The position of CZsk was created on 5 September 2005, following a large overhaul of the command structure of the Dutch armed forces.

Ever since the integration of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps into the Navy, the former Commander of the Marine Corps has held the position of Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

This means the CZsk is the commanding officer of the operational units of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Naval Component.

The position of CZsk is statutorily held by a Vice Admiral or Lieutenant General of the Marines (NATO OF-8).

The current CZsk is Vice-Admiral Rene Tas, who succeeded Vice Admiral Rob Kramer in the position in September 2021.