Royal Canadian Navy Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Royal Canadian Navy
Marine royale canadienne
Badge of the Royal Canadian Navy
Founded	4 May 1910; 115 years ago (1910-05-04)
Country	Canada
Type	Navy
Role	Naval warfare, power projection, nuclear deterrence, and sealift
Size	13,600 personnel, 30 ships
Part of	Canadian Armed Forces
Headquarters	National Defence Headquarters
Motto(s)	Latin: Parati vero parati (Ready aye ready)
March	"Heart of Oak"
Mascot(s)	SONAR (Newfoundland dog)
Engagements	First World War Second World War Cold War Korean War Turbot War Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Operation Deliverance Operation Mobile Operation Reassurance Operation Caribbe
Commanders
Commander-in-chief	Charles III, King of Canada, represented by Governor General, Julie Payette
Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy	Vice-Admiral Art McDonald CMM MSM CD
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy	Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Steeves
Insignia
Naval ensign
Naval jack
Auxilary jack

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is Canada's navy. It is one of three main parts of the Canadian Armed Forces. The RCN helps protect Canada's waters. It also takes part in missions around the world.

As of 2017, the Royal Canadian Navy has 12 frigates, 4 patrol submarines, and 12 coastal defence ships. It also uses 8 unarmed patrol and training vessels. There are 8,500 full-time sailors and 5,100 reserve sailors. About 5,300 civilians also support the navy. Vice-Admiral Art McDonald is the current leader of the Royal Canadian Navy.

History of the Royal Canadian Navy
- Joining the Canadian Armed Forces
- The RCN in World Events
What the Royal Canadian Navy Does
- Types of Ships
Naval Bases
Images for kids
See also

History of the Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy started on May 4, 1910. It was first called the Naval Service of Canada. On August 29, 1911, it officially became the Royal Canadian Navy.

Joining the Canadian Armed Forces

In 1968, the RCN joined with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army. Together, they formed the unified Canadian Armed Forces. After this, the navy was known as Maritime Command until 2011.

In 2011, the navy got its historic name back: "Royal Canadian Navy."

The RCN in World Events

The Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in many major events.

World War I and II: The RCN served in both the First World War and the Second World War.
Korean War: They also took part in the Korean War.
Other Conflicts: The navy was involved in the Persian Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan.
Peacekeeping: The RCN has also helped with many United Nations peacekeeping missions. They have also joined NATO operations.

What the Royal Canadian Navy Does

The RCN's main jobs include protecting Canada's coasts and waters. They also help with international security. This includes fighting piracy and stopping illegal activities at sea.

Types of Ships

The Royal Canadian Navy uses different types of ships for various tasks.

Frigates: These are large warships used for many purposes. They can defend against other ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Submarines: These ships travel underwater. They are used for patrols and gathering information secretly.
Coastal Defence Vessels: These smaller ships protect Canada's coastlines. They also help with mine countermeasures.

Naval Bases

The Royal Canadian Navy has two main bases in Canada.

Halifax, Nova Scotia: CFB Halifax is on the east coast. It is the main base for RCN units in the Atlantic region.
Esquimalt, British Columbia: CFB Esquimalt is on the west coast. It is the main base for RCN units in the Pacific region.

Images for kids

HMCS Québec, formerly HMS Uganda, was one of many ships used by the RCN in the Second World War. The RCN grew a lot during the war. By 1945, it was the world's fifth-largest navy.
Four F2H-3 Banshee planes fly over HMCS Bonaventure. Bonaventure was the last aircraft carrier used by the RCN.
HMCS Athabaskan leaving Halifax for the Persian Gulf. It was part of the Coalition forces. Canada sent three ships to support Operation Desert Shield and later Operation Desert Storm.
CFB Halifax is a main base for the RCN's Atlantic units.
CFB Esquimalt is a main base for the RCN's Pacific units.
HMCS St. John's, one of 12 Halifax-class multi-role frigates in the RCN.
A Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora. This aircraft is used by the RCAF for patrolling the seas.
A CH-124 Sea King helicopter lowers a crew member onto the deck of USNS Yukon during RIMPAC 2012.
Construction of HMCS Harry DeWolf at Halifax Shipyard in May 2018.
A naval officer's commission document for the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Queen's Colour.
The Halifax Memorial in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It honours Canadian service members who died at sea in both World Wars.
The Montreal Clock Tower in Montreal, Quebec. It honours Canadian sailors who died during the First World War.
The Royal Canadian Naval Association Naval Memorial in Burlington, Ontario. It remembers members of the RCN and Canadian Merchant Navy who served in the Second World War.
The Royal Canadian Navy Monument in Ottawa, Ontario. It honours those who have served, or are serving, in the RCN.