HMCS York

HMCS "York" is a Canadian Forces Naval Reserve Division located in Toronto, Ontario.

HMCS "York" has a strength of approximately 196 officers and NCMs with many serving on full-time service, on both coasts, at Naval Reserve Headquarters and at Canadian Forces Base Borden. The ship's company is diverse and reflects the cultural diversity of Toronto.

Mission

HMCS "York" has two missions.

* Force Generation - recruit and train personnel in support the Naval Reserve's mission to crew the Kingston Class coastal defence vessels and to provide personnel for the Port Security and Naval Control and Guidance to Shipping (NCAGS) tasks undertaken by Canadian Forces Maritime Command. Several officers and sailors from "York" have been deployed to the coasts and to Ottawa, as part of the Canadian Forces operations related to Canada's contribution to the campaign against terrorism.

* Enhance the navy's presence in the Toronto area. "York" is home to one of the Naval Reserve's four bands; the band parades in support of local events throughout the year. The Training, Operations and Logistics departments support the community involvement mission as well. The men and women of HMCS "York" contribute to their community and country in a wide range of civilian endeavours, and as proud members of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve.

History

The history of the naval reserve in Toronto dates to the establishment of a Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve Half company in the city on 10 April 1923. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the unit was moved to the Automotive Building on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition, and in 1942 was commissioned as HMCS "York" in recognition of local history. During World War II YORK distinguished itself as one of the premiere naval recruiting depots in the British Commonwealth; almost 17,000 men and women joined the Navy at "York". HMCS "York" moved to its current location in 1947. The first Naval Reserve air squadron, VC 920, was formed at YORK in 1953 and continued as part of "York"'s establishment until being disbanded in 1963. This squadron was equipped with Avengers and had the distinction of being the only Naval Reserve air squadron to achieve carrier qualification.

The base is also home to the Canadian Forces Sailing Association.

Facilities

* Automotive Building 1942-1947
* Current base 1947-

Personnel

* Naval Reserve air squadron, VC 920 1953-1963

Lodger units at York:

* Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps "Vanguard" 1958-Present (http://www.18vanguard.com)
* Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron "618 Queen City"

External links

* [http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/navres/units/navres_units-ships_e.asp?category=97 HMCS YORK Website]