HMCS Bonaventure was a Majestic-class aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later the Canadian Forces Maritime Command. Commissioned in 1957, it played a significant role as Canada's only aircraft carrier until its decommissioning in 1970. Originally built as HMS Powerful for the British Royal Navy, it was transferred to Canada in 1952 and underwent extensive modifications to serve as an anti-submarine warfare carrier. The ship's air group primarily consisted of McDonnell F2H Banshee and Grumman CS2F Tracker aircraft. Bonaventure was involved in various operations, including anti-submarine patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. It also participated in NATO exercises and provided support during the United Nations Operation in the Congo. The carrier underwent several refits and modernization programs during its service life to enhance its capabilities. However, budget constraints and the changing nature of naval warfare led to its eventual decommissioning in 1970. Despite proposals to convert Bonaventure into a commando carrier or a museum ship, it was ultimately sold for scrap in 1971. HMCS Bonaventure remains a significant part of Canadian naval history, representing the country's involvement in Cold War naval operations and the evolution of its maritime capabilities. The ship's legacy is commemorated through various artifacts and historical records, preserving its contribution to Canada's naval heritage.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.