When thinking of the UK’s military might, this city might not be the first one to come to mind, but it is home to the largest naval base in western Europe.
Plymouth is the home of HMNB Devonport which has been the Royal Navy’s main naval base for centuries having been built in 1691.
The base spans more than 650 acres and has 15 dry docks, 25 tidal births and five basins along with four miles of waterfront.
It is home to several Royal Navy vessels including Britain’s largest amphibious ships, research and survey vessels and the majority of its frigates.
The base serves as the central training hub for the frontline and the FOST (Fleet Operational Standards and Training) organisation, which is responsible for ensuring Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels are fit to join its operational fleet.
HMNB Devonport boasts a staff of 2,500 service people and civilians and is said to generate 10pc of Plymouth’s income as it supports more than 400 local businesses.
HMS Drake, which is based at the base, is home to the Hasler Naval Service Recovery Centre which serves as a dedicated facility for the rehabilitation and recovery of serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel who have been injured or become ill as a result of their service.
The centre provides everything from medical care to rehabilitation programs and psychological support in order to help those at the base back into service or civilian life.
But despite hosting the giant base, the town of Plymouth itself is a relatively small city, home to just over 260,000 people.
However, Plymouth has a long naval history with a fleet based in the city defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, before the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from its docks in search of the New World in 1620.
During the Second World War, the German military targeted and partially destroyed Plymouth due to its naval importance by bombing, an act known as the Plymouth Blitz, meaning that the city centre had to be rebuilt after the war.
