Royal Canadian Navy history and heritage
Founded in 1910 as the Naval Service of Canada and given Royal Sanction in 1911, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was placed under the Department of National Defence in 1923, and amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army to form the unified Canadian Forces in 1968, after which it was known as "Maritime Command" until 2011.
On August 16, 2011, the government renamed Maritime Command the "Royal Canadian Navy."
True to its motto “Ready, Aye, Ready”, the sailors of the RCN stand always ready to defend Canada and proudly safeguard its interests and values whether at home or abroad.
Over the course of its history, the RCN has served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the First Gulf War, the Afghanistan War and numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations.
Services and information
RCN flagship: HMCS Haida
On May 26, 2018 HMCS Haida was designated flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy to honour the courageous spirit of this legendary destroyer and all those who proudly served in her.
Naval museums and historic sites
Learn about the Royal Canadian Navy’s important role in shaping this country, its sacrifices in battle and its proud contribution to global security and prosperity.
Canadian naval heroes
Learn about Canadian naval heroes and view graphic vignettes about some of their most heroic and exciting exploits.
The Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest battle of the Second World War and was fought at sea from 1939 to 1945. Much of the burden of fighting the battle fell to the RCN.
RCN Sculptor-in-Residence
How the Sculptor-in-Residence post came about and background on the sculptor.
History of Commander Royal Canadian Navy
Since the creation of Canada’s Navy in 1910, the title of the Navy’s top officer has changed several times, reflecting changes to the Navy and to Canada’s military over the years.
Ships’ histories
Profiles of the Royal Canadian Navy’s historical ships, including histories, dimensions, photographs, capabilities and battle honours.
The Naval Service of Canada 1910-2010
This history chronicles the first full century, 1910-2010, of Canada’s navy as a proud national institution.
1910 to 2010: Centenniel image gallery
The Royal Canadian Navy centennial image gallery (1910-2010).
Niobe Day – October 21
Niobe Day is celebrated by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on the 21st day of October each year.
The Canadian Naval Ensign
A naval ensign is a flag worn by a warship to indicate its nationality.
Canadian submarine history
Learn the history of how our dedicated sailors have used these complex vessels to help defend Canada.
The HMCS Kootenay Explosion
HMCS Kootenay explosion is the worst peacetime accident in the history of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service
July 31, 2022, marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS).
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