Canadian naval expertise in anti-submarine warfare critical in Cold War operations

Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 1, 2013 -- On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Erin O’Toole, Member of Parliament for Durham, Ontario, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the historical significance of Canadian Naval Aviation during the Cold War. A special ceremony was held at Grand Parade, Halifax, as part of the Sea King 50^th Anniversary celebration.

“Our Government is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of Canadian naval aviation during the Cold War,” said Mr. O’Toole, who, for 12 years served in the Canadian Forces and flew with Sea King squadrons based at 12 Wing Shearwater. “The contributions of the men and women whose service and expertise kept Canada safe helped set the standard for Canada’s involvement in international peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives in the decades that followed.”

Canadian naval aviation and carrier operations were vital during the Cold War, protecting Canada’s interests at home and abroad. The navy’s fully integrated, experienced aviation team operated highly capable combat aircraft to counter the threats of the day in support of Canadian national policy as well as defence organisations such as NATO and North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

The most important contribution of Canadian naval aviation during the Cold War era was the use of the helicopter as a critical tool in anti-submarine warfare. In the late 1950s, the Royal Canadian Navy began mounting hangars and flight decks on its St. Laurent-class destroyer escorts so that they could support the operation of heavy helicopters. It developed the “Beartrap” haul-down system, a cable-and-winch system that hauled a helicopter, hovering at full power, to the flight deck, regardless of poor environmental conditions. This destroyer/heavy helicopter “marriage” became closely identified with the Canadian navy, and is considered “Canada’s gift to naval aviation.”

“As a Canadian I am proud of the bravery and sacrifice of all the Canadian women and men who have served their country,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Canadian naval aviation operations during the Cold War paved the way for Canada’s participation in future UN and NATO operations around the world.”

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was established in 1919 and is supported by Parks Canada. It advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada manages a nationwide network that makes up a rich tapestry of Canada’s historical heritage and offers the public opportunities for real and inspiring discoveries.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

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Information:
Alicia Brett
Communications Officer
Mainland Nova Scotia
Parks Canada
902-426-1553
902-483-5184(c)
www.twitter.com/parkscanada_ns

Backgrounder associated with this News Release.

Canadian Naval Aviation during the Cold War