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.

The Watch Below - Engine Room - HMCS Yukon

David Jones' painting depicts a scene in the engine room of the destroyer escort HMCS Yukon.

The controls and gauges shown here controlled the two steam turbines that could drive Yukon through the water at some 28 knots (over 50 kilometres per hour). Built in Vancouver, British Columbia, Yukon entered service in 1963, and spent much of its career on training missions in the Pacific. Jones painted this work in the summer of 1981 as part of the Canadian Armed Forces Civilian Artist Program (CAFCAP), which appointed artists to create artworks depicting the Canadian military experience.

The Watch Below - Engine Room - HMCS Yukon
Painted by David William Jones in 1981
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19820736-002