Preserving our naval heritage and supporting camaraderie are key elements of our association however educating Canadians as to the need for a strong Navy is our core function.We approach this from a ‘grassroots’ level through Branches particularly though our OUTREACH program. Branches from St. Johns Newfoundland to Victoria BC reach out to Canadians coast to coast. OUTREACH aims to provide service clubs, associations, schools and other groups an understanding of the importance of our Navy to help ensure our economy and way of life.

At the National level our research and opinion papers help provide a solid base of understanding not only to Canadian citizens but particularly government staff and leaders. The annual NAC conference held in Ottawa on even years and other locations on odd years provides a venue where Canadian government, industry and naval leaders can explore and debate issues of current importance to the RCN. The annual Battle of Atlantic GALA held at the Canadian War Museum the Thursday prior to the Sunday Battle of Atlantic ceremony at the National War Monument similarly provides a venue where Government, industry, serving and retired naval individuals can mix while joining together in honouring our naval and merchant navy veterans.

A close and supportive relationship is maintained with the Canadian Naval Review, NAC publishes its quarterly newsletter known as STARSHELL and larger branches also publish articles of import in their local newsletters. Naval scholars across the country are supported in their work developing papers addressing naval issues vital to Canada.