive Officer aboard HMCS Ville de Québec from 2007-2009 and was appointed Commanding Officer for HMCS Halifax from 2009-2011. During this period, Halifax was deployed to assist with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission in Haiti in 2010.

RAdm Josée Kurtz was appointed the Commandant of Canadian Forces Naval Operations School from 2011-2012 and was appointed the Commander for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 in Alliance Fleet, in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region from June-December 2019.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College. She also graduated from the National Security Programme from the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. Prior to taking command of MARLANT and JTFA, RAdm Josée Kurtz was posted as the Commandant and Vice-Chancellor of Royal Military College of Canada in 2021.