Royal Navy

The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's principal naval warfare force. Tracing its origins to the 16th century, it is the oldest of the armed services and is known as the Senior Service. From the end of the 17th century until well into the 20th century it was the most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant world power. Due to this historical prominence, it is usual – even among non-Britons – to refer to it as "The Royal Navy" without qualification.

However, following the victory in the First World War, the Royal Navy was significantly reduced in size, although at the onset of the Second World War it was still the largest in the world. During the course of the Cold War, the Royal Navy transformed into a primarily anti-submarine force, hunting for Soviet submarines, mostly active in the GIUK gap.

Following the victory in the Falklands Conflict and the collapse of the Soviet Union, its focus has returned to expeditionary operations around the world.

The Royal Navy is part of Her Majesty's Naval Service, which also includes the Royal Marines. The professional head of the Naval Service is the First Sea Lord, an admiral and member of the Defence Council of the United Kingdom. The Defence Council delegates management of the Naval Service to the Admiralty Board, chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence. The Royal Navy currently operates three bases in the United Kingdom where commissioned ships are based; Portsmouth, Clyde and Devonport, Plymouth, the last being the largest operational naval base in Western Europe.

The current role of the Royal Navy is to protect the United Kingdom’s interests at home and abroad, including the maintenance of the United Kingdom’s independent Nuclear Deterrent and executing the foreign policies of United Kingdom overseas.

Notable Personnel

 * Admiral Bettencourt
 * Captain Gareth Destan
 * Commander Robert MacDonald

Notable Ships

 * HMS Destruction

Appearances
Future At Sea (novel) - First Appearance