The Canadian Navy, formally known as the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), has a rich history spanning from its inception in 1910 to the present day. However, Canadian naval activity predates the official formation of the RCN, with naval militias and auxiliary forces operating in the late 19th century. Below is a list of notable Canadian naval units and organizations from 1899 to 2024, alongside their relevant online associations and resources where available.
1. Pre-1910 Naval Militia and Early Forces
- Canadian Naval Brigade (1899-1910): Early volunteer force engaged in training but saw limited action.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Naval Review](https://www.navalreview.ca)
- Fisheries Protection Service (1886): Predecessor to the RCN, tasked with patrolling and protecting Canadian waters.
- Online Resource: Archives available at [Library and Archives Canada](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/)
2. Royal Canadian Navy (1910-Present)
- HMCS Niobe (1910): One of the first ships of the newly created RCN, a Diadem-class protected cruiser.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Naval Memorial Trust](https://hmcssackville.ca)
- HMCS Rainbow (1910): Another early vessel of the RCN, a former British Apollo-class cruiser.
- Online Resource: [Naval Association of Canada](https://www.navalassoc.ca)
- HMCS Stadacona (1915-Present): Originally a shore establishment in Halifax, this base has undergone numerous changes and is still in use.
- Online Resource: [Maritime Forces Atlantic](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/structure/mfa.html)
- RCN Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) (1923-1968): A key element of the naval force structure during both World Wars.
- Online Resource: [Veterans Affairs Canada](https://www.veterans.gc.ca)
3. World War II (1939-1945)
- HMCS Haida (1943): A Tribal-class destroyer, now a museum ship.
- Online Resource: [Friends of HMCS Haida](https://www.hmcshaida.ca)
- HMCS Sackville (1941): The last remaining Flower-class corvette, preserved as a naval memorial.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Naval Memorial Trust](https://hmcssackville.ca)
- HMCS Uganda / HMCS Quebec (1944-1952): A Crown Colony-class cruiser, served with distinction in the Pacific.
- Online Resource: [Naval History Archive](https://www.naval-history.net/)
- Combined Operations Headquarters (COHQ) (1942): A command unit during WWII, crucial in coordinating amphibious operations.
- Online Resource: [Combined Operations Command](https://www.combinedops.com)
4. Cold War Era (1945-1991)
- HMCS Bonaventure (1957-1970): Canada’s last aircraft carrier, decommissioned in 1970.
- Online Resource: [HMCS Bonaventure Association](https://www.hmcshistory.ca/bonaventure)
- Maritime Command (1968-2011): The branch of the Canadian Armed Forces responsible for naval operations during the Cold War, succeeded by the RCN.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Forces Official Website](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/caf-operations/naval-operations.html)
5. Modern RCN (1991-Present)
- HMCS Halifax (1992): Lead ship of the Halifax-class frigates, currently active.
- Online Resource: [RCN Official Website - HMCS Halifax](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/frigates/halifax.html)
- HMCS Vancouver (1993): Another Halifax-class frigate.
- Online Resource: [RCN Official Website - HMCS Vancouver](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/frigates/vancouver.html)
- Joint Support Ships (JSS) (2020-Present): Currently under construction, aimed to support naval operations.
- Online Resource: [RCN Projects & Future Ships](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/joint-support-ship.html)
6. Submarine Service
- HMCS Victoria (2000-Present): A Victoria-class submarine acquired from the UK.
- Online Resource: [RCN Official Website - Submarines](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/submarines/victoria.html)
- HMCS Windsor (2003-Present): Another Victoria-class submarine, currently in service.
- Online Resource: [RCN Submarines Information](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/submarines/windsor.html)
7. Shore Establishments
- CFB Esquimalt (1910-Present): One of the oldest and most important naval bases on the West Coast.
- Online Resource: [CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum](https://navalandmilitarymuseum.org)
- CFB Halifax (1910-Present): Major naval base on the East Coast.
- Online Resource: [Maritime Forces Atlantic](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/structure/mfa.html)
8. Naval Reserve
- HMCS York (1923-Present): A Naval Reserve Division in Toronto.
- Online Resource: [HMCS York - Naval Reserve](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/structure/naval-reserve.html)
- HMCS Carleton (1923-Present): A Naval Reserve Division in Ottawa.
- Online Resource: [HMCS Carleton Official Page](https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/structure/naval-reserve/carleton.html)
9. Coast Guard Collaboration
- Canadian Coast Guard (1962-Present): Though separate from the Navy, they often collaborate closely.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Coast Guard](https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca)
10. International Collaboration & Multinational Exercises
- Operation Reassurance (2014-Present): Canada’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence and defence measures in Eastern Europe.
- Online Resource: [Canadian Armed Forces Operations](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/reassurance.html)
- RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise): Regular participation in multinational naval exercises.
- Online Resource: [RIMPAC Information](https://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/)
### Key Resources for Research & Further Exploration:
- Canadian Naval Review: A journal focusing on Canadian naval and maritime issues. [Canadian Naval Review](https://www.navalreview.ca)
- Naval Association of Canada: Supports the legacy and current operations of the Canadian Navy. [Naval Association of Canada](https://www.navalassoc.ca)
- Veterans Affairs Canada: Historical resources and archives on Canadian naval history. [Veterans Affairs Canada](https://www.veterans.gc.ca)
- Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia (RUSI-NS): Historical and current naval policy discussion. [RUSI-NS](http://rusi.ca)
This list represents a broad overview of Canadian Navy units from the late 19th century to the present, and each resource linked provides further reading and research opportunities for enthusiasts and scholars alike.