Welcome to the Royal Canadian Navy

The RCN in the Pacific Region

Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) in Victoria, British Columbia is responsible for generating and maintaining multi-purpose, combat-capable maritime forces prepared to conduct operations in Canadian waters, and in support of national objectives anywhere in the world.

MARPAC employs about 4,000 military and 2,000 civilian personnel and spends over $500 million annually in payroll, supplies, services and construction.

Commander MARPAC is also the Commander of Joint Task Force (Pacific) with operational control over forces deployed in response to a domestic crisis.

Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is located just west of Victoria, British Columbia and is home to the Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet.

The RCN in the National Capital Region

The Royal Canadian Navy is directed through Naval Staff Headquarters in Ottawa by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy whose mission is to lead the strategic development and generation of Combat Capable Multi-purpose Maritime Forces and to provide advice in support of Maritime operations. 

The RCN in the Atlantic Region

Headquartered in downtown Halifax, N.S., Maritime Forces Atlantic is the biggest formation of the Royal Canadian Navy.

It is responsible for generating and maintaining the 18 ships and submarines of the Atlantic Fleet, as well as coordinating all Canadian maritime operations around the world with direction from the Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Maritime Forces Atlantic is home to 38 units, mainly regrouped under the five following organizations: the Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters; the Canadian Forces Base Halifax, including the Canadian Forces Station St. John’s; the Canadian Fleet Atlantic; and, the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott.

With approximately 10 700 trained and experienced military and civilian personnel, Maritime Forces Atlantic is one of Halifax’s largest employers. Its contribution to the regional economy approaches $520 million annually, including salaries, supplies, services and construction projects.

The Naval Reserve of the RCN

The Naval Reserve, headquartered in Québec City, is made up of 24 Naval Reserve Divisions (of up to 150-200 personnel each) located across Canada. Its goal is also to help generate trained individuals and teams for Canadian Armed Forces operations including domestic safety operations as well as security and defence missions, while at the same time supporting the Navy's efforts in connecting with Canadians through the maintenance of a broad national presence.

The Canadian Forces Fleet School Québec (CFFS Québec) is the only school in the Royal Canadian Navy primarily oriented toward reservists. It considers trades training as its main field of activity, but is also involved in regenerative training.