The Later Cold War
A Changing Fleet

Canada's navy changed and shrank in the latter part of the Cold War, but continued to face threats and meet alliance obligations. Despite the addition of some newer vessels, by the late 1970s it faced "rust-out" due to the gradual deterioration of ships and equipment.

HMCS Gatineau

This aerial photograph shows some of the changes made to the destroyer escort HMCS Gatineau in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Several Canadian warships were rebuilt in this period to increase their anti-submarine capabilities. During its rebuild, Gatineau lost one of its gun mountings and one of its Limbo anti-submarine mortars. In return, it received an anti-submarine rocket called ASROC (the rectangular box with round black dots at upper centre left) and a stern-mounted variable depth sonar (upper left). Other upgrades included improved anti-submarine homing torpedoes and newer electronic equipment.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19780019-015