Rear-Admiral Jennifer J. Bennett, CMM, CD is a retired Canadian Forces Naval Reserve officer. In 2011, she served as Chief of Reserves and Cadets. As such, she was the highest ranking reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces and the most senior woman in the Royal Canadian Navy.[1][2] She served as commanding officer of HMCS Malahat from 1995 to 1998, and as Commander of the Naval Reserve from 2007 to 2011.[3] She was named as one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2011.[4]


Jennifer Bennett

Allegiance Canada
Service/branch Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Forces Maritime Command
Years of service1976–2019
RankRear-Admiral
Commands heldChief of Reserves and Cadets (2011–2015)
Commander of the Naval Reserve (2007–2011)
HMCS Malahat (1995-1998)

Honours edit

In 2004, Bennett was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM) in recognition of "outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility".[5] In 2012, she promoted to Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM) in recognition of "outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility".[5][6]

In June 2015, Bennett was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by the University of Alberta.[1]

Awards and decorations edit

Bennett's personal awards and decorations include the following:



Ribbon Description Notes
  Order of Military Merit (CMM)
  • Appointed Commander (CMM) on 17 October 2012[7]
  • Appointed Officer (OMM) on 29 September 2004[8]
  125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 1992
  Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 2002[9]
  • Canadian version
  Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
  • Decoration awarded in 2012[10]
  • Canadian version
  Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD)
  • with three Clasp for 42 years of service

  CDS Commendation

References edit

  1. ^ a b Lingley, Scott (9 June 2015). "Trailblazing naval commander receives honorary degree". University of Alberta. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  2. ^ "Canadian Forces welcomes first female admiral as Chief, Reserves and Cadets". The Hamilton Spectator. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Rear-Admiral Bennett J.J. , OMM, CD" (PDF) (pdf). Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  4. ^ "Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women". George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Rear-Admiral Jennifer J. Bennett, CMM, CD" (PDF). Sister Leadership. 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  6. ^ "Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony". The Governor General of Canada. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  7. ^ "The Governor General of Canada List". Gouvernment of Canada.
  8. ^ "The Governor General of Canada List". Gouvernment of Canada.
  9. ^ "The Queen Golden Jubilee Medal List". The Governor General of Canada.
  10. ^ "The Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal List". The Governor General of Canada.
Military offices
Preceded by
Bob Blakely
Commander of the Naval Reserve
2007 to 2011
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Chief of Reserves and Cadets
2011 to 2015
Succeeded by