The Naval Service
The Senior Service, steeped in tradition, innovative in modern times
white ensign

The Naval Service

Traditionally referred to as “The Senior Service”.

Her Majesty’s Naval Service is the United Kingdom’s naval warfare and maritime service of the British Armed Forces and consists of the Royal Navy; Surface Fleet, Submarine Service, Royal Marines, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and 9 branch specialties within.

Steeped in traditions, ceremonial to sports and “speak,” modern innovation all form part of the uniqueness.

First Sea Lord

The professional head of the entire Royal Navy is The First Sea Lord, Chairman of the Naval Board, Admiral Tony Radakin, CB ADC, responsible to the Secretary of State.

Together, with his leadership team, they are responsible for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service and we welcome the End of Year Message to take us forward from 2020. 

Video – © Royal Navy Youtube Channel

the royal navy

Royal Navy

Formed during the reign of King Edward III, expanded during the reign of Henry III. 

The British Navy became the Royal Navy after the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660 and the oldest part of our armed forces. With a rich history and strong foundations, the Royal Navy remains one of the most skilled and accomplished naval services globally.

A brief history of the Royal Navy Factsheet:60 https://www.nmrn.org.uk © National Museum of the Royal Navy, 2014.

Skilled teams

The modern-day Royal Navy is a team of skilled personnel trained to the highest of standards, from Apprenticeships, Ratings, to Naval Officers, split into the five fighting arms located at barracks, bases and air stations, fulfilling variety of roles.

Men and women, with members of the former Women’s Royal Naval Service fully integrated since 1993, united in a common aim, to protect the nations local and global interests and where the call for assistance is needed. 

*photo – contains public sector information licensed under the OGL v0.3

HMS Illustrious' Operations Room team during an exercise. HMS Illustrious is currently undergoing Basic Operational Sea Training (BOST) under the auspices of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST). Every Thursday off the coast of Plymouth, ships and submarines undergoing sea training go to war, for exercise. Lusty is still in the early stages of her BOST period. The Operations Room onboard the ship is the hub of the vessel's sensors and it is from here that her weapons systems are directed. The ship’s company were up at the crack of dawn to take the ship to action stations. The day encompasses many training serials to involve the whole ship. Casualties for the first aiders, incoming aircraft for the gun crews and ops room staff, flying off the deck for the air department and so on. It is an exhausting experience, and the ship really gets put through its paces.

Surface Fleet

The surface fleet, from small patrol vessels to warships provides a global presence and strength at sea built on resilience and specialist know-how across a wide spectrum of military operations. 

With a 500 year heritage of protecting the nations interest in home waters and globally, the last decade of investment has re-strengthened the fleet delivering in 2017, the awe inspiring HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, and the powerful HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier to service in 2020. 

Both join the fleet to serve as a deterrent and ambassadorial capacity.

Submarine Service

In operation for over 100 years and known as “the Silent Service”, as leading specialists in underwater warfare, the submarine service operates worldwide within national and coalition operations.

With a reputation for courage, endurance and professionalism, combined with Vanguard class and the introduction of the Dreadnought class of nuclear submarine, the mission of continuous at sea deterrence continues ever forward.

Fleet Air Arm badge

Fleet Air Arm

With the use of technologically advanced aircraft and unrivalled capability, the Fleet Air Arm branch of the Royal Navy is a vital function and influence across land, air and sea.

Operating safely from warships for over 100 years, new innovations have led to a recent addition to the fleet in the guise of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter, capable of performing varied roles ground to air, underpinned by the quality of highly skilled Fleet Air Arm pilots, engineers and aircrew.

Royal Marines

Formed in 1664 and every stronger, the Royal Marines are fully integrated with the amphibious ships, an elite fighting force, expert in ship to ship operations and as a key component to the Royal Navy security function.

With a unique preparedness to handle many varied types of threats and security challenges from sea to land, they are the UK’s Commando Force and Royal Navy’s specialist amphibious infantry.

Royal Marines Crest
Royal Fleet Auxiliary crest

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Prized as the uniformed civilian branch of the Naval Service, the RFA is staffed by merchant sailors who provide logistic and operational support to military operations from disaster relief to law enforcement and evacuation and counter threats in between.

The RFA regularly deploys with detachments of Royal Marines and Royal Navy personnel in specialist roles and is an essential element of how the Royal Navy fulfils deployments with freedom and flexibility around the world.

Command Headquarters

The Royal Navy Command Headquarters is based at Whale Island in Portsmouth and extends its responsibility to cover the Command Centre in Northwood and hosts support staff at the Portsmouth Naval Base.

“There are in the region of 30,000 highly personnel who work across a multitude of roles to achieve the aim of protecting the nations interest.”

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Portsmouth Dockyard