HMNB Portsmouth, Military base in Portsmouth, United Kingdom

HMNB Portsmouth is an active Royal Navy base in Portsmouth, England, located along the southern coast. The facility contains docks, workshops, and moorings for warships, spread between modern installations and older buildings.

King Richard I established the first permanent dock here in 1194, and the site grew over centuries into one of England's most important ports. During the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars, this base played a central role for the British fleet.

The name Portsmouth comes from Latin Portus, reflecting its origin as a natural harbor, and today the city remains strongly shaped by naval presence. Traditional customs like the ringing of ship bells and ceremonial gun salutes are part of everyday life in this coastal area.

A section of the historic area is open to the public, while the remaining parts are restricted to military personnel only. Tours of the accessible grounds must be booked in advance, and security checks are standard.

The flagship HMS Victory remains permanently moored here and still officially serves as a Royal Navy command vessel. The ship has never been decommissioned and is recognized as the oldest warship still in active service worldwide.