home
Explore History

The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

HMCS Cormorant Model
HMCS Cormorant Model

The diving support ship HMCS Cormorant was the first Canadian naval vessel to have a mixed crew of men and women.

Purchased in 1975, the fishing trawler Aspa Quarto was extensively rebuilt before entering Canadian service in 1978. As a diving support ship, Cormorant had facilities to support divers, and carried small, deep-diving submersibles including the red and white SDL-1 (left) in a large hangar (centre left). A large crane (far left) hoisted the submersibles into and out of the water.

Model Ship, Diving Support Vessel
CWM 20080056-002

Main image



Additional views





Sailor's Uniform, mid-1960s
Royal Canadian Navy Parka and Trousers
Designs for a Canadian Naval Jack and Ensign
HMCS Yukon
Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf
Canadian Forces Women's Uniform, 1968
HMCS Cormorant Model
Uniform, Chief Petty Officer Eleanor Abra
Canadian Forces Naval Recruiting Poster
Uniform, Commander William Kern