The fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy consists of the surface warships, submarines and auxiliary vessels operated by the Royal Canadian Navy, the maritime component of the Canadian Forces. The current fleet consists of 66 vessels, including 34 commissioned vessels. Commissioned vessels carry the designation 'Her Majesty's Canadian Ship' (HMCS) in reference to the monarch and head of state of Canada. Auxiliary vessels carry the designation 'Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel' (CFAV) since the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968.