The Royal Canadian Navy was Canada’s first official military force. Founded in 1910 as the Naval Service of Canada, its purpose was to defend Canadian waters and provide support for the British fleet. Under its motto “Ready, Aye, Ready” it participated in the two great wars of our time.

When it was established, the Canadian Navy inherited traditions and practices from the British Navy and took inspiration from them. This can be seen not only in its navigation methods and ranks, but also in the terminology it uses. Although English is the language traditionally used, French and regional varieties can also be heard on board navy ships.

When the First World War was declared, the Navy was just four years old and only had 350 sailors. By the end of the conflict, more than 8,000 had served in the Navy. During the Second World War, more than 100,000 people enlisted. Today, there are around 14,000 sailors on two coasts, with 4,000 in the Naval Reserve.