Royal Canadian Navy
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) protects Canadian sovereignty and interests at sea, at home and abroad. Whether during times of conflict or peace, the RCN promotes global stability, enforces international law and helps protect both the Canadian and world economies.
Services and information
What we do
The RCN helps keep the world’s oceans and citizens safe. Our sailors provide peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. They act as diplomats, and prevent illegal activities from happening at sea.
Fleet and units
The RCN has a balanced fleet of ships and submarines to defend Canada’s interests at sea. Specialized land-based and sea-going units support this mission.
Who we are
The RCN is made up of approximately 8,400 Regular Force personnel, 4,100 Reservists and 3,800 civilian employees. Together, we form an organization that serves Canada and Canadians.
Our organization
The RCN sails out of Halifax, N.S., and Esquimalt, B.C. Naval Staff Headquarters is located in Ottawa, while Naval Reserve Headquarters is in Quebec City, Qué.
Navy news
Learn all about your RCN and sailors. Discover articles and publications covering domestic and international operations, our sailors, community involvement and more.
History and heritage
RCN ships and sailors have served in the First and Second World Wars, Korean War, First Gulf War, Afghanistan, United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations.
Formations
Naval Staff Headquarters
The RCN is directed by the Commander of the RCN, who is located at Naval Staff Headquarters in Ottawa.
Maritime Forces Atlantic
Maritime Forces Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is home to the sailors and ships of the Canadian Atlantic Fleet and the civilian employees who support them.
Naval Reserve Headquarters
Naval Reserve Headquarters in Quebec City, Québec, coordinates the activities of Canada’s 24 Naval Reserve Divisions, which are located in most major cities across the country.
Maritime Forces Pacific
Maritime Forces Pacific is located in Esquimalt, British Columbia. It is home to the Canadian Pacific Fleet, and its sailors, ships and civilian employees.
Features
Dive back in: RCN skilled re-enrollment now available
The Royal Canadian Navy is actively seeking to re-enroll former sailors who were fully trained in an RCN occupation and continue to meet enrollment requirements.
Public and commercial harbours
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