HMS Defiance

Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, covers 650 acres and has fifteen dry docks. There are 4 miles of waterfront, twenty-five tidal berths and five basins. Plymouth has had a naval base since 1691 and today Devonport is the base port of the largest ship in the Royal Navy (HMS Ocean) and also the smallest vessel, HMS Gleaner, a 25-ton surveying motor launch. Devonport is also home to fourteen Type 22 and Type 23 frigates, seven Trafalgar-class submarines and four of the five hydrographic ships which form the Royal Naval Surveying squadron.

Alongside its surface ship refitting facilities, Devonport is the only site in the UK equipped to conduct nuclear submarine refits, including those for the Vanguard class. Keith Hall has brought together a fascinating selection of images of the base over its lifetime and illuminated them with commentary on the history of Devonport and its relationship with Plymouth. Keith has served in the Royal Navy and has sailed aboard the Trident and Polaris fleet.