By Canadian Press

Canadian officer first woman to command standing NATO naval group

Jul 31, 2019 | 10:27 AM

A Royal Canadian Navy officer heading a NATO fleet in the Black Sea and Mediterranean is the first woman to be given such a command in the alliance’s history.

Commodore Josee Kurtz is commanding Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, one of four such naval groups operated under NATO.

In command since mid-June, Kurtz says her appointment is a tremendous personal opportunity and sends a strong signal to a younger generation who may want to make a career in the military.

Kurtz says it also speaks to the diversity of the alliance.

The 31-year navy veteran says her group has participated in two exercises in the Black Sea in a show of support for allies in the region, including Ukraine and Bulgaria.

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She says she believes the NATO presence is important, and it also gives Canadian sailors an opportunity to hone their training.

The Canadian Press