Dubbed a stone frigate, Unicorn is a land-based naval training establishment crewed by part-time sailors and also serves as a local recruitment centre for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

In 1941, the Saskatoon Half-Company was commissioned as a land-based ship and named after one of the first vessels to enter Hudson Bay in search of the Northwest Passage in 1619.

The ship's company played an active part in the life of Saskatoon and the surrounding communities, fielding sports teams, hosting public events and even helping with harvest.

During the Second World War, Unicorn became a focal point for the Royal Canadian Navy's wartime efforts in Saskatoon, becoming a naval recruiting centre.

Members of the ship's company have even spent weekends in a life raft tethered to one of Saskatoon's bridges to raise money for local crisis shelters.

The ship's company was recognized for its community involvement in the wake of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash and for its service to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.