Overview

• Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force during a July 10 ceremony at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa presided over by Gen. Jennie Carignan, succeeding Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny who will retire after 36 years of service.
• Her career spans roles as a CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopter pilot, multiple staff and command appointments, deployments with United Nations and NATO operations, and most recently service as deputy commander of the RCAF.
• She takes charge with a mandate to sustain the force’s ongoing modernization efforts and deepen partnerships with NATO and United Nations allies.
• She will oversee the planned integration of F-35 stealth fighters pending government review and guide RCAF priorities under the newly approved defence spending framework.
• She has pledged to tackle long-standing personnel shortages by strengthening recruitment, retention and support programs for service members and their families.