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.

Grumman Tracker, HMCS Shearwater

Officers and sailors pose in front of a Grumman Tracker anti-submarine aircraft at the Royal Canadian Navy's air base HMCS Shearwater.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) used a Canadian version of the American-designed Tracker, built by DeHavilland Canada. The Tracker's folding wings, clearly visible here, saved space and enabled more aircraft to be carried aboard an aircraft carrier. The RCN used Shearwater, near Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, as the main base and training airfield for aircraft squadrons operating from carriers, as well as a home for training and experimental flying units.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020135-032