Leadership forged through education, experience, and service is a hallmark of our alumni community. Few exemplify this more powerfully than Captain (N) Annick Fortin, RMC Saint-Jean / Royal Military College of Canada Class of 1997, whose career in the Canadian Armed Forces reflects both operational excellence and an enduring commitment to Canada’s naval profession.
Originally from Trois‑Rivières, Québec, Captain (N) Annick Fortin joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1991, beginning a journey that would span fleet operations, strategic leadership, and command at sea and ashore. After completing her initial training as a bridge watchkeeper, she joined the fleet and served aboard HMCS Huron, where she participated in the interception of the GOLDEN BRIDGE, a vessel involved in migrant smuggling operations, an early demonstration of her operational acumen and resolve.
She went on to specialize in Above Water Warfare and was subsequently posted to HMCS Vancouver. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, she deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation APOLLO, serving as part of the USS JOHN C. STENNIS Carrier Battle Group. This deployment marked the first of several major international operations in which she would play key roles supporting multinational maritime security.
In 2006, Captain (N) Fortin returned to the Persian Gulf as Deck Officer aboard HMCS Ottawa during Operation ALTAIR, operating with the USS BOXER Expeditionary Strike Group. Her subsequent service as an Operations Room Officer on HMCS Algonquin included leadership during Operation PODIUM, the Canadian Naval Centennial Pacific Fleet Review, Missile Readiness Inspections, and RIMPAC 2010. From 2010 to 2013, she continued to shape naval readiness as the Operations and Combat Officer at Sea Training Pacific.
Alongside her operational career, Captain (N) Fortin has made significant contributions ashore. She has served at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Vancouver, Naval Fleet School Esquimalt as Fleet Support Training Officer, and at National Defence Headquarters in several strategic roles, including within the Strategic Joint Staff and the Directorate of Naval Strategy. Notably, she served as Director Current Operations for the Canadian Fleet Pacific, reflecting the trust placed in her leadership at the highest operational levels.
In 2017, she was appointed Executive Officer of HMCS Ville de Québec and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Canada’s NATO commitments under Operation REASSURANCE and Operation SEA GUARDIAN. She later served as Commandant of Naval Fleet School Pacific from July 2019 to May 2021, overseeing the development of the next generation of naval professionals.
Her command appointments at sea include assuming command of HMCS Regina in June 2021, followed by command of HMCS Winnipeg in March 2022. In this role, she participated in RIMPAC 2022 and led deployments to the Indo‑Pacific in support of Operation PROJECTION, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to regional stability and international partnerships.
A proud graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Captain (N) Fortin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Commerce in 1997. She later completed a Master of Defence Studies at the Canadian Forces College in 2016 and the Canadian Forces College’s National Security Programme in 2024, an educational foundation that has underpinned her success at every level of command.
On July 24, 2024, Captain (N) Annick Fortin reached a historic milestone when she assumed command of Canadian Forces Base Halifax, one of the most significant naval bases in Canada. Her appointment stands as a powerful testament to the impact of CMC alumni across the Canadian Armed Forces and serves as an inspiration to current students and graduates alike.
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- Rear-Admiral Josée Kurtz and Captain(N) Annick Fortin joined Commander Sara Vinci, Commanding Officer of the Italian Navy ’s ITS Alpino, for a reception during the ship’s port visit to Halifax.
