The Early Cold War
Rebuilding and Transformation

The Canadian navy's main Cold War mission was anti-submarine warfare, as it had been in the two world wars. It sought to build a force of ships, personnel, and facilities to fulfill this mission, as well as to pursue other national objectives like sovereignty protection.

HMCS Micmac

This photograph shows the Canadian-built Tribal class destroyer HMCS Micmac following a conversion that increased its anti-submarine capabilities.

The first Canadian-built destroyer, Micmac entered service just after the end of the Second World War, and was badly damaged in a 1947 collision with a merchant ship. The navy, planning to focus on anti-submarine duties, took advantage of the repair process to convert Micmac into a destroyer escort. Among the resulting changes were the replacement of Micmac's forward 4.7-inch guns (centre left) with a Squid anti-submarine mortar and twin 40 mm anti-aircraft guns.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020135-074