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The Gulf War

In 1990-1991, as the Cold War was ending, the navy played a central role in Canada's involvement in the United States-led international coalition that ousted Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein from Kuwait.

HMCS Terra Nova
HMCS Terra Nova

This aerial view of HMCS Terra Nova shows a number of the major modifications it received before deploying to the Persian Gulf.

A Phalanx close-in weapons system (on platform at lower left) helped defend against anti-ship missiles, while Harpoon missiles in angled launch tubes (centre left) could attack enemy ships at long range. Other changes included new sensors and electronic equipment. HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Protecteur, dispatched along with the Terra Nova, underwent similar modifications. A crash refitting program, drawing on weapons and systems already ordered and delivered for new ships, installed all of the upgrades in 10 days.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910035-003





HMCS Terra Nova in Halifax Harbour
HMCS Terra Nova
Javelin Surface-to-Air Missile
Bofors 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
R.A.S. Complete Gulf War
Rendezvous
HMCS Huron, 1990
Gulf and Kuwait Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal