Royal Canadian Navy

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Royal Canadian Navy
Naval Ensign of Canada
Active	1910–present
Country	Canada
Branch	Canadian Armed Forces
Type	Navy
Role	Naval warfare
Size	8,300 Regular Force, 3,600 Primary Reserve
Part of	Canadian Armed Forces
Headquarters	National Defence Headquarters
Nickname(s)	RCN
Patron	Charles III
Motto(s)	Parati Vero Parati (Ready Aye Ready)
Colours	White and Red
March	"Heart of Oak"
Anniversaries	4 May (Battle of the Atlantic Sunday)
Commanders
Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy	Admiral Art McDonald
Insignia
Naval Jack

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is the naval force of Canada. It is one of the three environmental commands within the Canadian Armed Forces. The RCN is responsible for the protection of Canadian interests at sea, including the defense of Canadian sovereignty, the protection of maritime approaches, and the support of international peace and security.

History

The Royal Canadian Navy was established in 1910 under the Naval Service Act by then Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier. Initially named the Naval Service of Canada, it was later designated the Royal Canadian Navy by King George V in 1911. The RCN played significant roles in both World War I and World War II, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic.

During the Cold War, the RCN was a key player in NATO maritime operations. The unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968 saw the RCN amalgamated with the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force into a single organization. However, the traditional naval identity was restored in 2011 when the name Royal Canadian Navy was reinstated.

Structure

The RCN is divided into two main fleets: Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) and Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC). MARLANT is headquartered at CFB Halifax in Nova Scotia, while MARPAC is based at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia.

The RCN operates a variety of vessels, including frigates, submarines, coastal defence vessels, and auxiliary ships. The primary classes of ships in service include the Halifax-class frigate, the Victoria-class submarine, and the Kingston-class coastal defence vessel.

Operations

The RCN conducts a wide range of operations, from domestic patrols and search and rescue missions to international deployments and exercises. The RCN participates in Operation Reassurance in support of NATO assurance measures in Eastern Europe, and Operation Artemis in the Middle East to combat terrorism and piracy.

Training and Education

Naval personnel undergo rigorous training at various institutions, including the Royal Military College of Canada and the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School. The RCN also operates the Naval Reserve, which provides trained personnel to support regular force operations.

Future Developments

The RCN is undergoing significant modernization with the introduction of new vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. This includes the construction of the Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels and the planned Canadian Surface Combatant ships.

See also

• Canadian Armed Forces
• Maritime Command
• Naval Service Act
• Battle of the Atlantic
• National Shipbuilding Strategy