In 1961 the plan was certainly to have 6 MacKenzies, the last two built as DDHs and the remaining four converted afterwards.
The Crowsnest Vol. 13 No. 8 Our Navy June 1961: "A progressive conversion program to the Crusader and the seven St. Laurent class DDEs with helicopter platforms is expected to get under way in 1961-62." "Also to be equipped with helicopter platforms and VDS are the last two of the six Mackenzie class DDEs now under construction. Eventually all ships of this class will be similarly equipped."
Byu 1963 the reference to the MAcKenzie conversion has been dropped.
The Crowsnest Vol. 15 No. 4 April 1963 "The other five ships of the St. Laurent class will be similarly converted over the next couple of years. The last two ships of the Mackenzie class, the Nipigon and the Annapolis, under construction, are having the new facilities built in before they commission in 1964."
The balanced fleet was considered to need non-ASW ships: "This is an artist's conception of th e proposed General Purpose Frigate . Construction on the first of eight of these frigates will begin in 1964 and all are scheduled for completion by 1970. The ships will carry two missile systems for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence and will be fully equipped with anti-submarine detection and attack facilities . Armament will include a twin five-inch gun mount. The ships will be capable of transporting a company of combat troops , complete with equipment , landing the and supporting operations ashore . A utility helicopter , carried on board , will be of tactical value to Army operations ashore ."
It seemed in 1964 they were confusing "the last two ships of the MacKenzie class" and the "Annapolis class."
Crowsnest Vol. 16 No 3-4 Our Navy Issue March-April, 1964, page ten, stated "The last two ships of the Annapolis class, the Nipigon and Annapolis, slid down the ways with helicopter decks and variable depth sonar as original equipment."
By 1965 the idea that a balanced force meant a balanced ASW force was prevalent, and the future 280s were defined:
The Crowsnest Vol. 17 No. 1 January 1965
"Four helicopter-equipped destroyers (DOH) will be built under the five-year equipment program announced on Dec. 22. The new. ships will be slightly larger than the Annapolis class destroyer escorts, will have the latest anti-submarine detection equipment and will carry CHSS2 Sea King anti-submarine helicopters. They will have a' five-inch gun for shore bombardment and surface action, and provision will be made for later installation of a missile defence system. (CN-6857)"
"COMMENCING NEXT YEAR, the seven Restigouche class destroyer escorts will progressively undergo conversions involving the installation of variable depth sonar and other equipment which will significantly improve their submarine-detection capability. They will also be equipped with a rocket~assistedhoming torpedo deliver system, known as Asroc, whichhas a much greater range than the present anti-submarine weapons in these ships. Procurement of Sea King helicopters will continue with a further order of 12. These helicopters will operate from the aircraft carrier Bonaventure, the converted St. Laurent class destroyers, the two Annapolis class ships and the four new helicopter-destroyers. When these programs are completed, there will be a desirable mix of helicopter and Asroc anti-submarine weapon systems in the fleet."
