The Early Cold War
Naval Aviation

Between 1946 and 1970, Canada's navy operated three aircraft carriers to help fulfil its anti-submarine mission and to help protect ships against enemy aircraft. These carriers required specialized equipment, procedures, and training for their crews.

Personnel Delivery by Helicopter

A Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) helicopter lowers Roman Catholic chaplain L.A. Dougan onto the destroyer HMCS St. Laurent, where he will say Mass.

The Sikorsky H04S, also known by its "S-55" model number, was the first widely available helicopter capable of carrying large loads. The Royal Canadian Navy used the H04S for anti-submarine warfare, as well as for search and rescue work. The hoist protruding from the side of the helicopter could raise and lower rescue personnel and survivors from the water, from ships, or from other locations where landings were not possible.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900076-895