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The Early Cold War
Anti-Submarine Warfare

The Canadian navy's main Cold War mission was anti-submarine warfare against the naval forces of the Soviet Union and its allies. Canada's navy operated within a framework of alliances, especially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), created in 1949.

Model, HMCS Assiniboine
Model, HMCS Assiniboine

This model of HMCS Assiniboine shows a number of the destroyer's anti-submarine weapons and sensors, including a Sea King helicopter (centre left).

Built in the 1950s, Assiniboine is seen here as it looked after a mid-1960s conversion to improve its anti-submarine capabilities. The most significant addition is the Sea King helicopter and the hangar to house it (centre). The winch and hoist (far left) deployed and controlled Assiniboine's variable depth sonar, which could detect submarines at far greater ranges than earlier equipment. By adding helicopters and variable depth sonar, Canadians greatly expanded the range at which warships could detect and attack submarines.

Model Ship, St. Laurent Class Destroyer Escort
CWM 20080056-003





Soviet Submarine Crew
HMCS Swansea, July 1959
Limbo Anti-Submarine Mortar, HMCS Kootenay
HMCS Margaree
Homing Torpedo Model
Homing Torpedo Mk 43 Mod 3
Sikorsky H04S Helicopter
Model, HMCS Gatineau
Model, HMCS Assiniboine
Plotting Room, Halifax
Grumman Tracker Launch
Practice Depth Charge
Uniform, Rear-Admiral Kenneth L. Dyer