The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Uniform, Commander William Kern

This Distinctive Environmental Uniform (DEU) belonged to Commander William Kern, a naval medical officer.

Canada abolished the tri-service uniform in 1985 and replaced it with DEUs. Navy, army, and air force personnel received summer and winter outfits that differed between the three services. While the new naval uniforms were superficially similar to their Royal Canadian Navy predecessors, they differed in a number of ways. Most notably, they were black rather than dark blue. The rank stripes on the jacket sleeves also differ; the "executive curl", a small circular loop on the uppermost stripe, did not appear on the naval DEU.

Service Dress Uniform, Commander William Kern

Cap, CWM 19970085-026
Jacket, CWM 19970085-001
Shirt, CWM 19970085-014
Tie, CWM 19970085-024
Trousers, CWM 19970085-002