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

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